‘EastEnders’ Spoilers: Who Dies In Explosion Week? Here Are All The Big Questions And Theories

It's all going on in Albert Square.
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BBC

The time has finally arrived in ‘EastEnders’, as the show’s much-hyped explosion week begins.

Bosses have been typically conservative when it comes to revealing spoilers and plot twists, but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating about what could be ahead, and it seems there have even been a few on-screen clues to help viewers-turned-detectives. 

Who won’t make it through the week? Which characters could be to blame? Here are all of the most popular theories...

Who dies?

This is indubitably the biggest question of the week and one that probably won’t be answered until Friday.

While we can’t reveal who will be bowing out of the soap, some characters have been confirmed as survivors - well, in the immediate aftermath anyway.

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BBC Pictures

Spoiler pictures revealed earlier this month showed Martin, Michelle and Sonia Fowler, Robbie Jackson, Ian and Steven Beale, and most of the Mitchells - apart from Phil, Billy and Honey - standing in the Square following the blast.

Ted and Joyce Murray are also safe, though the drama does have a serious effect on the former, which brings us to the fact…

There are two other BIG events

The disaster, which strikes midway through the Walford In Bloom event, is obviously the main focus, but two more potentially-deadly events will take place, and both have been teased by bosses.

Ted Joyce will shoot someone

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BBC Pictures

The relative newcomer will be responsible for the first shocker of the week, when the explosion triggers painful memories that lead him to take a gun out into the Square for protection. He then takes aim at one resident - could this be what results in the death?

Steven Beale’s arson attack

Elsewhere, viewers will see Steven attempt to murder his stepmother Jane, in a bid to make sure she doesn’t reveal his recent lies to the rest of Walford.

Aaron Sidwell’s character, who is currently part of Max Branning’s revenge plot and faking a brain tumour, will set fire to the restaurant and we were given a glimpse at the blaze he starts in the recently-revealed trailer:

Interestingly, it showed Max - who set Steven the task of silencing Jane - opening the restaurant and seeing the blaze, when he’s the last person we thought would save her.

What about Johnny Carter?

Fans might remember that Ted Reilly and Kellie Bright, who play Johnny and Linda Carter, were recently spotted filming on location, as what appeared to be an ambulance crash took place.

In the snaps, Kellie Bright was wearing the same outfit she sports in the explosion week trailer, hinting that the crash takes place after this disaster.

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BBC

The images also showed Johnny lying on a stretcher, with an oxygen mask covering his face. It seems he will be one of the casualties, but could the youngest Carter sibling lose his life?

Phil Mitchell’s also set for difficult times

In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, the explosion week trailer showed Phil lying on some bin bags in the street, appearing to be either asleep or unconscious.

We already know that Phil will clash with Billy in Monday’s (4 September) episode and snaps from the disaster aftermath show the rest of his family stood safely. Surely bosses wouldn’t kill off the soap’s most famous hardman?

Is Martin Fowler to blame for the blast? 

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BBC Pictures

Martin was in charge of putting up the stage for Walford In Bloom and one scene, that aired last week, may have foreshadowed what causes the gas explosion.

Viewers saw Martin congratulating himself for finishing the job, however, one of the market traders then pointed out that a number of screws were missing from the structure.

What’s in store for Fi Browning?

Last Friday’s (1 September) episode saw her link to Josh, Lauren Branning’s colleague, revealed. She also told Mick Carter more about her past, telling him about the tragic death of her mother.

However, in classic Soapland style, these pieces of news opened up more questions, rather than providing answers.

Her phone call to Josh proved they have some kind of relationship, but how do they actually know each other? It also raised questions over her reason for being in the Square and her intentions with Max.

Catch up on all the latest soap news and spoilers here.

EastEnders: Where Are They Now?
Jo Joyner (01 of45)
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Played: Tanya Branning 2006-2010

What. A. Woman.

Jo's character, Tanya, went to hell and back as Max's long-suffering wife, but the upsides were there, and Jo scooped loads of awards and even more fans during her time on the soap.

Jo returned to the Square for the soap's 30th anniversary, but in 2014, she was busy starring in the lead role of the comedy 'Trying Again'.

She also popped up on the 'Loose Women' panel a number of times, before joining the 'Ordinary Lies' cast in 2015.
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Martin Kemp (02 of45)
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Played: Steve Owen 1998-2002

Remember the time Martin helped plan a wedding as part of a reality TV show? What a glorious day that was.

On a more serious note, in 2016 he began starring as a judge on Gary Barlow's new show 'Let It Shine'.
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Robert Kazinsky(03 of45)
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Played: Sean Slater (2006–09)

Robert Kazinsky had a good few years out of the limelight after quitting the Square in 2009.

However, in 2012 it was announced he would star in the sixth season of hit US show 'True Blood'. He also landed a key role in the Idris Elba film 'Pacific Rim', and took the lead in 'Warcraft' in 2016.
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Nitin Ganatra(04 of45)
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Starred as: Masood Ahmed (2007-16)

As of early 2017, Nitin was yet to reveal his plans for life after 'EastEnders'.
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Tamzin Outhwaite(05 of45)
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Played: Melanie Owen (1998–2002)

After leaving 'EastEnders', shortly after the departure of her on-screen hubby Martin Kemp, Tamzin Outhwaite went on to star in a number of shows, including 'Red Cap', 'Hustle', 'Final Demand', 'Walk Away' and 'Frances Tuesday'.

In 2012, she replaced Amanda Redman in 'New Tricks'.
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Danniella Westbrook(06 of45)
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Played: Sam Mitchell (1990–2000, 2009–10, 2016)

Danniella Westbrook was reportedly written out of 'EastEnders' as Sam Mitchell when her cocaine addiction affected her commitment.

She later released an autobiography about her troubles 'The Other Side of Nowhere', in 2006. Things haven't been easy for Daniella in recent years, and in 2014 she admitted to relapsing. In January 2015, Danniella began to get back on her feet. She later relapsed again in late 2016, after a 'CBB' stint and brief return to Walford.
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Ricky Norwood(07 of45)
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Played: Fatboy (2010-15)

Ricky's first role after his character was killed off was in a radio version of 'Romeo And Juliet', which featured a same-sex couple.

He also enjoyed a stint in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, coming second in 2016's summer series.
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Terry Alderton (08 of45)
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Played: Terry Spraggan 2013-2014

Tel returned to performing stand-up gigs in 2014. We saw him at Bestival once, his act is... interesting.
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Maddy Hill(09 of45)
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Played: Nancy Carter (2014-16)

Maddy's first post-Soapland role was in 'Imogen', a reimagining of Shakespeare's 'Cymbeline', that was staged at the Globe theatre.
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Michelle Ryan(10 of45)
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Played: Zoe Slater (2000–05)

"You ain't my mother!"

Michelle Ryan managed to move from Walford to Hollywood in 2005. She then bagged the role in the US TV show 'Bionic Woman' but sadly, it didn’t get beyond its pilot. In recent years, She made a brief appearance in 'Death In Paradise' in 2014.
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John Partridge(11 of45)
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Played: Christian Clarke (2008-2012, 2014, 2016)

John turned his attention to the land of reality television after leaving the soap, starring in 'Tumble' and 'Celebrity Big Brother'.
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Sid Owen(12 of45)
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Played: Ricky Butcher (1988–2000, 2002–04, 2008–12)

He's been snapped at Cannes Film Festival, photo-bombing Chris Brown and hanging out with Adele since leaving Walford. Yes, Ricky Butcher has gone up in the world.

Sid Owen, who left the soap in 2012, has also taken part in 'Strictly Come Dancing' but was eliminated from the competition in Week 3. At the end of 2012 he announced he was retiring from acting.
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Martine McCutcheon(13 of45)
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Played: Tiffany Mitchell (1995–98)

Soon after Tiff was killed off, Martine started a solo pop career and her debut single 'Perfect Moment' was an international success. Martine's also been a hit on the West End stage, scooping an Olivier Award for 'My Fair Lady' and she also impressed in the film world, with her role in 'Love, Actually'.

In 2016, she began serving as a guest panellist on 'Loose Women'.
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Nigel Harman(14 of45)
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Played: Dennis Rickman (2003–05)

Nowadays, there's more chance that you'll find Nigel on stage and he's the proud owner of an Olivier Award, presented for his role in 'Shrek the Musical'.

Sadly, things haven't always gone well and Nigel was part of the cast of the ill-fated 'X Factor' musical 'I Can't Sing'. In 2014, he moved into theatre directing, taking charge of the touring production of 'Shrek'.
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Hetti Bywater(15 of45)
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Played: Lucy Beale (2012-15)

Hetti was a guest star in the 2015 series of 'Death In Paradise'.
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Leslie Grantham(16 of45)
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Played: Dirty Den (1985–89, 2003–05)

Leslie was reunited with his daughter Sharon (Letitia Dean) in 2003, and he hung around until his character was killed off properly in two years later. In 2013 he divorced his wife of 31 years.

The 65-year-old actor was involved in a sordid tabloid newspaper “scandal” in 2004, but it was his wife’s “unreasonable behaviour” that was given in court as grounds for the divorce. Alongside Danniella Westbrook, he starred in 'Mob Handed'.
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Anita Dobson(17 of45)
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Played: Angie Watts (1985–88)

Best known for playing the emotionally battered, alcoholic landlady, Anita Dobson went on to voicing a character in kids' show 'Annette And Rod' as well as appearing in 'Sadie J', another children's programme, as Nan Bet. In early 2015, it was announced that Anita would take on the role of Queen Elizabeth I in a new BBC drama and later that year, she starred in drama 'London Road'.
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Tanya Franks(18 of45)
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Played: Rainie Cross (2007-2011)

After getting Phil Mitchell hooked on crack as character Rainie Cross, Tanya moved on to more drama, playing Richard Burton's wife, Sybil, in the 2012 made-for-television film 'Liz & Dick', alongside Lindsay Lohan and later starring in 'Broadchurch'.

Rainie later returned to the Square as part of the 'Who killed Lucy Beale?' storyline.
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Ross Kemp(19 of45)
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Played: Grant Mitchell (1990–99, 2005, 2006, 2016)

Ross Kemp went from 'EastEnders' bad boy to chasing bad boys when he left the soap in 2006.

Rebranding himself as an investigative journalist, Kemp has reported on gangs, Afghanistan, pirates, the Middle East and more. In 2012 he released a new novel, 'Moving Target'. He went on to experience what it’s like to be caught up in the middle of Northern Ireland’s most contentious and volatile Twelfth parade for the new series of his Sky1 show 'Extreme World'.

Despite ruling out a return to the soap, he did pop up again in 2016, while continuing to front various documentaries.
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Michelle Collins(20 of45)
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Played: Cindy Beale (1988–90, 1992–98)

Michelle Collins really did a number on Ian Beale as scheming Cindy, eventually having him shot by a hitman. Michelle swapped soaps and played barmaid Stella Price in 'Coronation Street'. She later left 'Corrie', and briefly reprised her role as Cindy for a special Children In Need sketch in 2014.
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Barbara Windsor(21 of45)
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Played: Peggy Mitchell (1994–2013, 2016)

In mid-2016, Dame Barbara Windsor was back in the Square for one final time, and her character was given a suitably emotional send-off.

Since then, she's been out of the spotlight - though Babs continues to work with JackpotJoy bingo.
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Phil Daniels(22 of45)
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Played: Kevin Wicks (2006–08)

Phil's character Kevin Wicks met a tragic end when he died in a car crash. In 2009, he starred in a handful of episodes of 'New Tricks' before landing a role in TV mini-series, 'Moonfleet' in 2013.
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Kara Tointon(23 of45)
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Played: Dawn Swan (2005–09)

Kara Tointon went on to win the 2010 edition of' Strictly Come Dancing' with her partner-turned-boyfriend Artem Chigvintsev, though the couple have since split. She then starred in 'Mr Selfridge' alongside her sister Hannah and also played the lead role in a live ITV production of 'The Sound Of Music' before landing a role in the channel's much-hyped 2017 drama 'The Halycon'.
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Kacey Ainsworth(24 of45)
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Played: Little Mo (2000–06)

After 6 years as the loveable and the long-suffering Little Mo, Kacey went on to play Auntie Lou in 'Carrie's War' in London's West End and in 2013, she stared in Ben Elton's the comedy series 'The Wright Way'.

Kacey still pops up on TV every now and then, and gave an emotional star turn in 'Call The Midwife'.
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Michael Greco (25 of45)
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Played: Beppe di Marco 1998-2002

Oh Beppe, long gone but never forgotten.

Beppe isn't actually dead so Michael could technically return to the soap. Alas, he's too busy making a living as a professional poker player. Seriously.
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Cheryl Fergison(26 of45)
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Played: Heather Trott 2006-2012

After being axed from the show (death by photoframe) Cheryl went on to make guest appearances on several day-time and panel shows.

In 2012 she entered the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house, but it wasn't long before she was booted out. In 2016, she (sort of) returned to the show, when her voice was on a tape played by Dot Branning.
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Meryl Fernandes(27 of45)
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Played: Afia Masood 2009-2012

'EastEnders' was Meryl's first professional acting role... and sadly she hasn't been up to too much since. In 2013, she popped up in 'Doctors' but has since been concentrating on a shop she owns in East London.
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Sam Strike(28 of45)
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Played: Johnny Carter (2013-14)

After a brief stop off in 'Slient Witness', Sam landed his first film role in 2017 release 'Leatherface'.
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Jasmyn Banks(29 of45)
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Played: Alice Branning 2012-2013

Jasmyn swapped her TV role for a spot on the stage in 2013, and moved on to become part of the touring cast of 'One Man, Two Guv'nors'. She also enjoyed a five year stint in 'Doctors', before appearing in an episode of 'Call The Midwife'.
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Shaun Williamson(30 of45)
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Played: Barry Evans 1994-2004

Shaun made a number of guest appearances on TV before securing the role of, umm, himself, in 'Extras' just a year after Janine pushed Bazza off the cliff.

He's yet another former 'EastEnders' star known for treading the boards, starring in everything from pantomimes to sketches at the Royal Albert Hall.
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Nicholas Bailey(31 of45)
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Played: Anthony Trueman 2000-2005, 2014

Nick joined the cast of the popular radio soap 'The Archers' in 2012.
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Zoe Lucker(32 of45)
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Played: Vanessa Gold 2010-2011

Screen veteran Zoe hasn't had a shortage of parts, and her credits since 'EastEnders' include 'Waterloo Road'.
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Preeya Kalidas(33 of45)
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Played: Amira Masood 2009-2012

Preeya returned her attentions to her budding career as a singer after leaving the soap, though she didn't exactly set the charts alight, with her single 'Love Between Us' peaking at number 137.
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Larry Lamb (34 of45)
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Played: Archie Mitchell 2008-2009

Larry hasn't been short of work during his decades in showbusiness, and his run has continued long after his character's untimely death. He's not afraid to try something new either, and in 2011, he published a new autobiography, before presenting his own LBC radio show two years later. In 2016, he appeared on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!'.
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Tiana Benjamin(35 of45)
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Played: Chelsea Fox 2006-2010

Tiana starred in the British film 'Fast Girls' a year after making her 'EastEnders' exit, but she hasn't been in the spotlight much since, save for a handful of TV appearances.
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Tracy-Ann Oberman(36 of45)
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Played: Chrissie Watts 2004-2005

Tracy's a woman of many talents and in the last decade, she's (deep breath) written for The Guardian, popped up in 'Doctor Who', 'Mistresses', 'New Tricks' and 'Friday Night' Dinner, penned radio plays and starred in National Theatre productions. Phew.
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Ricky Groves(37 of45)
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Played: Garry Hobbs 2000-2009

Ricky turned to reality TV, giving diving a go on 'Splash!' and popping his chef's hat on for a stint on 'Celebrity Masterchef'.
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Ben Hardy(38 of45)
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Played: Peter Beale (2013-15)

Ben swapped Albert Square for LA, and went on to star in 2016's 'X-Men' instalment, alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult.
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Jack Ryder(39 of45)
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Played: Jamie Mitchell 1998-2002

Ahh, we all fancied him didn't we? Now, you're more likely to find Jack on the other side of the camera, as he's a film and TV director.

In 2014, he was the associate director for the hit play version of 'The Full Monty'.
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Hannah Waterman(40 of45)
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Played: Laura Beale 2000-2004

Hannah's popped up in a few different places over the years, tackling a number of stage roles, appearing on 'Celebrity Come Dine With Me' and winning the 2007 series of 'Just The Two Of Us'.
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Cliff Parisi(41 of45)
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Played: Minty Peterson 2002-2010

Cliff now stars as the lovable Fred in 'Call The Midwife'.
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Lucy Speed(42 of45)
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Played: Natalie Evans 1994-2004

Remember 'The Bill'? Lucy rocked up at Sun Hill Station in 2007, and she's also tried her hand quiz shows, starring on 'Pointless Celebrities', 'Celebrity Ready, Steady, Cook' and 'Weakest Link' (on the celeb version, obvs).
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Dean Gaffney (43 of45)
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Played: Robbie Jackson 1993-2003

TV roles have been few and far between for Dean, though he has won by fans by appearing on shows such as 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!' and 'Let's Dance For Comic Relief'.
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Nadia Wadia(44 of45)
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Played: Zainab Masood 2007-2013

Nadia nabbed a role in 'Still Open All Hours' and she also flexed her acting muscles with a role in 'Doctor Who'. In 2013, Nadia was given the Outstanding Achievement in Television Award at The Asian Awards. Go, Nadia!
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Timothy West(45 of45)
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Played: Stan Carter (2013-15)

West continues to care for his wife, Prunella Scales, who is living with Alzheimer's Disease. He has also taken a handful of TV roles and film 'We The Kings'.
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