‘EastEnders’ has confirmed Jacqueline Jossa and Lorna Fitzgerald are leaving the soap as sisters Lauren and Abi Branning.
The pair will be making an exit from the BBC soap in the coming months, as new boss John Yorke looks to turn the show’s ailing fortunes around in the wake of previous executive producer Sean O’Connor’s sudden departure in June.
BBC
After The Sun first reported Lorna and Jacqueline were being written out, an ‘EastEnders’ spokesperson confirmed their exits to HuffPost UK.
They said in a statement: “We can confirm that Jacqueline and Lorna will be leaving ‘EastEnders’.
“They have both been wonderful to work with and we wish them all the best for the future.”
Lorna has been on the Square since 2006, while Jacqueline took over the role of Lauren from previous actress Madeline Duggan in 2010.
Bosses are keeping tight lipped about how they will both leave the show, although is has been claimed their exits could air as part of a Christmas storyline.
BBC
There will be dramatic times ahead for the sisters before they depart though, as Lauren and Abi deal with the repercussions of Steven Beale’s death.
The character was killed off on Friday (8 September), and in the moments before his death, he declared his love for Abi after discovering she was carrying his baby.
The pair had been having an affair behind Lauren’s back, although their relationship originally began out of Steven’s twisted attempts to stay with Lauren.
Spoiler pictures have already revealed that recovering alcoholic Lauren will hit the booze as she deals with Steven’s passing, but will Abi tell her what they were both up to before he died?
BBC
The sisters also face discovering the secrets of their father Max before they leave, as he has been plotting against the people of Walford since being released from prison for his wrongful conviction for Lucy Beale’s murder.
He was even in on the fact Steven was faking a brain tumour in order to get Lauren to stay with him, before his death.
However, Max’s lies look set to come tumbling down around him in the coming weeks, after Jane Beale worked out his devious plans.
‘EastEnders’ airs the aftermath of all these events on Monday at 8pm on BBC One.
Catch up on all the latest soap news and spoilers here.
EastEnders: Where Are They Now?
Jo Joyner (01 of45)
Played: Tanya Branning 2006-2010
What. A. Woman.
Jo's character, Tanya, went to hell and back as Max's long-suffering wife, but the upsides were there, and Jo scooped loads of awards and even more fans during her time on the soap.
Jo returned to the Square for the soap's 30th anniversary, but in 2014, she was busy starring in the lead role of the comedy 'Trying Again'.
She also popped up on the 'Loose Women' panel a number of times, before joining the 'Ordinary Lies' cast in 2015. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
What. A. Woman.
Jo's character, Tanya, went to hell and back as Max's long-suffering wife, but the upsides were there, and Jo scooped loads of awards and even more fans during her time on the soap.
Jo returned to the Square for the soap's 30th anniversary, but in 2014, she was busy starring in the lead role of the comedy 'Trying Again'.
She also popped up on the 'Loose Women' panel a number of times, before joining the 'Ordinary Lies' cast in 2015. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Martin Kemp (02 of45)
Played: Steve Owen 1998-2002
Remember the time Martin helped plan a wedding as part of a reality TV show? What a glorious day that was.
On a more serious note, in 2016 he began starring as a judge on Gary Barlow's new show 'Let It Shine'. (credit:Venturelli via Getty Images)
Remember the time Martin helped plan a wedding as part of a reality TV show? What a glorious day that was.
On a more serious note, in 2016 he began starring as a judge on Gary Barlow's new show 'Let It Shine'. (credit:Venturelli via Getty Images)
Robert Kazinsky(03 of45)
Played: Sean Slater (2006–09)
Robert Kazinsky had a good few years out of the limelight after quitting the Square in 2009.
However, in 2012 it was announced he would star in the sixth season of hit US show 'True Blood'. He also landed a key role in the Idris Elba film 'Pacific Rim', and took the lead in 'Warcraft' in 2016. (credit:PA)
Robert Kazinsky had a good few years out of the limelight after quitting the Square in 2009.
However, in 2012 it was announced he would star in the sixth season of hit US show 'True Blood'. He also landed a key role in the Idris Elba film 'Pacific Rim', and took the lead in 'Warcraft' in 2016. (credit:PA)
Nitin Ganatra(04 of45)
Starred as: Masood Ahmed (2007-16)
As of early 2017, Nitin was yet to reveal his plans for life after 'EastEnders'. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
As of early 2017, Nitin was yet to reveal his plans for life after 'EastEnders'. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Tamzin Outhwaite(05 of45)
Played: Melanie Owen (1998–2002)
After leaving 'EastEnders', shortly after the departure of her on-screen hubby Martin Kemp, Tamzin Outhwaite went on to star in a number of shows, including 'Red Cap', 'Hustle', 'Final Demand', 'Walk Away' and 'Frances Tuesday'.
In 2012, she replaced Amanda Redman in 'New Tricks'. (credit:PA)
After leaving 'EastEnders', shortly after the departure of her on-screen hubby Martin Kemp, Tamzin Outhwaite went on to star in a number of shows, including 'Red Cap', 'Hustle', 'Final Demand', 'Walk Away' and 'Frances Tuesday'.
In 2012, she replaced Amanda Redman in 'New Tricks'. (credit:PA)
Danniella Westbrook(06 of45)
Played: Sam Mitchell (1990–2000, 2009–10, 2016)
Danniella Westbrook was reportedly written out of 'EastEnders' as Sam Mitchell when her cocaine addiction affected her commitment.
She later released an autobiography about her troubles 'The Other Side of Nowhere', in 2006. Things haven't been easy for Daniella in recent years, and in 2014 she admitted to relapsing. In January 2015, Danniella began to get back on her feet. She later relapsed again in late 2016, after a 'CBB' stint and brief return to Walford. (credit:Getty Images)
Danniella Westbrook was reportedly written out of 'EastEnders' as Sam Mitchell when her cocaine addiction affected her commitment.
She later released an autobiography about her troubles 'The Other Side of Nowhere', in 2006. Things haven't been easy for Daniella in recent years, and in 2014 she admitted to relapsing. In January 2015, Danniella began to get back on her feet. She later relapsed again in late 2016, after a 'CBB' stint and brief return to Walford. (credit:Getty Images)
Ricky Norwood(07 of45)
Played: Fatboy (2010-15)
Ricky's first role after his character was killed off was in a radio version of 'Romeo And Juliet', which featured a same-sex couple.
He also enjoyed a stint in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, coming second in 2016's summer series. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Ricky's first role after his character was killed off was in a radio version of 'Romeo And Juliet', which featured a same-sex couple.
He also enjoyed a stint in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, coming second in 2016's summer series. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Terry Alderton (08 of45)
Played: Terry Spraggan 2013-2014
Tel returned to performing stand-up gigs in 2014. We saw him at Bestival once, his act is... interesting. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Tel returned to performing stand-up gigs in 2014. We saw him at Bestival once, his act is... interesting. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Maddy Hill(09 of45)
Played: Nancy Carter (2014-16)
Maddy's first post-Soapland role was in 'Imogen', a reimagining of Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline', that was staged at the Globe theatre. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Maddy's first post-Soapland role was in 'Imogen', a reimagining of Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline', that was staged at the Globe theatre. (credit:Yui Mok/PA Archive)
Michelle Ryan(10 of45)
Played: Zoe Slater (2000–05)
"You ain't my mother!"
Michelle Ryan managed to move from Walford to Hollywood in 2005. She then bagged the role in the US TV show 'Bionic Woman' but sadly, it didn’t get beyond its pilot. In recent years, She made a brief appearance in 'Death In Paradise' in 2014. (credit:Getty Images)
"You ain't my mother!"
Michelle Ryan managed to move from Walford to Hollywood in 2005. She then bagged the role in the US TV show 'Bionic Woman' but sadly, it didn’t get beyond its pilot. In recent years, She made a brief appearance in 'Death In Paradise' in 2014. (credit:Getty Images)
John Partridge(11 of45)
Played: Christian Clarke (2008-2012, 2014, 2016)
John turned his attention to the land of reality television after leaving the soap, starring in 'Tumble' and 'Celebrity Big Brother'. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
John turned his attention to the land of reality television after leaving the soap, starring in 'Tumble' and 'Celebrity Big Brother'. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Sid Owen(12 of45)
Played: Ricky Butcher (1988–2000, 2002–04, 2008–12)
He's been snapped at Cannes Film Festival, photo-bombing Chris Brown and hanging out with Adele since leaving Walford. Yes, Ricky Butcher has gone up in the world.
Sid Owen, who left the soap in 2012, has also taken part in 'Strictly Come Dancing' but was eliminated from the competition in Week 3. At the end of 2012 he announced he was retiring from acting. (credit:Getty Images)
He's been snapped at Cannes Film Festival, photo-bombing Chris Brown and hanging out with Adele since leaving Walford. Yes, Ricky Butcher has gone up in the world.
Sid Owen, who left the soap in 2012, has also taken part in 'Strictly Come Dancing' but was eliminated from the competition in Week 3. At the end of 2012 he announced he was retiring from acting. (credit:Getty Images)
Martine McCutcheon(13 of45)
Played: Tiffany Mitchell (1995–98)
Soon after Tiff was killed off, Martine started a solo pop career and her debut single 'Perfect Moment' was an international success. Martine's also been a hit on the West End stage, scooping an Olivier Award for 'My Fair Lady' and she also impressed in the film world, with her role in 'Love, Actually'.
In 2016, she began serving as a guest panellist on 'Loose Women'. (credit:Getty Images)
Soon after Tiff was killed off, Martine started a solo pop career and her debut single 'Perfect Moment' was an international success. Martine's also been a hit on the West End stage, scooping an Olivier Award for 'My Fair Lady' and she also impressed in the film world, with her role in 'Love, Actually'.
In 2016, she began serving as a guest panellist on 'Loose Women'. (credit:Getty Images)
Nigel Harman(14 of45)
Played: Dennis Rickman (2003–05)
Nowadays, there's more chance that you'll find Nigel on stage and he's the proud owner of an Olivier Award, presented for his role in 'Shrek the Musical'.
Sadly, things haven't always gone well and Nigel was part of the cast of the ill-fated 'X Factor' musical 'I Can't Sing'. In 2014, he moved into theatre directing, taking charge of the touring production of 'Shrek'. (credit:Getty Images)
Nowadays, there's more chance that you'll find Nigel on stage and he's the proud owner of an Olivier Award, presented for his role in 'Shrek the Musical'.
Sadly, things haven't always gone well and Nigel was part of the cast of the ill-fated 'X Factor' musical 'I Can't Sing'. In 2014, he moved into theatre directing, taking charge of the touring production of 'Shrek'. (credit:Getty Images)
Hetti Bywater(15 of45)
Played: Lucy Beale (2012-15)
Hetti was a guest star in the 2015 series of 'Death In Paradise'. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Hetti was a guest star in the 2015 series of 'Death In Paradise'. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Leslie Grantham(16 of45)
Played: Dirty Den (1985–89, 2003–05)
Leslie was reunited with his daughter Sharon (Letitia Dean) in 2003, and he hung around until his character was killed off properly in two years later. In 2013 he divorced his wife of 31 years.
The 65-year-old actor was involved in a sordid tabloid newspaper “scandal” in 2004, but it was his wife’s “unreasonable behaviour” that was given in court as grounds for the divorce. Alongside Danniella Westbrook, he starred in 'Mob Handed'. (credit:PA)
Leslie was reunited with his daughter Sharon (Letitia Dean) in 2003, and he hung around until his character was killed off properly in two years later. In 2013 he divorced his wife of 31 years.
The 65-year-old actor was involved in a sordid tabloid newspaper “scandal” in 2004, but it was his wife’s “unreasonable behaviour” that was given in court as grounds for the divorce. Alongside Danniella Westbrook, he starred in 'Mob Handed'. (credit:PA)
Anita Dobson(17 of45)
Played: Angie Watts (1985–88)
Best known for playing the emotionally battered, alcoholic landlady, Anita Dobson went on to voicing a character in kids' show 'Annette And Rod' as well as appearing in 'Sadie J', another children's programme, as Nan Bet. In early 2015, it was announced that Anita would take on the role of Queen Elizabeth I in a new BBC drama and later that year, she starred in drama 'London Road'. (credit:Getty Images)
Best known for playing the emotionally battered, alcoholic landlady, Anita Dobson went on to voicing a character in kids' show 'Annette And Rod' as well as appearing in 'Sadie J', another children's programme, as Nan Bet. In early 2015, it was announced that Anita would take on the role of Queen Elizabeth I in a new BBC drama and later that year, she starred in drama 'London Road'. (credit:Getty Images)
Tanya Franks(18 of45)
Played: Rainie Cross (2007-2011)
After getting Phil Mitchell hooked on crack as character Rainie Cross, Tanya moved on to more drama, playing Richard Burton's wife, Sybil, in the 2012 made-for-television film 'Liz & Dick', alongside Lindsay Lohan and later starring in 'Broadchurch'.
Rainie later returned to the Square as part of the 'Who killed Lucy Beale?' storyline. (credit:Getty Images)
After getting Phil Mitchell hooked on crack as character Rainie Cross, Tanya moved on to more drama, playing Richard Burton's wife, Sybil, in the 2012 made-for-television film 'Liz & Dick', alongside Lindsay Lohan and later starring in 'Broadchurch'.
Rainie later returned to the Square as part of the 'Who killed Lucy Beale?' storyline. (credit:Getty Images)
Ross Kemp(19 of45)
Played: Grant Mitchell (1990–99, 2005, 2006, 2016)
Ross Kemp went from 'EastEnders' bad boy to chasing bad boys when he left the soap in 2006.
Rebranding himself as an investigative journalist, Kemp has reported on gangs, Afghanistan, pirates, the Middle East and more. In 2012 he released a new novel, 'Moving Target'. He went on to experience what it’s like to be caught up in the middle of Northern Ireland’s most contentious and volatile Twelfth parade for the new series of his Sky1 show 'Extreme World'.
Despite ruling out a return to the soap, he did pop up again in 2016, while continuing to front various documentaries. (credit:PA)
Ross Kemp went from 'EastEnders' bad boy to chasing bad boys when he left the soap in 2006.
Rebranding himself as an investigative journalist, Kemp has reported on gangs, Afghanistan, pirates, the Middle East and more. In 2012 he released a new novel, 'Moving Target'. He went on to experience what it’s like to be caught up in the middle of Northern Ireland’s most contentious and volatile Twelfth parade for the new series of his Sky1 show 'Extreme World'.
Despite ruling out a return to the soap, he did pop up again in 2016, while continuing to front various documentaries. (credit:PA)
Michelle Collins(20 of45)
Played: Cindy Beale (1988–90, 1992–98)
Michelle Collins really did a number on Ian Beale as scheming Cindy, eventually having him shot by a hitman. Michelle swapped soaps and played barmaid Stella Price in 'Coronation Street'. She later left 'Corrie', and briefly reprised her role as Cindy for a special Children In Need sketch in 2014. (credit:Getty Images)
Michelle Collins really did a number on Ian Beale as scheming Cindy, eventually having him shot by a hitman. Michelle swapped soaps and played barmaid Stella Price in 'Coronation Street'. She later left 'Corrie', and briefly reprised her role as Cindy for a special Children In Need sketch in 2014. (credit:Getty Images)
Barbara Windsor(21 of45)
Played: Peggy Mitchell (1994–2013, 2016)
In mid-2016, Dame Barbara Windsor was back in the Square for one final time, and her character was given a suitably emotional send-off.
Since then, she's been out of the spotlight - though Babs continues to work with JackpotJoy bingo. (credit:PA)
In mid-2016, Dame Barbara Windsor was back in the Square for one final time, and her character was given a suitably emotional send-off.
Since then, she's been out of the spotlight - though Babs continues to work with JackpotJoy bingo. (credit:PA)
Phil Daniels(22 of45)
Played: Kevin Wicks (2006–08)
Phil's character Kevin Wicks met a tragic end when he died in a car crash. In 2009, he starred in a handful of episodes of 'New Tricks' before landing a role in TV mini-series, 'Moonfleet' in 2013. (credit:Getty Images)
Phil's character Kevin Wicks met a tragic end when he died in a car crash. In 2009, he starred in a handful of episodes of 'New Tricks' before landing a role in TV mini-series, 'Moonfleet' in 2013. (credit:Getty Images)
Kara Tointon(23 of45)
Played: Dawn Swan (2005–09)
Kara Tointon went on to win the 2010 edition of' Strictly Come Dancing' with her partner-turned-boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev, though the couple have since split. She then starred in 'Mr Selfridge' alongside her sister Hannah and also played the lead role in a live ITV production of 'The Sound Of Music' before landing a role in the channel's much-hyped 2017 drama 'The Halycon'. (credit:PA)
Kara Tointon went on to win the 2010 edition of' Strictly Come Dancing' with her partner-turned-boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev, though the couple have since split. She then starred in 'Mr Selfridge' alongside her sister Hannah and also played the lead role in a live ITV production of 'The Sound Of Music' before landing a role in the channel's much-hyped 2017 drama 'The Halycon'. (credit:PA)
Kacey Ainsworth(24 of45)
Played: Little Mo (2000–06)
After 6 years as the loveable and the long-suffering Little Mo, Kacey went on to play Auntie Lou in 'Carrie's War' in London's West End and in 2013, she stared in Ben Elton's the comedy series 'The Wright Way'.
Kacey still pops up on TV every now and then, and gave an emotional star turn in 'Call The Midwife'. (credit:Getty Images)
After 6 years as the loveable and the long-suffering Little Mo, Kacey went on to play Auntie Lou in 'Carrie's War' in London's West End and in 2013, she stared in Ben Elton's the comedy series 'The Wright Way'.
Kacey still pops up on TV every now and then, and gave an emotional star turn in 'Call The Midwife'. (credit:Getty Images)
Michael Greco (25 of45)
Played: Beppe di Marco 1998-2002
Oh Beppe, long gone but never forgotten.
Beppe isn't actually dead so Michael could technically return to the soap. Alas, he's too busy making a living as a professional poker player. Seriously. (credit:Todd Williamson/Invision/AP)
Oh Beppe, long gone but never forgotten.
Beppe isn't actually dead so Michael could technically return to the soap. Alas, he's too busy making a living as a professional poker player. Seriously. (credit:Todd Williamson/Invision/AP)
Cheryl Fergison(26 of45)
Played: Heather Trott 2006-2012
After being axed from the show (death by photoframe) Cheryl went on to make guest appearances on several day-time and panel shows.
In 2012 she entered the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, but it wasn't long before she was booted out. In 2016, she (sort of) returned to the show, when her voice was on a tape played by Dot Branning. (credit:John Phillips via Getty Images)
After being axed from the show (death by photoframe) Cheryl went on to make guest appearances on several day-time and panel shows.
In 2012 she entered the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, but it wasn't long before she was booted out. In 2016, she (sort of) returned to the show, when her voice was on a tape played by Dot Branning. (credit:John Phillips via Getty Images)
Meryl Fernandes(27 of45)
Played: Afia Masood 2009-2012
'EastEnders' was Meryl's first professional acting role... and sadly she hasn't been up to too much since. In 2013, she popped up in 'Doctors' but has since been concentrating on a shop she owns in East London. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
'EastEnders' was Meryl's first professional acting role... and sadly she hasn't been up to too much since. In 2013, she popped up in 'Doctors' but has since been concentrating on a shop she owns in East London. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Sam Strike(28 of45)
Played: Johnny Carter (2013-14)
After a brief stop off in 'Slient Witness', Sam landed his first film role in 2017 release 'Leatherface'. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
After a brief stop off in 'Slient Witness', Sam landed his first film role in 2017 release 'Leatherface'. (credit:Mike Marsland via Getty Images)
Jasmyn Banks(29 of45)
Played: Alice Branning 2012-2013
Jasmyn swapped her TV role for a spot on the stage in 2013, and moved on to become part of the touring cast of 'One Man, Two Guv'nors'. She also enjoyed a five year stint in 'Doctors', before appearing in an episode of 'Call The Midwife'. (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Jasmyn swapped her TV role for a spot on the stage in 2013, and moved on to become part of the touring cast of 'One Man, Two Guv'nors'. She also enjoyed a five year stint in 'Doctors', before appearing in an episode of 'Call The Midwife'. (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Shaun Williamson(30 of45)
Played: Barry Evans 1994-2004
Shaun made a number of guest appearances on TV before securing the role of, umm, himself, in 'Extras' just a year after Janine pushed Bazza off the cliff.
He's yet another former 'EastEnders' star known for treading the boards, starring in everything from pantomimes to sketches at the Royal Albert Hall. (credit:Dave M. Benett via Getty Images)
Shaun made a number of guest appearances on TV before securing the role of, umm, himself, in 'Extras' just a year after Janine pushed Bazza off the cliff.
He's yet another former 'EastEnders' star known for treading the boards, starring in everything from pantomimes to sketches at the Royal Albert Hall. (credit:Dave M. Benett via Getty Images)
Nicholas Bailey(31 of45)
Played: Anthony Trueman 2000-2005, 2014
Nick joined the cast of the popular radio soap 'The Archers' in 2012. (credit:Photoshot via Getty Images)
Nick joined the cast of the popular radio soap 'The Archers' in 2012. (credit:Photoshot via Getty Images)
Zoe Lucker(32 of45)
Played: Vanessa Gold 2010-2011
Screen veteran Zoe hasn't had a shortage of parts, and her credits since 'EastEnders' include 'Waterloo Road'. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Screen veteran Zoe hasn't had a shortage of parts, and her credits since 'EastEnders' include 'Waterloo Road'. (credit:Mark Cuthbert via Getty Images)
Preeya Kalidas(33 of45)
Played: Amira Masood 2009-2012
Preeya returned her attentions to her budding career as a singer after leaving the soap, though she didn't exactly set the charts alight, with her single 'Love Between Us' peaking at number 137. (credit:Jon Furniss/Invision/AP)
Preeya returned her attentions to her budding career as a singer after leaving the soap, though she didn't exactly set the charts alight, with her single 'Love Between Us' peaking at number 137. (credit:Jon Furniss/Invision/AP)
Larry Lamb (34 of45)
Played: Archie Mitchell 2008-2009
Larry hasn't been short of work during his decades in showbusiness, and his run has continued long after his character's untimely death. He's not afraid to try something new either, and in 2011, he published a new autobiography, before presenting his own LBC radio show two years later. In 2016, he appeared on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!'. (credit:Jon Furniss/Invision/AP)
Larry hasn't been short of work during his decades in showbusiness, and his run has continued long after his character's untimely death. He's not afraid to try something new either, and in 2011, he published a new autobiography, before presenting his own LBC radio show two years later. In 2016, he appeared on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!'. (credit:Jon Furniss/Invision/AP)
Tiana Benjamin(35 of45)
Played: Chelsea Fox 2006-2010
Tiana starred in the British film 'Fast Girls' a year after making her 'EastEnders' exit, but she hasn't been in the spotlight much since, save for a handful of TV appearances. (credit:Jon Furniss/Invision/AP)
Tiana starred in the British film 'Fast Girls' a year after making her 'EastEnders' exit, but she hasn't been in the spotlight much since, save for a handful of TV appearances. (credit:Jon Furniss/Invision/AP)
Tracy-Ann Oberman(36 of45)
Played: Chrissie Watts 2004-2005
Tracy's a woman of many talents and in the last decade, she's (deep breath) written for The Guardian, popped up in 'Doctor Who', 'Mistresses', 'New Tricks' and 'Friday Night' Dinner, penned radio plays and starred in National Theatre productions. Phew. (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Tracy's a woman of many talents and in the last decade, she's (deep breath) written for The Guardian, popped up in 'Doctor Who', 'Mistresses', 'New Tricks' and 'Friday Night' Dinner, penned radio plays and starred in National Theatre productions. Phew. (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Ricky Groves(37 of45)
Played: Garry Hobbs 2000-2009
Ricky turned to reality TV, giving diving a go on 'Splash!' and popping his chef's hat on for a stint on 'Celebrity Masterchef'. (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
Ricky turned to reality TV, giving diving a go on 'Splash!' and popping his chef's hat on for a stint on 'Celebrity Masterchef'. (credit:Chris Jackson via Getty Images)
Ben Hardy(38 of45)
Played: Peter Beale (2013-15)
Ben swapped Albert Square for LA, and went on to star in 2016's 'X-Men' instalment, alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Ben swapped Albert Square for LA, and went on to star in 2016's 'X-Men' instalment, alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult. (credit:Jeff Spicer via Getty Images)
Jack Ryder(39 of45)
Played: Jamie Mitchell 1998-2002
Ahh, we all fancied him didn't we? Now, you're more likely to find Jack on the other side of the camera, as he's a film and TV director.
In 2014, he was the associate director for the hit play version of 'The Full Monty'. (credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
Ahh, we all fancied him didn't we? Now, you're more likely to find Jack on the other side of the camera, as he's a film and TV director.
In 2014, he was the associate director for the hit play version of 'The Full Monty'. (credit:Dave Hogan via Getty Images)
Hannah Waterman(40 of45)
Played: Laura Beale 2000-2004
Hannah's popped up in a few different places over the years, tackling a number of stage roles, appearing on 'Celebrity Come Dine With Me' and winning the 2007 series of 'Just The Two Of Us'. (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Hannah's popped up in a few different places over the years, tackling a number of stage roles, appearing on 'Celebrity Come Dine With Me' and winning the 2007 series of 'Just The Two Of Us'. (credit:Danny Martindale via Getty Images)
Cliff Parisi(41 of45)
Played: Minty Peterson 2002-2010
Cliff now stars as the lovable Fred in 'Call The Midwife'. (credit:Harlem Mepham via Getty Images)
Cliff now stars as the lovable Fred in 'Call The Midwife'. (credit:Harlem Mepham via Getty Images)
Lucy Speed(42 of45)
Played: Natalie Evans 1994-2004
Remember 'The Bill'? Lucy rocked up at Sun Hill Station in 2007, and she's also tried her hand quiz shows, starring on 'Pointless Celebrities', 'Celebrity Ready, Steady, Cook' and 'Weakest Link' (on the celeb version, obvs). (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Remember 'The Bill'? Lucy rocked up at Sun Hill Station in 2007, and she's also tried her hand quiz shows, starring on 'Pointless Celebrities', 'Celebrity Ready, Steady, Cook' and 'Weakest Link' (on the celeb version, obvs). (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Dean Gaffney (43 of45)
Played: Robbie Jackson 1993-2003
TV roles have been few and far between for Dean, though he has won by fans by appearing on shows such as 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' and 'Let's Dance For Comic Relief'. (credit:Ian Gavan via Getty Images)
TV roles have been few and far between for Dean, though he has won by fans by appearing on shows such as 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' and 'Let's Dance For Comic Relief'. (credit:Ian Gavan via Getty Images)
Nadia Wadia(44 of45)
Played: Zainab Masood 2007-2013
Nadia nabbed a role in 'Still Open All Hours' and she also flexed her acting muscles with a role in 'Doctor Who'. In 2013, Nadia was given the Outstanding Achievement in Television Award at The Asian Awards. Go, Nadia! (credit:Steve Finn / Splash News)
Nadia nabbed a role in 'Still Open All Hours' and she also flexed her acting muscles with a role in 'Doctor Who'. In 2013, Nadia was given the Outstanding Achievement in Television Award at The Asian Awards. Go, Nadia! (credit:Steve Finn / Splash News)
Timothy West(45 of45)
Played: Stan Carter (2013-15)
West continues to care for his wife, Prunella Scales, who is living with Alzheimer's Disease. He has also taken a handful of TV roles and film 'We The Kings'. (credit:Brian O'Sullivan/EMPICS Entertainment)
West continues to care for his wife, Prunella Scales, who is living with Alzheimer's Disease. He has also taken a handful of TV roles and film 'We The Kings'. (credit:Brian O'Sullivan/EMPICS Entertainment)