The beloved BBC One soap EastEnders has paid an emotional homage to the late star Frank Barrie, who sadly passed away on June 30.

The actor’s passing was announced today (July 10) through a statement by his agency, confirming he has died at the age of 88.

Frank was notable for having stepped into the shoes of choir master Edward Bishop and friend to the iconic Dot Cotton (played by June Brown) in BBC One’s EastEnders, appearing in episodes in 2010 and 2011.

EastEnders expressed their condolences on Instagram with a touching message: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Frank Barrie has passed away. Our love and thoughts are with Frank’s family and friends,” and dedicated a photograph of the actor as Edward to his memory.

Devoted viewers have poured their hearts out in the comments section, sharing sentiments like: “My condolences to his loved ones and may he rest in peace.”

Another fan wrote, “Love to all family and friends at this sad time #RestInPeace,” and yet another commented, “Rest in eternal peace sending love to his friends and family at this very sad time.”

Frank’s representation, Scott Marshall Partners, confirmed the details of his demise, expressing, “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved client, Frank Barrie, at the age of 88.

“He died peacefully at home, with his wife Mary and daughter Julia.”

Frank, hailing from Scarborough, first tread the boards in 1959 in a production of Henry IV, Part 2 at the York Theatre Royal, reports Belfast Live.

This marked the start of an illustrious 50-year acting career, which saw him take centre stage in a one-man show titled Macready! and scoop the London Critics Plays and Players Award for Best Actor when it hit the West End

Throughout his career, he took on a host of Shakespearean roles with the Bristol Old Vic, including Macbeth, Hamlet and The Merchant of Venice.

In 1969, Frank became part of the National Theatre and played a variety of leading roles, including Mirabell in The Way of the World and Wendoll in John Dexter’s production of A Woman Killed with Kindness.