EastEnders star looks unrecognisable in terrifying new role as he teams up with former soap co-star
AN EastEnders star has shocked fans with a dramatic transformation for a new and terrifying role, teaming up with a former soap co-star in the process.
Soap actor Aaron Sidwell – known for playing Steven Beale in the BBC soap – looks totally unrecognisable in the new action thriller, Fyre Rises.
The actor returned to Albert Square in 2016, having previously played the character in 2008.
His storylines included lying to Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) about having a brain tumour in a bid to make her stay with him, and setting fire to The Beale’s restaurant.
Steven died in 2017 from a cardiac arrest after being rushed to hospital following a violent confrontation with Max Branning (Jake Wood).
Since his departure from the soap, Aaron has starred as Fiyero in a Wicked tour across the UK and Ireland.
The actor, now 36, has taken on a darker, more intense persona as the character Priest in the new film.
He stars in Fyre Rises alongside his former EastEnders co-star Ricky Grover, who played Andrew Cotton.
Andrew was known for his quick temper, however he was a gentle guy at heart and had a relationship with Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison), until she was murdered by Ben Mitchell (Joshua Pascoe) in March 2012.
When he found out that Ben was actually to blame for the death of the love of his life, Andrew found that he could no longer face life alone in Walford, so he packed his bags and left.
After leaving the soap, Ricky became a ladies’ hairdresser and a boxer.
He then became a stand-up comedian, actor and occasional television presenter.
Bu their new film, which is rumored to be a gripping thriller, has already generated buzz with fans eagerly anticipating how the pair will bring their characters to life.
Other cast members include Eric Roberts, Cynthia Rothrock, Joseph Millson and Jake Canuso.
The synopsis reads: “Debt-ridden pacifist Richard Fyre is propositioned to return to his abandoned mercenary ways by flamboyant zealot, Priest, to eliminate his international competition in exchange for a clean slate.”
This transformation and unexpected pairing promise a thrilling experience that highlights the actors’ versatility beyond the soap world.
Fyre Rises is available to watch on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Sky Store.
Most devastating soap deaths
SOAP viewers are frequently left heartbroken after watching some of their favourite characters bite the dust.
Here is a list of the most devastating deaths that have taken place in soapland over the years.
EASTENDERS
Barry Evans – Evil Janine (Charlie Brooks) lured her trusting fiance to Scotland for a quickie marriage after learning he was dying.
Her plan to inherit Barry’s fortune was thwarted when Barry told her that the doctors had mixed up his medical files.
Furious that she was no longer set for a windfall, she pushed Barry off a cliff after telling him their love was “fake”.
Bradley Branning – Bradley was accused of killing Stacey Slater’s rapist Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) after he punched him twice on the night he died.
He was spotted in the Square by a police woman who chased him up a fire escape.
Bradley lost his balance and tragically plunged to his death.
CORONATION STREET
Tina McIntyre – Tina was getting it on with Peter Barlow – despite him being married to Carla Connor.
When she threatened to reveal the truth, Carla’s brother Rob got into a physical altercation with her.
Tina lost her footing and fell off a balcony – then warned Rob she was going to tell the cops he pushed her.
In a panic, Rob brutally clobbered her over the head with a metal pipe.
Molly Dobbs – Molly was one of the victims in Corrie’s 2010 tram crash, alongside Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold).
Married to Tyrone (Alan Halsall), Molly had been having an affair with Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell) in the months before her death.
This resulted in the birth of their son, Jack (Kyran Bowes), who was named after Jack Duckworth.
As fate would have it, Kevin’s wife Sally (Sally Dynevor) was by Molly’s side in her final moments.
Sally was stunned as Molly confessed Kevin was Jack’s father, before dying of her injuries.
Vera Duckworth – Having appeared regularly in Corrie since the 1970s, there was no denying Vera Duckworth was an iconic character.
Alongside her husband Jack, the pair formed one of the soap’s most beloved couples.
Viewers were heartbroken when Vera was killed off in 2008, being discovered having passed away peacefully in her chair.
Liz Dawn, who played Vera, made a brief return two years later for Bill Tarmey’s exit as Jack.
Paul Foreman – Fans were heartbroken when Paul Foreman succumbed to his illness after battling motor neurone disease.
Introduced in 2018 as David Platt’s (Jack P. Shepherd) cellmate, he later embarked on a romance – and marriage – with vicar Billy Mayhew.
The MND storyline was announced in 2023 – with the expectation it would result in the character’s death.
EMMERDALE
Sarah Sugden – After the family got into financial problems, Sarah’s son Andy (Kelvin Fletcher) decided to make some quick cash from an insurance company by setting fire to the Sugden barn.
He didn’t realise his mum was inside the building, and she got trapped in the blaze.
Nine villagers – The shocking 1993 plane crash episode brought in 18 million viewers for Emmerdale.
Mark Hughes was killed by a falling wall, Archie Brooks was burned by jet fuel, Elizabeth Pollard was killed by debris and newcomer Leonard Kempinski died in a car crash caused by the crash.
Five other non-recurring characters from the village also died.
HOLLYOAKS
Carmel McQueen – The talented singer died in shocking scenes when a train crashed into a her family’s car.
Carmel managed to free her cousin Theresa from the rubble – but got stuck in it herself.
Moments later the train exploded and Carmel died in the arms of her family members, promising to be their guardian angel.