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…

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…

Mehmet Osman, the Turkish Cypriot older brother of Ali Osman, brought his fair share of drama to Albert Square. First seen in June 1985 during one of Ali’s late-night poker games, Mehmet was a serial gambler with a penchant for high stakes. Living in Stoke Newington with his wife Guizin…

Nina Harris arrived in Walford seeking a fresh start, determined to leave behind her past as a prostitute. She had bravely helped imprison her violent pimp Vinny, a former boyfriend who had gotten her addicted to drugs and then pushed her into prostitution to support their habit. Settling in with…

Rod Norman, first seen in Albert Square in July 1987, quickly made an impression with his scruffy appearance and punk style. Despite looking like a greasy layabout, Rod had a heart of gold and a knack for helping those in need. He immediately took Mary Smith under his wing, seeing…

Rosa di Marco made her grand entrance in Walford in January 1998, turning up in force with her family for the funeral of her husband, Giuseppe. The di Marcos, an Italian family set to rival the Mitchells, moved to Walford the following month and set up Giuseppe’s, an Italian restaurant…

Paul Priestly, originally from Leeds, made quite an entrance when he arrived in Walford in April 1989, looking for a place to stay. Lodging with the Butchers at The Queen Victoria pub, Paul quickly caught the eye of schoolgirl Diane Butcher, much to the dismay of her father, Frank Butcher.…

Steve Owen swaggered into Albert Square in December 1998, immediately making waves as the new owner of The Market Cellar, which he rebranded as e20. Born Steven Richard Owen on March 19, 1965, Steve was no stranger to drama, having spent years building a reputation as a nightclub owner in…

Tony Carpenter, a Trinidadian handyman, and builder, brought a mix of charm and toughness to Albert Square when he settled there as a young man. Born in 1945 in Trinidad, Tony moved to London and set up his life in Walford. He married Hannah Carpenter, and together they had two…