To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next From accidentally killing an old flame with an ashtray to dying in an explosive car chase, Steve Owen’s (Martin Kemp) time on EastEnders was eventful to say the least. But what you might not have realised is that soap fans actually have two huge icons to thank for the iconic character. Michelle Collins – who plays Walford’s Cindy Beale – has told again of how she and George Michael helped actor Martin Kemp land the role in 1998. The pop star – who tragically died in 2016 – was close friends with Martin thanks to his wife Shirlie, who was a backing singer for George’s band Wham!. With Martin hoping to land a soap role following his success in band Spandau Ballet, George helped facilitate his casting. The influence he had! (Picture: Getty) Over the weekend, an X user posted: ‘Fun fact the late George Michael having a chance meeting at a party with nasty old Cindy @missmcollins is apparently partly the reason Martin Kemp got the job as Steve Owen in EastEnders.’ Michelle reposted the story, commenting: ‘Yep true x.’ Yep true x https://t.co/0cn8qW7Unn— Michelle Collins (@missmcollins) September 22, 2024 She previously revealed more details about her exchanges with Michelle during an appearance on The One Show last year. Speaking to Martin’s TV presenter son Roman – who is also George’s godson – she recalled: ‘George Michael phoned me. I promise you it’s a true story. He told this story on This Is Your Life. I was walking around the Duomo in Milan with my baby in a puppoose and I got a call and he said, “Hello Michelle, it’s George.” And I was like, “George?” [He goes] “Michael!”. And then he just said, “Can you get Martin into EastEnders please? And Martin went into it a year later.’ ‘Obviously on his own merit… but I take 25% now!’ she joked. Martin Kemp as Steve Owen in EastEnders (Picture: BBC) Martin with his on-screen wife Tamzin Outhwaite (Picture: Daily Mail) Martin stayed with EastEnders for four years, during which time we saw him take over the nightclub e20 and frame his DJ employee Matthew Rose (Joe Absolom) for the murder of his ex Saskia Duncan (Deborah Sheridan-Taylor). He also had a tempestuous marriage to Mel Owen (Tamzin Outhwaite) and a long-running rivalry with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), becoming a prime suspect in the soap’s landmark ‘Who Shot Phil?’ storyline in 2001. Martin’s memorable on-screen exit saw him trying to help Phil’s ex Lisa Shaw (Lucy Benjamin) escape the country with their baby daughter Louise. A dramatic car chase ensued, which ultimately saw Steve die when his car exploded after Phil forced it off the road. Years later, George himself was regularly referenced on the soap following the introduction of superfan Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison), who even named her son after the Careless Whisper singer. EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
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