Laurie Bates arrived in Albert Square in September 1989, ready to take on the world—or at least the fruit and veg market. Setting up his stall in direct competition with Pete Beale, Laurie wasn’t shy about undercutting prices to snag Pete’s customers. But Laurie wasn’t just interested in business; he…

Simon Wicks had quite the complicated family history. Born to Pat Beale, who was married to Pete Beale at the time, Simon’s paternity was a mystery due to Pat’s simultaneous affairs with Kenny Beale, Brian Wicks, and Den Watts. Although Pat suspected Brian was Simon’s father, it wasn’t confirmed until…

Pete Beale, the beloved fruit and veg vendor of Albert Square, was born on March 11, 1945, alongside his twin sister Pauline. Growing up at number 45 Albert Square, Pete helped his father Albert with the market stall from a young age and eventually inherited it. Schooling with his friend…

Jeffrey “Jeff” Healy brought his own unique brand of familial drama when he arrived in Albert Square on December 9, 1997. As the father of Alex Healy and Melanie Owen, Jeff had plenty of bridges to rebuild, especially with his son. A staunch atheist, Jeff was less than thrilled with…

Harry Slater, born in January 1946, was the younger brother of Charlie Slater. He grew up in Walford and eventually became a successful bar owner. However, Harry’s dark side emerged in the early 1980s when he began grooming his niece, Kat Slater. By the time Kat turned 13, Harry’s grooming…

Steve Elliot, the charming old school friend of Hattie Tavernier and Sam Mitchell, first graced Albert Square in October 1991, initially working as a pizza chef. His culinary talents didn’t go unnoticed by Ian Beale, who quickly hired him as the head chef at his catering business, The Meal Machine.

Jack Robbins certainly brought a whirlwind of drama to Albert Square. A former police colleague and old flame of Beppe di Marco’s wife, Sandra, Jack showed up with the clear intention of winning Sandra back. Despite her initial insistence that she loved Beppe, having reconciled with him months earlier, the…

Eddie Skinner made quite an entrance when he arrived in Walford for his aunt Ethel Skinner’s funeral. Rather than just paying his respects and leaving, Eddie decided to stick around, taking up lodging with the Fowlers at 45 Albert Square, along with his daughter Kerry Skinner. Eddie was no stranger…

Dan Sullivan brought plenty of drama to Albert Square when he arrived as Carol Jackson’s latest boyfriend in 1999. They planned to marry after discovering she was pregnant, but things got complicated when Carol’s daughter, Bianca Butcher, recognized Dan as her former fling from a holiday years before. Naturally, this…

Shelley Lewis first popped up in Albert Square in November 1992 as Michelle Fowler’s college friend. When Michelle’s housemate, Rachel Kominski, left Walford in early 1993, Shelley moved in with Michelle and her daughter, Vicki Fowler, at 55 Victoria Road. Shelley, a free-spirited student, often brought her pals Rich and…