
Frank Barrie dead: EastEnders star and theatre legend whose career spanned 5 decades dies aged 88 as family pays tribute
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
EASTENDERS star and theatre legend Frank Barrie has died at the age of 88.
The actor, director and writer was incredibly successful as a Shakespearean actor throughout his career and in 2010 featured on the long-running BBC soap.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
3
EastEnders star and theatre legend Frank Barrie has died at the age of 88
3
He had featured in episodes of EastEnders in 2010, playing choir master Edward Bishop - a friend of Dot Cotton
Credit: BBC
3
Frank was well-known for his frequent portrayals of Shakespearean characters
Frank's obituary states that he passed away on June 30 "peacefully at his home", comforted by his wife Mary and daughter Julia.
His appearance on EastEnders marked his most recent appearance on screen, playing choir master Edward Bishop - a gentleman friend of veteran character Dot Cotton, portrayed by the late June Brown.
Prior to this final appearance on TV, Frank had featured in countless Shakespearean productions, including Macbeth, Hamlet, and The Merchant of Venice.
His acting debut came in 1959 during a production of Henry IV, Part 2 at the York Theatre Royal.
More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Belfast Telegraph
4 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Jeffery Dudgeon on the story of the NI Gay Rights Association and his doubts about ‘queer' activism today
In the 1970s and early 1980s, Jeffery Dudgeon was the public face of the gay rights movement in Northern Ireland. He was a prominent figure in the campaign again laws targeting homosexuals – a campaign which endured a vicious backlash in the shape of Ian Paisley's 'Save Ulster from sodomy' group. His victory in the campaign for decriminalisation has now been beautifully told in a short film from the BBC called 'Outlasting'. The piece was directed by Lewis Doherty. Both Mr Lewis and Mr Dudgeon joined Ciarán Dunbar on the BelTel.


Metro
4 minutes ago
- Metro
EastEnders actress and Love Island star confirm romance
Love Island star Michael Griffiths has officially confirmed his relationship with EastEnders actress Rukku Nahar after months of fans speculating the pair were together. The 33-year-old reality TV star, who rose to fame during the 2019 season of the ITV dating show, made things Instagram official with Rukku, 29, as they enjoyed a glamorous night out at the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Daniel Dubois boxing match at Wembley Stadium. The couple shared a series of affectionate snaps from ringside, leaving little doubt about their blossoming romance. The duo first sparked dating speculation in October 2023 when they appeared together at the London premiere of Venom: The Last Dance. Since then, fans have kept a close eye on their social media accounts, but this marks the first time they've gone public with their relationship. In the pictures, the pair looked loved up and inseparable, with Michael planting a kiss on Rukku's cheek and cuddling up to her as they watched the heavyweight fight. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. Sharing the post with his 1 million followers, Michael captioned the moment: 'Her first official fight night 💥🥊 And what a night it was, here's to many more adventures 🌎'. Rukku Nahar is no stranger to the spotlight. The British actress is best known for portraying Habiba Ahmed in EastEnders between 2019 and 2020. Her character was introduced as the younger sister of Iqra Ahmed, and the duo made waves as the first Muslim sisters to own and operate a business in Albert Square. Habiba was known for her fiery personality and romantic entanglements, including a controversial relationship with the much older Adam Bateman. Rukku's departure from EastEnders in 2020 left fans disappointed, as her character left Walford abruptly following the breakdown of her relationship. Outside of Walford, Rukku has appeared in several popular UK television series, including Wolfblood, Doctors, and Flatmates, showing her versatility as an actress. Despite stepping away from EastEnders, Rukku has continued to build her career in both television and film. Most recently, she's been linked to new projects and has hinted at expanding into international roles on social media, with fans eager to see her next move. Michael, meanwhile, continues to be one of the most talked-about personalities from the Love Island franchise. His time on the show was filled with drama, particularly when he dumped fan-favourite Amber Gill in favour of Joanna Chimonides during the infamous Casa Amor twist. Viewers were outraged, but Amber ultimately went on to win the series with Greg O'Shea, and the nation's hearts. Amber's post Love Island career has flourished. In addition to winning the £50,000 cash prize, she secured major brand deals with Misspap and Littlewoods, and has spoken openly about her experiences in the public eye. More Trending She also made headlines for her relationship with Scottish footballer Jen Beattie, which lasted nearly a year before ending amicably in late 2023. With both Michael and Rukku now thriving in their respective careers and seemingly in love, it looks like this reality star and soap actress duo could be a new power couple to watch. As they continue to share glimpses of their romance with fans, many will be keeping a close eye on what's next for the pair, both on screen and off. View More » MORE: Emmerdale star Natalie J Robb reveals why she has never married after her 'world shattered' MORE: Danny Miller in awe as he issues update on wife Steph after birth of third child MORE: Coronation Street legend Maureen Lipman reveals difficulties she has on set


Scottish Sun
5 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
BBC star left flummoxed by tricky Celebrity Catchphrase puzzle – but could you solve it?
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BBC Sport presenter Mark Chapman was left scratching his head on Celebrity Catchphrase after struggling to guess a well-known saying in the final round. Viewers were shouting at their telly screens as the well-known face stumbled over a baffling brainteaser in the final round. 2 BBC favourite Mark Chapman was left stumped by a baffling Celebrity Catchphrase puzzle Credit: ITV 2 Host Stephen Mulhern encouraged him to keep guessing - but Mark just couldn't see it Credit: ITV Mark appeared on the ITV gameshow hosted by Stephen Mulhern in a bid to raise money for charity. After making it through to the final round, Mark had his skills put to one final test, going against the clock to answer questions on the catchphrase pyramid. The 51-year-old, best known for hosting Match of the Day 2 and BBC Radio 5 Live, was left stumbling over his words as the clock ticked down. But would you have any luck? In the clue, Mr Chips was filling up his white van with petrol. The gauge went from E for empty to full, which had an icon of a brown cowboy hat. Mark made several unsuccessful guesses from 'full gallon' to 'filling the tank' to 'one gallon hat'. Do you get it? The answer was: It's full to the brim. Mark was unfortunately unable to figure it out in the timeframe, though he didn't go home empty-handed, earning an incredible £14,000 for his chosen charity. Watch as Celebrity Catchphrase star flounders over tricky puzzle and misses out on big money Mark and Kelly Cates were announced as Gary Lineker's Match of the Day replacements in January, with Gabby Logan making up the new-look trio. Lineker's BBC exit has sparked a battle between his three successors over who will lead the World Cup coverage, SunSport exclusively revealed. Insiders said that the three also be competing to take the main presenting job for next year's FA Cup Final. Top 10 earners at the BBC MOTD Star Gary Lineker retained his place as top earner for another year Gary Lineker - £1.35million Zoe Ball - £515,000 - cut from £950,000 Alan Shearer - £440,000 - up from £380,000 Greg James - £425,000 - up from £415,000 Fiona Bruce - £410,000 - up from £405,000 AND Nick Robinson - £410,000 - up from £345,000 Stephen Nolan - £405,000 Laura Kuenssberg - £395,000 - up from £325,000 Vernon Kay - £390,000 - up from £320,000 Justin Webb - £365,000 - up from £320,000 Naga Munchetty - £355,000 - up from £345,000 Lineker earned a staggering FOUR TIMES more than his Match of the Day successor Mark Chapman last season. The BBC have published their annual salaries list, with Lineker, 64, far and away their top earner in 2023-24. The former England striker spent 26 years as MOTD host and saw his pay reach a whopping £1.35 million per year. Mark pocketed a cool £325,000 last year for his work with the BBC, which included 120 episodes of Radio 5 Live, the Olympics, Euro 2024 and, of course, Match of the Day 2. Despite his array of stellar work, 'Chappers' earned more than £1m LESS than his MOTD predecessor, Lineker - who officially quit the BBC in June - last year alone.