Former EastEnders star mourns son's death

Former EastEnders star Elaine Lordan was today mourning the loss of her baby son, who died just days after his first birthday.

James Manuel, who turned one last Tuesday, was suffering from a serious medical condition, known as a diaphragmatic hernia.

His parents thought he was “over the worst” and were said to distraught by his “totally unexpected” death on Sunday.

His death came only days after Lordan, a former star of EastEnders who recently made a brief appearance on ITV1’s I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here, had married her long-term partner and father of James.

She tied the knot with Peter last Thursday at Islington register office and James was present at the ceremony.

The youngster was born five weeks prematurely last December with an abnormal opening in his diaphragm, which can lead to abdominal organs expanding into the chest cavity.

James spent months in hospital undergoing a series of operations and surgery but was recently finally allowed home with his parents.

The couple, who have been together for 12 years, celebrated his first birthday with a small celebration at their home in north London last week.

Lordan’s agent Kate Whaley said in a statement: “It is with tremendous sadness that we can confirm that Elaine Lordan and Peter Manuel’s son James Manuel passed away on Sunday.

“Elaine, Pete and their family and friends are devastated at their loss, and request that they are given time to deal with what is an incredibly sad time for them.

“We respectively request that no calls or visits are made directly to Elaine or Pete at this sad time and at the moment have no other information.

“Thanking you all in advance for your consideration at this sad time.”

The death of Lordan’s son is the latest tragedy to befall the star after her 62-year-old mother Bernadette died after falling under a London Underground train in March.

After four years in BBC1’s EastEnders as mouthy Lynne Hobbs, the actress left the show following rows about her drinking.

Lordan’s difficult year continued as she became the first high-profile person to leave I’m a Celebrity after she collapsed twice in the jungle in two days.

She spent a further two days in hospital and although pronounced “in good health” by doctors, ITV1 bosses decided it was too risky to allow her back into camp.

Speaking after her time on the show, Lordan said she was “gutted” about leaving, but had accepted the producers’ decision – and had also realised the great outdoors was not for her.

“It was very difficult,” she said. “I don’t think I’m what you would call a natural camper. Never ever will I ever go camping again. I can categorically state that now.”

Before going on the popular competition, based in Australia, she listed her partner and her son as the things she would miss most.