EASTENDERS - JOHN BARDON SET TO RETURN TO EASTENDERS AFTER STROKE

John Bardon is set to return to the BBC soap opera EastEnders after suffering a serious stroke last June.

The show's producers have said that Bardon, who plays Jim Branning, could return in the summer after making good progress in his recovery.

Bardon, 68, is still regaining the ability to walk and speak but has told the Albert Square bosses that he would like to return to the soap.

"John is doing really well and we're overwhelmed he wants to return," a BBC spokeswoman said.

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

Bardon initially joined EastEnders in 1996 and his character was temporarily written out of the show with a story line saying Jim Branning had also suffered a stroke.

Reports claim that Bardon's on-screen wife June Brown, who plays Dot Cotton, is "thrilled" as the prospect of his return.

"He is walking now and can move his arm again. He just needs to work on talking," Brown said.

The pair have twice won best couple at the British Soap Awards.