EastEnders icon ‘lost everything’ and died penniless after son’s murder-suicide

Mike Reid, the EastEnders star who played Frank Butcher, died penniless in 2007 after devastating personal tragedies and financial ruin left the beloved actor brokenHe was one of Britain’s most beloved soap actors – yet behind the trilby hat and mischievous smile of EastEnders ‘ scoundrel Frank Butcher, Mike Reid’s real life was far more tumultuous than the character he portrayed.