'EastEnders' actor suffers stroke

EastEnders actor John Bardon is recovering in hospital having suffered a stroke.

The 67-year-old cast member – who has played Jim Branning in the BBC soap for 11 years – was at home on Thursday when he collapsed and was quickly taken to a Hertfordshire hospital with wife of five years, Enda.

Producers have already begun tweaking scripts and making alterations to filming schedules, in the knowledge that Bardon will be out of action for some time.

A BBC spokeswoman commented: "John was taken ill at home on Thursday afternoon.

"Our thoughts are with him and his family and we ask for his privacy to be respected."

Executive producer Dierdrick Santer said: "I am saddened to hear John has taken ill. My thoughts are with him and his family."

The actor's condition is currently unknown but is believed to be stable.