What Are Former EE Actors Doing in 2009?


By Nancy Teel

Ever wonder about the current whereabouts of Ali, Mary, Annie, or Conor? Are they still working actors, or are they on to other endeavors? Well, after some digging, here is a commentary on their present projects. It is amazing but not shocking that each personal history stated that these actors were made famous by their stint on EastEnders!!

Alan Jackson (Howard Anthony) has two recent projects, Green Street Hooligans and The Tic, and, with a shaved head, Howard looks like an angelic version of Paul Trueman. EastEnders producers are currently recruiting Alan, Carol, Robbie, and Sonia to return to the cast since Bianca’s return to the series has been a ratings’ triumph.

Alex Healy (Richard Driscoll) is staring and directing in the feature film Wolfman. He also currently manages House of Fear, a film studio which emulates the 30s/40s Hollywood studio where all aspects of film production occur in one building.

Annie Palmer (Nadia Sawalha) last acted in Station Jim (2001), but from 2002 to 2009 she has been a TV presenter for shows titled Lifesaver, Heir Hunters, and Celebrity Masterchef.

Ali Osman (Nejdet Salih) acts under a new name - Nej Adamson. His last film project was portraying the part titled “short sailor” with Johnny Depp in The Pirates of the Caribbean series.

Conor Flaherty (Sean Gleeson) acts and directs the UK drama Doctors. He last performed in the US in the film Cold Mountain.

Dan Sullivan (Craig Fairbass) made an appearance in 2008 on the EE: Ricky and Bianca Special, but in 2009 Craig is in post-production for many dramas - Carnage, Gunned Down, Freight, St. George’s Day, 31 North 62 East, and The Shouting Man.

Jackie Owen (Race Davies) has made many appearances in The Bill, Holby Blue, and Doctors, but most recently Race provided the voice for Whiptail, a video game.

Joe Wicks (Paul Nicholls), who was actually born in Bolton, Greater Manchester, is a popular and busy actor with a long list of current dramas - Faintheart, Harley Street, Bonekickers, Daylight Robbery, and BBC’s The Passion.

Louise Raymond (Carol Harrison) appeared in the drama Casualty in 2008 and over the years has made appearances in other series, but in 1999, after EastEnders, Carol returned to university and obtained her Master’s Degree in Screenwriting. Currently she teaches Script and Screen at Brighton & Hone College.

Mary Smith (Linda Davidson a/k/ "Punk Mary") is a Canadian-British Actress; however, she gave up television and stage acting in the 1990s. Currently she works as a TV sitcom writer and director and is the editor for the EastEnders website, BBC online.

Although these actors have been written out of the series by choice or by pen, they have not been forgotten by avid viewers. EE fans recognize them in other projects and discuss them when reminiscing or viewing old episodes. The best part of researching their lives in 2009 is knowing that they are busy, employed, and could, if they desired, return to the riveting EastEnders.




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