Leslie Grantham health: EastEnders star looks frail on Krays film set four months ago
LESLIE GRANTHAM, who is now in hospital seriously ill, looked frail on a film set earlier this year.
The former EastEnders actor, who played Dirty Den, is “poorly” and remains under medical supervision, according to his representative earlier this week.
The 71-year-old recently returned to the UK from Bulgaria, where he had been living for a number of years, but news broke earlier this week that he was "fighting for his life” in hospital.
In February, Leslie was pictured filming scenes for new movie The Krays: Dead Man Walking, which is due for release in September.
In shots of him in a forest, the star can be seen wearing a black overcoat and matching hat.
Leslie was running lines with his co-star whilst filming in Highgate Woods, London.
The actor stars as the famous policeman Nipper Read, who arrested the East End twins in 1968.
A spokesperson from Hereford Films told Express.co.uk that Leslie’s performance in the upcoming film is “superb”.
He said: “I can confirm that Leslie played Detective ‘Nipper’ Read in The Krays - Dead Man Walking, which is due for release September 10th.
“He completed filming and his performance is superb and a timely reminder of why he was such a massive star.
“I am not at liberty to discuss his health.”
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On Monday, it was revealed the EastEnders legend is “poorly” but is being treated.
A spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “Leslie Grantham remains poorly and is being taken care of by medical staff.”
They said no further comment will be made and "a statement will be issued at the appropriate time.”
Yesterday, EastEnders cast members sent Leslie well-wishes amid reports he is “fighting for his life”.
Zack Morris, who plays Keegan Baker in the BBC soap, told the Daily Star: “I hope he gets well soon.
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“We all wish him speedy recovery,” he added.
EastEnders actress Lorraine Stanley, who plays Keegan’s mother Karen Taylor, also said the whole cast “wish him the best”.
The Sun previously reported Leslie was “fighting for his life” and close friends in the industry were “fearing the worst”.
“Leslie is being looked after,” a source told the publication.
“Those who are close to him are hugely worried and are praying for his well-being.”
Leslie is best known for playing Dennis Watts in EastEnders after landing a role in the BBC soap in 1985.
He was known for being a villain in Albert Square and also ran the Queen Vic with his on-screen wife Angie (played by Anita Dobson).