Matthew Rose

Name: Matthew Rose
First Appeared: 26th August 1997
Last Appeared: 3rd February
Played by: Joe Absolom

Matthew Rose, the sulky teenager who first graced Albert Square in August 1997, quickly became a character to watch. As the only child of Michael and Susan Rose, Matthew had a knack for getting into scrapes. He briefly dated Sarah Hills and almost got involved in drugs during a trip to the Norfolk Broads with Teresa di Marco, Tony Hills, and Robbie Jackson. Matthew also struck up a friendship with Jamie Mitchell, which led to a memorable night at the Vic where Grant Mitchell, Jamie’s cousin, threw them out for pretending to be over 18.

Matthew’s life took a dramatic turn in December 1998 when Steve Owen bought the nightclub on Turpin Road and employed him as a DJ. Things spiralled out of control when Steve’s ex-girlfriend, Saskia Duncan, started stalking him. In February 1999, Matthew witnessed a fatal fight between Steve and Saskia, where Steve killed her with an ashtray. Coerced by Steve, Matthew helped dispose of the body in Epping Forest, leading to nightmares and overwhelming guilt. Steve pressured him into silence, even threatening his life. Eventually, Saskia’s body was discovered, and Steve framed Matthew for her murder. Despite being beaten up in prison and enduring a harrowing trial, Matthew was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter. Later, he was released when Steve’s fingerprints were found on the ashtray.

With a new, harder edge, Matthew returned to Walford on New Year’s Eve 1999, vowing revenge on Steve. His revenge campaign included spray-painting Steve’s house, blocking nightclub toilets, and stalking him. Matthew’s plans culminated in a dramatic confrontation where he pretended to hold Steve captive with a petrol can and fake threats. After tormenting Steve, Matthew revealed it was all a bluff, took £10,000, and walked out of Walford for good. His last act was to send flowers and a card reading “Dear Steve. Rot in hell” when he heard of Steve’s death in a car crash in 2002.