EastEnders legend unrecognisable in surprising new role after BBC soap exit

22 March 2023 , 15:57

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EastEnders star Todd Carty looks unrecognisable in the new role

EastEnders star Todd Carty, who starred as market trader Mark Fowler for 13 years, looks completely different for a new role on stage in one of the most famous plays of all time.

The soap actor will be taking on the iconic role of Major Metcalf in The Mousetrap to celebrate the Agatha Christie 's whodunnit's 70th anniversary.

In promotional pictures for the murder mystery, a suited and booted Todd sports a handlebar moustache for the world's longest-running play.

The Major is one of eight leading characters in the iconic play as a group of suspects find themselves trapped in Berkshire's Monkswell Manor when a murder takes place.

Mark Fowler star Todd Carty left EastEnders in 2003 (Getty Images)

Mark Fowler star Todd made history in the BBC soap when he became the first mainstream British TV character to be diagnosed with HIV.

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The storyline was viewed by millions and was powerful in helping to change attitudes about the virus with Mark riding off on his motorbike into the Walford sunset in 2003 for an off-screen death when he was told his body was no longer responding to treatment from the virus.

His brother Martin Fowler confirmed over a year later that the fruit and veg trader had died after complications.

Mark was one of the original characters in the show but was first played by David Scarboro between 1985 and 1987 before being recast as Todd after David's death in 1988.

Todd was also known for his role as Tucker Jenkins in Grange Hill before transforming into a retired Army major as one of the lead suspects in the Agatha Christie whodunnit.

Todd Carty has taken on the role of The Major in The Mousetrap (Matt Crockett)

This isn't the first time Todd has starred in the infamous murder mystery, he originally joined the line-up with fellow EastEnders alumni John Altman, who played Nasty Nick.

EastEnders fans were sent into a frenzy when John uploaded a picture of the duo alongside Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale in the soap.

He captioned the post: "Reunited after many years, in Dublin yesterday. Todd and l are touring in 'The Mousetrap.' Playing Major Metcalf and Mr Paravicini respectively. Adam is playing Alfred Doolittle in the tour of 'My Fair Lady.'"

Charlotte McIntyre