Yahoo News Leslie Grantham dead: Co-star Anita Dobson among EastEnders legends to pay tribute to ‘Dirty Den’ actor
Leslie Grantham’s co-star Anita Dobson is one of a slew of EastEnders legends to pay tribute to the 'Dirty Den' actor after his death aged 71.
Dobson, who played Grantham’s on screen wife Angie Watts, said he was the "archetypal charming rogue" and spoke of their "magic" chemistry.
She told BBC News: "He was a good-looking guy, he was a charmer, he was funny, he was a good actor. And he was fun to be around, we were good mates.
"But I think there's always that kind of look about him that you just didn't know what he was going to do next, and that was his ace in the hole, there was always that bit about him that was slightly unpredictable, which I liked and what gave him the edge on TV."
Grantham, who died on Friday morning following a long battle with cancer, shot to fame playing Den in EastEnders, originally from 1985 to 1989.
A 1986 Christmas Day episode drew an audience of more than 30 million viewers, who watched as Den handed over divorce papers to Angie.
His character was apparently killed off in 1989 but made a shock return to Albert Square in 2003, before making his final departure in 2005.
Dobson said working with Grantham was full of "memorable times", adding: "They changed my life and they changed his, and I think we were both really lucky that we were cast opposite each other, because the chemistry was magic.
"We didn't have to do anything, it just happened. We learnt our lines, we met on set and bang, we were off."
Other EastEnders stars have shared their memories of working with Grantham, including Letitia Dean, who appeared on the BBC programme as Sharon Watts, the adoptive daughter of Den and Angie.
She said, via the EastEnders Twitter account: "I have very special memories of working with Leslie and will cherish them always.
"He and Anita looked after me in my early days and showed me the ropes, always with care and kindness.
"He never failed to make me laugh and I will remember him with love, affection and gratitude forever. See you up there Leslie! Thank you for everything. Love and respect always, Tish. X."
RIP Mr Grantham.... No mean feat to get 30 million watching you on Xmas day, an EastEnders icon. X
— Dean Gaffney (@deangaffney1) June 15, 2018
Gillian Taylforth, who appeared alongside Grantham from 1985 in EastEnders, said she was "deeply saddened” by the news.
The Kathy Beale actress said: "I have so many happy memories of working with Leslie, he was always great fun and we shared many laughs.
"Those iconic Christmas episodes were legendary and they will always be part of EastEnders history. My heart goes out to his loved ones."
A statement from John Yorke, Executive Consultant on the passing of Leslie Grantham: "Everyone at EastEnders is deeply saddened to hear that Leslie has passed away. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) June 15, 2018
Dot Cotton actress June Brown, another original cast member, said: "I was very fond of Leslie and am so sorry that he has gone.
"I always enjoyed talking to him, he made me laugh and always had a twinkle in his eye when he said outrageous things."
2004 Alfie went toe 2 toe with Den.Fond memories trying to make each other laugh in front of camera.A natural charmer & genuinely gracious ,he had his demons but don't we all ! BUT there's no denying he was & will always be @bbceastenders greatest landlord #RIPLesleyGrantham pic.twitter.com/3tnu09G5gZ
— Shane Richie (@realshanerichie) June 15, 2018
Shane Richie, known for playing Alfie Moon on the soap since 2002, tweeted that he has "fond memories trying to make each other laugh in front of camera".
Richie added that Grantham was "a natural charmer & genuinely gracious, he had his demons but don't we all! BUT there's no denying he was & will always be @bbceastenders greatest landlord.”
