Leonard Fenton dies aged 95 as June Brown leads tributes; plus Coronation Street & Emmerdale news

EastEnders spoiler: Zack makes a shocking discovery

There’s a surprise return in the works for EastEnders viewers.

Although the latter know Tina Carter was murdered by Gray Atkins, her sister Shirley is still on the lookout for her.

And after musing that Tina could attend a local Walford party organised by Callum, she receives Zack Hudson’s (James Farrar) help.

Both spend the night searching for Tina but, of course, come home empty-handed.

But Zack doesn’t return home without revelations of his own.

In a shocking twist, Zack tells Sharon that he ran into Jada.

Jada has been off the radar for months, alongside her daughter Alyssa.

Zack vows to Sharon that he is determined to bring the pair back.

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We’ve got you covered for all the latest Hollyoaks gossip, news and latest faces joining the soap

Kim Medcalf on returning to EastEnders

Kim said: “When the BBC approached me last year to reprise the role of Sam I was thrilled.

“She’s a brilliant character and I can’t wait to get back in the Square and work with the amazing cast.”

BBC head of continuing drama Kate Oates: “I have long wanted to bring Sam back into the family fold. Her return is guaranteed to be explosive.”

EastEnders’ Sam Mitchell returning to soap

EASTENDERS’ Sam Mitchell is returning to Albert Square — with Kim Medcalf again taking on the role rather than Danniella Westbrook.

But as the actress fought drug addiction she was replaced by Kim in 2002.

Kim, 48, played Sam until 2005. Danniella, 48, reprised the role in 2009 and then again in 2016, when Sam joined her family for Peggy’s funeral.

Yesterday, EastEnders confirmed Kim has been re-cast as Sam, who abandoned son Ricky when she quit Walford.

And sources said BBC soap bosses — who have been in talks with Kim since last autumn — are planning a series of explosive storylines.

One said: “Sam’s return has been on the cards for some time. They felt she was a natural fit for this version of Sam. It’s nothing against Danniella, she created an icon as the character.

“But as often happens in soaps, the bosses wanted to recast and take Sam in a different direction. Kim is due to begin filming in two weeks and everyone is very excited.”

Corrie spoiler: Kelly is devastated by Maria’s outburst

Living as a guest in Victoria Court, Kelly (Millie Gibson) soon feels like she is overstaying her welcome at Maria’s (Samia Longchambon).

When she finds Liam (Charlie Wrenshall) struggle with his French homework, Kelly decides to help him.

She picks up his football and teaches him to count in French.

Kelly’s plan fails as both accidentally knock over a bottle of water, soaking Maria’s portfolio.

When Maria returns home, her son Liam takes the blame.

Later on, Kelly overhears Maria moan to Gary Windass (Mikey North) about the ruined portfolio.

Maria mentions that she’s at the end of her tether.

Kelly believes Maria’s frustration is directed at her, unaware that the latter is actually talking about her political rival, Sally Metcalfe.

Hollyoaks’ Gina Patrick actress Dannielle Brent unrecognisable

The troubled tomboy and eco warrier, who arrived in Hollyoaks village with her family way back in 1997, hit the headlines when she started up a lesbian relationship with Emily Taylor, having kept her sexuality a secret for years.

During her stint on the Channel 4 soap, Gina was rocked when she discovered her and Sol were not mum Jill Patrick’s biological children, which sent her brother off the rails.

She left Chester in 2001, moving to China to work in an orphanage.

After Hollyoaks, Dannielle, 42, landed the role of psychopathic Natalie Buxton in ITV’s prison drama Bad Girls.

Since then she went on to appear in The Bill, Casualty and Doctors, as well as films Top Dog and Cockneys vs Zombies.

Corrie spoiler: Craig makes a choice after Faye’s confession

An eager police constable in the cobbles, Craig (Colson Smith) goes over his future ambitions.

The character makes a decision after learning the truth about Ted’s passing.

But his mother Beth (portrayed by Lisa George) remains unaware of his choice until she spots Faye at the Underworld factory.

Beth overhears the young woman enquiring about a job on behalf of her son and is surprised to find out Craig left the force.

Upon learning that he resigned from his position, Beth rushes over to Craig and comforts him.

She soon demands to know what pushed him to quit so abruptly.

What will Craig say?

EastEnders spoiler: Phil signs off

Willing to sacrifice his own freedom in order to protect his loved ones, Phil makes a decision which will undoubtedly make some jaws drop.

Phil meets with his ex-wife Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and passes on deeds for her to take care of Mitchell’s Autos, informally known as The Arches.

When Sharon asks why he chose her to take over his beloved business instead of his son Ben, Phil explains that the character played by Max Bowden isn’t in a good way.

Corrie’s Kate Ford opens up about health battle

CORONATION Street star Kate Ford admits health battle as she struggles through filming.

The actress, 45, suffers from endometriosis – a condition that causes cells like those in the womb to appear elsewhere in the body.

The singer explained her health crisis in a candid Instagram message, writing: “Today I braved multiple terrifying surgeries.

“The most important of which being the surgery that would hopefully treat my endometriosis.

“For those of you who have followed this battle of mine or who may suffer with it yourself, you know the extremes to which it can be mentally exhausting and physically painful.

“OK HONESTLY I’m in total agony right now…”

Corrie spoiler: Audrey confronted over secret drinking

In upcoming episodes of the ITV soap, the character portrayed by Sue Nicholls is to be reprimanded for her drinking habits.

As she heads off home from the shops after buying Sam’s new school books Shona (Julia Goulding) can’t help but comment on the clanking of bottles coming from her shopping bag.

Later on, Gail (Helen Worth) arrives home to find her mother with a glass of wine and when Sarah (Tina O’Brien) suggests that she has been drinking all throughout the evening, Audrey takes offence.

This leads to Audrey complaining to Gail and Shona that nobody seems to trust her with anything anymore.

All set on lifting her spirits, Shona comes up with a plan.

Read more about the plan here.

Seven huge Emmerdale spoilers for next week

Get the lowdown on the next week’s drama in Emmerdale.

• Rhona gets a shock request
• The Woolpack gets a new owner
• Kim makes a big purchase
• Dawn’s ex makes a comeback
• Manpreet gets blamed for Meena’s crimes
• Cain rages at Belle and Ellis
• Ellis receives a surprise phone call

Read more about the spoilers here.

EastEnders viewers demand serial killer Gray Atkins storyline ends

EASTENDERS fans are demanding an end to Gray Atkins’ storyline after another twist put Chelsea Fox in harm’s way.

But since murdering his wife Chantelle, Tina Carter and Kush Kazemi – the plot has returned to domestic abuse with Gray marrying Chelsea Fox.

However, fans are tired of the storyline and want it to end now.

One wrote: “How much longer is the Gray story going on for? #EastEnders.”

A second said: “This Gray storyline is still carrying on. Feels like it’s never going to end, the longer it goes on. #EastEnders.”

Another added: “This Gray storyline is even putting me off Chelsea, Whitney and Kheerat now. Make it stop. #EastEnders.”

EastEnders fans all saying the same thing after Kathy Beale terrorist comments

EASTENDERS fans have all said the same thing after Kathy Beale stopped grandson Bobby from marrying into a “family of terrorists”.

The businesswoman – who is played by actress Gillian Taylforth in the BBC soap – hit the roof tonight after discovering Bobby’s ex Dana’s brother Aaron was responsible for the bomb in the restaurant.

Bobby had confided in Peter, and come up with a plan to propose – leaving Kathy furious.

She stopped the proposal and humiliated the Monroes. As Harvey begged to speak to Kathy in private, she shut him down.

“You think you can wriggle out this again?” she said. “You’re nothing but a nasty little racist.”

She added: “Aaron for his ideas from somewhere – they don’t call them home grown terrorists for nothing.”

Turning to the restaurant customers she told them: “Yeah that’s right – this man’s son is the one who planted the device at the Argee Bhajee. He didn’t do it on his own, did he? Do you really think I’d let my grandson marry into a family of terrorists?”

EastEnders fans demand serial killer Gray Atkins storyline ends

EASTENDERS fans are demanding an end to Gray Atkins’ storyline after another twist put Chelsea Fox in harm’s way.

The serial killer – who is played by actor Toby-Alexander Smith in the BBC soap – has killed three people so far in the plot that began as a domestic abuse storyline.

But since murdering his wife Chantelle, Tina Carter and Kush Kazemi – the plot has returned to domestic abuse with Gray marrying Chelsea Fox.

However she is now falling under his spell – despite knowing he’s a killer.

And tonight after Gray made a medical decision that saved baby son Jordan’s life – Chelsea has given up.

Walking in, Whitney told Chelsea: “Pack your stuff – you’re going to stay at mine. You need to get out of here now, it’s too dangerous.”

But Chelsea told her: “Whitney I am drained. I cannot deal with this so please just go.”

Who did Leonard Fenton play in EastEnders?

Leonard was best known for playing one of EastEnders original characters – Dr.Harold Legg and appeared in 267 episodes.

He appeared in the very first scene of the BBC series in 1985 when he was called to attend to a dying Reg Cox.

Leonard’s character officially retired in 1999, but made cameos with the last being in 2019.

During his time in Walford he oversaw suicides, abortions and murders and Mark Fowler’s HIV storyline.

What was Leonard Fenton’s cause of death?

Leonard’s family confirmed the star’s death on January 31, 2022, but an exact cause is yet to be revealed

In a statement they said: “The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29.

“Best known for his role as Dr Legg on EastEnders, Leonard’s acting career spanned more than 60 years.

“He worked in TV and film and his long stage career included time at the National Theatre and most recently the Royal Shakespeare Company. He felt privileged to have worked with some of the greats of the theatre, including Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and Jonathan Miller.

“His passion for painting and singing pre-dated his acting career and was equally as important to him.”

Who was Leonard Fenton?

The multi-talented Leonard Fenton was a British actor, director and painter who was born on the April 29, 1926.

His original birth name was Leonard Feinstein before he adopted Fenton as his stage name.

Raised in East London, Leonard attended Raine Foundation Grammar School before training to be a civil engineer at King’s College London.

He was an army engineer during World War 2 which he continued to do for five years after until he decided on a career change.

Leonard discovered that his passion lay with acting and he was awarded a scholarship to London’s prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

His career spans over fifty years and covers stage performances and TV and film credits.

Matt Lucas pays tribute to Leonard Fenton

Actor and comedian Matt Lucas paid tribute to Leonard Fenton in a tweet.

He wrote: “Lovely Leonard Fenton has passed away.

“I grew up watching him in Auf Weidersehen, Pet and of course EastEnders.

” Was chuffed when I got to work with him a few years back.”

EastEnders fans desperate for legend to return after Sam Mitchell’s comeback

EASTENDERS fans are desperate for Chrissie Watts to return following the news Sam Mitchell is making a comeback to Albert Square.

The murderer – who was played by Tracy Ann Oberman in the BBC soap – should be released from prison by now for Dirty Den’s murder.

Chrissie cracked his skull in the Queen Vic’s cellar and went on to frame Sam for the crime, before ultimately confessing and going to prison.

And fans want to see her clash with Sam once more.

One wrote: “Chrissie is a character I’d welcome back with open arms.

“I’d love to see her interactions with the modern incarnation of Sharon a.k.a Carbonara Killer.”

A second said: “Bring Chrissie back too! She is due out of prison by now.”

Who did Leonard Fenton play in EastEnders?

Leonard was best known for playing one of EastEnders original characters – Dr.Harold Legg and appeared in 267 episodes.

He appeared in the very first scene of the BBC series in 1985 when he was called to attend to a dying Reg Cox.

Leonard’s character officially retired in 1999, but made cameos with the last being in 2019.

During his time in Walford he oversaw suicides, abortions and murders and Mark Fowler’s HIV storyline.

What was Leonard Fenton’s cause of death?

Leonard’s family confirmed the star’s death on January 31, 2022, but an exact cause is yet to be revealed

In a statement they said: “The family of the actor Leonard Fenton are heartbroken to announce his death at the age of 95 on Saturday January 29.

“Best known for his role as Dr Legg on EastEnders, Leonard’s acting career spanned more than 60 years.

“He worked in TV and film and his long stage career included time at the National Theatre and most recently the Royal Shakespeare Company. He felt privileged to have worked with some of the greats of the theatre, including Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and Jonathan Miller.

“His passion for painting and singing pre-dated his acting career and was equally as important to him.”

Who was Leonard Fenton?

The multi-talented Leonard Fenton was a British actor, director and painter who was born on the April 29, 1926.

His original birth name was Leonard Feinstein before he adopted Fenton as his stage name.

Raised in East London, Leonard attended Raine Foundation Grammar School before training to be a civil engineer at King’s College London.

He was an army engineer during World War 2 which he continued to do for five years after until he decided on a career change.

Leonard discovered that his passion lay with acting and he was awarded a scholarship to London’s prestigious Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

His career spans over fifty years and covers stage performances and TV and film credits.

Get all the latest gossip from Emmerdale Farm

Emmerdale star Lucy Pargeter is ‘devastated’ over Chas Dingle twist

EMMERDALE star Lucy Pargeter is devastated her character Chas Dingle has lost The Woolpack.

The actress has played Woolpack landlady Chas for 18 years but this week will see the end of her time running the pub.

It is set to be auctioned off after Al Chapman blew it up hoping to force developers to turn it into swanky apartments. But now Lucy has told how both Chas and herself are devastated by the development.

She said: “She’s devastated. At least if Al bought it, she’d know it was going to be him, but now it’s up in the air.

“She’s got no idea if it’s going to be turned into flats or stay a pub.  She’s losing her livelihood, she’s lost her home, and she doesn’t know who it’s going to go to.”