Michael Leader (EastEnders milkman for many years ) passes away
EastEnders has paid a touching tribute to long-serving supporting artist Michael Leader, who's sadly passed away.
Just like Ian Beale and Tracey the Barmaid, Michael had been part of the show's cast since the very first episode in February 1985, playing Albert Square's milkman.
"We were terribly saddened to hear that our dear friend and colleague Michael Leader passed away on Monday," an EastEnders statement read.
"Michael has been on the show since the very first episode and will be sorely missed by the EastEnders family, past and present."
Michael Leader as the milkman in EastEnders
© BBC
EastEnders stars have also been paying tribute on Twitter.
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Danny Dyer ✔ @MrDDyer
R.I.P Michael my old son. R.I.P. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://twitter.com/bbceastenders/st...00032160706560 …
12:53 PM - 24 Aug 2016
56 56 Retweets 391 391 likes
Our lovely Michael. A true gentleman & 'old pro'. I'll miss you xx http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastender...e-47a5af099c96 …
1:16 PM - 24 Aug 2016
6 6 Retweets 18 18 likes
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Robert Kazinsky ✔ @RobertKazinsky
Sorry to see you go Michael, you were always a class act. https://twitter.com/walfordweb/statu...36303087157248 …
7:38 PM - 23 Aug 2016
16 16 Retweets 78 78 likes
View image on Twitter
View image on Twitter
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Ted Reilly ✔ @Ted_Reilly14
Michael Leader was a man who made @bbceastenders more than a T.V. show. RIP to an Albert Square legend. 😔
12:54 PM - 24 Aug 2016
17 17 Retweets 73 73 likes
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Jonny Labey ✔ @jonnylabey
Such sad news! RIP to the kindest, most supportive man I've met! ❤ xx https://twitter.com/bbceastenders/st...00032160706560 …
2:11 PM - 24 Aug 2016
9 9 Retweets 73 73 likes
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Danielle Harold ✔ @DHaroldOfficial
R.I.P Michael Such a lovely man and a true gentlemen 🙏💕
2:01 PM - 24 Aug 2016
5 5 Retweets 44 44 likes
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BBC EastEnders ✔ @bbceastenders
Our dear friend and colleague Michael Leader passed away on Monday. He will be greatly missed.#EastEnders
12:50 PM - 24 Aug 2016
186 186 Retweets 572 572 likes
Michael's character was part of EastEnders for 16 years before he finally got a line, dropping off a drunken Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) to her father Charlie after giving her a lift on his milk float.
"Is this yours, Squire?" he asked Charlie, finally getting some time in the Albert Square spotlight.
Reflecting on the hilarious moment at the time, Michael told the Daily Mail: "I'm happy I've got my little break and I'm very very pleased to still be in the show after all these years.
"I just work at EastEnders and have done for 16 years - it was very exciting to twinkle for a few seconds among an array of stars. I had loads of phone calls from friends. If the viewing figures went up by another 50, you know who to thank!"
Michael's milkman character was recently seen in EastEnders for Peggy Mitchell's final episodes, helping to send her out in style by giving her a ride around the Square in his milk float.
Away from EastEnders, Michael will also be fondly remembered by Star Wars fans for one of the film franchise's most well-known on-screen gaffes. He was the Stormtrooper who infamously hit his head on a door in Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977.
Digital Spy
RIP Michael
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