Soap Star Turned Panto Villain
Steve McFadden, best known as Phil Mitchell on EastEnders, is set to take on the role of Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas at The Hawth in Crawley. Despite BBC restrictions on cast members appearing in pantomimes, Steve is making a return to the panto world.
A Panto Pro
With a career in panto dating back to 1993, Steve is no stranger to the stage. He sees panto as a refreshing change from his dramatic role on EastEnders, saying, "My day job is a great tragedy with few laughs, so panto is the perfect antidote. It’s bold, it’s live, and it’s a lot of fun."
Long-Standing EastEnders Career
Known for his portrayal of the tough Phil Mitchell for 35 years, Steve's return to panto contrasts with his co-star Brian Conley's exit from the soap. Conley, who played Tom 'Rocky' Cotton, left due to BBC restrictions on side gigs like panto.
Behind the Scenes Drama
The BBC's ban on cast members taking on additional roles was reportedly linked to the show's 40th anniversary plans. With milestone episodes in the works, show bosses wanted to ensure all hands were on deck for filming key scenes during the festive season.
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