Aaron Sidwell: Steven Beale death was “odd decision”

The actor shared his bafflement over his character’s recent demise in a magazine interview.

Scenes which aired last month saw Steven die from internal injuries after clashing with Max Branning (Jake Wood). Ian Beale’s troubled stepson had been a part of the soap on-and-off since 1989 with Sidwell taking on the role in 2007. 

Steven’s demise was plotted by controversial Executive Producer Sean O’Connor who departed the BBC One saga in June.

“At first I was gutted [to leave], but I went back to EastEnders because I wanted to buy a house and I’ve done that now [so] it feels like the right time to move on. I feel sorry for Adam Woodyatt [who plays Ian Beale]. I think he’s still digesting the news. Killing off another one of his on-screen children seemed like an odd decision, but the writers assured us there is a bigger picture. Time will tell if it was the right thing to do.” – Aaron Sidwell

Steven was the result of a fling Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) had with barman Simon Wicks (Nick Berry), with duplicitous Cindy initially passing him off as Ian’s son. He 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.

Steven’s storylines included sending out poison pen letters; shooting Jane Beale (Laurie Brett); and pretending to have an incurable brain tumour to stay in a relationship with Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).