Back in the 1990s, EastEnders wasn’t just Britain’s most-watched soap — it was a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The show’s young stars graced magazine covers, sparked fan clubs, and had their faces plastered on bedroom walls nationwide. But what became of Walford’s most iconic heartthrobs after the spotlight dimmed? From addiction battles to career reinventions, here’s where they are now.

---

Michael Greco (Beppe di Marco)

Between 1998 and 2002, EastEnders fans were smitten with Michael Greco’s charming Italian lothario, Beppe di Marco. With his goatee and smouldering looks, he was often dubbed one of TV’s sexiest men. But after Beppe was axed in a major cast overhaul, Michael’s life took some unexpected turns.

While rumours of a bizarre feud with a “local clown” made the rounds online, the truth is far more grounded. Michael stepped away from acting, traded London nightlife for a quieter life, and found success as a professional poker player. He later told the Express that fame “just wasn’t for me,” admitting he had “lost his love for acting.”

Fortunately, the passion returned. In recent years, he’s landed roles in Netflix’s Cleopatra (2023) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, proving that his acting days are far from over. Now living in Los Angeles, Michael also welcomed his first child with partner Helen Harris at age 51 — a new chapter for one of Walford’s original heartthrobs.

---

Paul Nicholls (Joe Wicks)

As troubled teen Joe Wicks, Paul Nicholls became the ultimate 90s pin-up. His portrayal of schizophrenia earned acclaim, while his brooding looks made him a magazine favourite. But behind the fame, Paul battled severe depression and addiction.

He left EastEnders after just two years, later admitting, “I didn’t want to be a heartthrob — I couldn’t handle the attention.” He struggled with alcohol and drugs before achieving sobriety in 2008. Sadly, the years that followed brought more hardship.

Paul faced a cancer scare in 2017, narrowly survived a horrific fall in Thailand that left him trapped in a rock pool for three days, and suffered a stroke the following year. Despite these ordeals, he’s remained resilient, returning to TV in Ackley Bridge, Law & Order: UK, and Phoenix Rise. Now in recovery, Paul says he’s focused on health and stability — a far cry from his chaotic early fame.

---

Martine McCutcheon (Tiffany Mitchell)

Tiffany Mitchell’s shocking 1998 death remains one of EastEnders’ most unforgettable moments. Played by Martine McCutcheon, the feisty barmaid’s tragic final scene drew 22 million viewers — and tears across the nation.

Martine’s post-soap career soared with her hit single “Perfect Moment” and her role in Love Actually. But away from the cameras, she faced immense challenges, including chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), Lyme disease, and recurrent miscarriages.

At one point, she was declared bankrupt and confined to a wheelchair. “You feel like you’ve been beaten up by Mike Tyson,” she told Loose Women, describing her health battle. Through it all, Martine’s resilience shone. She welcomed her son Rafferty in 2015 and continues to appear on British TV, including Celebrity Gogglebox and The Masked Singer UK. Though she announced her split from husband Jack McManus in 2024, Martine remains one of the most admired figures to come out of Albert Square.

---

Sean Maguire (Aidan Brosnan)

At just 17, Sean Maguire became a household name as Aidan Brosnan, the aspiring footballer whose dreams were crushed by injury and addiction. His harrowing suicide storyline on Christmas Day 1993 drew 23 million viewers and remains one of the soap’s most emotional plots.

After leaving Walford, Sean reinvented himself as a pop star, releasing three albums before moving to the U.S., where he built a successful acting career. American audiences know him best as Robin Hood in Once Upon a Time, with other credits including The 100, The Magicians, and S.W.A.T..

Now a father of three and married to police detective Tanya Flynn, Sean became a U.S. citizen in 2020 and continues to enjoy a thriving Hollywood career — a rare happy ending for an EastEnders alum.

---

Lucy Speed (Natalie Evans)

When Lucy Speed joined EastEnders in 1994 as Natalie Evans, she quickly became entangled in Walford’s most scandalous love triangles. After multiple departures and returns, her final exit came in 2004 following Barry Evans’ death at the hands of Janine Butcher.

Lucy moved into a steady acting career, appearing in Shakespeare in Love, Holby City, Marcella, Unforgotten, and After Life. Away from the screen, she married actor Spencer Hayler in 2009 and now lives in Fulham with their two children.

Still close friends with Charlie Brooks (Janine), Lucy has said she’d “never rule out” a return to EastEnders. For now, she continues to work across film and television — one of the few 90s stars who transitioned seamlessly into longevity.

---

A Generation That Defined EastEnders

The 1990s were a golden age for EastEnders — a decade when its young cast rivalled pop stars in fame and glamour. Yet, behind the bright lights, many of these actors faced the darker side of overnight celebrity.

From addiction and illness to reinvention and redemption, their stories reveal the real-life drama that unfolded long after they left Albert Square.

And while Walford has moved on, one thing remains clear: the 90s EastEnders generation changed British television forever.