BBC EastEnders actor Ray Brooks has died at the age of 85, with his family confirming the sad news in a statement after also revealing he had been living with dementia
Soap expert Sharon Marshall paused to honour Ray Brooks during Wednesday’s edition of This Morning.
The BBC performer portrayed Joe Macer in EastEnders from 2005 until 2007, with viewers speculating about a potential departure for one Walford character this week.
Nevertheless, he was equally recognised as the voice behind the cherished character Mr Benn from the classic children’s programme of the 1970s.
Ray also featured in productions including Coronation Street and Cathy Come Home.
Tragically, it was confirmed that Ray had passed away on August 9 following a brief illness.
During the most recent episode of This Morning, Sharon Marshall delivered the latest updates from the soap world before pausing to discuss Ray, reports Plymouth Live.
READ MORE: Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan ‘still believes in love’ as she gives relationship updateREAD MORE: Emmerdale star flooded with support as they make pregnancy announcement
She said: “I did want to start EastEnders, if I may, just to pay my respects to the lovely actor Ray Brooks who recently passed away. He appeared in Coronation Street and EastEnders.
“Lovely man, I interviewed him quite a few times. Of course, the voice of Mr Benn, from childhood as well. I just wanted to say much love to the family.”
In an official statement, it was disclosed that the performer, who died surrounded by his family, had been living with dementia in recent years.
His sons, Will and Tom, said: “His three true loves were family (he also had a daughter, Emma, who died in 2003), Fulham Football Club, and spending time in Brighton, where he was born.”
Following the announcement of his passing, EastEnders’ official X account paid tribute to the departed star. Sharing a photo of Ray, they wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Ray Brooks has passed away. Ray will always be remembered fondly by everyone that worked with him at EastEnders. Our love and thoughts are with Ray’s family and friends.”
Tributes quickly poured in with one person saying: “God bless Ray he was such a great actor and funny, may you R.I.P Ray sleep peacefully x”.
Another commented: “Sad, I remember watching him on tv when I was younger and of course Mr Benn.”
One person wrote: “He was one of those actors who could do it all, make you laugh make you cry. I loved his character Robby Box in Big Deal. He was also the voice of Mr Benn . RIP Ray x”.
Whilst another shared: “Such sad news amazing actor love and Thoughts with family and friends.”
This Morning is available to watch on ITVX
#Morning #star #pays #respect #lovely #EastEnders #actor #dies
