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Where EastEnders’ pin-ups are now… split with Kym Marsh & rescue from Thai falls
EASTENDERS’ 40th anniversary episodes start next week and they will signal Natalie Cassidy’s final days on Albert Square. The explosive episodes, which begin on February 17, could see the sho…
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EASTENDERS' 40th anniversary episodes start next week and they will signal Natalie Cassidy’s final days on Albert Square.
The explosive episodes, which begin on February 17, could see the show icon killed off as the Queen Vic goes up in smoke.
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After nearly three decades as Sonia Fowler, Natalie Cassidy is set to leave Albert SquareCredit: BBC26
During her early days on the show, she was surrounded by hunks such as Michael GreccoCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd26
Martine McCutcheon and Danniella Westbrook were among the pin-ups the soap introducedCredit: BBCIn her early days as Sonia Jackson she was surrounded by soap’s biggest pin-ups - with Paul Nicholls and Jack Ryder sending teenagers into a swoon and the likes of Michael Greco being voted sexiest man.
And the legendary soap also launched the careers of glamorous leading ladies like Martine McCutcheon and Danniella Westbrook, turning them into household names overnight.
So where are Natalie’s famous co-stars now?
The role of Tiffany Mitchell made Martine one of Albert Square’s most popular stars.
READ MORE FEATURESMore than 22 million viewers tuned in to watch her iconic exit in a special New Year’s Eve episode.
Tiffany’s marriage to Grant was over and she had planned to elope with Beppe di Marco - taking daughter Courtney with her.
Furious Grant snatched the baby and ran - and Tiffany chased him into the square where she was hit by Frank Butcher’s car and died.
But while fans lapped up the drama, Martine herself wasn’t happy that Tiff was being killed off.
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When she handed her notice in to pursue a pop career, the star hadn't expected Tiff’s death and accused show bosses of doing it out of spite - they bit back, saying she had wanted a 'safety net’.
Martine later said she only heard about it when it was announced on the radio.
EastEnders icon reveals why she won't return to BBC soap for 40th anniversary26
Martine McCutcheon's character Tiffany's marriage to Grant Mitchell made for explosive storylinesCredit: BBC26
Martine was having her Perfect Moment in 1995Credit: Rex26
Martine recently assured fans she was looking to the future, despite her heartacheCredit: instagramBut her pop career was a success and she scored a number one hit with Perfect Moment.
In 2003 she appeared as tea lady Natalie in the hit movie Love Actually where the Prime Minister, played by Hugh Grant, fell in love with her.
Martine, now 48, headed to America after the film’s success but a Hollywood career failed to materialise.
But in 2011 she started to be plagued with health issues and was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease and fibromyalgia.
She married singer Jack McManus the following year and the couple celebrated the birth of their son Rafferty in 2015.
Sadly the couple split last summer and Martine made it clear it was his choice saying: “Jack has decided it's best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision.”
But this week she returned to social media saying she was looking forward to the future.
She wrote: "Hello everybody it has been a long time since I have been on here but I wanted to say that your messages of love and support and all sorts were so so amazing for me last year.
"So thank you so much.
"I have not been on here I have basically been finding my feet, healing, focusing on the next chapter which I am very excited about."
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Michael Greco drove fans wild and won several sexiest soap star awardsCredit: PA:Press Association26
Michael has said he would be open to an Albert Square return, despite leaving over 20 years agoCredit: Instagram/thegrecs26
He recently showed off his chiseled abs on social mediaCredit: X @MichaelGreco2As hunky Beppe di Marco, Michael Greco spent most of his time in EastEnders shirtless, sending his heartthrob status and pulses racing.
Beppe quickly established himself as an enemy to hard men Phil and Grant Mitchell, even embarking on an affair with Grant’s wife Tiffany.
At the height of his fame, Michael was voted Soap's Sexiest Male at the British TV Soap Awards and the Sexiest Male Soap Star ever by readers of the Radio Times.
But Beppe’s character was axed as part of a revamp in 2002, and Michael later spoke about how much hard work soap life was.
He said: “It’s a really tough life as a soap actor, where three to four episodes have to be filmed in one week. It’s hard work and people don’t realise that soap actors are great because they work constantly.
“They do a long shift, continuously doing scene after scene after scene, and then they have to go home and learn their lines for the next day, which is like homework.”
At one point his Wikipedia page claimed he had had a row with clown Gladys Chucklebutty at a kids’ party when Gladys made unkind comments about the 5ft 9 actor's height as he competed to win his height in pizzas.
But it appears this was a tall tale made up by a prankster and the comment was later removed.
Instead, Michael went on to become a professional poker player - regularly winning big and moving to LA.
But he left the glamour of poker to settle down with his partner Helen Harris in London and the couple now have two sons Gianluca and Gianni.
And his Beppe di Marco heart-throb days may be behind him, but he is still wowing fans with his impressive physique - showing off an impressive set of abs in an insta snap.
Despite leaving EastEnders more than 20 years ago, Michael, now 54, recently said he wouldn’t rule out a return, saying: “I wouldn't say no, because I live 20 minutes up the road from the studios.
"Also because it was a great show and five of the best years of my life. They've not asked me back yet but if they did, I would take the call."
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Paul was voted sexiest actor on two occasions and appeared on the cover of several magazinesCredit: PA:Press Association26
Over the years, he has overcome a drug and alcohol addiction and health complicationsCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdTeen heartthrob Paul was a huge hit as soon as his character, schizophrenic Joe Wicks, landed in Albert Square.
He was voted TV's sexiest actor twice - and appeared on the cover of magazines including Smash Hits, Heat, Just Seventeen and Sugar.
Paul had flings with two of the soap's leading ladies, Martine McCutcheon and Danniella Westbrook.
But the pressure of fame at such a young age became too much and he quit Albert Square after just two years, later.
At the time, he said: "People said I had too much too soon when I was playing Joe Wicks, and maybe they were right. I didn't want to be a heartthrob, and I could not handle the attention.”
Afterwards, Paul openly admitted struggling with depression and getting hooked on alcohol and drugs, saying: "I was well on my way to a total breakdown. I was drinking a lot and taking drugs.
"I had lost control of my life. The more I partied, the more I was telling myself, 'Wow, this is what acting is all about.’"
But he managed to tackle his issues and went on to star in Holby City, Waterloo Road, Law and Order: UK and Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason.
Paul, now 45, faced more off-screen drama in 2017 when he suffered a cancer scare when a benign throat tumour left him unable to speak for months.
Later that year, he almost died after spending three days trapped in a Thai rock pool after he fell trying to take a selfie.
When he was found, the star was semi-conscious and suffering from hypothermia as well as a tropical infection picked up from his untreated wounds and a broken leg.
The star made a surprise return to Albert Square last year after 27 years away.
Unfortunately, Paul's character Joe didn't actually set foot in the square, instead appearing briefly to chat on a video call with his father David Wicks (Michael French).
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Jack Ryder played Jamie Mitchell, a member of the iconic Mitchell family on the showCredit: Rex26
Jack has now found success as a directorCredit: BBCJack Ryder was just 17 when he made his debut as the floppy-haired Jamie Mitchell.
His boyish good-looks and curtains hairstyle lead to him being dubbed ‘mini David Beckham’ - and won him an army of fans.
But his time on the soap ended in tragedy when his character was dramatically killed on Christmas Day 2002.
Run over by love rival Martin Fowler, who was on his phone and driving while disqualified, Jamie was seen suffering liver damage, with his loved ones – including Peggy Mitchell, godfather Phil Mitchell and girlfriend Sonia, saying goodbye before he died.
The scene remains one of the most-watched moments in soap history, with over 20 million people tuning in to bid the character farewell.
And off-screen his life was full of drama too when he married Hearsay star Kym Marsh in 2002 and became stepdad to her two kids but they split in 2009.
"When I spotted him I told Myleene Klass, 'He's quite cute - except he looks about 12'," Kym once confessed.
"We chatted and he was flirting with me. I kinda liked him too. He had a very honest face and I could sense something between us.
"A few months earlier I'd been a single mum who spent her evenings ironing. Now I was being texted by the hottest soap star in the country."
Jack, now 44, later became a director both on stage and screen, including The Full Monty. He also joined forces with Gary Barlow and Take That’s team to co-direct West End show The Band, based on the group’s success.
Away from the limelight, Jack is now settled with long-time partner Ella, with whom he has a daughter called Marnie, born in 2021.
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Sean Maguire joined the show in 1993 in the role of Aidan26
After the show, he found huge success in Hollywood and appeared in several showsCredit: BBCHeartthrob Sean Maguire played apprentice Walford Town FC footballer Aidan who had the world at his feet when he joined the show in 1993.
But Aidan’s football career was plagued by injury and a troubled romance with Mandy Salter led to him becoming homeless and hooked on drugs.
More than 23 million fans tuned in to watch him try to tragically take his own life on the Christmas Day episode - but thankfully Mandy saved him and he fled to Ireland.
In real life, Sean’s star was rising and he launched a pop career releasing three hit albums.
After his pop career fizzled, he relocated to Los Angeles and managed to succeed in Hollywood where other Brit soap stars have struggled, starring in Eve, The Class, CSI: NY and Once Upon A Time as Robin Hood.
He married police detective Tanya Flynn in October 2012 and they have three children.
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Danniella was just 16 when she arrived on Albert Square as Sam MitchellCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd26
She became a popular pin-up as she got olderCredit: Handout26
Danniella has been open about her life from her drug addictions, rehab stints and rape horrorCredit: Getty Images - GettyNo other soap star could have had as much off-screen drama as Danniella Westbrook, who was catapulted to overnight fame as Sam Mitchell at the age of just 16.
From a romance with a pop bad boy to drug addiction, kidnap, gang rape and rehab, Danniella has faced more than her fair share of trauma.
Her battle with cocaine started when she was just 14 but it spiralled after she joined EastEnders and became a regular on the London club scene.
She once said: “I was always in clubs and everyone was doing coke and it was glamorous – except obviously, it wasn't at all. I was just very young, very stupid and very easily led.”
Danniella left the soap in 1993 to take on another role, but was invited back in 1995, by which time her drug abuse had taken over her life and was affecting her work so her contract was terminated.
But in 1999 they decided to give her another chance - but by this point her drug use had eroded her nasal septum. In 2000 she was asked to leave again.
During the height of her EastEnders fame she was dating Brian Harvey, lead singer of boyband East 17, making them a teenage celebrity power couple.
But fame took its toll and they split in 1995.
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
Tracy-Ann Oberman - Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley - Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French - French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer - Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Coming up this year...
Ross Kemp - Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp's storyline as "explosive". Kemp said it was an "absolute honour" to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
In 2013, Danniella revealed that after the split she was in a bad place with drugs and was later kidnapped, held captive for three days and gang-raped over a drug debt.
But heartbreakingly she didn’t think people would believe her or thought she had deserved it because of her addictions.
She married businessman Kevin Jenkins in 2001 and the couple had a daughter Jodie, but sadly split in 2014.
Danniella, now 51, has taken a step back from the limelight, but recently spoke about her relationship with Brian Harvey on the BBC ‘Boybands Forever’ documentary.
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Patsy Palmer first appeared on EastEnders in 1993 and had iconic storylinesCredit: Getty26
She is now a lifestyle guru and overcame a battle with addictionCredit: GettyAs one of the show's most memorable characters, Patsy Palmer's iconic "Ricky!" shriek will be forever etched in the minds of longtime fans.
Arriving on the Square in 1993 as the feisty Bianca Butcher, she immediately became a fan favourite.
Her 1997 marriage to Sid Owen's Ricky drew one of the show's biggest audiences when over 22million people tuned in.
In 1993, she bowed out of the soap but has since made several returns - her latest stint was in September 2004.
Patsy's 2007 autobiography revealed a secret addiction to drugs and alcohol. She wrote that she spent her twenties "bingeing life away on cocaine, ecstasy, and enough vodka to quench a small village's thirst for several hours."
Patsy, 52, moved to Malibu, California. In 2020 during the pandemic, she rebranded herself as a lifestyle guru and launched her own wellness page on Instagram.
But in 2021, she stormed off the set of a Good Morning Britain interview when the tagline at the bottom of the screen read: "Patsy Palmer: Addict to Wellness Guru".
She also doubles as a DJ and, last year, she rejoined the soap in her iconic role of Bianca.
In 1998, she married film director Nick Love. The couple split up in 2000. That same year, she wed her second hubby Richard Merkell.
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Michelle Gayle played Ian Beale's assistant on EastEnders before launching a pop careerCredit: Rex26
She later became a panelist on Loose Women and is now an authorCredit: GettyIn 1990, Michelle Gayle, 54, scored the role of Hattie Tavernier on the show. Her family's arrival was the first time an entire family had been introduced at once.
She was on the show for three years, with her character serving as Ian Beale's personal assistant.
Some of her most memorable storylines include suffering a miscarriage and being abandoned by her fiance.
She left the show to pursue a career in music and found moderate success as a R&B singer, releasing two top 40 albums and seven top 40 singles.
In 2007, she became a panelist on Loose Women. She is now an author.
Michelle, was married to football pundit Mark Bright but the couple divorced after 10 years in 2008.
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Lucy Speed joined EastEnders as a fresh-faced 17-year-oldCredit: BBC26
The star is now a regular on a BBC Radio 4 soapCredit: Instagram / Natalie EvansLucy Speed was just 17 when she got her big break as Natalie Price, the long-suffering best friend of Patsy Palmer’s Bianca Jackson.
But she quit the show just a year later in 1994 after struggling with the overnight fame EastEnders brought.
Lucy later said: “I was very frightened by it quite frankly and certainly unprepared for it. I didn't like at all the attention that came with being on such a high-profile show.
"It simply wasn't what I signed up for in the first place---all that craziness. I was very young and extremely shy, so it all became a huge difficulty for me.”
But she went back four years later, finally feeling ready for the challenge.
Natalie was soon embroiled in plenty of drama with a rocky marriage to Barry, an affair with best friend Bianca’s husband Ricky.
Lucy left the show for good in 2004 when heartbroken Natalie realised Janine had literally got away with murdering Barry.
READ MORE SUN STORIESOff-screen she married model and actor Spencer Hayler in 2009 and gave birth to their daughter Kitty in 2012, followed by son Sullivan in 2018.
Since EastEnders, she has been a prolific stage actress as well as having roles in Casualty and The Bill. She is now a regular in the Radio 4 soap The Archers.
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Lucy with her former EastEnders co-stars Lindsey Coulson and Patsy PalmerCredit: News Group Newspapers26
Her character was infamous for her marriage to salesman Barry EvansCredit: BBC
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