Eastenders’ Cast Pay Tribute To Mike Reid

Tributes have been paid to actor and comedian Mike Reid who has died aged 67. He played Frank Butcher in BBC One's EastEnders, making his last appearance in December 2005.

John Yorke, Controller, Drama Production Studios, BBC, said: "Frank Butcher was one of a select group of truly great EastEnders characters and the skill with which Mike Reid played him made him one of the most popular and well-loved of all.

"Frank could break your heart and make you prostrate with laughter – often at the same time.

"Mike's genius was to capture the heart of that flawed dreamer and make generations of viewers love him.

"Albert Square – and British television – will be a far poorer place without him, as will the lives of those who loved and worked with him throughout his extraordinary career."

Pam St Clement, who with Mike Reid in EastEnders played husband-and-wife, said: "I'm sorry to lose such a dear friend and colleague and my thoughts are with Shirley [Mike's wife].

"It has come as a terrible shock, somebody larger than life as Mike was a person and character, he seemed indestructible."

And EastEnders actor Adam Woodyatt said: "Mike used to brighten up long filming days, keeping the cast and crew laughing.

"I can remember him on Runaround when I was a kid and was so chuffed when he joined the cast.

"He could take a joke as well, we once played his record 'There once was an ugly duckling' over the Tannoy to wind him up, he just let out this great laugh.

"He was a great man and our thoughts are with Shirley and his family."