Aaron Sidwell is leaving EastEnders

August 10, 2017

Aaron Sidwell is leaving his role as Steven Beale in EastEnders.

Steven has, in recent weeks, been lying to girlfriend Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) that he has a brain tumour; the whopping untruth prompted by his realisation that she was planning to leave him. It’s thought that he will leave Walford in dramatic fashion when his lies catch up with him.

“Things are coming to a head on screen, but it’s going to be the end of Aaron’s time on the show. The outcome of the storyline is being kept under wraps.” – EastEnders insider via The Sun

The character of Steven was portrayed by Edward Farrell from 1989 to 1990, Stuart Stevens from 1992 to 1996 and Edward Savage from 1997 to 2002. Aaron played the role between 2007-2008, before returning to the soap last year.

“Being the son of Cindy, he had to be a little unhinged. The creation of an affair with one time Queen Vic barman Simon Wicks, Cindy’s hubby Ian didn’t find out he wasn’t daddy dearest until 1990.” – TV Critic Vivian Summers

Steven’s other memorable storylines include sending out poison pen letters on multiple occasions; accidentally shooting Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) and trying to seduce Jane’s brother Christian (John Partridge) – those scenes included getting the EastEnders viewers extra hot under their thermal knickers by flashing his bum and a short-lived relationship with Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner) whilst struggling with his sexuality.

The Sun reports that Sidwell is looking ahead to stage work following his departure from the soap.