Ian Lavender left heartbroken by his EastEnders comeback being axed

05 February 2024 , 14:58

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Ian Lavender's dismay at not making EastEnders return for heartbreaking reason (Image: BBC)

Dad's Army star Ian Lavender starred in fan-favourite soap EastEnders as Derek Hankinson for 240 episodes before his final appearance in 2017.

It was recently announced that the actor died aged 77, with a Dad's Army Twitter account posting the news. They said: "We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of the wonderful Ian Lavender. In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the Dad’s Army main cast.

"His wonderful performance as Private Frank Pike will live on for decades to come. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter enjoyed by millions. We will dedicate this year’s tour to his memory. Our thoughts and love are with Ian’s wonderful wife Miki, their family and close friends."

The was a huge part of EastEnders and joined the evergrowing cast in 2001. He was part of the show until 2005 and reprised his role for a guest stint during the Christmas period in 2016.

Ian last appeared on EastEnders in 2017 (BBC)

"It was a lovely surprise to be back and I had a great time. It was brilliant to work with some old friends again, especially those who I only briefly got to work with before," he said upon reprising his role. The actor came back to the series again between March and July 2017.

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Unfortunately, it was announced in December 2017 that he wouldn't be returning to the show. It was revealed the star decided to step back from his role after falling ill with sepsis. Ian struggled with a few health issues over the years and was diagnosed with bladder cancer a few days before marrying his second wife Miki Hardy in 1993.

He discussed the diagnosis and his marriage in an interview the same year. The soap actor said: "We had been living together for 16 years and it was something I should have done a long time before, these things change you, they help you to see what is important in life."

Thankfully, the tumour was successfully removed in surgery but he went on to suffer another health issue nine years later. The actor had a heart attack in 2002, with Ian explaining to the BBC at the time that he was "in the middle of reading an EastEnders script. I just knew there was something very, very wrong. All I can say is I have never felt so dreadfully ill, and all in a few seconds."

Zara Woodcock