Harold Legg

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Harold Legg is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by actor Leonard Fenton. Dr. Harold Legg is one of the original twenty-three characters invented by the creators of EastEnders, Tony Holland and Julia Smith. Dr. Legg made his first appearance on 19 February 1985, the show's debut episode, and served as the soap's original general practitioner. His character was written out of the series in 1997 but made several guest appearances until 2000. In 2018, it was announced that Dr. Legg would return to the show, marking Fenton's return to the role after an 18-year absence. He made his last appearance in February 2019.

Character Development and Impact

Dr. Harold Legg is depicted as a kind-hearted, wise, and compassionate doctor who served the community of Walford, a fictional borough in East London. His Jewish heritage and experiences as a child of immigrants in the East End of London were occasionally explored, adding depth to his character and providing insight into the multicultural landscape of London's East End. Dr. Legg's storylines often involved him providing medical and moral support to the residents of Walford, dealing with issues ranging from everyday health concerns to more dramatic events such as diagnosing HIV/AIDS, which was a groundbreaking storyline during the 1980s.

Throughout his tenure on EastEnders, Dr. Legg's character was involved in various significant storylines, including the emotional departure of his long-time friend and confidante, Lou Beale, and confronting anti-Semitism, reflecting social issues and challenges of the time. His relationships with other characters, such as Dot Cotton, with whom he shared a close friendship, were central to his character's development and the show's narrative.

Return to EastEnders

In 2018, it was announced that Dr. Harold Legg would return to EastEnders, reuniting him with his old friend Dot Cotton. His return storyline dealt with his diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer, allowing for the exploration of themes such as aging, illness, and mortality. Dr. Legg's character remained true to his roots, displaying dignity, strength, and compassion until his death in February 2019. His final storyline was praised for its sensitivity and for providing a fitting farewell to one of the show's original characters.

Legacy

Dr. Harold Legg is remembered as a pioneering character in British soap opera history, embodying the spirit of community and the importance of compassionate healthcare. His storylines addressed significant social issues, making him a beloved character among EastEnders fans. Leonard Fenton's portrayal of Dr. Legg has been lauded for its authenticity and depth, contributing to the character's lasting impact on the show and its audience. Template:EastEnders-stub