Danny Dyer leads tributes following death of beloved EastEnders extra Michael Leader

Danny Dyer has paid tribute to long-time EastEnders extra Michael Leader who died on Monday.

The actor lead a stream of Twitter tributes to the beloved extra, who has been in the background on the soap since it started in 1985.

After the BBC confirmed news of his death on Wednesday, Dyer wrote: “R.I.P Michael my old son. R.I.P.”

A statement from the broadcaster read: “We were terribly saddened to hear that our dear friend and colleague Michael Leader passed away on Monday.

“Michael has been on the show since the very first episode and will be sorely missed by the EastEnders family, past and present.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are extended to his nearest and dearest.”

Bonnie Langford, who plays Carmel Kazemi in the soap, also offered her condolences on the social networking site.

“Our lovely Michael. A true gentleman & 'old pro'. I'll miss you xx,” she wrote.

Ted Reilly, who played Johnny Carter, added: “Michael Leader was a man who made @bbceastenders more than a T.V. show. RIP to an Albert Square legend."

Leader played a milk man on Albert Square for over 30 years and wasn’t given any lines for 16 years.

After helping home a drunken Kat Slater, Leader famously asked her father Charlie: “Is this yours, Squire?”

Leader is also well-known for playing the Stormtrooper who hits his head during Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope.

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