Steve Owen

Name: Steve Owen
First Appeared: 28th December 1998
Last Appeared: 1st March 2002
Played by: Martin Kemp

Steve Owen swaggered into Albert Square in December 1998, immediately making waves as the new owner of The Market Cellar, which he rebranded as e20. Born Steven Richard Owen on March 19, 1965, Steve was no stranger to drama, having spent years building a reputation as a nightclub owner in Soho. His arrival brought even more drama to Walford, especially with his obsessive ex-girlfriend Saskia Duncan trying to come between him and his new love interest, Melanie Healy.

Steve’s relationship with Mel took a dark turn on Valentine’s Day 1999 when Saskia’s jealousy led to a fatal confrontation. Saskia attacked Steve, and in a desperate act of self-defence, he struck her with an ashtray, killing her instantly. With Matthew Rose as the unfortunate witness, Steve manipulated him into helping bury Saskia’s body. When Saskia’s remains were discovered months later, Matthew took the fall, only to exact his revenge upon release by terrifying Steve. Struggling with guilt and addiction, Steve’s life spiralled further, nearly costing business partner Beppe di Marco his life due to a drug overdose.

Steve’s turbulent love life continued as he and Mel rekindled their relationship, leading to a volatile marriage plagued by infidelity and deceit. The night before their wedding in March 2001, Steve discovered Mel’s one-night stand with his nemesis Phil Mitchell, who was then shot by an unknown assailant. Although Jamie Mitchell suspected Steve, it was later revealed that Lisa Shaw, Phil’s ex-girlfriend, was the shooter. Despite this, Steve and Phil conspired to frame Dan Sullivan for the crime, culminating in a dramatic showdown involving Mel’s kidnapping and a hefty ransom.

Steve’s financial woes reached a peak when his illicit activities invalidated his insurance, forcing him into a desperate robbery scheme. Reuniting briefly with Mel, he hoped to start anew, but their rekindled romance was short-lived. The couple’s final attempt to flee Albert Square in February 2002 led to a deadly car chase with Phil. Steve’s car crashed into petrol tanks, and Phil rescued his daughter Louise but left Steve to perish in the flames, bringing Steve Owen’s reign of chaos to a fiery end.