'AM I F***ING DYING?'
Leslie Grantham pictured in Krays movie in final role as pal reveals last joke before death aged 71
EASTENDERS actor Leslie Grantham is pictured here on the set of his final film, taken just months before he died today at the age of 71.
The soap villain, who became one of Britain's most famous stars for his role as Albert Square hardman “Dirty” Den Watts, died this morning after a period of ill health - but pals have revealed he was joking until the end.
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In February he was snapped filming The Krays: Dead Man Walking, a flick inspired by real events based on London's most feared and notorious brothers Reggie and Ronnie Kray.
Close pals had flocked to his side in recent days with friends saying the once fit and healthy actor had looked "gaunt" and "grey".
Among them was Hollyoaks actor Joe Tracini, who according to MailOnline tweeted: "Last week he could barely hold his head up or make a sound. I held his hand for a while, kissed his forehead and told him I loved him.
"As I left, he bellow - 'What am I f****** dying or something?' We'll miss you, Les x."
However he appeared to be in good shape while filming on location for the crime movie earlier this year, donning a long black coat and hat - seemingly playing the cockney villain character which he was loved for by audiences.
Grantham is believed to have had terminal cancer, but spokespeople for the actor did not confirm this.
In a statement, Leslie's family said: "We formally announce the loss of Leslie Grantham, who passed away at 10.20am on the morning of Friday 15th June 2018.
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A look back at some of Leslie Grantham's most iconic scenes as “Dirty” Den Watts in EastEnders
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Dirty Den gives Angie divorce papers for Christmas on BBC's EastEnders
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"His ex-wife and sons have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time. There will be a private funeral which will be attended by close family and friends only."
Neighbours living near the star's Twickenham home said they saw the pensioner walking in the area looking "frail" and "gaunt" as recently as "four or five weeks ago".
Prior to moving back to South West London he had been living in Bulgaria after splitting from his wife Jane Laurie in 2013.
The actor had three children - Spike, 31, Jake, 29 and Daniel, 23 - with Jane, who he was married to for 31 years. He returned to the UK to receive medical care after falling ill.
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Moment Dirty Den, played by Leslie Grantham, came back from the dead and returned to EastEnders
Leslie had become known to millions of viewers for his iconic role as adulterous Queen Vic landlord Dirty Den in EastEnders.
Appearing in the series' first ever episode in 1985, Grantham starred as Den Watts - later receiving the nickname "Dirty" after getting his adopted teenage daughter's 16-year-old friend pregnant.
His tumultuous marriage to alcoholic wife Angie captivated the nation and more than 30million people - at the time over half of the UK population - tuned in to the 1986 Christmas special to watch Den present her with divorce papers.
Grantham's character was fatally beaten over the head with an iron doorstop by wife Chrissie Watts with more than 14million viewers watching his demise.
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Blue singer Antony Costa, who starred alongside Grantham in Dunstable's Cinderella pantomime in 2015, paid tribute to the EastEnders actor.
He said: "Just heard the news my friend and ex panto colleague #LeslieGrantham has passed..RIP big man...loved working with ya in panto...you made me laugh and I learnt a lot from you too..absolutely gutted."
He added: "You was West Ham...I am spurs but that didn't matter.x"
Tracy Ann Oberman, who starred opposite Grantham in EastEnders as his on-screen wife Chrissie Watts from 2004 until 2005, tweeted: "Really sorry to hear about Leslie Grantham.
"A very very good actor and one who created an iconic character with Dirty Den #RIPLeslieG."
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EastEnders's executive consultant John Yorke paid tribute on behalf of the BBC soap.
In a statement to the Press Association, Yorke said: "Everyone at EastEnders is deeply saddened to hear that Leslie has passed away.
"We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends at this extremely difficult time."
Citizen Khan star Adil Ray tweeted a tribute to Grantham, sharing a Twitter exchange they once had. He wrote: "What a life Leslie Grantham led. Brilliant character in EE. He was proof of how you can turn your life around.
"He was kind enough to give me some nutrition advice last summer too! Rest in peace. Thoughts with Leslie's family and friends."
Ray also posted a screengrab, which showed Grantham advising him to "always eat a hearty breakfast" because "it sets you up for the day".
As a teenager, in 1966 Grantham was convicted of murdering a German taxi driver while serving as a soldier - a charge he always denied.
He served an 11-year sentence and later returned to Leyhill Open Prison in Gloucestershire as a VIP guest to open an art exhibition.
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He said the jail fostered his interest in amateur dramatics.
In 2004, Grantham was exposed after taking part in webcam sex sessions from his EastEnders dressing room at Elstree Studios.
He issued an apology for the scandal, which had also seen him criticise his co-stars, describing his actions as "a moment's stupidity" of which he was "wholeheartedly ashamed".
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