Iconic BBC EastEnders star looks completely different after 23 years away from the soap, following his recent casting in a new role.
An ex-EastEnders actor is emulating the paths of celebrities such as Cheryl Tweedy, Jake Wood, and Lily Allen by joining the ensemble of the stage production "2:22 A Ghost Story".
Former EastEnders actor Joe Absolom looks drastically different from how he appeared when he departed the BBC soap in 2000.
Absolom portrayed the character Matthew Rose, making his debut in 1997 and departing in 2000. Presently, he is touring the country alongside another EastEnders icon, Louisa Lytton, as part of the production “2:22 A Ghost Story.”
This dynamic duo is following in the footsteps of other notable figures such as Cheryl Tweedy, Lily Allen, and fellow EastEnders alum Jake Wood, all of whom have graced the play’s stage. However, fans of the soap may struggle to recognise Joe in his new role.
Now at the age of 44, Joe was merely in his early twenties when he first joined EastEnders. His character was embroiled in the murder of Saskia Duncan.
Saskia was romantically involved with Steve Owen, and her feelings took a perilous turn when Steve’s affections shifted towards Mel Healy. This unrequited love led Saskia to confront Steve on Valentine’s Day in 1998.
In an act of self-defence, Steve struck her with an ashtray, resulting in her tragic demise. Unfortunately, due to Joe’s character Matthew being present, he was wrongfully implicated for the crime.
Matthew was unjustly imprisoned for the crime, prompting him to leave the soap in 2000 to pursue fresh projects.
Now, after 23 years, he’s doing just that. Recently, he made an appearance on Loose Women and looked like an entirely different person. Fans were equally astonished.
One remarked, “Wow, Joe looks so good. Can’t believe he played that lad on Albert Square all those years ago.” Another commented, “Is that Matthew Rose from EastEnders? He looks so different now.”
Following his time on EastEnders, Joe went on to feature in several other television shows, including ITV’s The Bay and Doc Martin.
It was during the filming of Doc Martin in Cornwall that he resolved to begin anew. Joe, along with his wife Liz and their children Lyla, Casper, and Daisy, made the move.
While there were various factors influencing their decision, the tipping point came in 2013. A gang of teenagers burgled the family’s South London residence while Joe was away filming.
