He ruled the market and our hearts—but where is Peter Dean now?

The Fruit and Veg Legend of Albert Square

For EastEnders fans, the name Pete Beale still rings with nostalgia and heartbreak. Played by Peter Dean, Pete was one of Walford’s original characters, making his debut in the very first episode in 1985.

A loud, lovable, old-school market trader, Pete was best known for his cockney catchphrases (“Alright, treacle!”), his pewter tankard at the Queen Vic, and his tangled family ties. He was the husband of Kathy, father to Ian Beale, and twin brother to Pauline Fowler, which made him Martin Fowler’s uncle and Peter Beale’s namesake grandfather.

But in 1993, fans were left stunned when Pete was killed off-screen in a sudden car crash—one of the soap’s most controversial exits at the time.

Behind the Scenes: Why Pete Really Left

Peter Dean’s departure wasn’t without drama. Though beloved by fans, tensions reportedly escalated between Dean and EastEnders producers. After public comments about a lack of direction for his character, he was abruptly written out due to what were called “irreconcilable differences.”

Reflecting on his exit, Dean once shared on Loose Women:

“The producer called me in and said, ‘The writers can’t find anything for you to do.’ I said, ‘Well, get rid of the writers then.’ But it was already set.”

Though Pete was killed off, his legacy lingered—especially in the Beale family tree, which remains central to the soap even today.

A Career Beyond the Cobbles

Before his time on EastEnders, Peter Dean had a solid acting résumé. He starred in Law and Order (1978), Minder (1979), and even Coronation Street (1983). On the big screen, he appeared in Up Pompeii, Sweet William, and The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle.

Post-Walford, he took on cameos in comedies like Bo’ Selecta and Little Britain, and in 2018, he appeared in the BBC’s travel series The Real Marigold Hotel. He also featured in the 2016 BBC series Cradle to the Grave.

Now 86 years old, Dean has shifted gears—but he hasn’t stopped performing.

“I’d Love to Come Back”

Despite Pete’s death, Dean has publicly said he’d welcome a return—joking that the EastEnders writers could “bring back a twin” or find a creative twist.

“Actors don’t retire,” he said. “They just carry on until no one wants them—or they forget who they are.”

Today, Dean keeps active with buying, selling, and even decorating. According to his listing on Aston Management, he’s still available for acting work.