Tom Banks

Name: Tom Banks
First Appeared: 23rd April 2002
Last Appeared: 1st November 2003
Played by: Colm Ó Maonlaí

Tom Banks, the charming yet ill-fated hero of Albert Square, made quite an impression when he arrived in 2002. Tom, a former Merchant Marine, had childhood connections with Mark Fowler and Sharon Watts and even had a history of bullying Ian Beale, famously dubbing him “Squeal Beale.” By the time he resurfaced at Angie’s funeral, Tom had swapped his sea legs for a firefighter’s uniform and quickly rekindled a romance with Sharon. Their budding relationship faced immediate hurdles, including interference from Sharon’s ex, Phil Mitchell, and Tom’s ex-wife, Sadie Banks, who went as far as to stage a fake affair to drive them apart.

Despite Sadie’s devious plots, Sharon stood by Tom, even as Walford’s residents turned against them. Sadie’s antics escalated to the point where she held Sharon hostage and threatened her life unless she could reunite with Tom. The situation climaxed with Sadie’s suicide attempt, which was thwarted by Tom and Sharon, leading Sadie to seek psychiatric help. Just when it seemed things might settle, Tom’s world was rocked by a devastating diagnosis: a brain tumour. Initially, he kept this from Sharon and ended their relationship, claiming it was just a bit of fun, but Sharon saw through his façade and pressed him to reveal the truth.

With the truth out, Sharon pledged to stay by Tom’s side until the end. They dreamt of traveling the world, but Tom chose to spend his remaining days in Walford. He proposed to Sharon with her father’s signet ring, a poignant gesture underscoring their deep bond. Tom’s heroism shone brightly one final time when Trevor Morgan set a fire at 23 Albert Square. Tom bravely ran into the burning building, rescuing Little Mo and her son Sean before returning for Trevor. Tragically, a petrol can exploded, killing both Tom and Trevor instantly.