In the vibrant world of EastEnders, few characters are as memorable as Steve Owen, portrayed by Martin Kemp. His time on the show was marked by a series of dramatic events, from inadvertently causing the death of a former lover with an ashtray to meeting a fiery end in a car chase. Yet, what many fans might not realize is that two legendary figures played a pivotal role in bringing this iconic character to life.
Michelle Collins, known for her portrayal of Cindy Beale, recently shared the fascinating story of how she and the late George Michael assisted Martin Kemp in securing his role on the show back in 1998. Michael, a pop sensation who passed away in 2016, was a close friend of Kemp, primarily due to his wife Shirlie’s connections as a backing singer for the band Wham!. With Martin eager to transition from his successful music career with Spandau Ballet to acting, George stepped in to help facilitate the casting process.
Over the weekend, a post on X highlighted this connection, stating that a chance encounter between George and Michelle at a party contributed to Martin landing the Steve Owen role. Michelle confirmed this fact with a simple, “Yep true x,” showcasing her pride in the serendipitous moment that influenced Martin’s career.
In an earlier appearance on The One Show, Michelle recounted a memorable phone call from George Michael while she was out for a walk in Milan. “Can you get Martin into EastEnders please?” he asked, leading to Martin’s eventual audition a year later. While she humorously claimed a 25% share in Martin’s success, it’s clear that her enthusiasm and George’s support played significant roles in his casting.
Martin’s four-year stint on EastEnders was nothing short of eventful. He took charge of the nightclub e20 and became embroiled in a web of intrigue, including framing an employee for murder and navigating a tumultuous marriage to Mel Owen. His character was also central to the gripping “Who Shot Phil?” storyline in 2001, where he found himself at the center of a dramatic plot twist involving Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden.
Steve Owen’s exit was equally memorable, culminating in a high-stakes car chase that ended with his fiery demise. In a nod to George Michael’s influence, the character of Heather Trott, a superfan of the pop icon, later emerged in the show, even naming her son after him. This connection kept George’s legacy alive within the fabric of EastEnders, proving that even in the realm of soap operas, friendships can weave fascinating narratives that extend beyond the screen.