EastEnders fans have rejoiced after spotting former soap star Stephen Shepherd in the new season of ITV’s Karen Pirie. The 51-year-old is famed for playing Michael Moon on the BBC soap, who was introduced as the cousin of well-established character Alfie Moon (Shane Richie).

Sociopath Michael arrived on Albert Square in October 2010 and instantly became popular among neighbours due to his good looks and charm. But Michael’s true personality as a manipulative and conniving thug was soon revealed – the perfect recipe for disaster.

Michael was a world away from his cousin Alfie and found love with Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). The pair tied the knot in 2012, but Michael was not a man to make any real commitment. He could not be a good dad to their baby daughter, Scarlett, and Janine fled their marriage.

During this time, Michael manipulated Alice Branning (Jasmyn Banks) into getting him daddy/daughter time with Scarlett, and this didn’t go down well with Janine.

In the end, Michael decided the best way to deal with Janine was to murder her with a lethal dose of sleeping pills orchestrated by love-struck Alice.

Eventually, on Halloween 2013, Michael, Janine, and Alice all came face to face for a deadly showdown. When an angry Michael grabbed Janine by the throat, he only loosened his grip when Alice stabbed him.

After Alice made a run for it, Michael got back up on his feet and tried to attack Janine again before she delivered a fatal blow with the knife.

It was Janine Butcher who murdered Michael, despite the villain framing Alice for the killing. Tommy Moon was confirmed as Michael’s son following a brief fling with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), but Alfie has raised the lad as one of his own.

Stephen left the BBC soap in 2013, and said at the time: “After two years of playing Michael, I feel now is the time to move on. I have relished every minute of exploring his character. The good and the bad.”

He added: “I feel extremely privileged to have had this amazing experience, and I want to thank everybody at EastEnders for their extraordinary support.

“Most importantly, I would like to thank the fans for taking him and his numerous flaws into their hearts. I wish them all the very best.”

After leaving EastEnders, Stephen appeared in Bush Theatre’s production of Albion, playing the part of Paul Ryman in the political play, and has also starred in the television series Agatha Raisin, London Kills, and Silent Witness.

Before bringing Michael alive on the soap, Stephen starred in Waking the Dead, Lunch Monkeys, Taggart, Cold Blood, New Tricks, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, and many more.

Who does Stephen play in Karen Pirie?

Karen Pirie season two has finally dropped on ITV and ITVX, three years after the debut series was released onto UK screens.

The British crime drama is based on the Inspector Karen Pirie series of novels by Val McDermid and concluded in October 2022.

The new season follows DS Karen Pirie, played by Lauren Lyle, as she is promoted to detective inspector and is tasked with solving a cold case.

Stephen has revived his role as DCS Lees, Karen’s boss, who struggles to trust her.

EastEnders fans have been sharing their delight at seeing Stephen back on screen, with one person writing on Facebook: “Michael Moon looks very different now as he’s come back from the grave for ITV.”

A second added: “I thought he was Judge Rinder for a second!”, while a third chimed in: “He should come back”.

“I’ve finally sat down to watch #KarenPirie from the beginning as I didn’t see it the first time, and imagine my surprise when I see Michael Moon from EastEnders pop up!”, added one EastEnders fan on X.

“Michael Moon back on the telly! #KarenPirie”, added another.