Played by Pam St Clement

Pat Butcher was a larger-than-life figure in EastEnders, having worked her way through the men of East London, from being a gangster's moll to a series of husbands and lovers, including underworld kingpin Johnny Allen. But Frank Butcher was always the love of her life. Over the years, her fiercest rival was Peggy Mitchell, as both women fought for Frank’s attention, though their animosity eventually faded after a hilarious incident involving a drunk and disorderly episode in an ice cream van at a hospital car park.

Pat wasn’t one to shy away from getting involved in others' lives - if you weren't related to her, she was still likely to be up in your business. She welcomed the homeless into her home, often serving up a Pink Lady at her cocktail bar. Pat was a key figure in Walford, and if you had her on your side, you were truly made. Her death in 2012 marked the end of an era, and Walford mourned the loss of a true icon - Pat Butcher, the diamante-studded jewel in the Square’s crown.

Played by Barbara Windsor

Peggy Mitchell, the tough and no-nonsense publican of the Queen Vic, was known for her directness and unflinching attitude. She had a turbulent relationship with her manipulative husband, Archie Mitchell, and even plotted his death, though her son Phil backed out before pulling the trigger. Peggy fought cancer with the same resilience she showed in her battles against local government, though she was irked when Mayor Boris intruded on her territory. Romance was often messy for Peggy, from her split with Archie hours after their wedding to a love triangle involving Pat Evans and Frank Butcher. Her beloved pub was taken from her after a dramatic confrontation with her son, whose struggles with addiction led to a fire at the Vic. Heartbroken and overwhelmed by her love for him, Peggy eventually decided to leave Walford. Her legacy as the Queen of the Vic, with her iconic catchphrase "Get outta ma pub!", remains unforgettable.

Played by Steve McFadden

Phil Mitchell, the feared and untouchable "guvnor" of Albert Square, is known for his ability to cover his tracks and escape justice, despite multiple stints in prison. However, his true weakness is his family. Being a Mitchell means everything to Phil, and he shares a complicated bond with his brother Grant, with whom he once ruled the Square. Phil is also deeply involved with his children, Ben and Louise. But as with many families, their betrayals and conflicts have been his undoing, especially his tempestuous relationship with Grant. Family loyalty may be his greatest strength, but it’s also his biggest vulnerability.

Played by June Brown

Dot Branning is the ultimate gossip of Walford, known for her chain-smoking, elaborate hairdos, and deep knowledge of everyone’s business, especially in the launderette. A woman of strong faith, Dot often relies on her belief in God to navigate the trials in her life, particularly her troubled relationship with her son, Nick Cotton. Despite Nick's villainous actions and repeated return to Walford, Dot always forgives him, viewing him as a lost soul who needs guiding back to the fold.

Dot’s other great love was Jim Branning, an unlikely match who proved to be her soulmate and emotional anchor. His love brought out her gentler side, especially after his stroke in 2008. With Jim in care, Dot found an unexpected support system in Fatboy, and even picked up some street slang along the way. Through it all, her resilience and capacity for love remain at the heart of her character.

Played by Ross Kemp

Grant Mitchell, the tough, handsome hard man of EastEnders, was known for his violent tendencies and his attempts to emulate the Kray twins, ruling Albert Square with an iron fist. Though he exuded toughness, Grant was also a troubled "mummy’s boy" who drew out a nurturing instinct in the women he encountered. His good looks and baby face made him irresistible, but his relationships with women, including marriages to Sharon and Tiffany, were marked by violence, often driving them away or even contributing to their deaths.

As Grant grew older, he mellowed, and his relationship with Jane Beale was peaceful, though she ultimately had to settle for Ian Beale. In 2006, Grant moved to Portugal, where he made a new life with his daughter, Courtney. However, when his mother’s cancer returned, he was called back to Walford, only to be devastated by her suicide. He returned to Portugal after learning he was in debt, but reconciled with his brother, Phil, who forgave the debt. The revelation that Grant had fathered Michelle Fowler’s child, Mark Fowler Junior, 21 years earlier, led to a heart-to-heart with his son, where Grant decided it was best for Mark to not know he was his father. Grant returned to Portugal to rebuild his life, taking Courtney with him.

Played by Michael French

David Wicks, the son of EastEnders matriarch Pat Butcher, first appeared on the Square working at Deals on Wheels with Ricky Butcher. His past caught up with him when he crossed paths with Carol Jackson, his teenage sweetheart, and the girl he had left pregnant many years ago, never knowing if she had kept the child. The situation became complicated when David began falling for Carol’s eldest daughter, Bianca, only to discover that Bianca was actually his daughter. This revelation added a dramatic twist to the already tangled relationships in Walford.

Played by Letitia Dean

Sharon Watts, the poodle-haired daughter of the late Den and Angie Watts, grew up in a household filled with drama and tension, earning her the nickname "Princess" from her father. Despite being adopted, Sharon inherited her mother’s flair for drama and often played her parents against each other in their chaotic, alcohol-fueled home. After a troubled adolescence, Sharon matured into a complex and unbalanced femme fatale, attracted to powerful men, including both Mitchell brothers, though neither could meet her needs. When she returned to the Square after a long absence, she quickly rekindled her relationship with Phil Mitchell, proving that her turbulent love life was far from over.

Played by Danny Dyer

Mick Carter is a hardworking and dedicated family man, always striving to provide the best for his loved ones. He tends to focus on the bigger picture, but his temper can sometimes get the best of him, revealing a dangerous and wild side. Although he works hard to keep this side of himself under control, Mick believes that maintaining self-control is essential to being a man. His internal struggle to balance his protective instincts with his desire for restraint is a key part of his character.

Played by Samantha Womack

Ronnie Mitchell is the more sensible and level-headed of the Mitchell sisters, in stark contrast to her impulsive sibling, Roxy. However, her troubled past, shaped by her controlling and abusive father, Archie, deeply impacted her. Ronnie suffered abuse as a child and was forced to give up her daughter, Danielle, when she was just 14. The reunion with Danielle years later was bittersweet, as it was shortly before Danielle tragically died. Throughout her life, control became a central theme for Ronnie, as it did for many members of the Mitchell family, influencing both her personal and emotional struggles.

Played by Tamzin Outhwaite

Mel Healy was once the epitome of a good girl - blonde, pretty, and the sister of a vicar. However, her taste for bad boys got her into trouble, as she became involved with men like Steve Owen, Dan Sullivan, and even Phil Mitchell, despite him being her best friend's man. Her brief and ill-fated marriage to Ian Beale was a mistake, which she quickly rectified by dumping him minutes after the ceremony when she discovered he'd lied about his daughter Lucy having cancer to manipulate her.

While her relationship with Steve Owen seemed genuine, she later learned that after his death, he had set her up and was responsible for her arrest on drug smuggling charges. To escape the law, Mel fled to Portugal, pregnant and leaving Phil Mitchell to foot her bail bond.

Played by Natalie Cassidy

Sonia Fowler is the third child in a very dysfunctional family, and though she never knew her real father, her mother, Carol, always showered her with love and support. Sonia was a rock for Carol during her battle with cancer and remained steadfast in her support. She maintains a good relationship with her ex-husband, Martin, and is a devoted mother to their daughter, Bex. Sonia also helped Martin during Stacey's postpartum psychosis and frequently assisted with baby Arthur.

Currently, Sonia is in a relationship with Tina Carter, and they live together with Bex. Known for her stoic, capable, and level-headed nature, Sonia is a workaholic and an all-around good mother, always putting her family first.

Played by Jake Wood

Max Branning is a serial womanizer, a regular on Albert Square, and a savvy entrepreneur who's had his fair share of highs and lows - especially when it comes to his love life. His roving eye constantly lands him in trouble, yet he never seems to learn from his mistakes. Max's heart appeared to belong to Tanya, until his secret second wife, Kirsty, resurfaced, reigniting their relationship. Despite his complicated romantic history, the question remains: can Max ever truly be a one-woman man?

Recently, Max was released from prison, adding another chapter to his already turbulent life.

Played by Adam Woodyatt

Ian Beale has been a fixture on EastEnders for years, navigating everything from running a loan shark business to becoming a property tycoon. His ventures, including the fish and chip shop, fruit and veg stall, café, and Beale's restaurant, have kept him afloat through financial struggles. Throughout his time on the Square, Ian has experienced his fair share of drama, from death threats and mental breakdowns to multiple marriages and divorces. Recently, he faced the devastating loss of his daughter, Lucy, adding another chapter of heartache to his already tumultuous life.

Played by Lacey Turner

Stacey Slater is a complex character, who initially appeared tough and emotionally distant, using this persona as a defense against her turbulent life. Her struggles included dealing with her mother’s bipolar disorder, abortion, drug abuse, her own mental health issues, an affair with her father-in-law Max, rape, murder, and the heartbreaking death of her husband, Bradley. Despite her tough exterior, these challenges shaped her into a character trying to survive and protect herself emotionally.

Played by Leslie Grantham

Dirty Den Watts was the villain of Walford, and despite his cruel behavior towards his wife, daughter, and mistress, viewers couldn’t help but be drawn to his charm and smooth-talking ways. The Queen Vic was never dull with Den and Angie around. A classic womanizer, Den had the ladies eating out of his hand - most notably Michelle Fowler, the sixteen-year-old who gave birth to his daughter, Vicki.

Though Den talked a good game about family and his love for his "princess," Sharon, he often proved to be a coward when it came to making tough decisions. He shirked his family responsibilities, always taking the easiest route rather than facing up to the consequences of his actions.

Den seemed invincible at times - wriggling his way out of love children, shady business dealings, and even murder attempts. But his luck finally ran out when he crossed his second wife, Chrissie. After she’d had enough of him, it was clear that this time, there would be no comeback for the notorious villain. Den's reign of terror ended in a way no one could have anticipated, cementing his legacy as one of EastEnders' most iconic and unforgettable bad boys.

Played by Patsy Palmer

Bianca Butcher is Walford’s feisty, no-nonsense "girl next door," known for her big mouth, quick temper, and bold sense of style. She doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind, and crossing her is a mistake you won’t want to make. Despite her tough exterior, Bianca has a soft, vulnerable side and is fiercely loyal to those she cares about - though you’ll need to peel back a few layers to see it.

Like many in Albert Square, Bianca has faced her share of struggles, including having her children taken into care and discovering that her boyfriend, Tony, had been abusing Whitney. Her romantic life has also been rocky. After leaving for a fashion course in Manchester, Bianca returned with a new partner and his two kids, only to soon learn that her mother, Carol, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite the challenges, Bianca's resilience and loyalty have always defined her.

Played by Larry Lamb

Archie Mitchell initially appeared to be a charming and charismatic rogue, embodying the old-school East End charm. However, beneath this facade was a Machiavellian manipulator who enjoyed pulling the strings of others' lives, watching as the drama unfolded at his command.

His daughter Ronnie was a prime example of his cruelty. When she was a teenager and gave birth, Archie took the baby from her, had her adopted, and lied to Ronnie, telling her the child had died. When Ronnie's daughter, Danielle, eventually arrived on the Square, Archie stood in the way of their reunion. Ronnie only learned the truth about Danielle shortly before her tragic death.

Archie's list of misdeeds was extensive - he set fire to the Queen Vic, manipulated Peggy, and plotted to ruin the Mitchell family financially. It didn’t take him long to come up with these schemes, leaving one to wonder what further chaos he could have caused with more time.  His scheming finally came to a violent end when Stacey hit him over the head with a bust of the Queen Vic on Christmas Day 2009, bringing his reign of manipulation to a fatal close.

Played by Michelle Ryan

Zoe Slater made a dramatic entrance to Walford as a fiery, defiant teenager, part of the boisterous Slater family. She initially wanted to join her uncle Harry in Spain, but her mother, Kat, had other plans. The shocking revelation that Kat was actually her mother, and that her real father was Uncle Harry, left Zoe reeling. The emotional bombshell drove Zoe to run away, and she found herself nearly turning to prostitution before Kat swooped in to rescue her and bring her back to the Square.

Zoe's life didn't settle down, though. She became involved in a tumultuous relationship with Dennis Rickman, who was in love with his adopted sister, Sharon. Both Zoe and her mother even shared the same taste in men, including Dr. Anthony Trueman. Den Watts encouraged Zoe to have a child with him, but pretend it was Dennis's to keep him. The situation took a darker turn when Chrissie Watts found them together and manipulated Zoe into believing she had killed Den. However, Sam Watts eventually revealed that it was Chrissie who had committed the crime.

With her life spiraling into chaos, Zoe decided to escape the madness of Albert Square and left for Ibiza, hoping to reclaim her lost youth and find some peace away from the turmoil.

Played by Charlie Brooks

Janine Butcher is a ruthless and manipulative character, driven by the belief that money can buy happiness. After inheriting a fortune from her grandmother, Lydia, she uses her wealth to manipulate, marry, and even murder. Despite her cleverness, Janine's actions often backfire, leading to imprisonment and emotional turmoil. Beneath her hard exterior, she longs for love and acceptance, though she'll never admit it. She briefly found happiness with Michael Moon, but her paranoia over his intentions led to their separation. Janine returned to take their daughter, Scarlett, from Michael, and after a series of manipulative actions, including killing Michael, she was imprisoned. However, she managed to wriggle free by convincing Kat to file a false witness statement, and eventually left for France to be reunited with Scarlett.

Played by Michelle Collins

Cindy Beale was a notorious character in EastEnders, known for her string of affairs with the men of Albert Square, including the Wicks brothers, while married to the reliable but dull Ian Beale. She married Ian out of desperation, unable to remain faithful or prioritize her family. After an attempt to murder Ian and escape the marriage, Cindy fled, lost custody of her children, ended up in prison, and tragically died in childbirth. Her story was a dramatic tale of betrayal and ultimate comeuppance.

Played by Martine McCutcheon

Tiffany Mitchell’s life was marked by abuse and heartbreak, beginning with her alcoholic father, who pushed her down the stairs, causing her to lose a child. Tragically, history repeated itself with her husband, Grant Mitchell, who was also jealous, controlling, and incapable of loving her, yet refused to let her go. Despite multiple attempts to escape his cruelty, Tiffany’s final attempt at freedom ended tragically when she was hit by Frank Butcher’s car, while Grant held their daughter, Courtney, hostage. Though Tiffany's life was cut short, her memory lived on through her best friend Bianca, who named her youngest daughter after her. Tiffany’s legacy remains one of lost love and unfulfilled potential.

Played by Jessie Wallace

Kat Slater is no stranger to drama, with a turbulent life shaped by loss, scandal, and emotional upheaval. After her mother’s death, her father’s grief, and her nan Mo’s shady dealings, Kat quickly became a fixture in the Square, often at the center of the action. Known for her boldness, she shocked everyone by revealing that her youngest sister, Zoe, was actually her daughter. Over the years, Kat has faced a series of heartbreaking challenges, including unwanted pregnancies, suicide attempts, the infamous baby swap scandal, and miscarriages. Despite it all, she remains a fierce and resilient character, always ready to stir up trouble and fight for what she believes in.

Played by Anita Dobson

Angie Watts was a whirlwind of drama and chaos, tearing through Walford with a trail of broken marriages and shattered bottles in her wake. Known for her huge 80s bubble perm and cheeky banter, she thrived on creating chaos, particularly when it came to seeking revenge on her unfaithful husband, Den. Lofty, Wicksy, and even Arthur felt the brunt of her wild energy. While Tony Carpenter fell for her, she was using him to get back at Den, who was the true object of her obsession.

Her tumultuous relationship with Den was the stuff of legend - passionate, poisonous, and full of fireworks. His infidelities, her drinking, and their mutual affairs drove their marriage to a destructive point. In a desperate attempt to reclaim Den, Angie told him she had six months to live, prompting him to momentarily end things with his mistress, Jan. However, Angie drunkenly revealed the truth to a barman, and Den, in a moment of triumph, served her with divorce papers on Christmas Day, quipping, "Happy Christmas, Ange!"

After their brief reunion as business partners, Angie’s infidelities were too much for Den to bear, and he made sure she wouldn’t get a penny of his fortune when they parted ways. Angie left the Square in 1988 to be with her lover, Sonny, in Spain, later moving to Miami and remarrying. Despite her wild life and colorful past, it was her drinking that eventually caught up with her. Angie died of cirrhosis of the liver in 2002, a tragic end to the woman who had always sought the next big drama.