'Enders Bardon attending music therapy

EastEnders star John Bardon has been attending music therapy classes in order to aid his stroke recovery.

The 70-year-old actor, who plays Walford's Jim Branning, takes part in the sessions three times a week as part of an ongoing effort to improve his memory and speech.

It is thought that country music is a regular feature of the classes and participants are encouraged to sing along with each track.

Bardon suffered a stroke in June 2007 but has been making a steady recovery since then. He continues to film with EastEnders when he is well enough to do so.

His wife Enda told The Sun: "John's made steady progress. He is now able to walk with a stick and has returned the hospital bed which he used to have at home. He attends music therapy classes three times a week and will be back on screen in EastEnders later this month."

It is understood that Jim will be seen in "major scenes" with wife Dot (June Brown) after the BBC soap's 25th anniversary episodes.

A Walford spokesman said: "John has been back filming scenes at EastEnders for some time now and it is fantastic to have him back on set. As long as John is fit and happy he will continue to be part of the show."