Possibly one of the most notable families in the history of British soaps, the Fowlers came onto our screens back in 1985 during EastEnders’ first ever episode and hold the titles as the show’s longest serving family.
Having entertained us with a string of explosive storylines over the years on the BBC soap, from sordid affairs, underage pregnancy and even manslaughter, dozens of actors have come and go and left a trail of scandal in their wake.
From a tragic early death, lawsuit scandal and big screen success – let’s take a look at where the actors who played the iconic characters are now
Arthur Fowler – Bill Treacher
(Image: PA)
Best known for portraying the role of Arthur Fowler for 11 years on the BBC One soap, the legendary actor was the first person ever to be cast for the show.
Since his departure, the now 91-year-old has featured in a series of other roles including a guest-starring role in the ITV police drama The Bill and made appeared as a security guard in an episode of Casualty.
He has also had some success in the movie industry, having appeared in horror smash Tale of the Mummy and historical fantasy flick George and the Dragon.
The actor has spoken out about his health troubles in recent years, admitting that he suffered from ataxia, a degenerative disease that hinders balance and the ability to walk.
Bill said that as a result of this he had fully retired and he sometimes has to rely on a wheelchair for mobility.
He stated that he no longer watches EastEnders, calling it “a load of old rubbish these days”.
Bill is happily married to Australian actress Katherine Kessey and the pair share two children together, son Jamie and daughter Sophie.
Pauline Fowler – Wendy Richard
(Image: PA)
She starred as the matriarchal stalwart Pauline Fowler for almost 22 years on the British soap.
Since then, the Middlesborough-born star snagged roles in ITV1’s Benidorm playing the loud-mouth Wheelchair bound Sylvia, and reprised her role as Pauline Fowler in Charity special crossover between Doctor Who and EastEnders.
Wendy was unlucky in love throughout her life both during and after her EastEnders stint.
After three failed marriages, Wendy married her long-term partner of 12 years John Burns after she was sadly diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Wendy was appointed MBE in the millennium honours and spoke out about her career on the soap saying she has “no regrets”.
“Looking back on my career, I’ve virtually no regrets,” she wrote in her autobiography, Wendy Richard No S: My Life Story, though she added: “I’ve had more than my fair share of problems in my personal life.”
In 2008, she landed the role of Mrs Crump in the episode A Pocket Full of Rye of the Agatha Christie’s Marple TV series.
This was her final role, airing after her death in 2009 at the age of 65.
Mark – David Scarboro/Todd Carty
(Image: IMDb)
Taken on by two actors, the role of Mark Fowler was initially played by actor David Scarboro.
The troubled actor endured a series of scandals after departing the soap due to a reported spat about a racist storyline, which he refused to play.
Rumours in the press reported that Scarboro had been fired from the show for turning up late for filming and being uncooperative on set.
The London-born actor sued several major newspapers for libel, accusing them of publishing inaccurate stories about his private life.
It was later reported that Scarboro was seeking treatment in a psychiatric unit.
Tragically, his life was cut short and he was found dead at the bottom of Beachy Head in East Sussex in April 1988, at just 20 years old.
(Image: Getty Images)
British/Irish actor Todd Carty took over the role of Mark Fowler after David’s tragic death in 1990 becoming a fan favourite for 13 years.
After leaving EastEnders in 2003, Carty went on to play PC Gabriel Kent, in ITV’s The Bill and became a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef.
He found his way back into the spotlight when he appeared on in the fourth series ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2009, though he has since been dubbed one of the worst contestants ever.
At one point during his skating sting, he tumbled off the ice rink and skated backstage, leading judge Jason Gardiner to say: “I fear you’re gonna leave this competition in a bodybag mate.”
Todd shares two sons, James and Thomas with his long-term partner Dina Clarki
Mark Fowler JR – Ned-Porteous
(Image: Twitter)
He shot onto our screens for a short period as Mark Fowler Jr back in 2016, but the 27-year-old star has seen a string of success since his exit from the soap.
The Buckinghamshire-born star went on to play Joe Tate on ITV soap Emmerdale for a two-year stint, though fans are convinced he may reprise his role after a clue in recent episodes teased a return from the familiar character.
Continuing on form his success, Ned landed a role in American period drama Bridgerton playing Lord Wetherby, a role that was widely praised by fans.
(Image: Instagram)
Ned recently sent fans wild as he hinted at his role in Bridgerton’s second series with a behind-the-scenes picture.
The actor shared a picture of his character on Instagram and captioned it: “Lord Fancypants.”
Ned’s fans were thrilled at potentially seeing more of him in season two of Bridgerton, with one writing: “Looking as hot as always Ned.”
Another posted: “Please tell me this is for Bridgerton series 2.”
Michelle Fowler – Susan Tully/Jenna Russell
(Image: Getty Images)
Susan Tully appeared on the first ever episode of EastEnders in 1985 as single mum Michelle Fowler before departing a decade later to pursue a career as a director and producer.
Since then the 54-year-old has worked behind the camera on a slew of TV projects including snagging a director credit on ITV’s drama Too Close.
Sue’s most notable directing roles include The Story of Tracy Beaker, Silent Witness, Line of Duty and BBC One’s Strike: Lethal White.
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Taking over from Susan Tully to play the role of Michelle Fowler, Jenna Russell has gone on to forge huge success in her theatre career throughout her career.
She performed the role of Dot in Sunday in the Park with George on the West End and on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination and the Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role.
The 54-year-old actress also played the lead role of Sarah Brown in the West End production of Guys and Dolls opposite move star Ewan McGregor.
She is happily married to Emmerdale actor Raymond Coulthard, best known for portraying Alasdair Sinclair in the soap, and the pair share one child together.
Martin Fowler – James Alexandrou/James Bye
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Actor James Alexandrou enjoyed 12 years on the show as Martin Fowler and even dated an EastEnders co-star before he left the show to pursue other opportunities.
His character had a tumultuous life in the Square including affairs, underage pregnancy and even manslaughter when he killed his friend Jamie Mitchell.
Luckily James had more luck with love than his character did.
He and co-star Kara Tointon, who played Dawn Swann, had an 18-month relationship before a very amicable split in 2007.
James has held minor roles in other shows including Silent Witness and Casualty, but most of his time was spent working in theatre.
Seven years later, in 2014, James was offered the chance to return, but decided against it.
James Bye is now the face of the character.
Vicki Fowler – Scarlett Alice Johnson
The third actress to take over the role was Scarlett Alice Johnson.
The 36-year-old has since fronted BBC3 comedy drama Pramface which ran for three seasons, before finishing in 2014.
Four years after leaving Eastenders, she returned to our screens as Lexi in gritty urban drama Adulthood in 2008.
She has also had recurring roles in TV shows Beaver Falls and Big Bad world.
Johnson married her Pramface and Radiant Vermin co-star Sean Michael Verey in 2017 and the pair share one child together
Bex Fowler – Jade Sharif/ Jasmine
(Image: jadesharif/Instagram)
Actress Jade took on the role on Bex in 2005 for a two-year stint on the soap.
After leaving EastEnders, Sharif starred as Lucy Appleton in Fallen Angel, a three-part drama series on ITV that aired in January 2008.
After this, it was revealed that she had given up on acting to focus on her school work, in the hope that she will become a doctor in the future.
Second to take on the role was actress Jasmine Armfield.
After being nominated for Best Soap Actress at the TV Choice Awards for her portrayal, Jasmine departed her role as Bex Fowler in 2020.
(Image: WireImage)
In May 2021, she appeared in an episode of the BBC soap opera Doctors as Layla Roberts.
The actress keeps fans up-to-date on her off-screen antics on social media posting glamorous snaps.
The actress enjoys sunny holidays abroad, a funky wardrobe and lavish dates in real life with her famous YouTuber boyfriend Romell Henry, though the pair recently announced their split.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
