Actor and comedian Mike Reid � most famous for his role as Frank in Eastenders - passed away yesterday aged 67 in Spain, after suffering a heart attack.

He was taken ill at his villa in Marbella and later died in hospital from a heart attack.

Barbara Windsor led the tributes to her close friend and Eastenders co-star, calling him �the best�.

�This has come as a massive bolt from the blue,� said Barbara, who played Frank�s ex-wife Peggy in the show.

�I just can�t believe it. He was not even that old and it�s come as a massive shock to me.�

She adds: �I had some of my best scenes with him. He really brought out the best in me. He was a wonderful man and he always had a mischievous tinkle in his eye.�

The real life East Ender made his name on London�s stand-up comedy circuit in the 60s, before hosting ITV children�s quiz show Runaround in the 70s.

He joined the cast of Eastenders in 1987 and filmed his last scene as Frank in December 2005.