Michelle Collins – Cindy Baele, EastEnders

Michelle Collins has been giving viewers memorable performances since the '90s. The actor was part of two long-running British soap operas: EastEnders and Coronation Street. Michelle first got discovered by producer Julia Smith in the 1988 play Pressures, who initially pushed her to audition for Cindy Baele's part.

Since then, Collins has appeared in different television dramas, namely Casualty, The Dumping Ground, and The Queens of Mystery, to name a few. Aside from TV appearances, the star also acted in different stage adaptations, including Sleeping Beauty which ran from 2019-2020. Collins is now gearing up for her upcoming project titled My House, currently in post-production.

Sammy Winward - Katie Sugden, Emmerdale

35-year-old Sammy Winward is clearly multi-talented, juggling multiple careers as an actress, singer, and even model. She is popular for her brilliant acting in the soap Emmerdale, gracing our screens from 2001 to 2015. The role brought Winward worldwide fame and many accolades.

After departing from the hit soap opera, Sammy delivered further acting excellence in projects like Prey and Fearless. Following her continued success in both movies and TV serials, she then focused on Theater and Acting Workshops instead. Sammy may have found joy and satisfaction in her current role, but fans still wish to see her return to TV series and movies.

Sheree Murphy – Tricia Dingle, Emmerdale

Sheree Murphy has done it all. Not only is she an incredibly talented actress, but she has worked on two smash-hit British soap operas. Murphy played Tricia Dingle in Emmerdale, as well as Eva Strong on Hollyoaks. To top it all off, she has even starred in Neighbors, a long-running Australian soap opera where she played Dakota Davis.

After a six-year break from the industry, Sheree has starred in many reality shows such as I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity MasterChef. After an enormously successful comeback, Murphy has shown us that she can adapt to all sorts of TV environments equally well.

Sian Reese-Williams – Genesis Walker, Emmerdale

Sian Reese-Williams is a Welsh actress and singer who majored in Drama from the University of Hull. The budding performer then trained at the esteemed Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, eventually gaining recognition upon starring as Genesis Walker on Emmerdale.

A series regular since 2008, Sian eventually parted ways to seek other projects in 2013. Thankfully, she returned to the stage but still does TV interviews and performances from time to time. Nowadays, Sian is equally comfortable on both television and stage, proving she's one of the brightest stars of her generation. Fans can catch Williams on the soap opera Holby City.

Sophie Powles – Holly Barton, Emmerdale

Before becoming famous for her role as Holly Barton on Emmerdale, Sophie Powles starred in many dramas such as Holby City and Dalziel And Pascoe. Her talent was quickly noticed, and the starlet bagged a role in the drama series Britannia High. Sophie's part on the show was written specifically for her since the main cast had already been decided.

In 2009, Powles was finally cast as Holly Barton on Emmerdale. After a break until 2016, the performer eventually returned to the beloved series for one last time before finally exiting in August 2016. With just one theatrical appearance credit since then, we're still waiting on new updates on Sophie!

Stephanie Davis – Sinead O'Connor, Hollyoaks

Before she became famous as Sinead O'Connor in Hollyoaks, Stephanie Davis began her career in the entertainment industry by appearing in small-time British TV serials. However, this was short-lived as the starlet soon won the Rainbow, a popular BBC reality talent search show, and subsequently shot to fame.

After winning the series, Stephanie began to take on more prominent roles. Eventually, she landed a spot on Hollyoaks in 2010, as showrunners replaced some older cast members who'd left the cast. Stephanie continued working in the soap until 2019, followed by a stint in Celebrity Big Brother, where she was a runner-up.

Sue Nicholls – Audrey Roberts, Coronation Street

Sue Nicholls has an excellent acting career under her belt, having starred in fantastic television shows such as Crossroads and The Fall and Rise of Reinald Perrin. However, she is best remembered for her role in Coronation Street as Audrey Roberts- Nicholls' longest-running role with a soap opera.

Sue's first appearance was in 1979, and she's been doing the show since with just one 2-year hiatus in between. The Rentaghost star is an amazing actress and frequently appears on Broadway and the West End in London. Sue has been happily married to her Coronation Street co-star, Mark Eden, since 1993.

Tracy Shaw - Maxine Peacock, Coronation Street

Tracy Shaw's name is synonymous with Maxine Peacock from the acclaimed soap opera Coronation Street. She played this role for eight long years until her character met their end abruptly, much to the collective dismay of Shaw's fans. The sudden exit was allegedly due to some disagreements with the show producers. Since then, she has appeared in several dramas, including The Blue Room.

These days, Tracy actively enjoys motherhood and returns to acting only occasionally if and when a project appeals to her. She had a brief stint as a pop singer but has since then widely traveled, performing lead roles in musical comedies.

SHIRLEY CHERITON – DEBBIE WILKINS, EASTENDERS

In 2021, the British tabloid The Mirror attempted to find out what Shirley Cheriton's been up to these days but failed to come to a conclusion. Known for portraying 'Debbie Wilkins' in over 170 episodes of "EastEnders," Cheriton has virtually disappeared since leaving her acting career behind in the early '90s. She did make two short comebacks to appear in "M.I.T.: Murder Investigation Team" and "FM," but that's the last we've heard of her.

This London native decided to let go of the pressure of fame to embrace a quieter life. Cheriton made it to shows such as "Grace & Favour" and "Angels" in her acting days.

Alexander Vlahos – Philippe, Versailles

With his smoldering gaze and dashing good looks, it’s easy to see why Alexander Vlahos rose to fame after starring in the 2015 period drama Versailles. Playing a historical figure such as Philippe, Duke of Orleans, is something not a lot of seasoned actors can do, so this was undoubtedly a big break for Alexander.

Nowadays, Vlahos keeps himself quite busy with critically acclaimed projects, like Merlin and the 2020 TV crime drama Bang. With his future looking bright, we can’t wait to see what’s in store next for this handsome and talented actor – it’s going to be another smashing hit for sure!

Angel Coulby – Gwen Guinevere, Merlin

Playing an iconic character like Gwen Guinevere in a fantasy series like Merlin can be pretty daunting, but Angel Coulby did such an incredible job! Coulby joined the show in 2008, staying on until the series ended in 2012. Since then, she’s been on a roll and has moved on to other big shows.

Before her success with the award-winning BBC fantasy drama, Coulby studied acting in college before landing her first breakthrough role with ’ Orrible. The performer took a short break after giving birth to her first child in 2018 but eventually returned to the small screen in Moving On. Angel’s star is definitely on the rise!

Angela Griffin – Fiona Middleton, Coronation Street

Joining a critically acclaimed drama like Coronation Street can make or break anyone’s career. Fortunately for Angela Griffin, it opened a lot of new doors for her after she took up the role of quirky hairdresser Fiona Middleton. Griffin’s acting prowess was quickly noticed, so much that she was cast in another massively popular drama, Holby City.

Still, it turns out Griffin isn’t only skilled in playing fictional characters; she’s also an accomplished TV presenter! Back in 2009, Sky1 offered Griffin a hosting gig for their lifestyle program aptly called Angela and Friends, which was also fairly successful. So how’s that for a fallback career?

Anita Dobson – Angie Watts, EastEnders

British TV's soap opera phenomenon EastEnders is home to several award-winning stars, including Anita Dobson. The Pye Awards recognized the English actress as an Outstanding Female Personality for her incredible portrayal of Angie Watts.

Much to the fans' dismay, Anita left the show in 1988 despite many pleas from the producers. But we shouldn't worry much, though, as she's thrilled to do other endeavors! Dobson has tried her hand at theater plays and even signed up to join the hit dance competition Strictly Come Dancing in 2011. It goes to show that age truly is just a number as Anita can do anything she sets her mind to!

Anthony Head – Uther Pendragon, Merlin

Fans might remember Anthony Head from the popular supernatural nineties show Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where he breathed life into Rupert Giles, the main character's mentor. When Head's role came to a close, he returned to the United Kingdom to spend precious time with his family.

Yet that doesn't mean this English chap stopped acting entirely! In fact, Head landed a role in yet another supernatural drama just a few years after Buffy, this time as Merlin's Uther Pendragon! Additionally, folks would be surprised to know that Anthony also occasionally enjoys voice acting for various film and game projects. That's one effective way to keep things interesting at work!

Ashley Slanina-Davies - Amy Barnes, Hollyoaks

Amy Barnes was an integral character in Hollyoaks, and this can be attributed not only to the impeccable script writing but also Ashley Slanina-Davies' performance. Despite the role being her first major breakout part, Davies was never intimidated by the task, and she managed to entertain us for several years.

At some point, Ashley's character got written off from the show, but less than two years later, she was brought back in for a better send-off. The scriptwriters teased fans about the beloved character's final act, and it is safe to say no one was disappointed. So far, fans are still waiting to see what's next from this starlet.

Barbara Knox - Rita Tanner, Coronation Street

When Barbara Knox made her first appearance on Coronation Street, many people instantly adored Rita Tanner's character, which led to the producers trying to find a way to make her a more central part of the plot. A few years later, Tanner was back on the iconic show's cast, albeit full time.

Barbara's theater background probably played a significant role in preparing her for this lifestyle change because she never misses a beat. In all her decades of portraying Rita, Knox has always brought along the charm and wit necessary to thrive in this business. You can currently catch the celebrated veteran on ITV twice a week!

Ben Hardy - Beale, EastEnders

From 2013 to 2015, Ben Hardy was a recurring cast member on the hit soap opera EastEnders. His role Peter Beale is among the most recognized and memorable due to his unique character arc. What makes this part even more interesting is that Ben took the baton from veteran actor Thomas Law.

Despite some big shoes to fill, Peter did an amazing job, and no one questioned his dedication and portrayal of the iconic role. Sadly, the versatile actor announced his departure from the series. However, Hardy's fans didn't have to remain disappointed for long as he got cast as Archangel in Bryan Singer's X-Men project soon after.

Beverly Callard - Liz McDonald, Coronation Street

Beverly Callard deserves her name written in the stars for an impressive acting career. Today, the actress is well known for her role as Liz McDonald on Coronation Street. However, for anyone not familiar with the series who's wondering where they've heard the name before, it's probably Beverly's memorable roles as Maureen Riley in The Practice and Barbara in The Boss.

Clearly, the talented Callard can do no wrong, making history wherever she goes. However, you must understand that our leading lady began her career at the minor age of seven, meaning she's already a seasoned industry veteran by now - Hats off to you, Beverly!

Bradley James - Arthur Pendragon, Merlin

For some of us, anytime we come across Bradley James's name, we are hit with a serious wave of nostalgia. That is because he holds the title for our first on-screen heartbreak. Bradley's portrayal of Arthur Pendragon on Merlin had us shedding tears because that finale was rough, and anyone who says otherwise needs to have a rerun of the series.

Since then, Bradley has had an illustrious career appearing in several blockbusters and series such as Damien, Underworld: Blood Wars, and Medici: The Magnificent. Bradley's acting credits are a testament to his skills, and his fans are always looking forward to his next role.

Brooke Kinsella – Kelly Taylor, EastEnders

If you've watched EastEnders, it's impossible not to know Brooke Kinsella. She played Kelly Taylor, best mate of Zoe Slater from 2001-2004. Eventually, Kinsella would bow out at the behest of executive producer Louise Berridge; her eventual departure from the series was a mutual decision between the two.

There's no ill-will between Brooke and the series' showrunners; she even helped the writers with a sensitive storyline in 2018. Nowadays, the star is busy with her anti-violence activism. As for acting gigs, fans still await Brooke's potential return to the craft since her last performance credit was 2011's TV movie London Burning.

Bruce Jones - Les Battersby, Coronation Street

Bruce Jones' incredible performance in Coronation Street has solidified him as a bankable actor. The veteran star first started out on the hit soap opera in 1997, later expanding into film and more TV parts. Yet, in 2007, Bruce's long run on the show ended after he accidentally revealed upcoming storylines to an undercover journalist.

The soap star even suffered financial constraints due to this event and appeared on Celebs on Benefits, revealing his reliance on government assistance during the tough time. But with no less than six major productions coming up, Jones has undoubtedly bounced back into the game, and we wish him all the best!

Catherine Tyldesley - Karen Norris, Scarborough

Since 2006, Catherine Tyldesley has been making waves in the British acting scene. Catherine first started as a minor character in Coronation Street until she was cast as a series regular in 2011. Tyldesley portrayed the character of Eva until she eventually left the show in 2018.

The following year, the veteran actor was cast as Karen Norris in Scarborough however, the show wasn't a commercial success and didn't get renewed for a second season. But, critics loved Tyldesley's performance, saying her portrayal of Karen was "highly likable." You can currently catch Catherine on her mini-series Viewpoint.

Charles Lawson – Doctor Black, My Mother and Other Strangers

Charles Lawson has been a fixture in British television for years and appeared in The Firm, Brotherhood, and My Mother and Other Strangers, to only name a few. Besides TV appearances, the versatile actor also acted on stage and was part of the acclaimed production of Long Shadows in 2018.

Lawson rose to fame in Coronation Street as Jim McDonald and played the role for eleven years. The veteran actor even returned to the acclaimed show in 2010 for its 50th Anniversary, which he thought would be a short-term gig but stayed on with the show until 2018!

Cindy Marshall-Day – Norma, Fiddler's Three

In the '90s, there weren't many who didn't know of Cindy Marshall-Day. So for younger TV fans wondering why they haven't heard of this soap star, it's because Cindy has shunned the spotlight in recent years. Nevertheless, the actor has three acclaimed projects under her belt: Dracula: D**d and Loving It, Fiddlers Three, and Snakes and Ladders.

In 2019, Marshall-Day made headlines once more after the tragic passing of her ex-husband, Tony Lane-Roberts. Despite their strained relationship, Cindy was distraught over the departure of the man she once spent her life with, and we hope time has healed this highly-respected former star's aching heart.

Dawn Acton – Tracy Barlow, Coronation Street

For ten years, Dawn Acton wowed the masses with her performance on Coronation Street, becoming a mainstay in the soap opera before leaving the show in 1999 when she was just 22 years old. The actress left the serial after delivering her child, and since then, she hasn't been active in the film industry.

Still, that's not to say she abandoned showbiz; Acton has been DJing, and she's been doing that for over fifteen years now. It seems Dawn truly has the creative genes in her, and she's made the most use of it by taking the music business by storm.

Deena Payne – Viv Hope, Emmerdale

Staunch fans of the famous soap opera Emmerdale know who Deena Payne is. The actress played Viv Hope in the serial for a good eighteen years, making her among the longest-serving characters in the critically acclaimed show.

When Payne left the soap opera in 2011, she took a break from onscreen productions, choosing to delve into theater instead. Still, after a while, Deena finally made a comeback, starring in the BBC production Doctors, playing Patricia Taymount. The veteran performer doesn't seem to be slowing down, and we bet we'll see more of her films and television shows in the days to come.

Denise Black – Denise Osbourne, Coronation Street

Denise Black is an acclaimed English actress who rose to fame after starring in Coronation Street, with her performance as Denise Osbourne receiving widespread acclaim. The famous show isn't the only one Black is known for, though; she's also had equally praised stints on Emmerdale and Doc Martin.

Despite being in her sixties, Denise is still going strong in the film business, having just recently been cast on the historical drama film The Lady of Heaven. With this seasoned performer's extensive experience, it's undoubtedly expected that her future productions will be an instant hit too!

Eden Taylor – Belle Dingle, Emmerdale Farm

Ever since Eden Taylor took over the role of Belle Dingle from Emily Mather in 2005 on the popular British soap opera Emmerdale Farm, she has been nothing short of excellent. The actress has pulled off the character effortlessly, and it's no wonder Taylor's revered by all who watch the show.

Having begun her career at only six years old, Eden has steadily risen the ranks to become a mainstay in one of the most-watched serials in the country. The future is bright for the budding star, and we look forward to seeing more of her projects.

Ellis Hollins – Tom Cunningham, Hollyoaks

Ellis Hollins made his onscreen debut when he was only three years old, appearing on the famous soap opera Hollyoaks in the role of Tom Cunningham. The actor has won rave reviews for his performance in the show and is among the most beloved characters on the cast.

In his early twenties, Hollins has had a majorly successful career so far, even starring in a couple of Hollyoaks spinoffs while landing roles in productions like Alpha Male and The Beautiful Ugly. So it's safe to say the young performer is on his way to stardom if Ellis keeps up the fantastic work.

Emily Symons - Marilyn Chambers, Home And Away

Emily Symons became very popular for her portrayal of the kind and funny beautician Marilyn Chambers on the soap opera Home and Away. The actress won many hearts for the iconic role and even got nominated for the Best Actress Award in 1999.

Symons eventually left ten years after making her debut on the acclaimed series. Quite unsurprisingly, Symons found equal acclaim in her other ventures, which include stellar runs on Emmerdale Farm and Richmond Hill. Nowadays, we are happy to say that Emily has returned to reprise her iconic role on Home And Away once again!

Gillian Taylforth - Kathy Beale, EastEnders

One of the most beloved characters from the famous soap opera EastEnders is definitely Kathy Beale, portrayed by the talented Gillian Taylforth. According to many critics, Kathy has always been considered the show’s best character, all thanks to Taylforth’s outstanding acting skills!

The beautiful and formidable actress decided to leave EastEnders in 1997 because she wanted a bit of a change. Gillian then starred in various televised dramas, reality shows, and dance contests. But, much to her fans’ delight, the sorely missed star returned to her original role on the soap in 2015, where she continues to deliver knockout performances to date!

Helen Worth - Gail Platt, Coronation Street

Honored twice with the Outstanding Achievement Award, this beloved English actress has been portraying Gail Platt in the soap opera Coronation Street for more than four decades. It is definitely the job that Helen Worth loves since she's often candidly quipped that she plans on never leaving. Well, we are most definitely happy to hear that!

Helen has starred in a few spin-offs and even some other hit shows since then, but her loyalty remains with the soap opera. We hope that Worth will continue to enjoy her role and much as we will continue to enjoy watching her fantastic on-screen charisma!

Jack P. Shepherd - David Platt, Coronation Street

Jack P. Shepherd has been acting as David Platt in the soap opera Coronation Street for more than 20 years. The charismatic performer won many awards for the role, which is quite successful, especially when considering that Jack debuted on the series as a 13-year-old boy.

Still, Shepherd actor took some time off from filming Coronation Street to perform in theatre and contribute to Grouchy Young Men's topical show. These days, fans can still catch Shepherd in his role as David on the top-rated soap opera, and we wish this young industry veteran nothing but the best for his career ahead.

Jack Ryder - Jamie Mitchell, EastEnders

While there haven't been many actors who made it big after leaving soap operas, Jack Ryder managed to establish himself as a director successfully. The EastEnders star stayed on as Jamie Mitchell for only four years, but he definitely made an impact, especially during his last episode.

Ryder's character was often described as a "mini David Beckham" and was widely considered the coolest and most gorgeous guy in the show. After leaving the soap opera, the actor wrote one and directed four short movies. Jack even released his début children's novel in 2020, proving he is a man of many talents.

Jenna Coleman - Jasmine Thomas, Emmerdale

Jenna Coleman is quite simply a ball of beauty and talent. Having skipped drama school to play Jasmine Thomas in Emmerdale in 2005, Jenna's light shone brightly quite early compared to her peers. She went on to get roles in other big projects later, including Dr. Who, Victoria and Me Before You.

Some may think Coleman's large brown eyes, adorable dimples, and slight build keep getting her acting jobs, but it is her sheer talent and screen presence in reality. The starlet stuns once more in her recent drama film The Serpent. Currently set to star in TV's upcoming The War Rooms drama, we expect another stellar performance from Jenna.

Jessie Wallace - Kat Slater, EastEnders

Jessie Wallace made a name for herself after clinching the National Television Awards for Most Popular Newcomer for her portrayal of Kat Slater on the popular show EastEnders. She held onto the role for a few years before being forced to take a hiatus for a few years due to some personal issues.

Since then, Jessie has delved into other ventures, even getting nominated for the BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress after her stellar performance in The Road to Coronation Street. The amazing actress is undoubtedly talented, and fans of EastEnders were happy to welcome Jessie back on screen, where she is still causing ripples to date.

John Altman - Nick Cotton, EastEnders

John Altman's been an official part of EastEnders since 1985 as an original cast member. He played the role of villain "Nasty" Nick Cotton on the soap, which he brought to life so well that many struggled to distinguish the actor from the part. John eventually took a 5-year respite from the show and was back for a year before finally bowing out in 2015.

Altman's succeeding acting jobs were mostly guest roles on stage, TV, and in movies. He was even momentarily part of The Heavy Metal Kids as their lead singer in 2010 for a year. Fans can catch John next in the upcoming TV series Unsinkable.

Julie Goodyear - Bet Lynch, Coronation Street

Julie Goodyear will be remembered as one of Coronation Street's most iconic castmembers. She starred there for a solid 25 years, and even after leaving in 1995, Goodyear continued to make brief appearances until 2003. In addition, the English model turned actress has starred in numerous commercials, comedies, and reality shows, including Celebrity Penthouse and Celebrity Big Brother.

After her last screen appearance on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006, Julie released her autobiography detailing the icon's views on femininity, battle with cancer, and of course Bet Lynch, her bossy barmaid character from Coronation Street. She's also won a Lifetime Achievement Award for her indelible contributions to TV.

Kate McGregor - Emily Kirk, Emmerdale

McGregor first made her Emmerdale debut in 1999 as Emily Kirk and was on set for eight whole years before bowing out on maternity leave, saying it was time to try something new. Kate, later on, appeared in a theater production, The Flint Street Nativity, but has been off the limelight since.

It's fair to say that her acting career didn't entirely take off after McGregor departed from Emmerdale as she hasn't appeared on any other British show since. Instead, Kate is contented raising her kids and concentrating on her family, and we can't fault the former actress for wishing to find her happily-ever-after off-screen.

Letitia Dean - Sharon Watts, EastEnders

Letitia Dean is best known for her role in the soap opera EastEnders, where she plays the charismatic character of Sharon Watts to date. Dean's performance has earned her many awards. After rising to fame, the multitalented actress and singer starred in many other dramas like Grange Hill, The Hello Girls and Brookside

Dean got married to Jason Pethers in 2002 but, they both got separated in 2007, and she's stayed single since then. Lately, Letitia has been off the radar since taking a break from acting due to personal reasons. The revered screen legend may be ostensibly retired, but we're hoping she makes a comeback soon!

Linda Davidson - Mary Smith, EastEnders

While many actors struggle to become popular, for Linda Davidson, it was a piece of cake with her 1984 breakout performance in EastEnders as Mary Smith. After being the center of attention for many years, Davidson eventually left the soap opera in 1988 to pursue other avenues.

Although Davidson appeared in other shows like Casualty and The Bill; unfortunately, she quit acting in 1998 and started working as an editor. Despite her departure, Linda still appeared in EastEnders in 2019 to reprise her role for just one episode. Nowadays, the erstwhile actress lives in London while devoted fans still hope to see more of Davidson on their screens!

Lucy Pargeter - Chas Dingle, Emmerdale

Forty-four-year-old Lucy Pargeter is an English actress famed for her role in Emmerdale as Chas Dingle. She started working in the soap in 2002 and is still gracing the long-running series with her mesmerizing performance. Fans also loved the starlet for her role in Crossroads.

Thanks to her superb acting, Pargeter got an award for best actress at the British Soap Awards. After her role in the hit movie Anita and Me and her performance in 2005's Dipper, Pargeter has focused solely on Emmerdale exclusively. It seems she's entirely dedicated herself to the iconic role for the time being, and we're not complaining!

Maisie Smith - Tiffany Butcher, EastEnders

Maisie Smith is a multitalented, 19 years old rising talent whose performance as Tiffany Butcher on the soap opera EastEnders made her a child star from a very young age. After playing the role from 2008 to 2014, Smith went on sabbatical to work in other movies and TV shows.

Thanks to her incredible talent, Maise got awarded a British soap award for the best young actress. In 2020, the starlet participated in the eighteenth season of Strictly Come Dancing with her partner Gorka Marquez. Although not a victor, she did make it to the final. Currently, back at EastEnders Smith continues to delight her fans on-screen with flair.

Malcolm Hebden - Norris Cole, Coronation Street

Malcolm Hebden is one of the few actors who found instant fame with their debut roles. His convincing performance as Norris Cole in Coronation Street gained Hebden countless fans and great recognition in the media. Soon after, he starred in two other series: Heartbeat and Last of the Summer Wine and the movie Lost for Words.

Hebden’s career was right on track, but he soon disappeared. We haven’t seen him on screen for many years since the leading man announced he was retiring from acting despite receiving three awards in his short career. We wish Malcolm health and happiness along with success in whatever he does next.

Michelle Keegan - Tina McIntyre, Coronation Street

Michelle Keegan is one of the most well-known British stars today. After her second audition, the actress finally landed the role of Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street and played the part until her departure in 2013. Michelle was named one of the ten best characters of the show in 2010 by The Guardian for her fantastic performance.

Aside from the acclaimed series, the British star appeared in different shows like Ordinary Lies, Our Girl, and Plebs. Suppose you’re wondering where to watch Keegan next. You can catch her on Sky One’s Brassic, which just got renewed for a third season.

Michelle Ryan - Jamie Sommers, Bionic Woman

Bionic Woman is one project that showcased Michelle Ryan's excellent acting abilities perfectly. She started her career playing Zoe Slater in EastEnders and owned the character for five years. Besides soap operas, Michelle also auditioned for the role of Vesper Lynd in the film Casino Royale, which almost made her a Bond Girl.

Ryan will always be Lady Christina De Souza for Dr. Who fans, becoming an instant hit with audiences after a single episode. Michelle is currently still active nowadays, appearing in 2018's True Horror Story and in 2020's Dark Stories. These days we're on the lookout for more upcoming projects from this incredible English star.

Natalie Anderson – Alicia Metcalfe, Emmerdale Farm

If you've watched Emmerdale Farm, it's impossible not to know Natalie Anderson. Natalie became part of the hit soap opera in 2010 until her eventual departure in 2015. During her stay, the actor got nominated numerous times at The British Soap Awards for her incredible acting chops.

Aside from performing, Anderson's also a businesswoman and theater actor, launching her lifestyle brand The Capsule and appearing on the London production of the Broadway smash hit Wicked. After several years away from the screen, Natalie is currently busy filming her upcoming project Memory where she'll be playing the role of Maryanne Borden.

Paul Loughran - Butch Dingle, Emmerdale

This 51-year-old Irish actor rose to fame for playing Butch Dingle on the soap opera Emmerdale. However, Paul Loughran's role on the show came to a sudden end as his character got involved in a bus crash. The abrupt exit came as a shock to fans since his character was well-loved.

After that, Loughran has given many acclaimed performances in titles such as Heartbeat, Baby War and Ideal, to name a few. The performer has worked on and off in both TV and movies, as well as some documentaries. At the moment, Paul is on a break so let's hope he opts to make a triumphant return on-screen soon.

Peter Amory - Chris Tate, Emmerdale

Peter Amory played the famous role of Chris Tate, a differently-abled character in the British soap opera Emmerdale. Amory performed the role for fourteen years until he left the show in 2003. Although the part brought him fame and recognition, it was also Amory's last significant role.

After his departure, Peter kept a low profile, away from the limelight. He married his Emmerdale co-star Claire King - it was a model union that lasted for ten years. Later, in 2014, Peter appeared in one episode of Playhouse Presents as a constable, and since then, his career has been on a hiatus.

Ricky Whittle - Calvin Valentine, Hollyoaks

Ricky Whittle has been a fan favorite since his famous soap opera role in Hollyoaks as Calvin Valentine in 2006. Whittle played this iconic part for more than four years and then left to explore new avenues and further his career in 2011.

Over the next few years, the handsome leading man starred in many famous movies like Nappily Ever After, Succulent & Savory, and Austenland. Nowadays, Whittle's latest screen credit is in the highly successful show American Gods, cementing his place as one of the fastest-rising acting talents working today. So we'll be keeping our eyes on you, Ricky!

Ryan Thomas - Jason Grimshaw, Coronation Street

Ryan Thomas first caught our attention after his debut in Coronation Street as Jason Grimshaw back in 2000. He entertained us for the next fifteen years in the role until eventually leaving the show in 2016. After quitting the long-running soap, Thomas appeared in two more famous shows: The Neighbors and Celebrity Big Brother, winning the latter.

In 2021, Thomas announced his decision to quit acting because, according to him, he feels done, though fans obviously disagree. Ryan certainly left his fanbase all heartbroken with his decision. But, we wish him all the best in life! The father of one is currently engaged to fellow star Lucy Mecklenburgh.

Sarah Lancashire – Wendy Farmer, Coronation Street

Coronation Street seems to adore Sarah Lancashire’s family. Her father was a scriptwriter on the series, and Sarah made a brief appearance on the soap. However, it was her work on Blood Brother that shot her to stardom. Lancashire says that she always knew that she’d become an actress, which is why she studied Drama at university.

Even though she was already getting roles at the local theatre by the time she graduated, Sarah still went to drama school. The decision was a pretty good one as the leading lady went on to star in many popular soaps, and in 2017, she was honored with an OBE.

Simon Gregson – Steve McDonald, Coronation Street

When Simon Gregson auditioned for Steve McDonald on Coronation Street, neither he nor the show's directors could have imagined what would happen next. Gregson's part, Steve, became an instant fan favorite, turning him into a very long-running character.

His fame is evident since apart from a short hiatus from the show in 2015, Simon has played Steve on Coronation Street since 1986. But that's not all he's done. The performer has also starred in shows like Catchphrase Celebrity, Show Me the Telly, and Celebrity Haunted Mansion. So it is safe to say that Gregson is a highly talented actor who's no stranger to forever winning his fans' hearts.

Stephen McGann – Sean Reynolds, Emmerdale

Before he became known for his role as Dr. Patrick Turner on Call The Midwife, Stephen McGann worked as the host of many TV shows. However, the part that made him genuinely famous was that of Sean Reynolds in Emmerdale. Stephen joined the cast of the show in 1999 and left three years late.

While the Emmerdale character is among his more prominent roles, McGann has enjoyed a long and successful career even before that. He's been a working actor since 1982, having appeared in a West End musical show too. So even though Stephen has no shortage of work in the TV industry, his heart truly belongs to theatre.

Steven Arnold – Ashley Peacock, Coronation Street

Steven Arnold has become a household name because of his character, Ashley Peacock, on Coronation Street. Since his first appearance in 1995, the performer has been one of the soap opera's most adored characters until showrunners eventually wrote off his character in 2020.

That was during the 50th anniversary of the show. However, Arnold's career has continued to prosper even afterward since he's enjoyed a successful run on stage, with several major productions. These include Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, Womble, and Darling Buds. Steven enjoys the pristine reputation of an amazing actor, and his recent appearances suggest that he only keeps on getting better.

Thelma Barlow – Mavis Wilton, Coronation Street

The cast of Coronation Street seems to be very talented. One example of this is Thelma Barlow, who first gained attention by joining the soap as Mavis Wilton in 1971. She continued her role until 1997, quitting soon after her on-screen husband got written off from the show.

After her time on Coronation Street, Thelma moved on with her television career, starring in several top-rated TV shows. She has appeared in Doctor Who, Agatha Christie's Marple, David Copperfield, and Dinnerladies. Thelma also bagged a role alongside Meryl Streep in Hollywood's Florence Foster Jenkins back in 2016, proving her mettle as a versatile actress once and for all.

Tom Lister – Carl King, Emmerdale

Although he began his career with Heartbeat and soon after moved on to The Bill, Tom Lister is best known for his role as Carl King in Emmerdale. For eight years, Lister was the heartthrob of the ITV soap opera, but that's not where his talent ends.

The multi-talented performer is also a musician and has appeared in Stars In Their Eyes as a singer. Not only that, Lister runs a busy schedule with performing in pantomimes, including the very successful Peter Pan. He tours widely in the UK and has made his musical theatre debut at the prestigious Curve theatre in Leicester.

Tom Watt— Lofty Holloway, EastEnders

Tom Watt has etched his name in our memories by playing Lofty Holloway in the BBC One show EastEnders and participating in BBC radio's Fighting Talk. Since bowing out of Eastenders, Watt has worked as a broadcaster for several radio channels and has also produced football-related documentaries for BT Sport Films.

The actor has successfully dabbled with multiple roles in the music industry, but it is in writing that Watt has earned the accolades he deserves. Reporting for The Observer and penning best-selling books on football, Watt has now spent glorious years in the field where his interest and skills so happily coincide.

Wendi Peters - Cilla Battersby-Brown, Coronation Street

Anyone who remembers ITV's Coronation Street remembers Cilla Battersby-Brown played exquisitely by Wendi Peters. This versatile actress has worked extensively in plays and musicals with the likes of Jonathan Miller and John Godber. Her association with Crucible Theatre, Northern Broadsides, Hull Truck Theatre Company has earned Peters critical acclaim.

The English performer's latest success was the musical Oh, What a Lovely War! Peters also acted briefly in Bad Girls and was a finalist on Celebrity Masterchef. Her interest in cooking has led to her appearance in cooking shows. In contrast, Wendi's go-getter attitude has landed her stints like Celebrity Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and Adrenaline Junkie.

 

LEONARD FENTON – DR. HAROLD LEGG, EASTENDERS

Featured in over 270 episodes of "EastEnders" between 1985 and 2019, the British actor Leonard Fenton is presumably enjoying a well-deserved retirement. His recurring character in "EastEnders," 'Dr. Harold Legg' passed away after a long battle with illness, but Fenton is still around and looking healthy.

According to a 2021 article published by The Mirror, Fenton enjoys producing and exciting his artworks and performing in radio plays. Before joining the cast of "EastEnders," Fenton served as a World War II army engineer and studied at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

ROY CLARKE - SERIES CREATOR, OPEN ALL HOURS

In 2021, the New York Times journalist Maya Salam wrote about how '90 sitcoms helped shape her life as an immigrant child. It's but an example of the true power of the sitcom genre, which was prodigiously mastered by the English comedy writer Roy Clarke. Best known for being the creator of "Open All Hours" and "Still Open All Hours," Clarke was also the man behind sitcoms as funny as "Last of the Summer Wine" and "Keeping Up Appearances."

Clarke worked in about 50 series over the years and made his final contribution to show business (so far) in 2018, with "Still Open All Hours."

KATHRYN APANOWICZ - MAGDA CZAJKOWSKI, EASTENDERS

Featured in a 2021 publication of The Times' photographic archival, the British actress/host Kathryn Apanowicz was a soap opera favorite before deciding to leave show business in the late '90s. While she appeared in the 2020 movie documentary "When Classic TV Goes Horribly Wrong," Apanowicz hasn't acted on camera since 1998, the year she made her final "Emmerdale Farm" appearance.

While Apanowicz also appeared in "Angels" and "Hollyoaks," she's best known for her portrayal of 'Magda Czajkowski' in "EastEnders." She was very close to the character due to her Polish heritage: while Apanowicz was born in Leeds, her father was a Polish RAF pilot in World War II.

MICHAEL FRENCH - DAVID WICKS, EASTENDERS

In 2021, the classic British soap opera "EastEnders" aired its 5,180th episode! Considering the show's longevity, it's understandable if you don't remember the character of 'David Wicks,' who was portrayed by Michael French in over 460 episodes between 1993 and 2014. Despite his last name, French was born in Bow, London, and spent the entirety of his career working in British productions.

French also appeared in "Casualty" and "Crime Traveller," but we haven't seen him act on the small screen ever since he last played the role of 'David Wicks.' In 2018, he appeared as a contestant in "Bargain Hunt."