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A SCOTS bakery chain that some fans have branded “better than Greggs” is opening a new store to celebrate a milestone birthday.

The popular pastry business has today opened the store as part of planned expansions, as they look to make significant investment in the coming years.

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The bakery are celebrating a milestone birthday with the opening of a brand new branch in a Scots city[/caption]

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The family-run bakery have struck up a rivalry with a baking behemoth, with some fans calling it ‘better than Greggs’[/caption]

Bayne’s has announced that it will be celebrating its birthday in style as it cuts the red tape on a brand new branch.

The family bakers is opening its 70th shop, celebrating its 70th birthday at Perth‘s Inveralmond Retail Park.

Born in Lochore, Fife, the bakery is known for its Scottish roots and while offering a range of products has its own selection of traditional Scots baked goods on the menu.

A statement from the chain said: “We are over the moon to be celebrating the milestone of our 70th year by opening this brand-new location on the Inveralmond Retail Park – our fourth in Perth!

“Opening officially on Tuesday, we cannot wait to welcome both new and familiar faces to our latest premises.”

Reflecting on seven decades of business, John Bayne, Joint Managing Director, said: “A decade ago, we had 490 colleagues supporting 52 shops.

“Today, we’ve nearly doubled our workforce to 960, ensuring we continue to bring fresh, quality baking to communities across Scotland.

“Looking ahead, we plan to open three to four new shops annually over the next decade while continuing to invest in product innovation and digital transformation to meet evolving customer needs.”

In 1975, Bayne’s took its first steps outside of Fife by expanding to Perthshire.

The business opened its first city shop in Kinross, and has seen further growth to Dundee, and Monifieth in the late 90s and early noughties.

Mr Bayne added: At Bayne’s, our customers are at the heart of everything we do.

“Whether it’s through our popular coffee card reward program, which offers a free coffee for every eight purchased, or our ‘Moments of Joy’ initiative, which empowers staff to provide complimentary treats for special occasions, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences.”

Stanley Bayne, Chairman of Bayne’s said: “Seventy shops in our 70th year – it’s a milestone that fills me with immense pride.

“My father, John, would be incredibly proud to see how far we’ve come; from opening our first shop in 1954 to opening our 70th shop today.

“Our success is a tribute to the generations of colleagues and bakers who have kept our ovens warm and our customers smiling.

“This new Perth shop is a symbol of our enduring commitment to Scottish baking traditions and the communities we serve.”

The chain has attracted a huge local fan base over the years, and has struck up a rivalry with some of the baking industries elite.

Some fans have even described the food as “better than Greggs“.

Reacting to the news, one fan wrote: “Bring back the Paris bun! What better way to celebrate 70 years!

Another penned: “Best chain of bakery shops ever, four in Perth, we are so lucky.

A third added: “Good luck, and lots of love, you’ll smash it.”

NATHAN Campbell has felt a backlash from fellow MAFS stars, who have branded him “sly” for refusing a “showmance” with Lacey Martin.

Last night’s reunion show saw the cast return for an explosive dinner party, but it was Nathan’s revelation about Lacey that shocked viewers.

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Nathan dropped a huge revelation about why he ended him romance with Lacey[/caption]

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Nathan claimed Lacey told him continue to relationship for ‘magazine deals’[/caption]

The Sun revealed in November that Nathan and Lacey had secretly split after filming for the E4 series ended.

However, at the beginning of last night ‘s reunion show he told the boys that Lacey only wanted to continue their romance for fame and “magazine deals”.

After arriving at the dinner party and reuniting with some of the boys, Nathan explained why he and Lacey decided to call it quits.

He said: “She just decided it was better to be mates, it was a bit one-sided. It goes into something that’s not genuine.”

Nathan then revealed that his ex had allegedly sent him a text saying she wanted to “fake” the relationship for “opportunity and money”.

He said: “Shortly after she messaged me and said after a year you get magazine deals and things like that, showmance.”

A shocked Kieran fumed: “Fake as f***,” while Orson added: “Awful.”

Nathan went on to say: “She sent me a text message saying the relationship she wanted would be a pretend one so she could get more opportunity from it and make more money but I didn’t want to do it.

“It’s a bit embarrassing, I don’t really want to talk about it to be honest.”

However, Lacey’s family have now defended her and slammed Nathan’s comments.

Both Lacey’s mum Maxine and sister Paige appeared on Married At First Sight when she wed Nathan, and didn’t have the best relationship with him,

Fans will well remember the “fajitas bust-up”, and following his “showmance” comments they have reignited their feud.

Taking to TikTok Lacey’s mum and sister were heard calling Nathan “sly”.

They also said they didn’t see anything wrong with her wanting a “showmance”.

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Lacey’s mum and sister have raged at Nathan and called him ‘sly’[/caption]

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The pair also clashed with Nathan during their time on MAFS[/caption]

Mum Maxine said: “If they could’ve made a lot of money as friends, then why not? What’s wrong with that?”

“You don’t go into this industry not to make money.

BITTER BREAK-UP

Shortly after their break-up was revealed, Lacey spoke to The Sun and told us that she feared Nathan was “faking” the romance the whole time, just for the cameras.

However, than Nathan told us it was him that had been left “brokenhearted”, and not the other way around.

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Speaking exclusively to The Sun, he said: “Things weren’t the same off the show, it was very different.

“I’d always have to go there, she wouldn’t come to see me – those kind of arguments. I’m not too sure, things were quite different after the show.

“When you’re together, you’re 100 per cent in the same place.

“But after the experiment there was a big distance there.”

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The couple called it quits not long after the show aired[/caption]

Asked who’s idea it was to break-up, Nathan said: “She decided, she said let’s just be friends.”

Speaking about how he was feeling post break-up, he said: “I’m scared to date again, I want to but my hearts still broken.

“I definitely do want to date again but there’s no one yet.”

NICKY HENDERSON hugged Constitution Hill’s owner after the superstar’s ‘frightening’ Kempton workout – as a huge market move took place.

The former Champion Hurdle king powered away from the 126-rated Aston Martini and That’s Nice on his racecourse gallop.

https://twitter.com/jkeene124/status/1894341481453830283

It was sweet relief for Henderson and Michael Buckley after their world came crashing down 12 months ago.

Constitution Hill was forced to miss last year’s Festival after a disastrous Kempton showing.

But there were no such worries this year as he looked back to his best and ready to win a second title next month.

Bookies weren’t blown away, though, with Coral keeping him 1-2 fav for the day one feature.

And the big move took place in the Mares’ Hurdle, where Brighterdaysahead was hammered back into fav on the Betfair Exchange.

Gordon Elliott’s awesome hurdler drifted markedly in the Champion Hurdle markets as Constitution Hill put on a show.

More to follow.

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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

CHANNEL 5 has finally revealed the fate of All Creatures Great and Small – and fans will be thrilled.

The beloved drama, which has captured hearts with its charming tales of rural Yorkshire life, has been a firm favourite since it first hit screens in 2020.

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All Creatures Great and Small series six has already started filming[/caption]

Channel 5

Actor Samuel has shared an update with fans[/caption]

Following five successful series, viewers have been eagerly awaiting news on whether James Herriot and the gang would be back for more.

The beloved cast have now been given the green light to start filming for the much-anticipated sixth series.

Samuel West, who plays Siegfried Farnon, took to social media and unveiled a snapshot of a clapperboard revealing that production for the new episodes already has begun.

Taking to X – formerly Twitter – he teased: “Thanks for your kind comments about #AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall Season Five.

“Never long enough… Sad that it’s over, but we hope this will raise spirits; we started filming Season Six today, More news later.”

The show’s official Twitter account also posted the clapperboard in its own announcement.

They teased: “Attention #ACGAS fans. Exciting news the cast and crew have officially kicked off filming for Season 6 in beautiful Yorkshire today! We can’t wait to return to Darrowby with all of you soon.”

Fans rushed to the comment section to share their excitement, with one writing: “It’s that time of year again, and I couldn’t be happier about it.”

Another added: “You don’t understand how excited I am about this.”

A third penned: “Fabulous love this programme, can not wait.”

A fourth said: “So exciting such a long wait!”

A fifth chimed in: “The best show on TV.”

The release date has not been confirmed, but the new episodes are expected to air on Channel 5 in autumn.

Last time we took a trip to the 1940s Yorkshire Dales, James Herriot was back from RAF training, finally reuniting with wife Helen and baby Jimmy.

But just as life seemed to settle, disaster struck – James’ military dreams were crushed after a shock health diagnosis left him grounded.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Hall got stuck into the war effort as a blackout warden, Richard Carmody was tempted by a huge offer from Imperial College London.

And Siegfried was over the moon as Tristan made his grand return to Darrowby.

Catch up on all five seasons of All Creatures Great and Small on MY5.

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The tweet sent fans into a frenzy excited for new episodes[/caption]

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The beloved drama will likely return in the autumn[/caption]

RUSSELL MARTIN has spent his life trying to prove people wrong.

From growing up with an abusive dad, to being told he wasn’t good enough to become a pro.

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Russell Martin follows a vegan diet and is a former political party member[/caption]

Willie Vass - The Sun Glasgow

But Martin squeezed every last drop of talent from his system to become a Premier League star and Scotland international.

Now he’s in the race to succeed Philippe Clement as Rangers boss.

There were question marks when Southampton appointed Martin in 2023 after relegation, and he was forced to sell £140million worth of players.

But last May he led them back to the Premier League via the play-offs.

Martin, 39, refused to change his playing style in the top flight, and was axed with Saints almost certainly heading back to the Championship in May.

His philosophy is all about possession and he won’t change it for any Plan B.

He said: “We judge players on two things — courage and aggression with the ball and without it.

“When people talk about the values of the team and philosophy, it’s to dominate the ball as much as you can, and when you don’t have it, you run really hard to get it back.

“It’s for me to feel it as much as they do, so when they make a mistake I don’t scream and shout. If it doesn’t work and I get sacked, at least I get sacked doing something I believe in.

“I am not driven by fear of losing my job.

“My fear is not giving players enough to enable them to give the best versions of themselves.”

The second youngest of four brothers, Martin grew up near Brighton.

Late father Dean was violent towards mum Kerry and he had stints in prison.

Through his dad, Martin qualified to play for Scotland and he won 29 caps.

Now vegan as he suffers from ulcerative colitis, he meditates, has studied Buddhism, and was a member of the Green Party before becoming disillusioned with politics.

Martin had an ice bath every day at Southampton, he uses a cryotherapy chamber near his home and swims in the sea at Hove all year round.

At the age of 30, he set up the Russell Martin Foundation to help local youngsters.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

AN ELDERLY football fan was left lying in the mud with a broken hip and now faces months of recovery after crowd trouble at an SPFL match this weekend.

Mary Getty, 75, was taken to hospital after falling and breaking her femur in the midst of a rammy on her way back to a supporters’ bus.

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Ochilview, the home ground of Stenhousemuir[/caption]

Ms Getty, an Arbroath fan, was attending the match against Stenhousemuir at Ochilview on Saturday with her grandson, Allan.

A gang of around 50 youths reportedly charged at Red Lichties supporters after the conclusion of the game, which ended in a 2-0 win for the home side.

Ms Getty has had to undergo surgery, which she received on Sunday, and has been told it could take up to six months for a full recovery.

She admits the ordeal has put her off from going to away games in future.

Ms Getty told The Courier: “It was awful, just awful.

“We have been to lots of football matches and kids will be shouting at each other but this was awful.

“We left early to get to the bus as I can’t walk very fast and next thing I knew they were next to us – about 50 of them.

“One of the lassies spotted the bus and they all surged towards it and I fell and broke the biggest bone in my body.

“It was my femur but they class that as a broken hip.

“I fell into the mud and was lying in muck and waited a while for the ambulance to come.

“It was terrible. I will go back to my normal matches when I can as I love going to the football but I don’t think I will be back at away matches.

“Maybe if it is not a long journey I will.

“The doctors say it could take four to six months to heal but I will get back to it as I love the club.”

Ms Getty will remain in Forth Valley Royal for at least a week to begin her recovery.

Grandson Allan was right beside his gran when she fell and recalled hearing kids shouting and screaming and that they clearly wanted to cause a fuss.

He said: “I was standing beside her when it happened.

“We came out of the game and where our bus was parked we had to walk down a darker bit of road.

“When we turned onto the main road there were loads of kids shouting and screaming.

“We went to go down to the bus and heard them shout, ‘Let’s get the bus’.

“It was clear their intention was to cause bother to the Arbroath supporters on the bus.

“They then started running towards the bus and the momentum of it all made my gran fall.

“There was lots of bother at the bus too but we didn’t make it that far.

“I was just shocked, you don’t expect to go to a football match and for that to happen.

“We have been to countless games across Scotland and we are regulars on the bus and have never experienced something like that.

“She was scared, there were kids who were scared.

“It is something you don’t expect to see at that sort of game and in that sort of league.”

He also paid tribute to the locals who live next to the stadium and members of the supporters’ club who rushed to help.

“The neighbours brought out blankets for her and the people in the supporters’ club were out helping.

“Someone from the supporters’ club is actually going to visit her in the hospital.

“The man who organises the bus is a nurse and he stayed with us in the hospital, we were there until 5.30am the next day.

“She is always usually out and about and she’s never had any bother with her walking so we are hoping she recovers well.

“Going to games with my gran is always the highlight of my week.”

Inspector Neil Wotherspoon said on behalf of Police Scotland: “Around 7.35pm on Saturday, 22 February, we received a report of disorder involving a number of youths in the Tryst Road area, following the football match between Stenhousemuir and Arbroath.

“One woman was taken to hospital for treatment after falling nearby whilst avoiding the disturbance.

“It is particularly disappointing that such an incident took place following a fixture not known for disorder in the past. We take any football-related violence seriously and work is ongoing with the clubs and the local community to identify offenders and ensure they face consequences for their actions.”

SunSport has contacted both clubs for comment.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

A GRANDAD died in agony after a piece of catheter was left stuck inside him for more than two years.

Dementia patient James Giles, 85, was ravaged by infections and suffered from sepsis after the medical tube snapped inside his urethra.

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James Giles was ravaged by infections after a medical tube snapped inside his urethra[/caption]

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He died three months after the tube was removed[/caption]

Shockingly, doctors and medical staff failed to spot the broken catheter which remained lodged inside him between 2021 and last April.

They eventually discovered the tube following a CT scan and removed it but James died three months later in July.

At the time of his death he weighed just five stone as a result of multiple infections which left him struggling to eat.

James’ devastated family have now received an apology from University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Trust.

His grandson Aidan Giles, 33, said: “We were shocked and devastated when we found out.

“It was in his urethra and it was stuck in there and went to the edge of his bladder.

“He had one and it wasn’t in properly, then they put in another later. We know it wasn’t in properly and he started to hallucinate.

“My grandfather was bed-bound and his world was slowly going because of this stuck catheter.

“When he passed away I think he was about five stone, he’d lost 13 stone despite being six feet.”

The family has grave concerns about patient care at Northampton General Hospital.

There are numerous issues, but the most glaring is that doctors failed to remove the catheter fragment.

“We were told they didn’t believe the scan,” Aidan said.

“Instead, my grandfather was repeatedly given antibiotics to fight off a UTI when, in reality, the retained catheter was causing scarring, persistent infections, and at least one episode of sepsis.”

James who had a grandson and two great-grandchildren, was admitted to Northampton General Hospital in November 2021 after having trouble urinating.

His family say he became virtually immune to the effects of antibiotics and pushed for a full-body scan after being left puzzled by the repeated infections and weakened state.

But hospital staff allegedly refused the scan and instead opted to place him on end-of-life care, his family claim.

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The piece of catheter found inside James, which had been left there for two years[/caption]

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Northampton General Hospital where the grandad was treated – and died[/caption]

After a two-year battle a CT scan was finally carried out and the broken piece of catheter was discovered and removed in April last year.

Aidan added: “He was such a trooper but he must have been in a lot of pain.

“He had sepsis and they kept putting him on end-of-life care. They said because he was sleeping all the time he needed this palliative care.

“There was something in there and they didn’t do anything about it.

I have no doubts that him having it inside him brought him closer to death

Aidan Giles33

“His kidneys were ruined because he couldn’t urinate properly. He had bed sores and sores and infections everywhere.

“We believe this could have been mitigated if they had taken this catheter out.

“He was struggling, he was struggling with pain and breathing. It wasn’t nice for him.

“He was basically immune to antibiotics. He was so frail. He couldn’t fight anymore.

“I have no doubts that him having it inside him brought him closer to death.”

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At the time of his death he weighed just five stone as a result of multiple infections which left him struggling to eat[/caption]

The cause of death listed on James’ death certificate is old age and frailty, along with dementia, cardiac failure and diabetes.

An inquest into his death will take place in August.

Julie Hogg, Chief Nurse at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Trust, said: “I met with Mr Giles recently to offer my apologies for the care that his grandfather received and our poor communication with his family subsequently, we should have done better.

“We provide care for hundreds of thousands of patients each year and, while many experience good care, we know that unfortunately we don’t always get it right for everyone.

“We are absolutely committed to listening to our patients and making things better.”

CELTIC won’t face any action from UEFA after ultras unfurled a massive banner declaring ‘Show Israel the Red Card’ prior to this month’s first leg Champions League clash.

Hoops bosses are no strangers to facing action from the European governing body as a result of the actions of their fans.

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Celtic’s head coach Brendan Rodgers and Bayern’s head coach Vincent Kompany at Parkhead[/caption]

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Fans of Celtic unfurl a ‘Show Israel the Red Card’ banner[/caption]

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Celtic fans at the second match in Munich[/caption]

The Hoops have a two year suspended one-match away fan ban in the continent hanging over them after a massive pyro display ahead of the meeting with Borussia Dortmund in the league phase.

And they faced a massive sweat that fans wouldn’t be permitted to travel to Munich for the second leg playoff round clash after a fan threw a smoke bomb onto the pitch against Aston Villa in their final league phase match.

Those fears, though, came to nothing with UEFA chiefs deciding that the action of one isolated fan couldn’t be placed on a par with a concerted action from a group of ultras.

But there were also fears of action in the first leg of the playoff clash against the Bavarian giants, after Hoops ultras in the Green Brigade section unfurled a large banner stating ‘Show Israel the Red Card’.

The supporters in the section below the banner also held up smaller red cards featuring the same message.

A message on flyers handed out by the group read: “At the start of the 2nd half, please SHOW ‘ISRAEL‘ THE RED CARD to send a direct message to UEFA and FIFA to apply their respective statutes and suspend ‘Israel’ from competition.

“By doing so, you will not only be doing the right thing but you will be joining football fans of conscience and courage around the worlds who will be adopting the same message.”

UEFA generally take a dim view of what they call ‘political slogans’ – and are notoriously keen to act when it comes to the Israel-Palestine issue.

A number of other clubs and ultra groups across the world have since adopted similar signs, although not always in Uefa matches.

But now the SunSport has learned that NO case was opened against the Hoops for the banner in the first leg.

A smaller banner reading ‘Show Zionism the Red Card’ was unfurled in the Hoops section ahead of the second match at the Allianz Arena.

It’s unclear yet if any action will be taken over the second leg banner but for now it appears that the Hoops are in the clear.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

NATO forces have been forced to scramble their warplanes in Poland after Vladimir Putin used nuclear-capable bombers to attack Ukraine. 

Russia used Tu-95MS’ to cause panic in Kyiv as residents were force to rush to the metro underground shelters for safety.

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A flash of light was seen across Ukraine following Vladimir Putin’s aerial attack[/caption]

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Ukraine was blasted by Moscow’s jets[/caption]

The strikes came despite Putin insisting he wanted peace with Ukraine “as soon as possible” as Moscow continue to speak with Washington over a truce.

Explosions were heard in Kyiv, Zhytomyr, and Sumy, as well as in Kyiv and Cherkasy regions.

Drones were also used by Russia with several people suffering injuries. 

“Attention, due to the activity of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation, striking targets located, in particular, in the west of Ukraine, military aviation has begun to operate in the airspace of Poland,” said Warsaw’s  armed forces operation command headquarters. 

Ground-based air defences and radar reconnaissance systems were also  “put on alert”.

The NATO action was defensive amid fears Russia was unleashing missiles close to the Polish border. 

The attacks on Ukraine were reported to be continuing. 

At least two Tu-95MS bombers were reported taking off from Olenya air base in the Arctic. 

THE Beales and Fowlers have been Albert Square legends for over three decades.

But with all the drama in EastEnders, it’s easy to lose track of who’s still a member of the soap’s most iconic families. Here’s everything you need to know.

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The Fowler and Beale families have been part of life in the Square since day one[/caption]

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But who is part of Walford’s most iconic families?[/caption]

The Beale family

Lou Beale

Lou Beale was the matriarch of the Beale family – and allegedly the first character ever created for the needs of the BBC One soap.

A long-time resident of Albert Square, Lou moved there in 1935 alongside her husband, ironically named Albert Beale, who only appeared in the Civvy Street spin-off.

Lou was portrayed by actress Anna Wing and was killed off three years after the London-based drama was first aired.

Anna threw in the towel after she reportedly expressed disapproval at the direction her character was taking.

The actress passed away on July 7, 2013, at the age of 98.

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Pete was the son of Lou and Albert Beale[/caption]

Pete Beale

Pete, the son of Lou and Albert played by Peter Dean, inherited his father’s food and veg stand.

Against his mothers’ wishes, Pete married a prostitute named Pat, at the young age of sixteen after believing she had fallen pregnant.

Pat (EastEnders legend Pam St. Clement) eventually told Pete she had lost the baby, but the pair remained married and went on to have two children together, Simon and David.

However, Pete believed his youngest was not really his and the marriage eventually fell apart.

Not long after, in 1993, Pete was killed in a car accident.

Pat later joined the Butcher family and went on to live a drama-packed life in Albert Square until her death from pancreatic cancer in 2012.

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Kenny Beale was shunned from the family after his affair with Pat[/caption]

Kenny Beale

Kenny Beale is another child of Lou and Albert, who was banished from Albert Square in 1965 after having an affair with his brother Pete’s first wife, Pat.

However, he returned in 1988 from his new home in New Zealand with his teenage daughter, Elizabeth, in tow.

Not long after his return, Kenny decided to leave again, despite believing that he could be the father of Simon Wicks, Pat’s son.

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Kathy is one of the main Beale family members to have stayed in the Square[/caption]

Kathy Beale

Kathy Hills, portrayed by Gillian Taylforth since day one, married into the Beale family after getting together with Pete following his split from first wife Pat.

The pair married in 1968 and had a son, Ian, but called it quits after 21 years when Kathy was raped by another man.

Kathy remained in Walford and her character regularly appeared on the show until 2000.

In 2015, she returned to the show on a permanent basis after a fifteen year hiatus.

Following her first marriage to Pete, she tied the knot with Phil Mitchell, which led to the birth of her son Ben Mitchell, and Gavin Sullivan.

Her rape by Marcus Duffy also resulted in the birth of a daughter, Donna, who she gave up for adoption.

Donna Ludlow tragically died from a heroin overdose in 1989 after being rejected by Kathy.

Ian Beale

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Ian Beale is Eastenders’ longest running character[/caption]

Ian Beale is the son of Kathy and Pete Beale, who made his first appearance on the show in February 1985 and was a regular on the program.

Despite starting out as a simple food stall worker, Ian becomes arrogant and smug after finding success as a businessman – leading to a feud with Phil Mitchell.

Ian has also been married five times on the show and has five kids – three biological, and two which he adopted.

One of his marriages ended on a very sour note when he found out that Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) had been trying to poison him for his part in her son’s death.

Ian ran away from Albert Square in early 2021 but reappeared in December, 2022, just in time for Dot Branning’s funeral.

Could Adam Woodyatt reprise his role again?

Cindy Beale

Cindy was a newcomer to Albert Square in 1988.

She married Ian in 1989 and let him believe that he was the biological father of Steven Beale, who she gave birth to in the same year and who Ian adopted.

Despite a brief split due to Steven’s paternity being revealed, the pair reconciled and Cindy gave birth to twins, Peter and Lucy, in 1993.

The union imploded again and Cindy tried to have a hit taken out on her ex-husband.

Cindy was believed to have died in prison in 1998, while giving birth to Nick’s baby, Cindy Williams Jr.

Ian took on the role of father figure for the young Cindy and she left Walford alongside Liam Butcher.

But in June 2023, Cindy came back from the dead — or at least she returned to the show and revealed that she’d faked her own death and had been hiding out in the witness protection programme.

Cindy entered witness protection in 1998 after testifying against her former cellmate, the gangster Jackie Ford, to protect herself and her family.

As of February 2025, she is still on the show — in a dramatic turn of events she accidentally shot Ian Beale in the arm during the live 40th-anniversary episode.

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Michael French portrayed David Wicks[/caption]

David Wicks

The iconic character of David Wicks is Ian Beale’s half brother.

He was adopted by his mother Pat’s second husband Brian Wicks from a young age.

David carried the Wicks surname ever since despite his real father being Pete Beale.

David’s first appearance in EastEnders was at the end of 1993 when he arrived in Albert Square for his father Pete Beale’s funeral.

However, David returned to Albert Square in 1993 for the funeral of his estranged father and – unannounced – turns up on his mother Pat’s doorstep, who it’s revealed he also lost contact with at 17.

When an old fling, Carol Jackson, moves to the square, David grows increasingly close to her daughter Bianca until Carol admits that David is actually Bianca’s father – a fact he is forced to confess when she drunkenly tries to kiss him.

David was the father of Bianca Jackson but also had a daughter named Karen and a son, Joe.

He left the Square after a heart in 2014 and is living in the United States.

Steven Beale

Steven Beale is the biological son of Simon Wicks, Pat Beale’s second child, and the adopted son of Ian Beale.

Steven initially left the show to find his real father in New Zealand after Ian confessed to him that he’s not his biological dad.

However, Steven returned in 2007 and stalked Ian by pretending to be his late wife, Cindy, before eventually taking him hostage due to his bitterness over his paternity.

Despite being forced to leave again in 2008, Steven returned in 2015 and tried to mend his relationship with Ian.

He then died from a cardiac arrest a year later.

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Peter Beale was portrayed by multiple actors[/caption]

Peter Beale

Peter is the son of Ian Beale and his late wife Cindy and is born on the very same day his namesake grandfather Pete died in 1993.

In 1996, his mom Cindy fled the Square with him and half-brother Steven Beale after failing to have Ian killed by a hitman – however, Ian eventually found both boys in Italy and took them back with him to Albert Square.

After Cindy died in prison in 1998, Peter and his twin sister Lucy were raised by a series of step-mothers and their father Ian, but Peter suffered a great deal with jealousy towards his sister.

Peter eventually moved to New Zealand but returned in 2020 after he learned Bobby, who murdered their sister Lucy, had been injured in a racially motivated attack.

The hunk was portrayed by a series of different actors throughout his time on our screens with the latest being Dayle Hudson who left the soap in 2022.

Lucy Beale

Lucy was Peter’s twin sister and – despite initially being a good student – gradually became more and more rebellious as she got older.

She eventually started using drugs and became involved in a series of flings before being tragically murdered in 2014.

A year later, it was revealed that she was bludgeoned to death by Bobby Beale, her half-brother, who was a minor at the time.

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Bobby is a reformed villain in Albert Square[/caption]

Bobby Beale

Bobby Beale is the younger half brother of Peter and Lucy, and the son of Ian Beale and Laura Dunn.

Bobby was revealed to have murdered his sister Lucy in 2015 with a jewellrey box but has since been somewhat redeemed following his release from prison.

In 2020, Bobby converted to Islam and fell victim to a hate crime.

He returned to Albert Square soon after being released from prison and has been staying out of trouble ever since.

The Fowler family

Pauline Fowler

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Pauline died in late 2005[/caption]

Pauline Fowler, née Beale, was the daughter of Lou and Albert Beale and the twin sister of Pete Beale.

Portrayed by Wendy Richard on the show, Pauline is the mother of Mark, Michelle and Martin Fowler.

She became depressed after the death of her husband Arthur Fowler but thought she’d found new love with Joe Macer, her second husband, who murdered her on Christmas Day 2005.

Joe hit her over the head with a frying pan.

Actress Wendy Richard passed away in 2009.

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Bill Treacher played Arthur since the soap began in 1985[/caption]

Arthur Fowler

The late Bill Treacher portrayed Arthur Fowler for 11 years on the soap – and was the first person to be cast for the show.

Fans will likely have spotted Bill in a variety of drama’s including ITV police drama The Bill and medical series Casualty.

Aside from his TV career, the star has had success in the film industry, appearing in George and the Dragon and Tale of the Mummy.

Green-thumbed Arthur worked in the local allotment, which he used as an escape from his nagging wife and mother-in-law, and had a steady stream of multiple jobs throughout the decades.

But after being conned by Willy Roper, Arthur was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Arthur succumbed to an injury he sustained from a prison riot, soon after he was released and allowed to return home.

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Todd Carty was cast as Mark Fowler following the death of David Scarboro[/caption]

Mark Fowler

Mark’s role was played by two different actors – but it was David Scarboro who first joined the cast in 1985.

The troubled actor was at the heart of a number of scandals, and departed the soap after refusing to partake in a racist storyline.

Rumours swelled that the actor had been fired from the show after being uncooperative on the set and turning up late.

The actor sued many major news outlets for libel following his departure from EastEnders, before he sought help from a psychiatric unit.

David’s life was tragically cut short after his EastEnders fame when he was found dead in East Sussex in 1988, aged just 20 years old.

Todd Carty took over the role after the tragic death, and became a firm fan favourite for his 13 years on the soap.

Mark was one of the original 23 characters created for the soap.

Initially a delinquent teenager, Mark became a changed man when he returned to Albert Square as a 22-year-old in 1990.

He was featured in some of the most prominent storylines during his tenure on the soap and announced he had been diagnosed HIV positive.

This forced him to grow up fast and accept his responsibilities but he frequently found it difficult to accept the restrictions of the illness.

Mark died from the illness in 2004, shortly after leaving the Square.

Handout

Ned shot onto screen in 2017 as Mark Fowler[/caption]

Mark Fowler Jr.

Mark actor Ned Porteous shot onto screens in 2016 for a short period before he quit the soap and moved over to ITV show Emmerdale for a two-year contract.

The actor has had many fans convinced he may return to Albert Square after his character walked away in tense scenes back in 2017.

Fans might recognise Ned, 27, from his starring role in Netflix drama Bridgerton, where he played Lord Wetherby.

Mark Jr. is the son of Grant Mitchell and Michelle Fowler and was born off-screen in 1996.

He appeared in 13 episodes of the long-running program in 2016 and has been said to be living in Australia.

Michelle Fowler

Michelle was played by actress Susan Tully, who appeared in the first ever episode of the soap back in 1985.

The single mum departed a decade later to pursue a career as a producer and director working on ITV projects.

When Susan left the soap, Michelle’s role was taken over by Jenna Russell.

The daughter of Pauline and Arthur Fowler, Michelle was introduced as a typical teen but she fell pregnant at the age of 16.

The father was revealed to be her pal Sharon Watts’ adoptive father, Den.

She gave birth to a daughter named Vicki, and moved in with barman Lofty Holloway who pestered her about adopting Vicki as his own.

The couple divorced soon after Michelle went through an abortion funded by Den and she went on to live with Sharon Watts.

Michelle graduated from university with a Bachelor of Arts and, although she never liked Sharon’s ex-husband Grant Mitchell, she had a one night stand with him.

She emigrated to Alabama, where she married a man named Tim off-screen.

Michelle came back to Walford in 2016 and left two years later.

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James Bye has been part of the EastEnders line-up since 2014[/caption]

Martin Fowler

Martin, the youngest son of Arthur and Pauline Fowler, was played by actor James Alexandrou for more than 12 years before he left the show to chase other acting opportunities.

His character had a number of dramatic storylines, including affairs, underage pregnancies and even murder.

He left his role in 2007, going on to present BBC Three show Bizarre Crime and star in Silent Witness.

James Bye took over from the original actor, joining the cast in 2014.

During the live 40th-anniversary episode on February 20, 2025, Martin was crushed to death trying to save Stacey Slater from an explosion at the Queen Vic.

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Scarlett Johnson went on to act in urban drama Adulthood[/caption]

Vicki Fowler

Vicki, the daughter of Michelle Fowler and Den Watts, was portrayed by a number of stars throughout the character’s lifespan – and most recently by Scarlett Johnson.

The 38-year-old has been spotted in a number of other TV shows, including BBC Three comedy Pramface until 2014.

After leaving EastEnders, she returned to screens in 2008 in drama Adulthood, where she played iconic young character Lexi.

In Walford, Scarlett was seen as Vicki in 2003, when her character ran away from home after an argument with her mother Michelle.

She stayed in the Square for a year, getting involved in plenty of explosive storylines.

But when she overheard Den tell Sharon he didn’t love Vicki as much as he loved her, the teen decided to leave Walford and go back to her mother.

She hasn’t been seen since 2004.

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Bex was played by Jade Sharif before she left to continue her studies[/caption]

Bex Fowler

Bex is the daughter of Martin Fowler and Sonia Jackson.

Actress Jade Sharif took on the role of Bex back in 2005, where she was a part of the cast for a two-year period.

Jade quit acting shortly after in order to focus on her studies, and was replaced by Jasmine Armfield.

Bex was adopted by the Millers but she returned to Sonia in the early noughties.

After going through a rebellious stage, she left Albert Square in 2020 and has been travelling ever since.

Meanwhile, EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.