Jim branning

Aja · Post by **Aja** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 5:13 am

BRAVE EastEnders favourite John Bardon is set to stun fans by returning to the show just months after suffering a serious stroke.

John, 68, who plays Dot Cotton’s hubby Jim Branning, is still regaining speech and walking ability after last June’s attack.

But he has told TV bosses he wants to get back to the Square.

Jim’s absence was also blamed on a stroke.

Special show ... Dot recording a tape for him
In a special solo show earlier this year, Dot was seen recording a message telling her hubby she couldn’t face caring for him at home.

Just weeks ago June, 81, revealed she missed John “very much”. She said she “shed a couple of tears” while watching her solo episode.

And a show insider told The Sun: “June is thrilled John is returning.”

Grumpy

June had said she felt “grumpy” since John’s departure left her with fewer good storylines.

She said: “You get cross and grumpy sometimes, or resentful.

“You don’t get good storylines and you hang around just to say lines like, ‘I’ll have a tomato juice’.” But last week EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer visited John – being cared for by wife Enda – about his comeback.

A show source said: “John is doing really well and we’re overwhelmed he wants to return.

“Other people who have suffered serious strokes can be given a boost by watching John.”

John will go back to the EastEnders studios in Elstree, Herts, in the summer.

But the whole plan will depend on his rehabilitation.

June – who has made frequent visits to her co-star – said: “He is walking now and can move his arm again. He just needs to work on talking.”
The Sun

Post by **Skylace** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:57 am

That is great news indeed. I am hoping his rehab goes well. It would be great to have him back. June Brown is also right, without him there, they have kind of pushed her to the wayside. I miss seeing Dot do a bit more than tidy the kitchen and go to the pub.

Post by **eefanincan** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:12 pm

I'm so glad to hear this! I miss Jim. And I think this could raise a lot of interest in stroke rehab/recovery ---- it affects far more people than we can imagine. It would be great if they can work a lot of this into the storylines without there being too much "Poor Jim", "Oh look at him - not like he used to be." I think there's a lot of room to include some of Jim's wonderful humour , which I miss

Kezza · Post by **Kezza** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:53 pm

This is great news -- so happy to hear that John Bardon is recovering and will be back on the square!

SpursFan1902 · Post by **SpursFan1902** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:23 pm

Hooray!! What a guy, our Jim. I miss him too. I can't wait for him to come "home".

misslisalynn · Post by **misslisalynn** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 3:09 pm

Yippee! It's great news that he's coming back. The Square hasn't been the same without him.

pirtybirdy · Post by **pirtybirdy** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 6:24 pm

Wow! Wonderful news! Good for him! I am looking forward to seeing him back on the square.