In Thursday’s episode of Eastenders, Stacey and Bradley’s pre-wedding lunch will get underway.  Fargo’s cancel, which means that the meal takes place at the Branning household.  As everything gets underway and toasts are made to Stacey and Bradley, Tanya receives a phone-call.  Jim has suffered a stroke, leaving Dot distraught.  While Bradley and Max think the wedding should be cancelled, Dot is adamant that it goes ahead as planned.

 Back in June, John Bardon was admitted to hospital after suffering a suspected stroke.  Bardon has played Jim for over 11 years, and his ill health occurred as the wedding storyline was being filmed.  Executives decided to write the stroke into the soap to explain the character’s absence from the wedding storyline.  It will also aid Bardon’s return to Albert Square.  It seems that Jim will return in a wheelchair, having lost the use of one of his legs.  Bardon is apparently wheelchair bound after losing the use of one of his legs.  Therefore, his return to Eastenders will be made possible without putting too much strain on him.  It is also a great opportunity for Eastenders to tackle some of the difficulties faced by those who suffer strokes and draw attention to an important issue.  I am sure we are not alone when we wish John all the best for the future, and we cannot wait to see him back on screen.