EastEnders’ Danny Dyer has paid tribute to his co-star Michael Leader after he passed away on Monday (22.08.16).
The 39-year-old star – who is known for playing pub owner Mick Carter in the long-running soap – was one of the first members of the cast to pay his respects to the actor after the news of his death broke on Wednesday (24.08.16).
Taking to his Twitter account, Danny said: "R.I.P Michael my old son. R.I.P (sic)," followed by a series of red heart emojis.
Michael has been on the soap since it first hit television screens in 1985 and is known for playing the milkman.
His death was announced via a statement on the BBC website, which read: "We were terribly saddened to hear that our dear friend and colleague Michael Leader passed away on Monday. Michael has been on the show since the very first episode and will be sorely missed by the ‘EastEnders’ family, past and present. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are extended to his nearest and dearest."
Rita Simons – who recently announced she was leaving her role as Roxy Mitchell later this year – also took to her social networking site to call her co-star a true "legend."
She said: "RIP Michael. A legend and a gentleman."
And, although he’s only just joined the programme, Ted Reilly – who plays Johnny Carter – was devastated by Michael’s passing and claimed he "made" the show.
He said: "Michael Leader was a man who made @bbceastenders more than a T.V. show. RIP to an Albert Square legend. (sic)"
Danny Dyer pays tribute to co-star Michael Leader after death
