Hattie Tavernier

Name: Hattie Tavernier
First Appeared: 5th July 1990
Last Appeared: 24th February 1994
Played by: Michelle Gayle

Hattie Tavernier moved to Albert Square in 1990 with her bustling family, including her father Celestine, mother Etta, brothers Clyde and Lloyd, and grandfather Jules. Despite excelling in her O-level examinations, Hattie disappointed her parents by choosing a job as a waitress for the ever-ambitious Ian Beale. Her good intentions were hilariously misinterpreted by Ian, leading to an awkward moment where Hattie had to knee him in the groin after he made a pass at her. Despite this, Hattie’s dedication saw her promoted to Ian’s personal assistant.

Hattie soon found romance with local chef Steve Elliot, much to the dismay of her older brother Clyde, who believed Steve was too old for her. Their love persisted, and by December 1992, Hattie took the initiative and proposed to Steve. They moved in together, but by July 1993, Steve felt suffocated and decided to leave, sneakily planning his exit with a note. Hattie, however, intercepted the note and rushed to Southampton to make amends, only to fail. She then confided in Clyde about her pregnancy with Steve’s child but suffered a miscarriage shortly after, blaming herself for the loss.

By the end of 1993, Hattie’s work life took a dramatic turn as she frequently clashed with Ian’s wife, Cindy Beale, who was jealous of Hattie’s close working relationship with Ian. Things reached a boiling point, leading Hattie to slap Cindy across the face and quit her job. In December 1993, Hattie decided to start afresh and moved to Norwich, finding love there and never returning to Walford.

In 1994, Steve made a trip to Norwich hoping to reconnect with Hattie, only to find her with another man, suggesting she had indeed moved on. Realizing she wouldn’t return to Walford, Steve returned alone.