AN EastEnders star has shocked fans with a dramatic transformation for a new and terrifying role, teaming up with a former soap co-star in the process.
Soap actor Aaron Sidwell – known for playing Steven Beale in the BBC soap – looks totally unrecognisable in the new action thriller, Fyre Rises.
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The actor returned to Albert Square in 2016, having previously played the character in 2008.
His storylines included lying to Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) about having a brain tumour in a bid to make her stay with him, and setting fire to The Beale’s restaurant.
Steven died in 2017 from a cardiac arrest after being rushed to hospital following a violent confrontation with Max Branning (Jake Wood).
Since his departure from the soap, Aaron has starred as Fiyero in a Wicked tour across the UK and Ireland.
The actor, now 36, has taken on a darker, more intense persona as the character Priest in the new film.
He stars in Fyre Rises alongside his former EastEnders co-star Ricky Grover, who played Andrew Cotton.
Andrew was known for his quick temper, however he was a gentle guy at heart and had a relationship with Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison), until she was murdered by Ben Mitchell (Joshua Pascoe) in March 2012.
When he found out that Ben was actually to blame for the death of the love of his life, Andrew found that he could no longer face life alone in Walford, so he packed his bags and left.
After leaving the soap, Ricky became a ladies’ hairdresser and a boxer.
He then became a stand-up comedian, actor and occasional television presenter.
How did Steven Beale die?
Bu their new film, which is rumored to be a gripping thriller, has already generated buzz with fans eagerly anticipating how the pair will bring their characters to life.
Other cast members include Eric Roberts, Cynthia Rothrock, Joseph Millson and Jake Canuso.
The synopsis reads: “Debt-ridden pacifist Richard Fyre is propositioned to return to his abandoned mercenary ways by flamboyant zealot, Priest, to eliminate his international competition in exchange for a clean slate.”
This transformation and unexpected pairing promise a thrilling experience that highlights the actors’ versatility beyond the soap world.
