Matthew Jackson

Name: Matthew Jackson
First Appeared: 5th May 1988
Last Appeared: 25th June 1989
Played by: Steven Hartley

Matthew Jackson first appeared in Albert Square in May 1988 as the new love interest for social worker Carmel Roberts. As the manager of the local music store, Matthew seemed like a kind and easy-going man with a tragic backstory. His mother, Lynna, had him at 16 and after raising him for 15 years, she was forced to give him up for custody. Matthew was subsequently fostered and harbored resentment towards his mother for abandoning him. Despite this, everyone in Walford seemed to like him—except for Carmel’s brother, Darren Roberts, who took issue with Matthew’s race. Darren’s objections led to Carmel kicking him out, and Matthew moved in to help Carmel look after Darren’s two children, Junior and Aisha.

Carmel was head over heels for Matthew, and when he proposed in November 1988, she eagerly accepted. However, when she suggested inviting Lynna to the wedding, Matthew reacted with unexpected fury. Despite this, the couple went ahead with their wedding in January 1989, only for Matthew to fly into a rage when he saw his mother in attendance. Carmel had invited her, thinking it would please Matthew, but instead, he became violent, grabbing Carmel by the throat. Despite his tearful apologies, it was clear that their marriage was off to a rocky start.

Over the following months, tensions between Matthew and Junior escalated, causing strain in Matthew and Carmel’s relationship. Matthew’s temper flared, leading to violent outbursts, including punching Carmel in the face. Despite the abuse, Carmel believed she could help Matthew and stayed with him. However, Junior soon realized the truth behind his aunt’s bruises and informed various family members. The situation reached a breaking point when Junior, in a bid to protect Carmel, stabbed Matthew with a kitchen knife. Although Matthew spent time in the hospital, he convinced Carmel to take him back, only for his violent behaviour to resurface.

Realizing the futility of trying to change Matthew, Carmel finally decided to end their relationship after another violent episode. She threw him out, and Matthew left Walford in July 1989.