EastEnders legend Charlie Clements, who played Bradley Branning from 2006 to 2010, is almost unrecognisable 15 years after his character’s tragic death on the BBC soap.
The heartbreaking scene, which saw Bradley fall off a roof during the 25th anniversary live special, left fans across the nation in tears.
Bradley was the son of Max Branning (Jake Wood) and husband to Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). Despite leaving the show over a decade ago, Charlie’s social media posts are still flooded with comments from fans expressing how much they miss his character.
Charlie has since swapped his clean-shaven look for a beard and continues to act, while also pursuing interests in golf and cooking. His latest Instagram post paid an emotional tribute to EastEnders as it marked its 40th anniversary with another dramatic live episode, which saw the demise of Martin Fowler (James Bye) in a shocking explosion at the Queen Vic.
(Image: BBC)
Reflecting on his own time on the soap, Charlie shared a photo of himself sporting his signature red hair and a beard, alongside a touching caption.
“Reminded today that ‘I died’ 15 years ago today which makes that little thing even older! As EE turns 40 I remind myself how fortunate I was to work on such an institution at such a young age and will be forever thankful to those to who made it possible,” he began.
“The BBC, Kate Harewood, John Yorke, Julia Crampsie and Diederick Santer. Thank you to Tony Jordan, @malarkeyphelps, @dominictc, Alex Lamb and the entire team of writers for some unbelievable scripts and for trusting me with their words. To the many many directors and crew who work tirelessly to put the show together, the first in and the last out. @jamesalexandrou and @natcass1 for taking me under your wing and the entire cast who I had the privilege of working with.”
(Image: Charlie Clements (Instagram))
He concluded his statement with: “My unbelievable family @dollyjj, @madelinedugganxx , Lorna Fitzgerald @mrjakewood and of course @laceyturner. And to those who are sadly no longer with us who made me feel instantly welcome, June Brown, John Bardon, Wendy Richard and Dame Barbara Windsor, thank you.
“And finally the biggest thanks goes to the entire team @thebwhagency who I will be forever indebted to, not once but twice. Happy birthday EE, I am immensely proud to have been a small part of you.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am
View news Source: https://www.ok.co.uk/tv/soaps/eastenders-legend-shares-emotional-update-34734498
