Former EastEnders star Susan Tully, who portrayed the iconic Michelle Fowler, has undergone a remarkable transformation since leaving the BBC soap in 1995.
At 57, Susan now sports a sleek bob haircut, a far cry from Michelle’s signature shoulder
-length curls that became a defining look for the character during her time on the show.
Her recent appearance, where she was seen smiling alongside fellow EastEnders actress Michelle Collins (Cindy Beale),
left fans stunned by how much she has changed since her last appearance in Walford.
During her time on EastEnders, Susan was at the center of many groundbreaking storylines, including one of the most controversial moments in the show’s history.
Michelle became pregnant at 16 by ‘Dirty Den’ Watts, the adoptive father of her best friend Sharon Mitchell. This powerful storyline captivated audiences and was a major part of Michelle’s character arc, making her one of the most memorable figures in EastEnders history.
Despite leaving the show in 1995, Michelle’s character made a return to Walford in 2016, though Susan chose not to reprise her role. Instead, Jenna Russell stepped in to portray Michelle for just over a year. While Susan had moved on from acting, pursuing a career behind the camera as a director, fans still hold out hope that one day she might return to her iconic role.
From Actress to Director
Since retiring from acting, Susan has found great success in the world of television directing. She transitioned seamlessly into directing, taking on high-profile shows such as Silent Witness, Stella, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Strike, and Line of Duty. Her directing career has flourished, with Susan helming two episodes of Line of Duty and the critically acclaimed ITV thriller Too Close.
While her directing career has flourished, the question of whether Susan would return to EastEnders as Michelle Fowler continues to intrigue fans. In 2016, former EastEnders executive producer Sean O’Connor approached Susan about the possibility of bringing Michelle back to the show. However, Susan made it clear that her acting career was behind her, and the character of Michelle was ultimately recast with Jenna Russell.
Sean O’Connor acknowledged Susan’s immense contribution to the show and respected her decision to step away from acting. “If you’re considering bringing back Michelle Fowler, you’d have to consider talking to Susan Tully about it,” O’Connor said. “But she is now a well-respected, hugely experienced TV director. Her acting career is part of her past, really a closed door for her.”
Despite this, Sean revealed that Susan was supportive of Jenna Russell’s portrayal of Michelle and offered her blessing and advice on how to portray the character. This gesture of goodwill helped ensure that the recast was a smooth transition and that Michelle’s return stayed true to the essence of the character that fans had grown to love.
No Return to EastEnders for Susan
While there has been speculation about a possible return for Susan as Michelle, the actress has firmly stated that she has no intention of revisiting her role. In a conversation with Mirror, Sean O’Connor revealed that although he contacted Susan about the idea of bringing Michelle back, she was clear about her desire to focus on her directing career. “It was important to me to make sure Susan gave the idea her blessing and it was really delightful when she did,” he explained.
This confirmation from Susan that her acting days are behind her has put to rest any rumors about her reprising her beloved character. For now, it seems that Michelle Fowler’s storyline has moved on, with the character’s legacy preserved through the performances of Jenna Russell.
Reflecting on EastEnders’ 40th Anniversary
Susan’s transformation comes at a time when EastEnders is celebrating its remarkable 40th anniversary. The milestone was marked with a dramatic live episode that left fans in tears. In the emotional episode, Martin Fowler was written out of the storyline through a tragic death, which has sparked widespread discussion among viewers. The anniversary celebrations also included a public vote outcome that saw the unraveling of a complicated love triangle plot.
For many EastEnders fans, the return of past characters like Michelle Fowler is always a source of hope, even as the show moves forward with new storylines and new faces. While Susan Tully may have closed the door on her acting career, her time on EastEnders remains a significant chapter in the show’s rich history.
As the show continues to evolve, Susan’s contributions, both as an actress and as a director, will be remembered by the many fans who still hold Michelle Fowler close in their hearts. While she may no longer appear on our screens in front of the camera, Susan Tully’s influence behind the scenes is a testament to her enduring legacy in British television.
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