[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