John Bardon's musical recovery

Thursday, 4 February 2010

'EastEnders' star John Bardon is making a "steady recovery" thanks to music therapy classes.

The 70-year-old actor - who portrays Jim Branning in the BBC One show - is attending musical treatment sessions every week to help him recover from the serious stroke he suffered in June 2007, which left him unable to walk or speak.

John is now looking forward to returning to the soap on a more permanent basis after the new treatment boosted his health so dramatically.

His wife Edna told The Sun: "John's made steady progress. He is now able to walk with a stick and has returned the hospital bed which he used to have at home.

"He attends music therapy classes three times a week and will be back on screen in 'EastEnders' later this month."

The music treatment classes work by encouraging stroke victims to sing along to popular songs - often recorded by country singer Kenny Rogers - with the hope of improving their memory and speech.

As well as undergoing treatment himself, John and his spouse have also visited stroke victims at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent to help life their spirits.

John's vocal ability has improved so much recently, he has been able to shoot major scenes with June Brown - who plays Dot Cotton - for a 25th anniversary special.

A spokesman for 'EastEnders' said: "John has been back filming scenes at 'EastEnders' for some time now and it is fantastic to have him back on set.

"As long as John is fit and happy he will continue to be part of the show."