Chris Smith, the haulage driver from Stockport, first rumbled into Walford in May 1985, looking to reconnect with his wayward daughter, Mary. Known to him as Theresa, Mary had fled from her family, hoping to start anew, but Chris had other plans. He tried to persuade her to return home…

Darren Roberts made quite the entrance when he arrived in Walford in July 1987, driving a flashy red, left-hand drive Pontiac. Not long after, his son Junior and young daughter Aisha joined him. Having fallen out with his wife Darleen, Darren managed to persuade his sister Carmel to let him…

Danny Whiting, the suave and middle-class computer salesman, made quite an impact when he arrived in Walford. Tasked with helping Michelle Fowler navigate the new computer system at Walford Surgery, he and Michelle were instantly attracted to each other. Despite the age difference and his more polished demeanour, Michelle fell…

Dr. David Samuels made his first appearance in Walford in April 1988, seeking refuge from a tumultuous life in Israel. After treating a wounded terrorist responsible for bombing a bus that killed his best friend, David was shunned by the locals. He also split from his fiancée, Ruth, and needed…

Donna Ludlow’s life was a tragic rollercoaster that left a lasting mark on Walford. Born from the horrific circumstances of Kathy Beale’s rape at the age of 14, Donna was given up for adoption and raised by Mr. and Mrs. Ludlow. Fast forward to 1987, Donna’s godmother, June Watkins, visited…

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…

Gianni di Marco strutted into Walford with the rest of his family in 1998, bringing a dash of Italian charm to the square. As the younger of the two di Marco brothers, with Beppe being the older, Gianni was always in the thick of the action. He worked as a…

Dr. Fred Fonseca made a splash in Walford when he arrived in September 1998, stepping into the shoes of the much-loved Doctor Harold Legg. Fred confirmed the joyous news that Bianca Butcher was expecting a baby, but his holistic, non-traditional approach to medicine and reluctance to entertain patients’ complaints outside…

Junior Roberts was the quintessential young tearaway of Albert Square, a kid who idolized his wayward father, Darren. Arriving in Walford in July 1987 with his younger half-sister Aisha, Junior moved in with their aunt, Carmel Roberts, at 3B Albert Square. From the get-go, Junior was always in some kind…

Marge Green first made her appearance in May 1989, quickly establishing herself as a close friend of Dot Cotton and Ethel Skinner. Working as a cleaner at the Bed & Breakfast, initially for Doris and later for Pat Butcher, Marge also took over from Pauline Fowler at the launderette when…