EastEnders actress Sian Blake's former partner has admitted killing the 43-year-old and her two children, according to his lawyer.

Arthur Simpson-Kent, 48, was accused of killing Ms Blake and their sons Zachary, eight, and four-year-old Amon between December 12 and December 16 last year.

Their bodies were found buried in the garden of the family home in Erith, Kent, on January 5.

The following month, Simpson-Kent was arrested at Heathrow Airport after agreeing to his extradition from Ghana.

Simpson-Kent appeared via video link from Belmarsh prison before Mr Justice Singh at the Old Bailey.

Dressed in a red T shirt and dark trousers, the bearded defendant spoke only to confirm his name.

He was to due enter pleas to the charges ahead of a provisional trial fixed for October 4.

However, arraignment was put off and the senior judge set a new timetable for the case.

Defence lawyer Jim Sturman QC told the court that his client had admitted the killings.

He said he had no objection to the defendant's position being reported.

The defendant was remanded in custody until his next hearing on July 29 when he is expected to enter pleas.

Ms Blake played Frankie Pierre in 56 episodes of EastEnders between 1996 and 1997. She was suffering from motor neurone disease before she died.