Michael Rose (EastEnders)
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The following is a list of fictional characters that first appeared in the
BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board ex ...
soap opera ''
EastEnders ''EastEnders'' is a Television in the United Kingdom, British soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the Ea ...
'' in 1996, by order of first appearance.


Michael Rose

Michael Rose, played by
Russell Floyd Russell Floyd (born 29 May 1962 in Croydon, London, England) is a British actor. After graduating from RADA, he played Rick in 3 episodes of London's Burning as firefighter Sally Reid's swimming instructor. He also played Bridge Street Market I ...
, first appears in Walford as a Market Inspector in 1996. He initially has very few storylines, but he is chosen to be the best man at Terry Raymond (
Gavin Richards Gavin Richards (born 3 July 1946) is an English actor, writer and director. He is best known for playing Captain Alberto Bertorelli in the BBC sitcom Allo 'Allo!'' from 1987 to 1989, and Terry Raymond in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' be ...
)'s wedding (which is later called off). He has a crush on
April Branning April Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Debbie Arnold. April is the eldest daughter of Jim (John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham). April is originally introduced as the sister of establis ...
(
Debbie Arnold Debbie Arnold (born 14 June 1955) is an English actress, producer and voice artist. She is known for her portrayal of April Branning in BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' between 1995 and 1996. Arnold has portrayed regular characters in ''EastEnder ...
) but no relationship ever develops between them. Then there is the arrival of his teenage son
Matthew Matthew may refer to: * Matthew (given name) * Matthew (surname) * ''Matthew'' (ship), the replica of the ship sailed by John Cabot in 1497 * ''Matthew'' (album), a 2000 album by rapper Kool Keith * Matthew (elm cultivar), a cultivar of the Ch ...
(
Joe Absolom Joe Absolom (born 16 December 1978) is an English actor known for his roles as Matthew Rose in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'' and Al Large in the ITV comedy drama ''Doc Martin''. Early life Absolom was born in Lewisham, London. A former pu ...
) and former wife Susan Rose (
Tilly Vosburgh Matilda Vosburgh (born 17 December 1960) is a British character actress. Early life Born in the Westminster district of London, Vosburgh is the daughter of comedy writer and lyricist Dick Vosburgh and former actress Beryl Vosburgh (née Roques ...
) in 1997. His ex-wife Susan is suffering from
multiple sclerosis Multiple (cerebral) sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis, is the most common demyelinating disease, in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This d ...
and Michael ends up caring for her. Eventually he and Susan get back together and seem happy until the arrival of Lisa Shaw ( Lucy Benjamin) who is also a Market Inspector. He and Lisa become attracted to each other and have an affair behind Susan's back. Michael ends the affair and decides to leave Walford with Susan and start a new life in
Leeds Leeds () is a city and the administrative centre of the City of Leeds district in West Yorkshire, England. It is built around the River Aire and is in the eastern foothills of the Pennines. It is also the third-largest settlement (by populati ...
, with Susan unaware of the affair. He returns occasionally in 1999 when his son Matthew is wrongly imprisoned for the murder of
Saskia Duncan The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 1998, by order of first appearance. Lola Christie Lola Christie is played by Diane Parish. Lola was introduced as a love interest for Mick McF ...
(Deborah Sheridan-Taylor). Michael's last appearance is in December 1999, visiting Matthew in prison.


Dan Zappieri

Dan Zappieri, played by Carl Pizzie, made his first screen appearance on 19 March 1996. Pizzie was out of work and had just opened a bar with fellow actor Nick Pickard when he was cast as Dan. ''EastEnders'' was his first major television role. Pizzie relished the chance to play a bad guy role, as he had only ever played "regular guys" before. Dan was a drug dealer, who befriended Tony Hills ( Mark Homer). They sold drugs together and Pizzie commented that Tony was easily drawn into Dan's world as he thought it was exciting and he liked having money. When two of Dan's customers suffered serious side effects from his drugs, he was unconcerned and Pizzie noted that all Dan cared about was money. He said "He likes playing the bad guy, he thinks his life is a bit like an
Al Pacino Alfredo James Pacino (; ; born April 25, 1940) is an American actor. Considered one of the most influential actors of the 20th century, he has received numerous accolades: including an Academy Award, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy ...
movie." Pizzie found parts of Dan's storylines challenging to play, as he did not touch drugs. But he liked that the show was tackling the subject matter and the negative effects taking drugs had on people. An ''
Inside Soap ''Inside Soap'' is a weekly magazine published in the United Kingdom, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas in the United Kingdom, including '' Coronation Street'', ''Doctors'', ''EastEnders'', ''Emmerdal ...
'' columnist branded the character "Desperate Dan" and "Walford's latest villain".


Aunt Sal

Aunt Sal is played by Anna Karen, and has appeared sporadically since 21 March 1996, usually for only one or two episodes at a time. She is Peggy Mitchell's ( Barbara Windsor) sister.


Ben Mitchell

Ben Mitchell has been played by six different actors. Matthew Silver appeared as an infant Ben from 1996 to 1998, and Morgan Whittle played him as a toddler from 1999 to 2000. After a six-year absence from the series, Charlie Jones assumed the role of Ben in 2006. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood axed Jones as part of a series revamp in 2010; the role was recast to Joshua Pascoe later that year. Pascoe portrayed Ben until 24 August 2012, when he was sent to prison for the murder of Heather Trott ( Cheryl Fergison). Ben returned to the serial in September 2014, with the role recast to Harry Reid, before departing on 12 January 2018. Havingously appeared as a baby and a toddler, Ben returned to ''EastEnders'' in 2006 played by child actor Charlie Jones. Jones was cast alongside Megan Jossa, who would play his cousin Courtney Mitchell. While Ben is partially deaf, Jones is a hearing actor. '' The Guardian'' Rebecca Atkinson suggested that, as only the second disabled character in ''EastEnders'' history, Ben was introduced to fulfil a BBC quota. She criticised Jones' casting, and opined, "The use of able-bodied actors to play disabled characters is endemic. Maybe in theory there's nothing wrong with that, but while real disabled people are invisible it is downright offensive to persistently cast able-bodied people in disabled roles."


Joe Wicks

Joe Wicks, played by Paul Nicholls, appears on screen between 25 March 1996 and 14 November 1997. ''EastEnders'' was praised for the character's portrayal of schizophrenia. ''EastEnders'' story editor, Ian Aldwinkle, decided to introduce a character with schizophrenia after working on the drama series '' Casualty'', which featured violent and dramatic incidents involving people with the illness, but only focussed on the medical side. Aldwinkle researched the illness and says he was shocked to discover that it affects one in 100 people, but it was rarely spoken about. He said: "Because it has a continuing storyline, ''EastEnders'' was able to look at the effect that schizophrenia has on a family and on individual relationships. I wanted to humanise it and look at the emotional impact it has on people." He said he hoped that the storyline would be helpful, saying "It seems to me that mental illness is one of the last subjects that you can still make jokes about without being labelled politically incorrect, and that seems wrong. If I get just one letter from one person saying that the character of Joe Wicks has helped to change their life for the better, then I will be pleased."


Lorraine Wicks

Lorraine Wicks, played by Jacqueline Leonard, is introduced in April 1996, as the former wife of the already established character David Wicks ( Michael French). She is brought into the serial along with her son Joe Wicks ( Paul Nicholls). Author Kate Lock has described Lorraine as "relentlessly sensible, fair and nice" but with a "rogue gene" that prompted her to select the wrong kind of men. As well as a high-profile storyline concentrating on Joe's diagnosis of schizophrenia, Lorraine's most prominent storyline is a love triangle between herself, Grant Mitchell ( Ross Kemp) and Grant's wife
Tiffany Tiffany may refer to: People * Tiffany (given name), list of people with this name * Tiffany (surname), list of people with this surname Known mononymously as "Tiffany": * Tiffany Darwish, (born 1971), an American singer, songwriter, actress kn ...
( Martine McCutcheon). In the storyline, Lorraine discovers that Tiffany is keeping a secret from Grant – that he is potentially not the father of her unborn child. When Tiffany refuses to tell Grant the truth, Lorraine does, making way for them to become a legitimate couple, albeit briefly. Leonard commented in December 1996, "Lorraine has had a year on her own and she feels that she probably needs a bit of contact – and Grant's quite macho. It was very interesting from my point of view because Lorraine could be perceived as being bitchy and she's not. She genuinely cares about Tiffany and their marriage and the baby and she wants the whole situation sorted out. But she and Grant do like each other and care about each other and it loses control a bit."


Alistair Matthews

Alistair Matthews, played by Neil Clark, is a store manager who catches Sarah Hills ( Daniela Denby-Ashe) shoplifting in April 1996, but promises not to call the police if she attends his Christian fellowship and turns her back on her sinful ways. Sarah is captivated by Alistair's Christian preachings and joins his fellowship. Frankie Pierre ( Syan Blake) is drawn to Alistair too, and when he turns her advances down, she spreads rumours that they were sexually involved; although Alistair publicly denies this, causing Frankie's downfall in Walford. Alistair condemns Sarah for having pre-marital sex with Robbie Jackson ( Dean Gaffney) during a crisis of faith. However, Sarah is hurt to discover that Alistair does not practice the piety that he preaches, and when she realises that he is having pre-marital sex with his girlfriend Sue Taylor ( Charlotte Bellamy), she denounces him publicly in front of his congregation.


Jim Branning

Jim Branning is a fictional character from the
BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board ex ...
soap opera ''
EastEnders ''EastEnders'' is a Television in the United Kingdom, British soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the Ea ...
'', played by John Bardon. First appearing on 29 April 1996 and becoming a regular character in 1999, he remains in the series right until 2011. Jim was written out of the show in August 2007 due to Bardon suffering a stroke. A storyline was created where Jim also suffers a stroke. Bardon returned to film four episodes in the latter half of 2008. He returned permanently from the episode broadcast on 20 August 2009. On 1 April 2011 it was reported by the '' Daily Mirror'' that Bardon had filmed his final scenes and had left. He departed on 26 May 2011. On the behest of producer John Yorke in 2000, Jim was paired romantically with pensioner Dot Cotton, played by June Brown; a slow courtship is featured, with Dot often shown to be outraged by Jim's advances, resulting in numerous rejections. Dot finally succumbs and accepts his marriage proposal in an episode that first aired in November 2001; the scenes were filmed inside one of the carriages of the
London Eye The London Eye, or the Millennium Wheel, is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel, and is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United ...
on the
South Bank The South Bank is an entertainment and commercial district in central London, next to the River Thames opposite the City of Westminster. It forms a narrow strip of riverside land within the London Borough of Lambeth (where it adjoins Alber ...
of the River Thames. Their wedding first aired on 14 February 2002, Valentine's Day. ''The Guardian'' critic, Nancy Banks-Smith, described the wedding as "uniquely uneventful ..For Dot and Jim 'In sickness and health... till death do us part' seemed to carry more resonance than for most."


Suzy Branning

Suzy Branning (originally known as Sue) is the daughter of Jim and Reenie Branning ( John Bardon and Joy Graham). She is first seen in 1996 for her sister
April Branning April Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Debbie Arnold. April is the eldest daughter of Jim (John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham). April is originally introduced as the sister of establis ...
(
Debbie Arnold Debbie Arnold (born 14 June 1955) is an English actress, producer and voice artist. She is known for her portrayal of April Branning in BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' between 1995 and 1996. Arnold has portrayed regular characters in ''EastEnder ...
)'s wedding to her fiancé Nikos, along with her children, Rebecca and Kevin. Initially played by Julie Christian-Young in 1996, Maggie O'Neill took over the role in 2008. O'Neill began filming in May 2008, and she made her first on-screen appearance as Suzy on 8 July 2008.'Shameless' actress joins 'EastEnders'
, ''Digital Spy''. Retrieved 23 April 2008.
She made her last appearance on Boxing Day 2008.


Derek Branning

Derek Branning, played by Terence Beesley in 1996 and Jamie Foreman from 2011 to 2012, is the eldest child of Jim Branning ( John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham). Derek made his first appearance on 29 April 1996 and departed not long after. The character returned as a regular character on 24 November 2011, played by Foreman. Derek is originally portrayed as a racist and is against his sister Carol ( Lindsey Coulson) marrying
Alan Alan may refer to: People *Alan (surname), an English and Turkish surname * Alan (given name), an English given name **List of people with given name Alan ''Following are people commonly referred to solely by "Alan" or by a homonymous name.'' *A ...
( Howard Antony). Derek is described as a "charmer" Iand "proper East-End". In an interview with '' Daybreak'', Foreman said he wants viewers to "like Derek" Discussing Derek's personality, Foreman told '' TV Choice'': "There's always this little undercurrent of, 'This guy isn't who we want around for long', if you see what I mean. Derek's just come back from a 10-year prison sentence for armed robbery. He's a very complicated character, who could either be perceived as a bully or as someone who cares for his family very much." The character was killed off on Christmas Day 2012, after suffering a heart attack.


Reenie Branning

Reenie Branning played by Joy Graham, is the first wife of Jim Branning ( John Bardon), and mother of Derek Branning ( Terence Beesley/ Jamie Foreman),
April Branning April Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Debbie Arnold. April is the eldest daughter of Jim (John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham). April is originally introduced as the sister of establis ...
(
Debbie Arnold Debbie Arnold (born 14 June 1955) is an English actress, producer and voice artist. She is known for her portrayal of April Branning in BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' between 1995 and 1996. Arnold has portrayed regular characters in ''EastEnder ...
), Carol Jackson ( Lindsey Coulson), Suzy Branning (Julie Christian-Young/ Maggie O'Neill), Max Branning ( Jake Wood) and Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen). Reenie is said to be very maternal and dotes on all of her children, despite their faults. She is particularly close to her oldest daughter April, whilst her relationships with daughters Carol and Suzy are notably strained due to their choice of lifestyle. Reenie appears on-screen in April 1996, in the lead-up to April's wedding to her fiancé
Nikos Nikos ( el, Νίκος, ''Níkos'') is a Greek given name. It originates from Greek ''Nikolaos'', which means "victory of the people".Liddell & Scott, Abridged Greek Lexicon Although used as a proper first name, Nikos is also a popular nickname of t ...
(Yorgos Glastras). She does not appear alongside her youngest sons, Max and Jack, as they were written into the series much later. Off-screen, in October 1999 it is revealed that Reenie is critically ill, and her daughter Carol leaves Walford to care for her. A few weeks later Reenie dies.


Huw Edwards

Huw Edwards, played by
Richard Elis Richard Elis (born 1975) is a Welsh actor. He was brought up in the Amman Valley, Wales. He trained at the Welsh College of Music and Drama and graduated in 1996, aged 21 Days before he graduated, Elis was asked to audition for London casting ...
, is introduced in 1996 and remains on-screen till 1999. Welsh actor Richard Elis was cast in the minor role of Huw for a period of three episodes in 1996; however, producers enjoyed the character and his contract was extended. It was reported in December 1998 that executive producer Matthew Robinson had axed Huw because the character was "going nowhere". However, Elis claimed in 2010 that he decided to leave the role in 1999 after three years playing Huw as he feared being typecast. Elis has commented, "My agent at the time told me that if you are in a soap for three years, it takes three years for the viewers to forget you, whereas if you are in one for five years, it takes another 10 years before they forget you. I just felt it was time to go. It was great to be on it but it was just a job to me."


Lenny Wallace

Lenny Wallace is played by Desune Coleman from 28 May 1996 to 6 July 1999. Coleman was appearing in a West End production of '' Miss Saigon'' when he was cast as Lenny. He spent a fortnight filming for ''EastEnders'' and appearing in the musical at the same time. Colemen commented, "My first two weeks on ''EastEnders'' were probably the most hectic time of my entire life." Lenny was introduced around the same time as Huw Edwards, played by
Richard Elis Richard Elis (born 1975) is a Welsh actor. He was brought up in the Amman Valley, Wales. He trained at the Welsh College of Music and Drama and graduated in 1996, aged 21 Days before he graduated, Elis was asked to audition for London casting ...
. Coleman thought they were not "huge storyline characters" and likened them to the B-side of a record, as they would prop up other plots. Lenny is a fun loving individual, who does not take life too seriously. He has a penchant for loud music and an eye for the ladies. He is first seen in Walford in May 1996. Lenny, along with his Welsh friend, Huw Edwards (
Richard Elis Richard Elis (born 1975) is a Welsh actor. He was brought up in the Amman Valley, Wales. He trained at the Welsh College of Music and Drama and graduated in 1996, aged 21 Days before he graduated, Elis was asked to audition for London casting ...
), are employed by George Palmer (Paul Moriarty) as barmen for the Cobra Club. Lenny has a keen interest in speedway
motorbike racing Motorcycle racing (also called moto racing and motorbike racing) is the motorcycle sport of racing motorcycles. Major varieties include motorcycle road racing and off-road racing, both either on circuits or open courses, and track racing. Ot ...
, and takes Ricky Butcher ( Sid Owen) along with him on one occasion. Ricky turns out to be quite a skilled racer and Lenny is soon persuading him to take up speedway racing professionally so he can be his manager. He is sacked shortly after when Ricky's wife Bianca ( Patsy Palmer) decides to take over the job in his place. Lenny begins work as a barman again in 1998, firstly for
Annie Palmer Annie Palmer is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Nadia Sawalha, from 6 May 1997 to 10 June 1999. Storylines When Annie arrived in Albert Square in 1997, she is believed to be a former business associate ...
(
Nadia Sawalha Nadia Sawalha (; born 18 November 1964) is a British actress, television personality and YouTuber. She played the role of Annie Palmer on the BBC One soap opera '' EastEnders'' from 1997 to 1999 and Gina in ITV comedy Second Thoughts from 1992 ...
) until she fires him, and then for Steve Owen ( Martin Kemp). Lenny and Huw soon move to Albert Square and begin renting 55 Victoria Road from Mark and Ruth Fowler ( Todd Carty and Caroline Paterson). The house is situated next to Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt)'s and they manage to make an enemy of him by continually playing their music extremely loudly in the evening, and they also operate a pirate radio station from the premises for a while. As well as his bar work, Lenny is also hired as a cab driver by Barry Evans ( Shaun Williamson) in 1997. Lenny spends most of his time drinking, playing
poker Poker is a family of comparing card games in which players wager over which hand is best according to that specific game's rules. It is played worldwide, however in some places the rules may vary. While the earliest known form of the game w ...
and throwing parties. Lenny is also a
womaniser Womanizer may refer to: * "Womanizer" (term), a promiscuous heterosexual man * "Womanizer" (song), a 2008 song by Britney Spears * "Womanizer", a 1977 song by Blood, Sweat & Tears from '' Brand New Day'' * ''Womanizer'', a 2004 album by Absolute ...
, and he takes an immediate shine to Bianca Jackson ( Patsy Palmer). He constantly pursues her and even though she is dating Ricky Butcher ( Sid Owen) at the time, they have a one-night stand, which results in a pregnancy scare. Lenny is mortified at the idea of being a father, but it turns out to be a false alarm. Bianca opts not to tell Ricky about her infidelity, and marries him instead. After the Cobra Club closes following a police raid, Lenny loses his job and both he and Huw are unable to pay their rent on time. Mark and Ruth decide to ask them to vacate the property, but they refuse and claim
squatters' rights Adverse possession, sometimes colloquially described as "squatter's rights", is a legal principle in the Anglo-American common law under which a person who does not have legal title to a piece of property—usually land (real property)—may a ...
instead. Although it is initially Huw's idea to claim squatters' rights, when Barry Evans offers him a room at his flat, he jumps at the chance and leaves Lenny alone. Lenny is furious, but as it is now just him in the house, Mark and Ruth decide to let him stay on as a lodger and they move back in. He stays with them for several months until he patches up his differences with Huw and they both then decide to squat in one of the flats at 47 Albert Square. Lenny has a keen interest in speedway
motorbike racing Motorcycle racing (also called moto racing and motorbike racing) is the motorcycle sport of racing motorcycles. Major varieties include motorcycle road racing and off-road racing, both either on circuits or open courses, and track racing. Ot ...
, and takes Ricky Butcher along with him on one occasion. Ricky turns out to be quite a skilled racer and Lenny is soon persuading him to take up speedway racing professionally so he can be his manager. He is sacked shortly after when Ricky's wife Bianca decides to take over the job in his place. Lenny returns to work as a barman in 1998, firstly for
Annie Palmer Annie Palmer is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Nadia Sawalha, from 6 May 1997 to 10 June 1999. Storylines When Annie arrived in Albert Square in 1997, she is believed to be a former business associate ...
(
Nadia Sawalha Nadia Sawalha (; born 18 November 1964) is a British actress, television personality and YouTuber. She played the role of Annie Palmer on the BBC One soap opera '' EastEnders'' from 1997 to 1999 and Gina in ITV comedy Second Thoughts from 1992 ...
) at the Market Cellar until she fires him, and then for Steve Owen ( Martin Kemp) at the e20. In 1998 Lenny's womanising catches up with him when his ex-girlfriend, Alice McMahon ( Carli Norris), arrives in Walford with the news that she has tested positive for the sexually transmitted disease, Hepatitis B. She fears that he may also be carrying the disease and instructs him to get tested. Robbie Jackson ( Dean Gaffney) overhears their conversation, and immediately informs his sister, Bianca. Bianca is mortified, thinking that her prior tryst with Lenny has put her at risk. This leads to Bianca admitting to Ricky that she had sex with Lenny two years earlier, and this puts their relationship under severe strain. With everyone on the Square turning against him, Lenny feels isolated and depressed. However Huw is supportive and to Lenny's relief, his test results for Hepatitis B are negative. Later in the year Lenny busies himself with the promotion of Mick McFarlane (Sylvester Williams)'s band and also goes to France with Huw, Barry, and Robbie to watch the
1998 World Cup The 1998 FIFA World Cup was the 16th FIFA World Cup, the football world championship for men's national teams. The finals tournament was held in France from 10 June to 12 July 1998. The country was chosen as the host nation by FIFA for the ...
. He also begins a relationship with Teresa di Marco ( Leila Birch), though it soon ends when Teresa's brother,
Gianni Gianni is an Italian name (occasionally a surname), a short form of the Italian Giovanni and a cognate of John meaning God is gracious. Gianni is the most common diminutive of Giovanni in Italian. People with this given name * Gianni Agnelli (i ...
( Marc Bannerman), finds out about it. Gianni is aware of Lenny's womanising past, and refuses to allow Teresa to see Lenny. After Huw leaves Walford in April 1999, Lenny remains behind working at the e20. When Steve Owen, his boss, is imprisoned for the murder of
Saskia Duncan The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 1998, by order of first appearance. Lola Christie Lola Christie is played by Diane Parish. Lola was introduced as a love interest for Mick McF ...
(Deborah Sheridan-Taylor), Lenny earns the wrath of his friends for supporting Steve, instead of Matthew Rose (
Joe Absolom Joe Absolom (born 16 December 1978) is an English actor known for his roles as Matthew Rose in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'' and Al Large in the ITV comedy drama ''Doc Martin''. Early life Absolom was born in Lewisham, London. A former pu ...
), whom Steve has falsely named as the real murderer. Shortly after, Lenny is offered work in a
West End West End most commonly refers to: * West End of London, an area of central London, England * West End theatre, a popular term for mainstream professional theatre staged in the large theatres of London, England West End may also refer to: Pl ...
club, so he decides to take the offer and leaves Walford in July 1999.


Simon Raymond

Simon Raymond, played by Andrew Lynford, is introduced in 1996 as the homosexual brother of Tiffany Mitchell ( Martine McCutcheon). His relationship with the bisexual character Tony Hills ( Mark Homer) featured a gay kiss that caused controversy in the UK; numerous complaints were made because of its broadcasting. Simon remained in the serial until 1999, at which time it was mutually agreed between Lynford and executive producer Matthew Robinson, that the character had run its course. The character is given a happy ending, reuniting with his former boyfriend Tony to travel Europe. Lynford has suggested that he and the writers of ''EastEnders'' intended to portray Simon as a "perfectly normal" young gay man who would entertain and educate and for whom sexuality was "no big deal".


Frankie Pierre

Frankie Pierre appeared between 1996 and 1997, played by Syan Blake. Frankie is introduced as a "super-bitch" and home wrecker. She attempts to ruin the established relationships of several characters during her year in the soap, purposefully seducing attached men. Frankie's arrival in June 1996 is part of a storyline that breaks up the marriage of the characters
Alan Alan may refer to: People *Alan (surname), an English and Turkish surname * Alan (given name), an English given name **List of people with given name Alan ''Following are people commonly referred to solely by "Alan" or by a homonymous name.'' *A ...
and Carol Jackson ( Howard Antony and Lindsey Coulson). Frankie eventually departs in March 1997 amidst a failed attempt at seducing a religious evangelist, Alistair Matthews (Neil Clark), who had been trying to make her change her promiscuous lifestyle. Off-screen it was reported that Syan Blake and the producers of ''EastEnders'' had decided to write the character out of the serial, as the actress was receiving death threats from angry fans that could not separate fact from fiction, and blamed Blake for her character's home-wrecking. The official ''EastEnders'' book ''Who's Who'' states that Frankie "had a carnivorous approach to relationships, hunting down her quarry, devouring her victim in two gulps and then moving onto the next kill."


Mick McFarlane

Mick McFarlane is played by Sylvester Williams from 24 June 1996 to 22 January 2002. Williams admitted that he was attracted to the role because of Mick's background, which he thought was interesting. Mick is a musician and he arrives in Albert Square in June 1996, when his jazz band comes to audition for a regular gig in the Bridge Street café's night Bistro. Alan Jackson ( Howard Antony), manager of the night café, hears them play and instantly hires them. Mick's ex-girlfriend Frankie Pierre ( Syan Blake) is the singer in the band, and she maliciously ruins several relationships on the Square before she quits the band, and leaves Mick with no band, and no source of income. He is forced to seek work elsewhere, so he starts work at the café in May 1997. In 1998, Mick decides to reform his band and holds auditions for another singer. After turning down many hopefuls, he finds a young female soloist named
Lola Christie The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 1998, by order of first appearance. Lola Christie Lola Christie is played by Diane Parish. Lola was introduced as a love interest for Mick McF ...
( Diane Parish). Mick is immediately attracted to Lola and eventually the two start dating. However, later in the year Lola is offered a contract as a professional singer, so she dumps Mick and the band. Later that year Mick is visited by his mother,
Josie McFarlane Josie McFarlane is a fictional character that appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She was played by Joan Hooley between 25 August 1998 and 1 February 2000. Since leaving the serial, Jamaican-born actress Joan Hooley has publicly accuse ...
( Joan Hooley), on holiday from Jamaica. Mick is nervous about Josie's visit as he has led her to believe that he is a successful musician. She is not pleased to discover Mick is working in a café. However, Josie has secrets of her own. She brings a young girl named
Kim Kim or KIM may refer to: Names * Kim (given name) * Kim (surname) ** Kim (Korean surname) *** Kim family (disambiguation), several dynasties **** Kim family (North Korea), the rulers of North Korea since Kim Il-sung in 1948 ** Kim, Vietnamese ...
(Krystle Williams) with her, claiming she is a distant relative. However, eventually Josie admits that Kim is Mick's half sister – the result of an affair that Mick's late father had had many years before. Kim's mother is dead and Josie took Kim in rather than see her go into care. Josie also confesses that she had been conned in a Jamaican property scam and is now penniless. Mick is extremely shocked to discover that his parents had deceived him for so long, but he welcomes his mother and half-sister into his life and home. Mick soon warms to the idea of having a little sister. although he does find Kim's tagging around after him a little irksome at first. Later that year, Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt) fires Mick after several residents suffer a bout of
food poisoning Foodborne illness (also foodborne disease and food poisoning) is any illness resulting from the spoilage of contaminated food by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food, as well as prions (the agents of mad cow disease) ...
. In January 1999, Mick makes friends with the new doctor,
Fred Fonseca Dr Fred Fonseca is a fictional character from the popular soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by Jimi Mistry from 13 September 1998 to 10 February 2000. Storylines Dr. Fonseca is first seen in September 1998, where he confirms that Bianca Butcher ...
( Jimi Mistry), and moves in with him. Fred later gives Mick a loan when he decides to take over Matthew Rose's (
Joe Absolom Joe Absolom (born 16 December 1978) is an English actor known for his roles as Matthew Rose in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'' and Al Large in the ITV comedy drama ''Doc Martin''. Early life Absolom was born in Lewisham, London. A former pu ...
) CD stall. Later that year, Mick, Fred and a few other Walford residents go to
Brighton Brighton () is a seaside resort and one of the two main areas of the City of Brighton and Hove in the county of East Sussex, England. It is located south of London. Archaeological evidence of settlement in the area dates back to the Bronze A ...
, where Fred attends a medical convention. Whilst away, it becomes apparent to everyone, bar Mick, that Fred has something he wants to reveal. Fred is gay and is too afraid to admit his sexuality to Mick, so takes him to a gay club in the hope that Mick might 'cotton on'. Mick doesn't realise what Fred is trying to tell him and is extremely shocked when Fred finally confesses. Mick is hurt that Fred has felt unable to confide in him and that Fred doesn't fancy him! The friendship stays intact, despite Mick's mother (also Fred's receptionist) denouncing Fred's lifestyle as immoral. Mick later starts dating barmaid/ex-prostitute, Nina Harris ( Troy Titus-Adams). However, Mick's judgmental mother causes problems here too, when she discovers Nina's past. Mick and Josie's relationship is sorely tested, culminating in Mick branding his mother a 'lonely, bitter, old woman'. Soon after Josie is forced to leave England after a mix-up with her visa, leaving Kim in Mick's care. Mick and Nina's relationship ends as Nina leaves Walford to look after her dying father. With the added financial responsibility of caring for his young sister, Mick gets a part-time job as a limousine driver for Phil Mitchell (
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has played since 1990. He was also the presenter of the game show, ''Britain's ...
). However, he is sacked when Phil finds dog hair in the car, sparking a feud between them with Phil doing everything he can to undermine Mick. However, despite his dislike of Phil, Mick's constant money problems make him swallow his pride and ask for his job at the café back. He also has a spell as the radio controller for Barry Evans' ( Shaun Williamson) cab firm. Early in 2002, Mick is offered a gig as a touring saxophone player in a band, but has to turn it down, due to being Kim's legal guardian. Soon after, he needs money to send Kim on a school trip and pleads with Phil for an advance on his wages. Phil refuses and Mick is forced to sell his saxophone to raise the money instead. When Kim discovers this, she buys his saxophone back with the money for her school trip, contacts Mick's musician contact and accepts the gig on his behalf. Kim is adamant that Mick should follow his dream, and so Mick leaves Kim with a relative away from the Square, and leaves Walford himself in January 2002.


George Palmer

George Palmer, played by Paul Moriarty, appears between 1996 and 1998. Actor Paul Moriarty was asked to read for the role of George along with 10 other actors. Moriarty was called back instantly and asked to begin working on the role the following day. He has commented to an American fan-based publication, "
t was T, or t, is the twentieth letter in the Latin alphabet, used in the modern English alphabet, the alphabets of other western European languages and others worldwide. Its name in English is ''tee'' (pronounced ), plural ''tees''. It is de ...
quite overwhelming. I had watched the show but not religiously ..So I show up at he studios inBorehamwood the very next day, straight to make-up and then onto
he soap's setting of He or HE may refer to: Language * He (pronoun), an English pronoun * He (kana), the romanization of the Japanese kana へ * He (letter), the fifth letter of many Semitic alphabets * He (Cyrillic), a letter of the Cyrillic script called ''He'' in ...
Albert Square to do my first bit ..I might just as well have landed on Mars." George had been described as "shady". The character was one of many to be axed in 1998 by Executive Producer Matthew Robinson, following a dip in ratings.


Betty

Betty, also known as Auntie Betty, is played by Vivienne Martin. She is Arthur Fowler's ( Bill Treacher)'s aunt from Leigh-on-Sea. Betty is mentioned several times prior to her appearance; in 1986, Arthur, his wife Pauline ( Wendy Richard) and daughter
Michelle Michelle may refer to: People * Michelle (name), a given name and surname, the feminine form of Michael * Michelle Courtens, Dutch singer, performing as "Michelle" * Michelle (German singer) * Michelle (Scottish singer) (born 1980), Scottis ...
( Susan Tully) tell Pauline's mother, Lou Beale ( Anna Wing), that they are visiting Betty, when in reality they are searching for their missing son Mark ( David Scarboro) in Southend-on-Sea. Later in the year, Arthur considers begging Betty for money towards Michelle's wedding to Lofty Holloway (
Tom Watt Thomas Watt may refer to: *Thomas Watt (politician), South African politician *Tom Watt (ice hockey), Canadian ice hockey scout and coach *Tom Watt (actor), English actor, writer and broadcaster * Tommy Watt, Scottish jazz bandleader *Thomas Watt, p ...
); he does, but instead of money she sends Michelle a note about "what to expect of married life". In 1988, an ailing Lou spends some time in Leigh-on-Sea with Betty, before returning home to die. Arthur and Pauline also recuperate at Betty's in late 1989, while Pauline recovered from both fibroids and being hit by Ricky Butcher's ( Sid Owen) car. Betty appears in 1996 for Arthur's funeral, with her boyfriend Gerard. Betty is greeted by Pauline and Mark (now Todd Carty), while Gerard makes unintentionally rude and insensitive remarks about Arthur, disturbing many of those present. Betty clashes with
Nellie Ellis Nellie Ellis is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Elizabeth Kelly. Nellie is introduced as the interfering relative of Pauline Fowler ( Wendy Richard) in 1993 and appears regularly until 1998. She makes a ...
( Elizabeth Kelly), continuing a long-standing feud dating back to World War II, when Betty had relationships with several men, including Nellie's boyfriend at the time. In 2004, Pauline names her dog after her.


Charlie Mason

Detective Chief Inspector Charlie Mason, played by Campbell Morrison, is a detective who first appears when Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt) is shot by hitman John Valecue (Steve Weston), working for his wife,
Cindy Cindy may refer to: People *Cindy (given name), a list of people named Cindy, Cindi, Cyndi or Cyndy *Tugiyati Cindy (born 1985), Indonesian footballer Music * ''Cindy'' (musical), an off-Broadway production in 1964 and 1965 * "Cindy" (folk song ...
( Michelle Collins). He later appears when Tiffany Mitchell ( Martine McCutcheon) falls down the stairs at The Queen Victoria public house, and arrests Grant Mitchell ( Ross Kemp) for her attempted murder on Christmas Day 1998. He later appears at the inquest into Tiffany's death in January 1999. He also investigates
Saskia Duncan The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 1998, by order of first appearance. Lola Christie Lola Christie is played by Diane Parish. Lola was introduced as a love interest for Mick McF ...
(Deborah Sheridan-Taylor)'s disappearance in March 1999 and appears at Steve Owen ( Martin Kemp) and Matthew Rose (
Joe Absolom Joe Absolom (born 16 December 1978) is an English actor known for his roles as Matthew Rose in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'' and Al Large in the ITV comedy drama ''Doc Martin''. Early life Absolom was born in Lewisham, London. A former pu ...
)'s trial for her murder in October 1999. This is his last appearance.


Terry Raymond

Terry Raymond, played by
Gavin Richards Gavin Richards (born 3 July 1946) is an English actor, writer and director. He is best known for playing Captain Alberto Bertorelli in the BBC sitcom Allo 'Allo!'' from 1987 to 1989, and Terry Raymond in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' be ...
, is initially introduced briefly in 1996 as the drunken father of
Tiffany Tiffany may refer to: People * Tiffany (given name), list of people with this name * Tiffany (surname), list of people with this surname Known mononymously as "Tiffany": * Tiffany Darwish, (born 1971), an American singer, songwriter, actress kn ...
( Martine McCutcheon) and Simon Raymond ( Andrew Lynford). He is reintroduced as a full-time character in 1997 and remains in the serial until 2002, when actor Gavin Richards decided to leave. Terry was not killed off in the soap; he departed in 2002 in search of his estranged wife. Tim Randall from the ''Daily Record'' suggested in 2001 that Terry and Irene's double-act was "''EastEnders'' at its best", but that the relationship between Terry and Janine was "enough to turn your stomach".


Others


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:List Of Eastenders Characters (1996)
1996 File:1996 Events Collage.png, From left, clockwise: A Centennial Olympic Park bombing, bomb explodes at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, set off by a radical Anti-abortion violence, anti-abortionist; The center fuel tank explodes on TWA Flight 8 ...
*, EastEnders
EastEnders ''EastEnders'' is a Television in the United Kingdom, British soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the Ea ...