BBC EastEnders' original cast 40 years on - Hollywood roles to tragic deaths

EastEnders first graced our television screens 40 years ago on February 19, 1985, introducing viewers to the world of Walford. Over the decades, numerous characters have come and gone from Albert Square, but a handful from the inaugural episode remain.

Back then, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) was a hopeful teenager with a chip on his shoulder, often seen at his father Pete Beale's (Pete Dean) fruit and veg stall. He lived with his mother Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) and Pete, who was also Pauline Fowler's (Wendy Richard) twin.

Kathy was a mainstay on the show for 15 years until her departure in 2000, after which she faked her own death while in South Africa. However, she made a dramatic return in 2015 and has been a fixture ever since, much to the delight of her son Ian.

Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was a brash teenager in the show's debut episode, living at The Queen Vic with her fiery parents Den (Leslie Grantham) and Angie Watts (Anita Dobson). As EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary, let's take a look at what happened to some of the most iconic stars from the first episode.

Susan Tully portrayed Michelle Fowler, Martin's older sister, from 1985 until 1995. After leaving the soap, Susan, now 57, transitioned into directing and has worked on TV classics including The Bill, London's Burning and even EastEnders, reports Plymouth Live.

Joanne Froggatt's other notable roles include appearances in 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl', 'Silent Witness', 'Stella', 'Britannia', 'Line of Duty' and 'Strike: Lethal White'. She has also directed episodes of the Sky Atlantic show 'Tin Star'.

Gretchen Franklin, who played Ethel Skinner, was Walford's gossip queen for three years until her character moved to an old folks' home.

She