Arthur “Fatboy” Chubb

Name: Arthur “Fatboy” Chubb
First Appeared: 5th January 2010
Last Appeared: 29th August 2023
Played by: Ricky Norwood

Arthur Chubb, affectionately known as Fatboy, with his infectious energy, street-smart charm, and a heart as big as his nickname, brought an unique blend of humour and warmth to the Square. His arrival was marked by his close friendship with Mercy Olubunmi, and their dynamic duo quickly became a fixture in Walford’s vibrant community.

Fatboy’s romantic escapades were as colourful as his wardrobe. His marriage to Mercy was a whirlwind, filled with youthful exuberance and the inevitable ups and downs. Despite their best efforts, the marriage was short-lived, but Fatboy’s resilience shone through as he repaired his broken heart. His subsequent relationships with Whitney Dean and Poppy Meadow showed him to be a true gentleman – most of the time.

One of Fatboy’s most endearing qualities was his unwavering loyalty to his friends, particularly Dot Branning. Their unlikely friendship blossomed when Fatboy moved in with Dot, providing some of the show’s most heart-warming and humorous moments. Whether it was helping Dot with her endless list of ailments or simply sharing a cup of tea, Fatboy’s presence brought a sense of joy and lightness to Dot’s life, and their bond became one of EastEnders‘ most cherished relationships.

Fatboy’s time in Walford was not without its share of drama: He found himself caught in the crossfire of Vincent Hubbard’s feud with the Mitchells, a storyline that ultimately led to his tragic demise. Mistakenly targeted by Ronnie Mitchell’s hitmen, Fatboy’s life was cut short when he was locked in the boot of a car and it was crushed shortly afterwards!

But he’s remembered for his good times, not his bad, and even in 2023, when the show flashed back nearly ten years to scenes seen in 2014, Fatboy ‘rose from the dead’ in a fun-filled cameo, proof if needed of how beloved a character he became.