EastEnders has been a rollercoaster of emotions for over 40 years, serving up unforgettable storylines and larger-than-life characters that have become part of the show’s rich tapestry. This week, as EastEnders marks its 40th anniversary on BBC One, several characters are set to steal the spotlight in the soap’s celebratory drama, including Denise Fox and Sonia Fowler. Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia, is bidding farewell to the show after an impressive 32-year stint. Long-time viewers will fondly recall Dame Barbara Windsor’s iconic portrayal of Mitchell matriarch Peggy, and June Brown’s consistently brilliant performances as the devout Dot Cotton. Here, we remember some of EastEnders’ departed legends.
Dame Barbara Windsor portrayed Mitchell matriarch Peggy until the character’s on-screen death in 2016
(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron)
Dame Barbara Windsor (1937 – 2020) Dame Barbara Windsor charmed audiences for over six decades with her infectious energy, unique laugh, and undeniable charisma. Best known for her roles in the Carry On films and as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, Babs became a national treasure, earning recognition for her contributions to television, film, and theatre. Born Barbara Ann Deeks on August 6, 1937, in London, she made her stage debut at just 13 and soon earned a BAFTA and a Tony Award nomination. However, it was her time with the Carry On films that truly cemented her place in British culture. Her career took another significant turn in 1994 when she joined EastEnders as Peggy Mitchell, the fiery landlady of the Queen Vic pub and the widowed mother of Phil, Grant, and Samantha Mitchell. Barbara Windsor truly redefined the character of Peggy Mitchell, morphing a once side-lined role into an emblematic titan of British soap opera. Her explosive catchphrase – “Get outta my pub! ” – resonated through living rooms nationwide and secured her the 1999 British Soap Award for Best Actress. After her heartfelt farewell to EastEnders in 2016, she was honoured with Damehood for her contributions to entertainment and charity work. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, Barbara, alongside her devoted husband Scott Mitchell, championed dementia awareness with unwavering commitment. Dame Barbara Windsor’s legacy came to a close on December 10, 2020, leaving the nation at the age of 83. Tributes flooded in far and wide, with Prince William himself heralding her as “a true national treasure.”
June Brown boasted a long stint on EastEnders, spanning over seven decades
(Image: BBC)
June Brown (1927 – 2022) Boasting a remarkable 70-year stint in the acting world, June Brown’s rendition of Dot Cotton in EastEnders remains etched in the memories of many. Joining the ranks of BBC’s flagship soap in its nascent stages back in 1985, June breathed life into the pious and troubled Dot Cotton with her signature chain-smoking flair and devout beliefs. She navigated Dot through turbulent waters, especially concerning her delinquent son Nick Cotton. In 2008, June made waves with an entire episode, ‘Pretty Baby’, dedicated to her character’s monologue. In what became a pivotal moment, Dot recorded a heartfelt tape for her husband, Jim, following his stroke, which catapulted June to BAFTA nomination glory, setting quite the milestone for British soap actors at the time. The entertainment world is in mourning following the peaceful passing of June on April 3, 2022, at the grand age of 95. Tributes have been flooding social media networks and beyond from EastEnders cast members old and new, who are united in celebrating her as one of the greatest talents ever to light up British TV screens.
Leslie was best known for his role on the soap as ‘Dirty’ Den Watts
(Image: BBC)
Leslie Grantham (1947 – 2018) Leslie Grantham’s journey to fame was far from orthodox – before he became famed for portraying the notorious “Dirty” Den Watts, Leslie spent a decade behind bars for a crime committed during his time as an army fusilier in West Germany. Nonetheless, he seized the hearts of EastEnders fans beginning in 1985 with his devious antics, rocky relationship with Angie, and bombshell plot twists. His climactic Christmas Day confrontation in 1986, where a divorce notice was served to Angie, pulled in an astounding 30 million pairs of eyeballs. Although Den’s storyline saw him apparently meet his end in 1989 when he was gunned down and left in a canal, he made an unexpected comeback in 2003, proving there’s never a dull moment on the square. Leslie Grantham said his final farewell on June 15, 2018, aged 71.
Wendy Richard was an EastEnders staple for 21 years and left the program in 2006. She died three years after her exit
(Image: Getty Images)
Wendy Richard (1943 – 2009) Wendy Richard, a cherished staple in Britain’s television culture, will forever be remembered for her enduring role as Pauline Fowler on EastEnders. Though she first shot to prominence as the spirited Miss Brahms on the iconic sitcom Are You Being Served? in the 1970s, born on July 20, 1943, Wendy’s legacy as a small screen legend endures well past her departure. After the sitcom wrapped up, she transitioned to EastEnders, taking on the role of the Fowler family’s matriarch. Her stint on EastEnders spanned over 21 years, concluding in 2006. Wendy Richard sadly passed away on February 26, 2009, following a battle with breast cancer.
Mike Reid was known as Frank Butcher on EastEnders and was once the Queen Vic landlord
(Image: PA)
Mike Reid (1940 – 2007) Mike Reid is fondly remembered for his portrayal of Frank Butcher, the much-loved landlord of the Queen Vic. Reid’s character was at the heart of many gripping storylines, notably his tumultuous relationships with Pat Wicks and Peggy Mitchell. In 1994, Reid took a hiatus from the show due to stress but made a comeback in 1995. Tragically, Mike passed away on July 29, 2007, aged 67, from a suspected heart attack.
Anna played Lou Beale, the matriarch of the Beale clan
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Anna Wing (1914 – 2013) Anna Wing is best known for her role as Lou Beale, the head of the Beale clan. She graced the show from its inception in 1985 until 1988. Wing passed away on July 7, 2013, at the grand age of 98.
Bill Treacher left his Arthur Fowler role in 1996 and was the first person cast for the role
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Bill Treacher (1930 – 2022) The first actor cast for EastEnders, Bill Treacher brought Arthur Fowler to life for eleven years. His character weathered numerous trials, including his son Mark’s HIV diagnosis and his own mental health struggles. Treacher exited the show in 1995 due to the strain of the role and sadly passed away on November 5, 2022, aged 92.
Ethel Skinner was portrayed by Gretchen Franklin before being killed off in 2000
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Gretchen Franklin (1911 – 2005) Gretchen Franklin played Ethel Skinner, a chatty yet lovable character who quickly became a fan favourite. Franklin’s performance was a blend of humour and poignancy, particularly as Ethel grappled with dementia. Gretchen Franklin, who was written out of the show in 2000 following a contentious euthanasia plotline, passed away on July 11, 2005, aged 94.
Michael Elphick portrayed Kat Slater’s abusive uncle Harry in a hard-hitting storyline
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Michael Elphick (1946 – 2002) Michael Elphick joined the EastEnders cast in 2001 as Harry Slater, a character with a haunting backstory. His battle with alcoholism led to his exit from the soap, and he sadly passed away on September 7, 2002, at 55 years old.
Mo Butcher star Edna passed away in 2014
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Edna Doré (1921 – 2014) Edna Doré was known for her portrayal of Mo Butcher, embodied the tough and meddlesome matriarch of the Butcher clan. She died on April 11, 2014, aged 92.
Nana Moon was portrayed by Hilda Braid. The actress was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease shortly after leaving the BBC soap
(Image: BBC)
Hilda Braid (1929 – 2007) Hilda Braid brought a mix of warmth and sorrow to Albert Square as Nana Moon. Her character’s heartbreaking demise due to dementia resonated deeply with viewers. Sadly, life mirrored art as Braid was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s shortly after leaving the show and moved into a care home in Hove. She passed away on November 6, 2007, aged 78.
Sandy Ratcliff passed away from an accidental overdose
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Sandy Ratcliff (1948 – 2019) Sandy Ratcliff played Sue Osman in EastEnders’ early days, becoming part of one of the show’s first major tragedies as a mother shattered by the cot death of her baby. Ratcliff died in 2019, aged 70.
Sian Blake’s former partner Arthur Simpson-Kent pleaded guilty to the murders of the actress and her two children
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Sian Blake (1972 – 2015) Sian Blake left an indelible mark as Frankie Pierre on EastEnders with her fiery persona. Her career was tragically cut short when she died in 2015, aged just 43. Her partner, Arthur Simpson-Kent, admitted to the murders of Sian and her two children.
Christopher Hancock played Charlie Cotton from 1986
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Christopher Hancock (1928 – 2004) Christopher Hancock was known for his role as conman Charlie Cotton from 1986 until 1990. He sadly passed away following a heart attack in 2004, at the age of 76.
Gemma’s brother Tony was found guilty of her murder in 2013
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Gemma McCluskie (1983 – 2012) Gemma McCluskie (1983 – 2012), who portrayed Kerry Skinner in EastEnders, tragically died in 2012 when she was just 29 years old. In January 2013, her brother, Tony McCluskie, was convicted of her murder.
Ron Tarr portrayed Big Ron since the show’s debut in 1985
(Image: BBC)
Ron Tarr (1936 – 1997) Actor Ron Tarr brought to life the character Big Ron from the show’s launch in 1985 until shortly before his death in October 1997. Although his character wasn’t often at the centre of storylines, he frequently interacted with main characters. Ron sadly lost his battle with cancer in 1997.
