Acting is not for everyone, even for those in the industry. Many have shunned the soap spotlight over the years and haven't returned as they find there's more to life than being in front of the camera. Fame is fleeting, or so the saying goes. So it's no surprise that many celebrities have had to leave the world of showbiz to take on normal jobs. Some have had a career break to do more everyday things, and many loved off-set life so much that they decided not to return to TV.
Some household names can now be seen performing new roles, such as fire-fighting, working behind bars, teaching and even making cheese! As EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Mirror takes a look at former stars of the BBC soap opera – and other soaps who have turned their back on fame in favour for very normal jobs.
Although Ricky who played Garry Hobbs in the hit BBC soap recently returned for Billy Mitchell's wedding, his life away from Albert Square is very different. He played the loveable character for nine years before he and Dawn Swann (Kara Tointon_ decided to leave Walford for elsewhere.
Since his exit, Ricky has gone on to appear on a variety of shows, including Strictly Come Dancing in 2009, where he was partnered with Erin Boag. The couple finished in tenth place on November 21, 2009. But last year, Ricky was spotted flogging household items for Must Have Ideas UK's social media channel.
In the Instagram clip, Ricky is helping to sell mould remover. Demonstrating how it works, he tells potential customers: "Want to get rid of mould once and for all? Mould Magic Extreme. Check this out. It's got a specially patented formula that actually sticks to the wall. Unlike sprays, they don't do the job.".
Turning on his salesman charm, Ricky continued: "Don't believe me? Look at some of our customer's results. Mould in the bathroom, there you go, where's it gone? It's gone. What about that wallpaper? No more mould! Washing machine - you're going to save yourself a fortune. You get two in a pack. Click the link below to order yours.".
Former EastEnders favourite Charlie Clements swapped Albert Square for sushi as she celebrated his fantastic new career move. When Covid hit and theatre acting dried up, he used his skills and signed up as a chef in a garden centre as the pandemic changed the world.
He said he even looked after the store's plants when the restaurant closed. He kept on cooking Showing fans his “other day job” as he posted an incredible platter of raw fish last year, and clearly has a love of food as well as acting - and he's pretty good in the kitchen, too.
Speaking about his change of direction, Charlie said: "It was just a way of me supporting the family. At the end of the day, the kids and the family come first. I've never been afraid of work and never been work-shy.". Dubbed the 'mini David Beckham ' due to his blonde curtains and cheeky smile, fans were shattered by Jamie Mitchell traumatic's death which left the Square reeling as we said goodbye to Jack Ryder. Some 20 years on, he writes children's books, runs a mentoring business and also directs - and is still just a handsome two decades after he burst onto the scene.
In July 2022, Jack posted a photo of him as Jamie, musing: "Once a Mitchell… This year marks 20 years since I left EastEnders. I owe so much to the people there for giving me such an opportunity at such a young age. When I really think back, everything I am and do was all born out of that experience. There were tough times to be sure. Challenging times. But never on that set with those wonderful people. I will forever be grateful.".
Talented Hetti was at the centre of one of EastEnders' biggest storylines in recent years playing Lucy Beale as viewers were left guessing for months as they tried to work out her killer. The 29-year-old left the BBC One soap in 2015 when her character was murdered and since then she has starred in Death in Paradise and Sky One series Delicious.
In 2017, onlookers snapped pictures of her working as a barmaid in a pub in Islington in London. She was seen pulling pints and collecting glasses while she worked behind the bar. It appears she doesn't miss Lucy after Hetti revealed her hatred of the character when she hit back at a cruel Instagram troll.
She wrote: "Seeing as you kindly comment on many of my stories I will now take the time to respond to each one. Firstly, this "posh white" girl is allowed to talk in whatever way she pleases. As much as I'm very fond of the English language, I'm free to use words as I see fit. I'm glad Bobby killed Lucy too, I hated her.".
Tony played Tyler Moon, the cousin of Alfie Moon, on EastEnders from 2011 until he was written out in 2013. But within a few years, he had decided he needed to save some lives so signed up to become a fireman. Tony, who previously dated Jacqueline Jossa, appeared in the short movie Birds and Dogs and appeared in the mini-series Murder in the Carpark before leaving acting. He admits he couldn't be happier in his new job and told The Sun: “I love it. Every day is different and you feel you’re helping your community. I love it.".
