Ex-EastEnders actress Susan Tully looks worlds away from her character Michelle Fowler 27 years after her soap exit.
The 55-year-old joined the BBC soap as teenager Michelle in 1985 and played the role for 10 years before departing after the character emigrated to Alabama.
The star was involved of plenty of major storylines during her time as Michelle, most notably discovering she was pregnant at the age of 16 with Den Watts’ baby, who was the adoptive father of her best friend Sharon Mitchell.
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Michelle returned to Albert Square in 2016, however Susan chose not to return and handed the reins over to Jenna Russell who played the character for just over one year.
(Image: BBC)
Now, the original Michelle actress looks unrecognisable as she’s swapped her trademark brunette locks for a short head of blonde hair.
The former Grange Hill star has also completely closed the door on her acting career and has instead stepped behind the camera as a high profile director.
The move has been incredibly successful as she has worked on a wave of programme’s, including Secret Diary of a Call Girl, BBC’s Silent Witness, Stella and more recently, Strike.
(Image: Instagram)
Her work has been watched by millions as she directed two episodes of BBC police drama Line of Duty as well as the ITV thriller Too Close.
Despite fans longing for the TV star to reprise the iconic role, Susan has made it clear that acting is no longer in her future.
When it came to the decision to bring Michelle back in 2016, then executive director Sean O’Connor confirmed Susan gave them her blessing to move on without her.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Of course if you’re considering bringing back Michelle Fowler you’d have to consider talking to Susan Tully about it,” he explained.
He added: “But she is now a well-respected, hugely experienced TV director. Her acting career is part of her past, really a closed door for her.”
Sean went on to say: “But of course I contacted her immediately when I thought about bringing the character back. It was important to me to make sure Susan gave the idea her blessing and it was really delightful when she did.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
