A representative has confirmed that actor Leslie Grantham who played the character 'Dirty Den' on 'Eastenders' died today, at the age of 71. 

Grantham shot to fame playing Watts in EastEnders, originally from 1985 to 1989. He played the character that everyone loved to hate, 'Dirty Den', who lied and cheated with no remorse.

A 1986 Christmas Day episode drew an audience of more than 30 million viewers, who watched as Watts handed over divorce papers to on-screen wife Angie.

The Daily Mail reported that Grantham recently returned to the UK for medical treatment having left to live in Bulgaria after the breakdown of his marriage.

A statement from his representative said: 'We formally announce the loss of Leslie Grantham, who passed away at 10.20am on the morning of Friday 15th June 2018. "His ex-wife and sons have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time."

Grantham is survived by his three children, Spike, 31, Jake, 29, and Daniel, 23, with his ex-wife, Jane Laurie, to whom he was married for 31 years.

Close friends were seen visiting the frail and gaunt Grantham in hospital before his passing. No official confirmation has been released regarding the cause of death, however, speculation suggests cancer. 

Before becoming an actor Grantham was enlisted in the army, and in 1965 was sent to West Germany with the Royal Fusiliers.

In 1966 he was involved in the murder of a taxi driver in West Germany, whom he shot in the head after a bungled robbery. He spent 10 years in jail after being convicted of murder and given a life sentence. 

It was while he was locked up he discovered his passion for acting.