[Scarlett.]

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.

Jim is in a nursing home but returns to Albert Square for his birthday celebrations.

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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Poor guy

[Matt08]

I hope he'll be alright. It's a real shame that he's had a second stroke, just as he's just overcoming the first one. Maybe this stroke won't be as severe as the first one.

[Christina]

Oh no not another one, hope hes ok x

[kerri]

Argh thats so sad an just as he was recovering from the first so well, i hope hes gonna be ok xx

[kerri]

Argh thats so sad an just as he was recovering from the first so well, i hope hes gonna be ok xx

[Jackie]

On eastenders last night they mentioned he was coming home I suppose they will have to change the story line.I do hope he gets better soon.

[Marc]

Aww ffs, poor man I hope he gets better soon and does nothing but rest and enjoy the rest of his life.

[pattshau123]

My name is shaun I am a care assistant in lincolnshire. I am asking people to show their support and sponsor me for my first ever marathon and to help raise cash for the Stroke Association.



I am running the Flora London Marathon in April and I hope to raise £2,000 in memory of my granddad who suffered a fatal stroke.



Strokes are the third most common cause of death in the UK. Each year, around 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. Most affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies.



The cash raised will go towards research into the causes and effects of strokes and how they can be prevented and treated.





To make a pledge, visit http://www.justgiving.com/shaun_patton.


Thankyou for your time.


Shaun