Coming hot on the heels of the departure of Beppe di Marco comes the news that Albert Square stalwart Mark Fowler, played by actor Todd Carty, has been given the boot from top soap EastEnders. The 38-year-old actor’s contract will not be renewed when it comes up next year.
Todd, who started his on-screen career in Grange Hill where he played teen heart-throb Tucker, has been with the show for 12 years and has featured in some of its more explosive story lines. He was reportedly “shocked” by the news that he was to be written out.
“Todd has made a fantastic contribution to EastEnders, and Mark Fowler has been a pivotal figure on Albert Square for 12 years, but we felt the character had finally run its course,” said executive producer Louise Berridge.
The decision to axe the HIV-positive fruit and veg owner’s role may have been in part due to the decision by his co-star and on-screen love interest, Lucy Benjamin, to quit the show. She announced she was leaving the programme earlier in the month.
“Lucy decided she wanted to leave EastEnders, so it meant something drastic had to happen with Todd’s character as well,” said a studio source. “But Todd was shockled when Louise told him he was being written out. The one advantage that he has over some of the other cast members is that he was already established as an actor before he joined EastEnders…He shouldn’t have too much trouble finding other work when he leaves next year.”
In a written statement, Todd has announced that he will use the extra time to plan his wedding to long-term partner and mother of his two sons, Dina. “I have had 12 brilliant years on EastEnders and they’ve been fantastic to me. I’ll deeply miss all the cast and crew and everyone involved on the show.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
