EastEnders and the wider world of British theatre are in mourning following the passing of the accomplished actor Frank Barrie at the age of 88.

A Fond Farewell to Edward Bishop: Dot Cotton’s Late Romance

Frank Barrie will be fondly remembered by EastEnders viewers for his role as Edward Bishop, the charming leader of the local church choir who captured the heart of the iconic Dot Cotton, played by the late, great June Brown. Their romance, which unfolded on screen from 2010 to 2011, provided heartwarming and often humorous moments for fans, showcasing a tender side of the beloved launderette queen. The news of Frank Barrie’s passing brings back poignant memories of their sweet and unexpected connection on Albert Square, prompting fans to reflect on this memorable chapter in the soap’s rich history.

A Colossal Figure of Stage, Screen, and Beyond

Beyond his memorable stint on EastEnders, Frank Barrie boasted a truly distinguished and prolific career that spanned decades across theatre, television, and even writing. A revered member of Sir Laurence Olivier’s prestigious National Theatre Company at the Old Vic, Barrie garnered widespread critical acclaim for his numerous Shakespearean roles and other iconic stage productions, including the chilling The Woman In Black and Lunch With Marlene.

His artistic reach extended globally with his acclaimed one-man show, Macready!, which was performed in an astonishing 65 countries worldwide, even representing Great Britain at the 1982 Commonwealth Games Arts Festival in Australia.

Barrie’s versatility was evident in his more than 150 screen appearances, featuring in popular shows like Emergency Ward 10, No Hiding Place, Softly, Softly, Special Branch, On Giant’s Shoulders, and Queen Of Swords. He also notably portrayed Eglamour in the BBC TV adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen Of Verona in 1983. His talents weren’t limited to acting; Barrie also found considerable success as a director for productions such as Shylock, JM Barrie, and The Life And Loves Of Edith Wharton, all of which toured internationally. Furthermore, he was a gifted writer, with credits including Wellington, The Family At Ham, The Devil You Know, and The Other Woman, the latter famously broadcast by the BBC and starring the late Dame Thora Hird.

Remembering a True Legend

Frank Barrie passed away peacefully at home on June 30th, surrounded by his loving family, including his wife Mary and daughter Julia. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era for those who admired his vast body of work on stage and screen, and particularly for EastEnders fans who will forever cherish his gentle and impactful presence as Dot Cotton’s memorable companion.

What are your most cherished memories of Edward Bishop and Dot Cotton’s relationship on EastEnders? Share your tributes to the incredible life and career of Frank Barrie in the comments below