“EastEnders’ Mark Fowler, played by Todd Carty from 1990 to 2003, remains one of the soap’s most memorable characters.”
EastEnders legend Mark Fowler remains one of the BBC soap’s most unforgettable characters.
Portrayed by Todd Carty, 62, the son of Pauline (Wendy Richard) and Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher) was at the heart of some of Albert Square’s most dramatic storylines.
Todd first appeared on our screens in 1990, leaving in 2003 when Mark, following his HIV diagnosis, rode off on his cherished motorbike. Tragically, just a year later, the character succumbed to an AIDS-related form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
More than two decades on, Mark’s nephew, Mark Fowler Junior (Stephen Aaron-Sipple), is set to make his Walford debut in highly anticipated scenes. But what has become of the original actor?
From jumping to a rival soap to making a dramatic exit from a reality show after just two episodes, let’s take a look…
Todd Carty moves to a rival soap
After leaving EastEnders, Todd went on to play PC Gabriel Kent in ITV’s The Bill from 2003 to 2005. He later appeared in shows including Heartbeat and Holby City, according to the Mirror.
By 2007, Todd had swapped Walford for Selly Oak, making his directorial debut on Doctors. After careful preparation, he directed three episodes, which aired on 9th, 10th, and 11th July.
Celebrating the experience, he said: “I really enjoyed making my directorial debut on Doctors and couldn’t have done it without an amazing production team and every member of the cast and crew.”
Grange Hill return
In 2003, Todd reprised his role as Tucker Jenkins in Grange Hill, this time appearing as the uncle of student Patrick ‘Togger’ Johnson.
Although his return lasted only a single episode, he was invited back for the final series of the iconic school drama in 2008 – a special one-off episode celebrating the BBC programme’s 30th anniversary.
Dancing on Ice mishap
Outside acting, Todd tried his hand at reality TV. His 2009 appearance on Dancing on Ice is particularly memorable, highlighted by a spectacular fall that left his skating partner, Susie Lipanova, completely shocked.
Despite earning poor scores, Todd’s popularity with viewers carried him through to the next round, creating one of the funniest moments ever captured on television. He was eventually knocked out in the fifth round.
Sudden exit from reality TV
Todd gave reality TV another try when he joined Celebrity 5 Go Caravanning in 2018, teaming up with stars including Sonia and Coronation Street’s Sherrie Hewson for a nationwide tour.
However, he quit after just two episodes. A source told the Metro: “After filming two episodes, Todd realised that caravanning life wasn’t for him, so he left his co-stars to continue the journey without him.”
His spot on the show was later taken by former Coronation Street actor Brian Capron, best known for playing the soap’s notorious serial killer.
Nearly unrecognisable with Tom Selleck-style moustache
Soap star Todd Carty looked almost unrecognisable as he sported a thick moustache at The Lowry Theatre in Manchester in 2024.
The actor was spotted running errands near the theatre while performing in the touring production of Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap.
Todd’s appearance was a far cry from his roles in The Bill and EastEnders, as he donned a NY Yankees baseball cap, dark denim jeans, and impressive facial hair.
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