Walford's much loved Jim Branning returned to Albert Square in a very special episode this week. Like his onscreen alter-ego, John Bardon suffered a stroke last year, so the scene was emotional for everyone involved.

Clearly, you thought so too - as we've had some lovely comments about the episode. These have been passed to John and his family who are extremely touched by everyone's kind words. Read on, or if you haven't seen the episode watch it now

Judith

Great to see Jim, John Bardon back on screen tonight. What a trooper and true professional. It brought a tear to my eye. He must be such an inspiration to so many stroke sufferers. Please pass on my very best wishes for a continued recovery.

Jemma

After watching tonight's programme I would just like to congratulate John Bardon on his very brave and courageous return to the programme. I was very touched at the way the cast and crew have dealt with this matter. I have a brother of only 31 who suffered a stroke three years ago and it is so difficult for people of all ages. I am so pleased to see that matters like these are being shown and not ignored. Well done to you all and let's hope that we see lots more of John in the future. I wish John and his family the best of luck.

Kerry

Well done EE. The episode of Jim coming home for his birthday was brilliant. My dad had a stroke three years ago and he was the same as Jim down his right side and it affected his speech. He knew what you were saying but couldn't respond. Sadly my father passed away last year and that is the first time I have seen anyone like that since. To watch it was heartbreaking and I cried painfully through the whole episode, but it was treated with such dignity and respect. I couldn't turn it off... it brought back a lot of memories and i would like to thank you for an excellent portrayal of what stroke victims really go through. So thank you again and please send my love to him and his real life family as I understand totally how hard life can be following a stroke. Make the most of every day and cherish him. xxxx

Jeremy

I have just watched two deeply moving performances in Jim's homecoming scene, from Dot certainly, but above all from Jim. The whole section had an authenticity and a power that really touched a nerve. My wife has had a stroke and is aphasic. I recognise the real thing when I see it and can understand Jim's courage in performing before the camera. EastEnders is to be lauded for being the only soap I can recall to feature aphasia, a debilitating and little understood post stroke condition.

Andree

I would like to say that the episode tonight was a very emotional one. My husband had a stroke last year almost the same as Jim's and the way Dot came across certainly portrayed the feelings of a loved one. Those feelings are not always said out loud.

Michelle

Just wanted to say how very true to life and touching tonight's episode was with Jim's return after his stroke. My dad, like Jim, had a stroke last summer and physically has similar symptoms - limited mobility and limited use of one hand. The similarities were unreal as my dad even loves Al Jolson and you chose this music for Jim's party. I was moved by the whole episode and found it hard to stop my tears. It is good to see you showing life after a stroke and that it can go on with the efforts of the individual, their family and friends. I hope to see Jim back on screen on a more regular basis.

Sara

I am so pleased that you have chosen to highlight the effects a stroke can have on a person and their family and friends, particularly the issues around aphasia - the hidden disability, via Jim's storyline. I am a speech and language therapy student and have been fortunate enough to befriend a person who is a stroke survivor with aphasia and we had many 'chats' using pen and paper, drawing, photos etc and he often said how frustrated and isolated he felt as a result of not being able to speak. I hope that this storyline raises viewers' awareness of aphasia and some understanding of how communication is so much more than speech.

Nikki

I just wanted to say what a brilliant episode last night's was. It had me in tears. I don't know whether it felt real because of his acting or because I know he was ill, but it was definitely effective and had me in streams of tears!! Well done Jim!! I bet Dot is proud!!

Tracey

Our hearts, hopes and prayers go out to John Bardon for a full recovery. I cried all the way through EastEnders tonight as I'm sure many others did too.

Helen

Congratulations to John Bardon - fantastic actor and welcome back!!!

Barbara

Last night's episode with Jim back was superb. It was very emotional, but what an inspiration John Bardon is to everyone. Keep getting better John, we miss you.

Sarah

I thought the episode last night, 11th August 2008, was brill. Jim who came home after a stroke was so moving. I must say it brought back memories of when my nan and dad had a stroke. Stroke victims do recover slowly, and in time get better. I just would like to send my love to John Bardon who plays Jim. He is a fantastic actor. God bless you sweatheart!!!

Jacky

Very well done to EastEnders for last night's episode with the return of Jim. It couldn't have been easy for John who plays him but the episode made me cry as it seemed as if the actors were themselves saying 'welcome home' and weren't in character. I just wanted to give him a big cuddle and June Brown was again her exceptional self. Well done to all.