As EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary on BBC One, the soap is marking the occasion with dramatic storylines featuring characters like Denise Fox and Sonia Fowler, whose actress Natalie Cassidy is leaving after 32 years. But the milestone also prompts reflection on the show's departed icons, from Dame Barbara Windsor to June Brown, who left indelible marks on British television.
Dame Barbara Windsor, who played Peggy Mitchell from 1994 until the character's death in 2016, transformed the fiery landlady into a cultural icon with her legendary catchphrase, “Get outta my pub!” Born Barbara Ann Deeks in 1937, she began her career at 13 and became a national treasure through the Carry On films and EastEnders. After her Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2014, she campaigned for dementia awareness until her death in 2020 at age 83.
June Brown joined EastEnders in 1985 as chain-smoking, devout Dot Cotton. Her 2008 monologue episode, 'Pretty Baby', earned a BAFTA nomination, a rare honour for a soap actor. Brown's portrayal of Dot's struggles with her son Nick Cotton defined her career. She passed away peacefully in 2022 at 95, hailed as one of Britain's greatest television actresses.
Leslie Grantham, known for his role as 'Dirty' Den Watts, became one of TV's most infamous villains. After serving prison time for murder, he joined EastEnders in 1985. Den's 1986 Christmas Day divorce papers scene with Angie drew over 30 million viewers. Though killed off in 1989, he returned in 2003. Grantham died in 2018 at 71.
Wendy Richard played Pauline Fowler for 21 years, leaving in 2006. She died three years later at 65. Other lost legends include Mike Reid, who portrayed Frank Butcher, and John Bardon, known for Jim Branning. Their contributions helped shape EastEnders into a beloved British institution over four decades.
