There was a bit of an EastEnders reunion last night as some Albert Square royalty got together to mark a special occasion.
Martin Fowler star James Bye is celebrating a big birthday and as he turned 40, his co-stars knew they had to be there to raise a glass or two. Kellie Bright, who stars as troubled Linda Carter, joined Lacey Turner - Stacey Slater on the soap - as they got into the party mood together.
Davood Ghadami, who was killed off in 2021 after years of playing Martin's best friend Kush Kazemi, was there too, as was former Walford resident Matt Di Angelo and Jay Brown actor Jamie Borthwick. James took to Instagram to thank those who came and Davood reposted his snap, writing: "Loved seeing the Enders team again. Birthday boy @jimmybye."
It left the show's fans remembering back as the pals got together. Davood starred in EastEnders from 2014 up until 2021, when his character was ultimately culled in a shocking cliff-hanger during serial killer Gray Atkins' evil reign over Albert Square. Shortly after his stint on the BBC soap, Davood joined the cast of Holby City as Eli Ebrahimi. However, his role lasted only 18 months after it was announced the beloved show had been axed after 23 years.
A statement from the show's team read: "As part of the BBC’s commitment to make more programmes across the UK, we have taken the difficult decision to bring the show to a close in order to reshape the BBC’s drama slate to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the country. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team at BBC Studios and all the cast and crew who have been involved in the show since 1999."
EastEnders shock as child is revealed to be pregnant in New Year’s Day episodeTo the delight of fans, Davood made a surprise cameo in special Casualty episode that aired on July 15 last year which saw Eli treat someone involved in a terrible road incident. They were even more thrilled when they were flicking on social media and saw something they weren't expecting.
Last summer he showed off his ripped physique on Instagram – which left his fans stunned at his incredible body transformation. The 41-year-old actor is pictured during an intense gym workout with a full beard and his toned body dripping with sweat. Captioning the photo, the Strictly star wrote: "If it doesn't challenge you it wont change you..."
Fans of the star complimented him on his unbelievable muscles and six-pack, which looks worlds away from his Albert Square days. One social user said told him: "Holy mackerel looking good." Another person chimed: "Wow hot." A third fan commented: "I wish I had your motivation and drive. Good on you."