Country and Eastern

EASTENDERS actor John Bardon is recovering from his stroke - by listening to country music.

The 70-year-old, who plays grumpy grandad Jim Branning, is due back on TV on a more regular basis later this month.

The star - married to Dot in the BBC1 soap - suffered a massive stroke in June 2007.

His wife Enda has revealed how the actor - who lost the ability to walk and speak - is now "fighting fit" after taking part in three music therapy classes a week.

The sessions encourage stroke victims to sing along karaoke-style with various songs.

Country singer Kenny Rogers is one of the most popular choices.

Therapists play the singer's hit tunes - like Coward of the County and Lucille - in a bid to help stroke victims recover their memory and speech.

Music therapy has been shown to affect parts of the brain controlling emotions and social interaction.

It can help improve a patient's mood, reduce anxiety and improve memory and speech.

Enda and John have also visited the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent, to speak to stroke victims and cheer them up.

She said: "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."

John currently appears in the soap when he is able to although he has found speech difficult.

But this has now improved to the extent that he has been able to film major scenes with Dot which will be shown after the soap's 25th anniversary this month.

A spokesman for EastEnders 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."

The Sun