Jackie Owen

Name: Jackie Owen
First Appeared: 10th September 1999
Last Appeared: 1st June 2000
Played by: Race Davies

Jackie Owen burst into Albert Square in September 1999, determined to support her brother Steve Owen, who was on trial for the murder of Saskia Duncan. After the tragic suicide of her husband, Doug Bayliss, who was imprisoned for manslaughter, Jackie was resolute in preventing Steve from sharing the same fate. Believing in her brother’s innocence, she kept their connection under wraps, taking a job at Giuseppe’s, an Italian restaurant owned by the di Marco family, and subtly questioning the locals about Steve’s case.

Things took a dramatic turn when Beppe di Marco discovered a prison visiting order among Jackie’s belongings, revealing her identity and infuriating the locals. During the trial, Jackie realized Steve had lied about the murder but still provided a heartfelt testimony that swayed the jury, resulting in Steve being found not guilty, while Matthew Rose, who Steve had framed, was wrongfully convicted. The Owen siblings faced regular animosity from the Square’s residents, with Martin Fowler targeting Jackie. An altercation with Martin led to a dramatic incident where Jackie and Gianni di Marco were trapped under debris in a half-demolished building, narrowly escaping injury thanks to Steve’s rescue.

Over the following months, Jackie became involved in the campaign to free Matthew Rose, possibly out of guilt. Her relationship with Gianni blossomed, but it was fraught with challenges due to Jackie’s quick temper and jealousy. After several violent outbursts linked to her severe Premenstrual Tension (PMS), Jackie sought medical help but eventually decided to end the relationship to prevent further harm. Gianni, deeply in love, was devastated, but his mother, Rosa, insisted Jackie stay away after learning of the abuse. She left Walford shortly afterward.