An emergency charity in Essex has paid tribute to one of its supporters, the Eastenders actor John Bardon, who died today, aged 75.
Mr Bardon, who played Jim Branning in the BBC soap, had appeared as the official celebrity patron of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance at numerous events such as the Motorcycle Run & Harwich Family Festival.
In a statement, the charity expressed its “sadness at this tragic loss”.
“We are extremely grateful for all the support John gave to the charity over the years and send our sincerest condolences to his wife and family,” the statement said.
Mr Bardon made his first appearance in Eastenders in 1996 as a regular in the Queen Vic. His character married Dot Cotton, played by the Suffolk-born actress June Brown, in 2002. After Mr Bardon suffered a debilitating stroke seven years ago, Ms Brown stepped into his role at many charity functions and events.
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