EASTENDERS has paid tribute to a show legend after he died.

The BBC soap posted a tribute to late star Frank Barrie after the legendary actor, director and writer died at the age of 88.

The tribute read: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Frank Barrie has passed away. Our love and thoughts are with Frank’s family and friends.”

A statement from Frank’s agency Scott Marshall Partners stated he passed away on June 30 “peacefully at his home”, comforted by his wife Mary and daughter Julia.

It read: “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.”

His appearances on EastEnders in 2010 and 2011 marked his most recent time on screen, playing choir master Edward Bishop – a gentleman friend of veteran character Dot Branning, 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.

From this came a five-decade-long career in acting, including the creation of his one-man show Macready! which toured 65 countries across the world.

After a number of Shakespeare roles with the Bristol Old Vic, Frank then joined the National Theatre in 1969.

This led him to play many leads in Laurence Olivier’s company, including Mirabell in The Way of the World with Geraldine McEwan, Wendoll in A Woman Killed with Kindness with Joan Plowright, and Bassanio to Olivier’s Shylock in The Merchant of Venice.

Other stage roles included performances in The Woman in Black and Lunch With Marlene.

His solo show Macready! won Frank the London Critics Plays and Players Award for Best Actor when it was performed in the West End.