EE - Jim returns to square

misslisalynn · Joined: 12 May 2006 Location: Virginia

Absolutly brilliant to have him back, even if it's only for a few episodes. It's amazing how far he has come.

Twirley · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: North Carolina

It'll be good to see him back. And doesn't he look dapper in that photo with his wife...?!

eefanincan · Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Canada

I can't wait to see this episode. I hope they manage to inject a little bit of Jim's sense of humour into it.

Skylace · Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

For so many reasons this is great. Not only will it be wonderful to have the character of Jim back on the screen but the knowledge that John Bardon is healthy enough to be back at work is wonderful.
So many people think that when you have a stroke that's it. His getting himself out there will really help raise awareness.

faceless · admin Joined: 25 Apr 2006

EastEnders' Jim suffers suspected 2nd stroke
By Allison Martin
9/08/2008

Eastenders' star John Bardon was last night rushed to hospital with a second suspected stroke. John, 68, who plays Dot Cotton's husband Jim Branning, was said to be in a "comfortable" condition. The Lister Hospital, Chelsea, West London, confirmed that he had been admitted.

The Laurence Olivier award winning actor had already filmed a one-off special of his return to the BBC show due to be aired on Monday.

John suffered a stroke in June last year and has struggled to return to work. He had been regaining his speech and mobility after his first stroke. But the veteran actor from Hitchin, Herts, was thrilled to be back on set and was looking forward to returning permanently.

Producer Diederick Santer said: "We felt the character of Jim is so well-loved the audience want to see his return."

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pirtybirdy · 'Native New Yorker' Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: FL USA

oh, that's terrible. I'm thinking the stress of coming back permanently wouldn't be a good thing for him. I wish him all the best.

eefanincan · Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Canada

Just when he seemed to be doing so well. Here's hoping it's something he can recover from.

Twirley · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: North Carolina

Just watched the episode where Jim returns for his birthday, and it was great to see him on screen again. Knowing that the actor isn't acting his illness makes it all the more amazing that he came back at all. I wonder what will happen now he's had this 2nd stroke...maybe that's the last we've seen of Jim. I would hope not but whatever is best for John Bardon is what counts.

pirtybirdy · 'Native New Yorker' Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: FL USA

I thought it was good, and some things he said I understood, and he still did the good Jim facial expressions. It was good to see him again.

Skylace · Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

It was great seeing him again. I thought the episode was handled well. I also have to wonder if they knew this might be his last performance (not that they predicted the second stroke) because they did have him leaving in the back of the cab and it almost felt like a good bye. However, I could just be thinking that because I knew of the second stroke before I watched.
I do hope he can come back again but if he is unable to I am glad we got to enjoy his performance one last time.

eefanincan · Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Canada

Why does everyone seem to leave the square in the back of a cab????????? Is there no other way?

SpursFan1902 · Pitch Queen Joined: 24 May 2007 Location: Sunshine State

I cried like a baby. According to the paper today, a rep for the actor said that it was not another stroke and that he was fine, but it was the Sun....

Skylace · Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

eefanincan · Admin Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Location: Canada

Nice! It'll be good to see him back Smile

But I think it's funny that June Brown says "and we've tried to make it more jolly, not so bloomin' dreary." That would be a first for an Albert Square Christmas!