A FAMILIAR face on a soap opera, who was also known in Brighton and Hove, has passed away.

Michael Leader was a familiar face on EastEnders, having played Walford’s milkman since 1985. He got his first line on the soap in 2001.

The actor also played a Stormtrooper who famously hit his head in Star Wars: A New Hope and has appeared in Doctor Who and Keeping Up Appearances.

He passed away last Monday, the BBC confirmed.

The BBC's EastEnders team said in a statement: "Michael has been on the show since the very first episode and will be sorely missed by the EastEnders family, past and present."

He was the son of bandleader Harry Leader, a name unveiled on the front of a Brighton and Hove bus in 2004. Harry was born in the East End, the son of a Russian immigrant, and lived in Brighton for many years.

Michael had a flat on the seafront in Kemp Town and was brought up in Brighton.

Averil Older, chairwoman of the Max Miller Appreciation Society said: "Michael often visited Brighton to support our events.

"He was a charming man, always smartly dressed, loved the ladies and always had a twinkle in his eye.

"He will be greatly missed by many people, he was truly a one-off."

Danny Dyer on the soap led a stream of tributes on social media.

He said: "RIP Michael Leader, my old son."