‘EastEnders' Recasts: From Peter Beale To Dennis Rickman Jr, The Soap's Best Swaps

How Many Of These 'EastEnders' Recasts Can You Remember?
|
Open Image Modal
EastEnders
BBC Pictures

If we’ve learnt anything from watching ‘EastEnders’ religiously over the years, it’s that the bosses love a good recast. (Well, that and Never. Mess. With. Phil. Mitchell.)

Over the years, a number of characters have changed before our very eyes, or departed Walford, only to return (literally) in a different skin.

But while we all know the Beale kids have been played by approximately 400 different actors, you might not know that some of the soap's other iconic characters were also once played by other stars.

Check out the best ‘EastEnders’ recasts below…

'EastEnders' Recasts
Ben Mitchell (01 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: Charlie Jones (2006–10), Joshua Pascoe (2010–12) and Harry Reid (2014–).Two other actors also played the troubled youngster back in the '90s, but since returning to Albert Square when Kathy Beale "died" in 2006, these three stars have been tasked with starring as Phil's son. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Lauren Branning(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: Madeline Duggan (2006–10), Jacqueline Jossa (2010–).We loved Madeline, but casting Jacqueline as Lauren was a genius move, and under her careful watch, Lauren's been at the centre of a number of a key storylines, battling alcoholism, figuring out who killed her best friend and welcoming her own baby. (credit:Mark Cuthbert/Getty Images/BBC Pictures)
Bobby Beale (03 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: Alex Francis (2007–12), Rory Stroud (2013–14), Eliot Carrington (2014–).Yes, we know - we should have solved the 'Who killed Lucy Beale?' case when Bobby was randomly recast as the plot kicked off. The Beale family have proven difficult for the soap's bosses, and all of Ian's kids have been recast at least once. Kevin Curran also starred as Bobby when he was a tot. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Lucy Beale (04 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: Melissa Suffield (2004–10) and Hetti Bywater (2012–15). Another two actresses also played Lucy in her younger years, but it's Melissa and Hetti that fans will remember (though admittedly, Melissa's Lucy probably won't be remembered for the right reasons...) (credit:BBC Pictures)
Mark Fowler(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: David Scarboro (1985–87) and Todd Carty (1990–2003).Todd took over as Mark following David's death. The character went on to become one of Walford's most-loved residents, and when Todd bid farewell to the soap, viewers said an emotional goodbye. (credit:PETER BROOKER/REX Shutterstock/BBC Pictures)
Sam Mitchell(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: Danniella Westbrook (1990–2000), Kim Medcalf (2002–05) and Danniella (again) (2009–10).In one of the most bizarre recastings ever, Kim played Sam Mitchell, for nearly three years, however when Sam returned to Albert Square in 2009, she'd morphed back into Danniella again. (credit:Dan Wooller/REX Shutterstock/Nils Jorgensen)
Martin Fowler(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: Jon Peyton-Price (1985–96), James Alexandrou (1996–2007) and James Bye (2014–).James II took over the role when Martin returned to the Square in 2014, and admittedly, it did take a while for us to stop wondering where the old James was. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Shabnam Masood(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: Zahra Ahmadi (2007–08) and Rakhee Thakrar (2014–).Rakhee's starred in a number of emotional storylines since joining the soap, and her stillbirth episodes made for some of the most tear-jerking soap scenes of 2015. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Dennis Rickman(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: Harry Hickles (2012–15) and Bleu Landau (2015–).Let's be honest - this was a long time coming. Perhaps now, Denny will actually leave his room and get some much-needed vitamin D. (credit:BBC Pictures)
Peter Beale(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
Played by: Every actor in existence. Thomas Law and Ben Hardy are just two in a long line of Peter Beales, as a whooping six actors have tackled the role. Ben is now busy cracking Hollywood, which leaves us wondering whether he'd ever return to the soap. Could another recast be on the cards? (credit:BBC Pictures)