Britain’s Biggest Soap Opera Stars: Where Are They Now?

Susan Tully – EastEnders – Age 53

The transition from Suzanne Hill, the rebellious teen from the kids’ show, Grange Hill to Michelle Fowler, the single mother from EastEnders has been amazing for the English actress, director, and television producer.

After she decided to take retirement from acting, Susan has been really busy working behind the camera. She has produced and directed several shows on British television to date. Some of her projects include Secret Diary of a Call Girl, 55 Degrees North, London’s Burning, and Strike: Lethal White.

Susan has a lot of talent and is an immensely confident lady. She has piled up enough currency throughout her career to make sure that she stays miles away from a bankruptcy attorney. However, we hardly have any knowledge of her personal life.

Michael French – David Wicks

Michael French, the English actor, shot to fame with the character of David Wicks in EastEnders. He trained at the Mountview Theatre School and graduated in 1992. His background at the theatre helped him feature in many prominent roles on television and theatre. French’s exemplary performance in the play Les Misérables in London’s West End impressed a casting agent. That’s when he thought of casting him as David Wicks in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.

His other popular roles include the one of Nick Jordan, a consultant in Casualty and as a former cardiothoracic registrar in its spin-off series Holby City. He also added verve to the character of Jeff Slade in the BBC series Crime Traveller.

His role in the show East Enders was checkered as best, based on his appearance since he appeared first in 1993 and then in 1996. Then he made an appearance in 2012, 2013, and 2014 respectively.

Steven Arnold – Coronation Street – Age 46

Steven Arnold, a retired English actor has been keeping his audiences hooked with his role as a butcher as Ashley Peacock in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street.

He has largely chosen to stay away from the arclights since his breakthrough performance. Viewers were surprised to see him on the July 2020 show of This Morning, and the fact that he looked very different from his screen outings. Arnold and his younger brother, Kevin, made appearances in the Granada Television series – Children’s Ward. He was also part of the medical information film – Growing Pains. His other shows include Medics, The Bill, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and Common As Muck. His radio debut was with the show Distance Between The Stars, for BBC Radio 4.

His character in Coronation Street ended with a tram accident and now he is happy with the way his career has shaped up. He was glad that he got to round off his career on a high note!

Tracy Shaw – Coronation Street – Age 47

Tracy Shaw is known for her role as a hairdresser, Maxine Peacock, in the ITV soap opera, Coronation Street, running for many years. She has played the role from May 1995 to January 2003. Her character, however, finally ended in the show when the serial killer, Richard Hillman played by Brian Capron, killed her.

It’s a pity that not many people know about Tracy Shaw’s life since she chose to stay away from the spotlight, and preferred motherhood instead. She has still stayed connected to acting though.

Tracy Shaw was part of the show, The Flint Street Nativity in Liverpool, however, she finally bid adieu to her character role of Emily Kirk in 2008. Now that her children are older, she’s back to working at the Theatre Royal Windsor’s production of The Cat and the Canary.

Jessie Wallace – EastEnders – Age 49

Jessie Wallace became a household name due to her portrayal of a party girl, Kat Slater, in one of the most popular British soaps, EastEnders. Her role helped her lay hands on the National Television Awards as the Most Popular Newcomer category in the year 2001.

Aside from that, she also won the British Soap Award in the Best Newcomer category in 2001, the Most Popular Actress category in 2003, and the Best Actress category in 2011. Jessie has also been quite popular for her portrayal of Pat Phoenix in The Road to Coronation Street on BBC Four.

She has returned to television by joining the cast of EastEnders in the year 2018. She is now close to 50 but looks as gorgeous as before. Jessie is surely focusing on her diet these days.

Lacey Turner – EastEnders – Age 32

Acting is not just a profession for Lacy Turner, it’s her passion and she certainly leaves no stone unturned in giving her 100% to whichever role she is portraying. She has always strived for excellence and that reflects in her work.

Lacey executed her role of Stacey Slater in EastEnders with Elan and has claimed more than thirty awards to date. The list includes over nine British Soap Awards and three National Television Awards.

Lacey has also starred in other popular TV shows such as Our Girl, Switch, and Bedlam. With the earnings she has raked in as an actress, she wouldn’t have any financial trouble in the future. She is married to Matt Kay since 2017 and is a mother of two.

Patsy Palmer – EastEnders – Age 48

Patsy Palmer has been always been in love with acting and that love has steered her forward to deliver some amazing performances over the years. One such performance is that of Bianca Johnson in the BBC show, EastEnders.

The English actress is also known for her portrayal of Natasha in Grange Hill, the children’s drama. We also caught her on Strictly Come Dancing, the dance competition on British TV. Her role of Bianca has fetched Patsy the British Soap Award in the Best Actress category.

In addition to acting, she is a renowned DJ and has traveled the world. She is married to Richard Merkel, her second husband, and is a mother of four kids. The savings she has accumulated for herself so far would be enough to last a lifetime.