In the 1990s, the rising young talents of the popular show EastEnders were just as beloved as the emerging boy and girl bands of that era. Michael Greco, once hailed as the sexiest man on television, and Paul Nicholls, who became a national heartthrob, were among these stars.
But what happened to these favorite EastEnders actors and actresses after they bid farewell to the show years ago? From overcoming life-threatening situations and battling drug addiction to engaging in peculiar conflicts with local entertainers, here’s an update on the journeys of these familiar faces.
During his stint on the show from 1998 to 2002, Michael Greco, known for his distinctive goatee, captured fans’ hearts as the Italian restaurant worker Beppe. Despite spending most of his on-screen time shirtless, he was eventually written off by the executive producer in 2002 as part of a show makeover.
Since his departure from EastEnders, Michael’s life took an unexpected turn. While there were rumors of a feud with a local clown in Scotland, these reports seem more like a fabricated tale as Michael is originally from Sutton, south London, and currently resides in Los Angeles. Transitioning to a successful career as a professional poker player after stepping away from the limelight, he has maintained a low-profile lifestyle, distancing himself from the public eye.
In a recent change of heart, Michael has returned to acting, landing roles in notable projects such as the Netflix miniseries Cleopatra and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Additionally, he embraced fatherhood for the first time at the age of 51 with his partner, Helen Harris.
Paul, who was already a teen heartthrob due to his children’s TV work, joined EastEnders in 1995 as the character Joe. Despite his popularity, the pressures of early fame led to struggles with depression, alcohol, and substance abuse, which he managed to overcome independently by 2008. His career saw a resurgence with roles in various TV series and films, although he faced personal challenges such as a cancer scare, a near-death incident in a rock pool, a stroke, and a battle with addiction in 2020.
Similarly, Martine, who rose to fame playing Tiffany on EastEnders, encountered both success and hardships in her post-soap career. From topping the music charts to facing health issues like chronic fatigue syndrome and Lyme’s disease, Martine navigated through a rollercoaster of challenges. Despite setbacks, she persevered, welcomed a son in 2015, and continued to make appearances on television shows like Celebrity Gogglebox and The Masked Singer UK.
Sean’s character Aiden’s storyline on EastEnders took unexpected turns, mirroring his own real-life journey of transitioning from a potential football career to music and acting. His success with music led him to Los Angeles, where he appeared in various TV series before marrying and starting a family. Becoming a US citizen in 2020, Sean continues to pursue his career in the entertainment industry while balancing family life.
Lucy’s character Natalie on EastEnders underwent dramatic transformations on the show, reflecting the actress’s diverse acting career post-soap. From featuring in films to appearing in popular TV series, Lucy’s professional life flourished. Married to model and actor Spencer Hayler, she enjoys family life in London while maintaining connections with former co-stars.
These actors and actresses from EastEnders have each navigated their post-soap journeys, overcoming challenges and embracing new opportunities in the entertainment industry and their personal lives.