Frank Barrie dead: EastEnders star dies as emotional tributes flood in

EastEnders star Frank Barrie has died aged 88, his agent has confirmed. The former soap star's obituary states that he passed away on June 30 "peacefully at his home", comforted by his wife Mary and daughter Julia.

The agent's statement read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved client, Frank Barrie, at the age of 88. He died peacefully at home, with his wife Mary and daughter Julia." The actor was best known for playing the role of choir master Edward Bishop on the BBC soap. The character was a gentleman friend of veteran character Dot Cotton, portrayed by the late June Brown, back in 2010. His appearance on EastEnders marked his most recent appearance on screen. His other on-screen appearances included Emergency Ward 10, No Hiding Place, Softly, Softly, Special Branch, On Giant's Shoulders and Queen Of Swords. He also found success as a director on productions of Shylock, JM Barrie and The Life And Loves Of Edith Wharton, all of which toured internationally.

Prior to this appearance on TV, Frank was incredibly successful as a Shakespearean actor. He had featured in countless Shakespearean productions, including Macbeth, Hamlet, and The Merchant of Venice Barrie.

He was also a member of Sir Laurence Olivier's National Theatre Company at the Old Vic.

His acting debut came in 1959 during a production of Henry IV, Part 2 at the York Theatre Royal. Following the success of his first role, Frank then created his own one-man show named Macready!

It played in 65 countries worldwide, representing GB at the 1982 Commonwealth Games Arts Festival in Australia. The show also won Frank the London Critics Plays and Players Award for Best Actor when it was performed in the West End.

Tributes have begun to pour in for the late star, with Jonas Cemm, a theatre director who briefly worked with Frank, writing on X (Twitter): "Very sad to hear about the passing of the great actor, Frank Barrie.

"I worked with Frank only once, but it was a rich experience. He was a gentleman, a teacher and a supportive wing man. A true man of the theatre, who will be sadly missed. RIP."