EASTENDERS ACTOR JOHN Bardon, who played Jim Branning in the hit soap, has died aged 75.

He had been ill for a period of time after suffering a debilitating stroke seven years ago. The effects of the stroke forced him to leave the series in 2011, after 15 years on the show.

©Doug Peters / EMPICS Entertainment ©Doug Peters / EMPICS Entertainment / EMPICS Entertainment

Bardon’s death was announced in a blog post on the soap’s website, which praised him for his “bravery, dignity and courage” in battling the effects of the stroke.

It read:

Loved by us all, John was an exceptionally talented actor whose humour, mischievousness and brilliant performances made Jim Branning one of Walford’s most loveable, memorable characters and we will miss John forever.

“Our love and deepest sympathies are extended to Enda, his truly wonderful wife, at this very sad time,” it continued.

The BBC have dedicated tonight’s episode of EastEnders to the late actor.

June Brown, who played his on-screen wife Dot Cotton, told the BBC that she will “miss him very much, and shall always love him dearly.”

His co-stars on EastEnders have also been tweeting their condolences.

Bardon is survived by his wife, Enda Gates, and his stepson Brandon.