EastEnders star Nicholas Ball whose character attacked a TV legend 𝕕ies aged 78

EastEnders star Nicholas Ball, known for his role as gangster Terry Bates in the BBC soap has died at the age of 78.

The star first arrived as Terry in 2007, and would continue in the role for two years. Some of his most dramatic scenes saw him attack legendary landlady Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) in the Queen Vic pub.

He was also chairman of the football club in hit ITV drama Footballers’ Wives.

In a statement, Ball’s agent said he ‘passed away following a short illness’ on Thursday and that his ‘successful acting career on stage and screen spanned an impressive six decades’.

The actor passed away on Thursday

His Albert Square alter-ego was introduced as the leader of a gang Jase Dyer (Stephen Lord) – Jay Brown’s (Jamie Borthwick) father – used to be part of.

In a dramatic plot, Terry stormed the Queen Vic pub with his heavies, under the impression Jase was on a date with Dawn Swann.

Unable to find them, Terry instructed his gang to smash the place up. They also attacked Roxy, Ronnie, Peggy Mitchell, as well as Keith Miller, Mickey, Darren, Garry Hobbs and Minty, plus Patrick and Yolande.

The following year, Terry and his gang were responsible for beating Jase to death, a storyline that also saw Billy (Perry Fenwick) hide in the bathroom because he was too frightened to save Jay’s dad.

His last appearance was to coincide with Terry’s trial. He was found guilty of murdering Jase and sentenced to life imprisonment.

In 2019, it was confirmed Terry had died at the age of 74. When wife Viv arrived in Albert Square, with Ben (Max Bowden) refusing to organise the funeral through Coker and Mitchell.

When Jay found out, he relented and agreed to bury the evil man.

EastEnders have since paid tribute to the actor, sharing in a statement: ‘We are saddened to hear that Nicholas Ball has passed away. Our thought are with Nicholas’ family and friend.’

Away from Walford, Ball had a string of roles in shows such as Jonathan Creek, Red Dwarf, Heartbeat and Bergerac.

His last role, which was recently filmed, rural drama The Kingdom By The Sea, opposite Coronation Street actress Rula Lenska.

He is survived by his widow Ayda.