As EastEnders marks its 40th anniversary, the Daily Star is reflecting on what some of the former cast members are doing today after their time on the BBC soap.
EastEnders has welcomed hundreds of cast members through its sliding BBC doors over the course of its 40-year run, but what are some of them doing now?
From achieving Hollywood fame to stepping away from the limelight, former BBC stars have taken on a variety of paths since rising to stardom on the long-running show. We’ve decided to take a closer look at some of the actors who returned to “normal” jobs after leaving EastEnders.
In 2019, former EastEnders actress Katie Jarvis, who portrayed Hayley Slater, was unexpectedly written out of the show. Just a few months later, she was seen working at the entrance of a discount store.
At the time, the Daily Star Sunday reported exclusively that Katie was working as a security guard at B&M Bargains in East London. The 33-year-old actress shared with us that she had decided to leave acting behind.
Mum-of-two Katie explained, “I’ve taken a step back from acting. I’ve got a job and I’m focusing on looking after my kids.” Since then, Katie found herself in a scandal after shouting “black lives don’t matter” outside a fish and chip shop.
The actress was handed a community order in 2022 after pleading guilty to racially aggravated harassment and common assault in court.
Reports suggest that Katie now works in a garage and has held various other regular jobs between acting roles, some of which fans might not be aware of.
She revealed, “In between filming, I’ve completed a railway engineering course, I’m qualified in nails, I’ve tried all sorts—the list goes on and on.”
Another former star who has stepped away from the television world is Christopher Parker, who played Spencer Moon. Christopher joined the show in 2002 alongside Spencer’s older brother, Alfie Moon, portrayed by Shane Richie.
Nearly 20 years later, Christopher has transitioned to a new career, now serving as a Senior Consultant at Ignition Law. After taking on several TV projects, including co-hosting Dead Famous Live with Gail Porter in Los Angeles, he decided to pursue further education.
Christopher later graduated with a law degree from Birkbeck University in London and currently holds the position of director of business affairs and company solicitor at Insanity Group.
His LinkedIn profile also highlights his expertise: “I am a qualified solicitor specializing in commercial and media law, including commercial litigation, intellectual property, reputation management, harassment, information law, employment matters, rights management, and entertainment-based transactional work.”
In another development, former Ben Mitchell actor Harry Reid also stepped away from the limelight. Fans took notice when he promoted his new decorating and scaffolding business on Instagram.
He shared with his followers: “Now offering scaffolding services. Business is continuing to grow.”
Harry portrayed Ben Mitchell on the soap from 2014 to 2018 until Max Bowden took over the role of Phil’s son. Reflecting on his departure, Harry once shared: “I always said I would have returned. It’s disappointing because I truly enjoyed playing the character – it was a real joy as an actor to take on a role like that. It’s unfortunate I won’t get to continue his story, but that’s the nature of the business, it is what it is.”
Bradley Branning’s role was central to one of the most memorable episodes in the show’s history, and his tragic end continues to be a topic of discussion. However, actor Charlie Clements, who portrayed Bradley, now looks almost completely different.
Charlie now sports a beard and glasses, a far cry from Bradley’s clean-cut look on the soap. Since departing from the show in 2010, the actor has explored various career paths.
During the lockdown, Charlie found himself between jobs after working at a restaurant and later taking on a chef role at a garden center. He shared with the Loose Women panel: “Acting is my first love and career choice, but at the end of the day, I’m a working actor. I’ve got bills to pay and a family to support, just like everyone else.”
In recent months, Charlie revealed that he traded his chef duties for a job on the golf course, becoming a groundskeeper at a local venue. He shared a photo of himself in a turquoise Greenkeeper uniform with the caption: “Swapped chef whites for the greens.”
The 37-year-old dad-of-three has since created a new Instagram profile focused on his passion for golf, hoping to turn it into his main gig. He told his followers, “I know some of you might not be into my golf posts, but for those who are, go follow me at @charlieclementsgolf.”
Charlie also added, “Since becoming a Greenkeeper a year ago, this moment is definitely one of the highlights… Touching the hallowed turf of Centre!”
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