Top 10 Shocking EastEnders Deaths

#10: Lucy Beale's Not-so-Good Friday…

Good Friday 2014, and “EastEnders” viewers were treated to a whodunit worthy of Poirot, Holmes or Morse: “Who Killed Lucy Beale.” The murder itself, concluding a red-herring-laden episode, wasn't that surprising. Showrunners had announced it in February, and employed their biggest marketing campaign to promote her death by persons unknown. Yet, behind the scenes, only four people who worked on the show knew who the real culprit was. But the reveal, almost an entire year post-announcement, during February 2015’s special 30th Anniversary live week–– was stunning. In a shocking, Christie-esque misdirection, it was none of the thirteen suspects that EastEnders’ bosses promoted as suspects in the build-up, but Bobby Beale, Lucy’s 10-year-old half-brother, who was the “who” that “dunnit…”

#9: Steve Owen's Explosive Exit

For Martin Kemp, being part of “EastEnders” in his words “saved his life.” Indeed, the bassist had returned to a promising acting career when Spandau Ballet disbanded, until two brain tumours forced a half-decade hiatus from performing. Yet, still in recovery, he returned to screens with an award-winning four-year stint as the villainous Steve Owen, cementing his status as a legitimate actor. With the glass ceiling broken, it was time to move on… with rival channel ITV. However, “EastEnders” bosses ensured that any potential returns for Kemp, the door was shut. Owen’s demise from an explosive car chase with Phil Mitchell was indeed shocking on-screen… but, perhaps, eclipsed by the shocking pettiness of showrunners behind-the-scenes, writing him out in what was dubbed as a “revenge-killing.”

#8: Mel Owen's Similar Fate?

With the death of Steve Owen, the departure of his wife Mel, was imminent. But, unlike Martin Kemp–for whom a return was impossible, Tamzin Outhwaite was able to walk away from Albert Square in 2002, with the option to return. Outhwaite did, signing a year-long contract–which she extended to two, and in early 2018, Mel Owen was back on-screen–to much aplomb. But this time, when it was time to go, it would be permanent. Following a popular storyline involving a Mitchell–Sharon, we thought Mel would meet a similar fate as her late-husband; a fiery car crash. However, it was a red-herring; Sharon saved Mel… but temporarily. In a macabre twist, the late Mrs. Owen walked in front of a lorry, and was gone–forever.

#7: A Typical Christmas Day for Archie Mitchell

Albert Square’s Christmas day traditions include a big dinner, arguments, and, most likely, a shocking event to add to the festive cheer. In 2009, it would be the death of Larry Lamb’s villainous Archie Mitchell. Killed when he was deliberately lured to the floor, and bludgeoned by the falling Queen Victoria bust, 11m viewers witnessed Mitchell’s Christmas demise. It would lay the groundwork for later mystery sagas, such as “Who Killed Lucy Beale,” establishing a template of promoting multiple suspects, a live-episode reveal, and limits on how many “EastEnders” staff knew whodunnit. Only seven knew “Who Killed Archie”, not including poor Lacey Turner… who was given only 30 minutes’ notice before filming the reveal that her character, Stacey Branning, was the bust-pushing murderer.

#6: Laura Beale's Neck-Breaking Plunge

Having previously appeared as an HIV patient, 17 February 2000 would introduce Hannah Waterman in a different “EastEnders” role. Over her four years, Laura Dunn would become Beale–marking a third-time-unlucky marriage as Ian’s wife, and was involved in storylines over questioned paternity, financial ruin… and fall afoul of resident villainess Janine Butcher. In her final moments, Laura argues with her nemesis, and chases after Ian, trips on a shoe… only to cut to other scenes. It isn’t until Pat Butcher discovers her body that we learn she did indeed fall, all the way down the stairs… Waterman was happy to leave the soap, but the spontaneous manner of her departure still surprised viewers, and reiterated why one should leave footwear at the door…

#5: Heather Trott’s Murder

Fans were aware that Heather Trott actress Cheryl Fergison was axed from Eastenders in 2011. But the Karaoke-singing, George Michael-loving, oft-parodied Heather was expected to have a gentle departure the following year… not her demise at Ben Mitchell’s hands, of all people.

You may have noticed a pattern. Generally if a main character is central to an episode intended for broadcast on a special occasion, such as Christmas, New Years, Easter or Anniversaries… then they probably won't be in another. But no one expected the innocuous date of 21st March 2012 to be the final appearance of the similarly innocuous Heather Trott… which is likely why it worked as an exit so shocking–it was an exit much more spontaneous for a character so outlying.

#4: Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell's New Year Dead Pool

Admittedly, this entry is somewhat loaded. We’d be remiss not to include Danielle Jones’ shocking hit-and-run by Janine, or the massively controversial baby-swap saga that began with the passing of infant James. Both died in the arms of their mother – Ronnie Mitchell, played by Samantha Womack, who is one half of this entry. The other is her on-screen sister, Rita Simons’ Roxy. The Mitchell sisters would enjoy a decade of “EastEnders,” and, on January 1st 2017, would exit together too. As is a-typical in Albert Square, a happy occasion of a wedding turns sour–and the sisters end their night–and 2016–drinking beside a pool… only to drown in it, with Ronnie tragically dying in an attempt to save Roxy. Happy New Year indeed, “EastEnders” fans…

#3: Barry Evans's Cliff Fall

Yes, it's been over two decades… but, still… Why Barry? As one of the show's most popular characters, Barry was doomed from the moment he found love in Janine Butcher. Lest we forget, Albert Square’s good guys rarely stay on top for long, as pride comes before a fall… literally, for Barry. During their honeymoon, Janine saw her chance to swindle her new husband's money and run off with her boyfriend. One push-off-a-cliff later, and a widow she became–establishing herself as a long-term villainess–and responsible for several other characters’ demises. But, behind the scenes, it was another revenge-killing; this time due to actor Shaun Williamson heading to panto without telling his bosses… However, Barry lived on… kinda, outside “EastEnders…” and returned once more, in 2025.

#2: Tiffany Mitchell's Countdown to Disaster

As already shown, New Years celebrations aren’t always happy occasions for the Mitchell family. Tiffany, played by Martine McCutcheon, sets that precedent–killed in a hit-and-run, in the same spot, several years before Janine would run over her cousin-in-law, Danielle. But this also sets another precedent of showbosses apparently killing characters off in revenge for their actors' actions behind the scenes. McCutcheon, embarking on a music career, was allegedly insisting on making more sporadic appearances as Tiffany. However, bosses saw this as using “EastEnders” as a –quote– “safety net” should her singing endeavors fail to find an audience. Subsequently, Tiffany was announced as being written out… Problem is, no-one had actually told McCutcheon, who found out via the radio that Tiffany’s exit was permanent.

#1: Live and Falling

As it passes more milestones, viewers have been treated to special episodes in the form of live episodes. Filmed directly to broadcast, 2010’s “Eastenders Live” marked the 25th Anniversary of the soap, and made good on the promise that Archie Mitchell’s killer would be revealed… Yet that wasn’t the only twist… With actor Charlie Clements departing, the character of Bradley Branning was due to receive, quote, “a big exit.” However, how could a live episode logistically live up to a huge death scene for the character? Very well, it seems–with writers sending Bradley on an express route from the Queen Vic roof to the pavement. Clever cuts, brilliant timing, and a meticulous-yet-secret stunt made for a promise shockingly well kept; still being talked about today.

Are there any “Doof Doof” moments that had you jumping out of your chair? Tell us, in the comments below!