Leslie Grantham to have private funeral

Leslie Grantham will be laid to rest in a private funeral service.

The former \'EastEnders\' actor passed away on Friday (15.06.18) aged 71, and his ex-wife Jane Laurie and their three children, Spike, 31, Jake, 29 and Daniel, 23, have appealed for privacy while they grieve, adding his funeral will be open to just "close family and friends".

They said in a statement: "We formally announce the loss of Leslie Grantham, who passed away at 10.20am on the morning of Friday 15th June 2018.

"His ex-wife and sons have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time. There will be a private funeral which will be attended by close family and friends only."

It has been reported Leslie - who recently returned to London from Bulgaria, where he lived after splitting from Jane in 2013 - was suffering from terminal cancer, but his spokesperson hasn\'t confirmed his diagnosis.

Though the actor is believed to have been ill for some time, he still joked about his mortality just a few days ago.

Former \'Hollyoaks\' actor Joe Tracini tweeted: "Last week he could barely hold his head up or make a sound. I held his hand for a while, kissed his forehead and told him I loved him.

"As I left, he bellow - \'What am I f****** dying or something?\' We\'ll miss you, Les x. (sic)"

Meanwhile, \'EastEnders\' bosses have paid tribute to their former star, who portrayed iconic pub landlord \'Dirty\' Den Watts.

Executive consultant John Yorke said: "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."

Letitia Dean, his on-screen adopted daughter Sharon, sent a heartfelt message of love and thanks to her former co-star.

She said: "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."

And Anita Dobson, who played Den\'s first wife Angie Watts, said in a statement: "I loved working with Leslie and I will never forget our time together on \'EastEnders\'."

His other soap wife, Tracy Ann Oberman - who played Chrissie Watts - tweeted: "Really sorry to hear about Leslie Grantham.

"A very very good actor and one who created an iconic character with Dirty Den #RIPLeslieG."