The actor Michael Leader has died after a short illness.

He was best-known for his 31-year stint as Eastenders extra Michael the Milkman, appearing in the first episode. He was a stalwart as a background artist on scifi shows, including Red Dwarf, Blakes 7 and ’80s Doctor Who (The Leisure Hive/The Visitation/The Kings Demons/Mawdryn Undead).

He was best known among Star Wars fans as the stormtrooper who knocked his head while boarding the Deathstar in A New Hope (1977), although this particular acclamation was contested by a fellow extra. He spoke at many signings and scifi conventions around the world, and in particular, his fond memories of working with Peter Davison (the Fifth Doctor) were both heartfelt and amusing, as were Davison’s anecdotes of him.

Born in 1938, he was the son of well-known bandleader Harry Leader. He would later play the resident bandleader throughout the run of ’80s comedy “Hi de Hi”. His other diverse background comedy roles included Keeping Up Appearances and Yes, Minister.

A founder member of The Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society, his long-standing friendships across the entertainment industry included the likes of Rolling Stones founder member and hellraiser Brian Jones,Doris Day and Dame Barbara Windsor. It was Windsor who insisted that he played a small part in her exit storyline in Eastenders, when he he chauffeured her around the Square in his milk float and was given some dialogue with her to mark the importance of their friendship, and his contribution to propping up the Queen Vic bar.

Danny Dyer has led a stream of tributes after one of his EastEnders co-stars died after 31 years on the BBC soap.  Michael Leader was a familiar face on the soap, having been there since it began in 1985, and played Walford’s milkman.

He passed away on Monday, the BBC confirmed, and his co-stars have rushed to pay tribute to the much-loved actor.  The BBC’s EastEnders team said in a statement: “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.”

Meanwhile Danny, who plays Mick Carter in the soap, wrote on Twitter: “R.I.P Michael my old son. R.I.P.” with a series of heart emojis.  Bonnie Langford, who played Carmel Kazemi, added: “Our lovely Michael. A true gentleman & ‘old pro’. I’ll miss you xx.”

And Sean Slater actor Robert Kazinsky wrote: “Sorry to see you go Michael, you were always a class act.”  Meanwhile, Johnny Carter actor Ted Reilly wrote: “Michael Leader was a man who made @bbceastenders more than a T.V. show. RIP to an Albert Square legend.”

Co-star Danielle Harold added: “R.I.P Michael Such a lovely man and a true gentlemen.”  and former Doctor Who alumni Bonnie Langford took to Twitter and left a heard felt message.

Our lovely Michael. A true gentleman & 'old pro'. I'll miss you xx https://t.co/WwPBWogz8i

— Bonnie Langford (@bonnie_langford) August 24, 2016

Leader had a reputation across Showbiz as a true professional and a friend of rising talent, with the tributes on Eastenders’ Facebook page and on Twitter, including from Bonnie Langford (Mel), a testament to the support and encouragement he gave to younger members of the cast.

The Leader, as we called him, will be sorely missed at the ‘Club for Acts and Actors’ in London’s Covent Garden, a popular haven for many Doctor Who actors and fans. Married three times, he is survived by a daughter and many pals who will remember his humour, his remarkably funny anecdotes and his unstinting friendship