Who Did Martin Kemp Play In Eastenders

Alright, let's dive into the world of soap operas, specifically EastEnders, and talk about that iconic Kemp brother, Martin. You know, the one who's not Spandau Ballet's lead singer, but rather, a Walford resident with a chequered past.

So, Who's Martin Kemp in EastEnders?

Martin Kemp, the actor, not the musician, played the role of Steve Owen in EastEnders. Now, if you're not a die-hard fan, you might be thinking, "Steve who?" But trust me, this guy was a game-changer in the early 2000s.

Meet Steve Owen: The Walford Bad Boy

Steve Owen, Martin's character, was a classic soap opera villain. He was a dodgy market trader with a penchant for trouble. Think of him as the Walford equivalent of a stormy sea - always brewing something, and never afraid to make waves.

Steve was known for his volatile temper, his love-hate relationship with the Mitchells (yes, that family), and his on-again, off-again romance with the fiery Tanya Jessop. Their relationship was like a rollercoaster ride - full of twists, turns, and more than a few heart-stopping moments.

Martin Kemp's Entrance: A Soap Opera Sensation

Martin Kemp joined the EastEnders cast in 2000, and his entrance was anything but quiet. Steve Owen's arrival in Walford was marked by a dramatic car crash, setting the tone for his explosive character. It was like a scene straight out of a Hollywood action movie, but with a touch of East End grit.

Martin's portrayal of Steve Owen was so compelling that it earned him the title of 'Villain of the Year' at the British Soap Awards in 2002. Not bad for a guy who was initially only supposed to be a temporary character!

EastEnders iconic couple Tamzin Outhwaite and Martin Kemp reunite

Steve Owen's Shocking Exit: A Soap Opera Classic

If Steve Owen's entrance was dramatic, his exit was nothing short of sensational. In a plot twist that had soap opera fans on the edge of their seats, Steve was killed off in a live episode in 2003. The episode, titled "Who Killed Steve Owen?", was a ratings smash, with over 16 million viewers tuning in to find out who had silenced the Walford bad boy.

In true soap opera fashion, the killer turned out to be none other than Little Mo, Steve's own wife. Talk about a betrayal! The episode was so intense that it even sparked a national debate about domestic violence. Now that's the power of soap opera drama!

The Legacy of Steve Owen

Even though Martin Kemp left EastEnders over a decade ago, the legacy of Steve Owen lives on. His character is still remembered as one of the most iconic villains in soap opera history. Plus, let's not forget that Martin Kemp's stint in Walford paved the way for other celebrity actors to join the EastEnders cast.

So, the next time you're watching EastEnders and you hear the Walford residents talking about the good old days, remember, they're probably reminiscing about the time when Martin Kemp's Steve Owen was causing chaos in their little corner of the world.