Sun Club
END OF THAT

EastEnders star Ian Lavender reveals he is unable to return to the soap as BBC bosses can’t insure him due to health problems

He left the show last year after he became ill with sepsis

EASTENDERS star Ian Lavender has revealed he is unable to return to the soap as BBC bosses can't insure him due to health problems.

The actor, 72 - who found fame in Dad's Army - left the show last year after he became ill with sepsis.

Advertisement
Ian Lavender has revealed he is unable to return to the soap as BBC bosses can't insure him due to health problems

He previously battled cancer and a heart attack.

He appeared in EastEnders as Derek Harkinson, a friend of Pauline Fowler, who was played by his real-life pal Wendy Richard.

Ian,  first famous for his role as Private Frank Pike, said he would go back to the soap.

But added: "I don't think they could get me insured now."

Advertisement
he said: "I've got nothing but admiration for all the soaps, for the getting on to the screen of three and four episodes a week."

The actor found fame as Private Frank Pike and later appeared in EastEnders as Derek HarkinsonCredit: PA:Press Association

He added: "The pure discipline of that."

Lavender said after the last episode of Dad's Army in 1977 he asked creator David Croft if Uncle Arthur was Pike's father.

Advertisement

Ian added: "He looked at me and said, 'Of course he is!'" Radio Times is on sale now.

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.

machibet777.com