88-519: This is a list of characters from the British soap opera Family Affairs listed in alphabetical order by the characters' surnames. Scarlett Anderson was played by Cat Simmons during 2005. She seduces Les Boulter (Howard Saddler), but he tells her it was a mistake. Caleb Andrews was played by Steve Toussaint in 2004 and appeared as a series regular. He is Les's best friend and Denise Boulter 's ( Clare Perkins ) love interest. He takes an HIV test,
176-474: A Christmas visit. It was later reported she had been killed in a car accident in Jamaica. Six months after his introduction, Max Derwin died of a heart attack during an argument with Arlo. Fern discovered that he Max left everything in his will to an illegitimate son, Maxwell, from a relationship with another woman. Claire Callan returned to the series in 2000, hardened by her disastrous marriage to Pete. She had left
264-472: A baby with Eileen but Eileen had suffered several miscarriages. She has a son, Thomas, but on his christening in September 2005, Trish appears upstairs at the pub with a gun and holds Pete, Eileen and Katie hostage. Pete manages to wrestle the gun away from Trish and shoots her with it. Worse is to come when S019 officers storm the pub and order Pete to drop the gun. After an emotional moment with Eileen, Pete takes
352-497: A car accident that kills Kate and leaves Siobhan infertile. Pete begins a relationship with Charlotte Day ( Leanne Lakey ). She later proposes to him despite allegations that he has slept with Claire. Following advice from Siobhan that Charlotte may be his final chance of happiness, Pete decides to accept. However, Charlotte sleeps with Pete's nemesis Johnny Palmer ( Iain Fletcher ) multiple times. Pete learns of their affair and sets
440-463: A coma, but he remains in Charnham. Pete develops an enmity with Roy Farmer (Miles Petit) and later develops similar rivalries with his employee Josh Matthews (Terry Burns) and Josh's father Dave ( Richard Hawley ). In 1998, Pete starts dating Claire Toomey (Tina Hall) and they soon get married. He bonds with her twin children Ewan and Stella, although he is violent towards Claire. In January 1999,
528-410: A cunning, devious charmer who manages to smile that evil smile of his even when he's delivering the nastiest threat imaginable. Women don't seem able to resist falling at his feet." The writer later opined that "Pete's a guy totally without morals. Combine that with oodles of sex appeal and you've got a deadly cocktail, one that Pete serves up when he needs to get his own way. He can turn on the charm like
616-472: A flat above their shop, and the adjacent flat was occupied by students Declan Byrne (Quentin Jones), Gabby Johnson (Emma Linley) and Clive Starr (Huw Bevan). Clive's older brother Dudley ( David Verrey ), also known as Serge Pompidou, became the new chef at The Lock, and was soon joined there by vapid barmaid Siobhan Jones ( Jemma Walker ). Yasmin, known for her ostentatious facial piercings, quickly started
704-419: A flat with Clive Starr (Huw Bevan) and Gabby Johnson (Emma Linley). He dated Gabby, but was unaware that Clive had fallen in love with him. Declan was straight and rejected Clive. He became friends with Josh Matthews (Terry Burns) and later dated his estranged wife Yasmin ( Ebony Thomas ). Eileen Callan (née Day) was played by Rosie Rowell from 2002 until the final episode in 2005. Peter "Pete" Callan
792-648: A footbridge. Pete, however, discovers Eileen's true colors when her enemy Trish Wallace ( Gabrielle Glaister ) provides him with the tape of Eileen confessing to framing him for arson, which culminates in Pete throwing Eileen in the River Thames on their first wedding anniversary, after playing the tape back to her. After a brief fling with Katie Williams (Robyn Page), Pete and Eileen realize they love each other and reunite. In summer 2005, Trish returns heavily pregnant with Pete's baby, which delights him as he had always wanted
880-418: A formality to expedite a business transaction. After this was done he reveals the con to her, ends the relationship, and keeps the house. Soon after this Cat finds out she is pregnant. Tests show the child to be Pete's. She gives birth to a son David (nicknamed Davie). Pete is annoyed when Cat puts Dave as David Jr's father on his birth certificate. Pete decides he will be more successful in a custody battle if he
968-404: A fully grown woman and that he missed out on her childhood years." Pete begins a brief relationship with Dave's ex-wife Cat Matthews ( Nicola Duffett ). Pete goes into a de facto marriage to Cat for several months, but it is revealed to have been a con perpetrated by Pete to exact revenge on Dave, and to swindle Cat out of her home; he convinces her to sign over ownership of her home to him as
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#17328978226421056-454: A handful of old characters on board, with Pete, Sadie, Yasmin, Cat and the returning Dave as the only pre-2002 characters remaining in the show (Pete had joined in 1997, the others in late-1998). Pete was now the show's longest-serving character. Pete and Eileen Day had married, although she had actually married him for strategic reasons in a long-term plan for revenge. In league with the sinister Mike Shaw ( Tony O'Callaghan ), Eileen had started
1144-469: A highly involved volunteer on the project. Jim Webb became Cat Matthews' reluctant second husband. Paul Webb paired up with Gemma Craig, who continued to live with her well-meaning but increasingly meddlesome foster mother Fern. Fern had married Roy's father Vince ( Stephen Yardley ). Karen Ellis embarked upon a controversial lesbian affair with her child's surrogate mother, Sadie's Australian niece Kelly Hurst (Nicky Talacko). This storyline also featured
1232-417: A mentally unbalanced Roy kidnaps and threatens to murder Claire. When Claire defends Roy, Pete beats her and she leaves Charnham. Pete becomes close to Julie-Ann Jones ( Chloe Howman ) and almost sleeps with her. Julie-Ann's mother realizes what could have happened and informs Pete that he is Julie-Ann's father. Easter told Sue Malins from Soaplife that "Pete always regrets that Julie-Ann came into his life
1320-495: A number of dramatic revamps involving wholesale cast turnover. The premise of the series was also refocused from a family in a quiet suburb just outside London, to a range of different people living on a bustling outer London street. The series was shot on video and given a film look . In 1999 and 2004, single episodes used standard video presentation for testing purposes. On 2 August 2005, Channel 5 announced they would not renew Family Affairs . Production ceased on 4 November, and
1408-685: A number of occasions. Marriage counselling is unsuccessful, and they split. In late 2005, Denise moves away. Her daughter Kelly and granddaughter Suzie later join her. Denise was portrayed by Claire Perkins . Kelly Boulter , played by Carryl Thomas , made her first appearance in October 2003 and departed in August 2005. Kelly first appears in Charnham in October 2003 dating Benji McHugh (Mark McClean). She has also been sleeping with Justin MacKenzie ( Ryan Davenport ). When Kelly becomes pregnant with twins, there
1496-799: A police officer ( Cordelia Bugeja ); and schoolboy Jamie (Michael Cole). Annie gave birth to a fifth child during the series, Sam. Chris and Annie's parents were also featured. After losing his wife Sally ( Jean Heywood ) in the opening episodes, Chris' father Angus ( Ian Cullen ) came to live with the family. Annie's parents, staunchly conservative Elsa Gates ( Delena Kidd ) and philandering Jack ( Kenneth Farrington ), lived nearby. Other original characters were Chris's partner in their building business, Nick Trip (Barry McCormick); Melanie's bubbly best friend Claire Toomey (Tina Hall); Annie's baby-obsessed friend Maria Simons ( Annie Miles ); and Duncan's loyal drinking partners Tim Webster ( Idris Elba ) and Roy Farmer (Miles Petit). The action took place in
1584-479: A post office robbery. His lawyer was Pamela Hargreaves (Sandy Hendrickse), and she soon embarked on a romance with Liam's father Nick. Pete Callan then bought The Lock, further cementing his importance to the series. Entrepreneur Peter Stringfellow even made a guest appearance in one episode. By mid-1998, the programme's middling ratings prompted the show's makers to drastically revamp the series. Brian Park , famous for his overhaul of ITV 's Coronation Street ,
1672-413: A pretence of illness as a "little game". Unfortunately, the lie took hold, leading to many months of Chrissie deceiving the community and her own family, convincing everyone that Chloe was undergoing chemotherapy. When Eileen Callan saw them out shopping when Chloe was purportedly in hospital, and after picking up on other hints, she voiced her suspicion that Chrissie was faking Chloe's illness. The community
1760-432: A relationship with Josh Matthews. Clive was revealed to be gay, and secretly in love with flatmate Declan. Dudley/Serge embarked on a romance with Maria, and the pair were soon married - with Serge wrongly believing Maria was pregnant. In late 1998, Jack Gates crashed his car on an isolated road while driving drunk . The incident knocked his wife Elsa unconscious; Jack placed her in the driver's seat before anyone arrived at
1848-603: A restaurant on the site of Roy's destroyed café. Moody, judgemental Les and his nurturing wife Denise harboured a secret about a long-ago affair. Their son Brendan was a closeted bisexual; their teenage daughter was the bright Kelly . Also moving in was nurse Tanya Woods ( Carol Starks ) and her gay best friend Sean Steel (Sam Barriscale). Doug MacKenzie ( Gareth Hale ) became Cat Webb's third husband, while his womanising son Marc ( Michael Wildman ; later Graham Bryan) married Yasmin. Doug's younger son and Marc's half-brother Justin ( Ryan Davenport ) provided comic relief as
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#17328978226421936-584: A rocky relationship with Charlotte's mother Eileen ( Rosie Rowell ) in December 2002. They briefly separate when Eileen sleeps with her daughter Lucy 's ( Julie Smith ) boyfriend Jake Walker (Seb Castang). As revenge Pete sleeps with Lucy and humiliates her, causing her to attempt suicide. Pete is unaware that Eileen has formulated a plan with her former boyfriend Mike Shaw ( Tony O'Callaghan ) to marry Pete so she can divorce him and take half of his money, and have him put away for arson as revenge. Mike sets fire to
2024-413: A series of modern, middle-class houses and spacious apartments whose geographic relation to one another was not clearly defined by the series. The primary meeting place for characters was The Lock, a slick bar/restaurant located in Charnham's riverside marina district. The expansive parklands and forested areas of Charnham Common were also frequently visited by characters. Later in 1997, Maria's ex-husband,
2112-543: A severe bout of depression, and husband Robert ( Brian Cowan ) worked to launch a catering business on Stanley Street. Their three teenage children Jessica ( Sammy Glenn ), Cameron ( Rupert Hill ) and Lewis ( Sam Stockman ) were soon joined by Robert's much younger adoptive brother Jude Davenport . Jude was openly despised by Ginny, Cameron and Lewis after he romantically pursued Jessica. Cameron and Paul Webb became close friends, until Paul learned of Cameron's brief affair with his fiancée Gemma. A furious Paul left Gemma at
2200-439: A shot at the police and is shot dead by the armed officers. In his will, Pete leaves nothing to Eileen but gives everything to his two sons, Davie and Thomas. To repay Pete for this, Eileen flushes his ashes down the toilet. A reporter from Soaplife observed that "nearly every woman who walks into this soap seems to walk into his arms – and is soon made to regret it". A Soaplife writer said "Charlotte and Pete's relationship
2288-462: A singing career, enlisting a manager (played by Jonathan Coleman ) and recording a CD, which didn't sell. The departures of Claire Callan, Nick Trip and then Maria Starr left Roy Farmer as the show's only remaining original character. Pamela Trip and Dudley Starr/Serge Pompidou had also departed. Dusty McHugh emigrated to Jamaica, leaving Yasmin and Benji – and the shop – in the care of her sister-in-law Pearl ( Doña Croll ). Dusty returned briefly for
2376-429: A stash of MDMA ; she subsequently took several of the pills and wound up in hospital. Tests revealed the source of the illness, but also suggested she might also have cancer, and further tests were ordered. In the public outpouring of sympathy and support for the family, Chrissie finally found acceptance in the neighbourhood. When tests showed Chloe did not have cancer, Chrissie kept it quiet and convinced Chloe to maintain
2464-421: A succession of attractive young residents, including Polly Arnold ( Juliet Cowan ) and Dr Tanya Ayuba ( Laila Rouass ). Polly romanced Declan Byrne, but when her brother Gavin ( Neil Roberts ) arrived in town, she resumed her incestuous love affair with him, resulting in a disgusted Declan leaving Charnham. The establishment of a youth refuge on the street angered some residents, although Roy Farmer soon became
2552-410: A tap, and he frequently does." Columnist Emma Pomfret observed "Pete Callan's love life is about as savory as one of Fred Elliott 's best tripe pies." Pete came 7th in a poll to find the most-hated soap villains. David Cash was played by James Gaddas . The character is a solicitor, boss, and briefly a love interest of Holly Hart . Chloe Costello was played by Leah Coombes from September 2003 until
2640-565: A trap. Claire has a fling with Johnny and they conspire to get revenge on Pete by faking Claire's death and framing Pete for her murder. Pete finds out and confronts Claire. She trashes her house to make it seem like Pete had broken in and murdered her. However the plan was ruined by Ben Galloway (Peter England). Claire continues to hide and fake her death, whilst Johnny blackmails Pete into giving him The Black Swan Pub. Johnny betrays Claire by revealing her whereabouts to Pete, forcing her to return. She leaves Charnham permanently. Pete enters into
2728-478: Is a doctor, and appears on a recurring basis. Ten years after she left the show, Rouass claimed she was still recognized as Tanya. Tanya's boyfriend Gavin Arnold ( Neil Roberts ) asks her to move in. She feels that their relationship is moving too fast, and is curious about his relationship with his estranged wife Imogen. Tanya finds Imogen's address and goes to see her, resulting in a "disastrous visit". Cheryl Barker
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2816-498: Is also married, and he decides on family friend Siobhan Jones ( Jemma Walker ). Easter explained that "he realizes that he has to find a partner so he can present himself as part of a stable relationship equipped to raise a child." Easter believed that Pete targets Siobhan despite being aware that she is vulnerable. But she had always called him "Uncle Pete" and viewed him as a friend. As the storyline progresses he proposes to her. Easter added that "despite being completely calculating in
2904-459: Is arrested one day and fined. Afterwards, Les and Denise separate. Les sells the corner café to Marc MacKenzie (Graham Bryan) and moves up to Liverpool, leaving Justin in charge of renting his house. Conor Byrne was played by Glenn Mulhern. He is Declan's brother, and is a resident in Charnham for several months in 2000. Declan Byrne was played by Quentin Jones between 1999 and 2001. Declan shared
2992-482: Is found guilty and given a suspended sentence. Soon after the trial she realises that Pete had framed her. She aborts their child and walks out on him. He never forgives her. Claire returns and clashes with Pete. She blackmails him when she discovers his part in Josh's death, and uses the money to buy a share of the cybercafé. When Pete is acquitted of Josh's murder, he uses that to proposition her into giving him her shares of
3080-405: Is involved in several family dramas, including Brendan's divorce to Melanie after learning that Brendan is bisexual, and Denise's rape. In early 2005, Kelly and Justin are horrified when they are accused of abusing Suzie after she suffers severe head injuries. The Boulters and MacKenzies are under surveillance from social workers for several months until a judge at a hearing is satisfied that nobody
3168-466: Is proving more elastic than a pair of Cat's leopard-skin leggings. But, unlike the aforementioned garment, it seems to be holding up very well, despite much outside interference." Beth Hart from Digital Spy believed that Pete had met his match in Charlotte because she kept him "on his toes" since they met. Hart later branded him "Charnham's arch manipulator". Soaplife's Di Hollingsworth said "Pete Callan's
3256-437: Is raped while walking through an alleyway. When Graham moves into Stanley Street, Denise immediately recognizes his voice. After months of high drama and Graham's arrest for kidnapping Denise and holding her daughter-in-law Melanie ( Rebecca Hunter ) against her will in his flat, Les and Denise try to get things back to normal but the damage has been done. Les begins seeing prostitutes on two occasions, despite hesitating. Les
3344-405: Is some doubt over the babies' father's identity, who is revealed to be Justin. Despite Benji's warnings to take things easy, Kelly begins drinking and is later hospitalized. In the hospital, doctors reveal Kelly lost one of the twins. Benji leaves Charnham afterwards. Kelly's family, particularly Les and Brendan, do not care for Justin, as they liked Benji. However, Denise is prepared to give Justin
3432-670: The Open Air Theatre , Regent's Park ; and in Coming Up by James Martin Charlton at the Warehouse Theatre . Duffett also took part in the reality series Celebrity Fit Club , and appeared as Bronwen Jones in an episode of Torchwood titled " Random Shoes ". In 2016, she appeared in the BBC series The Coroner episode 2.4 "The Beast of Lighthaven" as Amy Penketh. In 2018, she starred in
3520-927: The Oscar-winning film Howards End (1992) by James Ivory . She is known for two long-running soap opera roles. After appearing as Debbie Bates in EastEnders from 1993 to 1995, she went into the role of boozy floozie Cat Matthews in Family Affairs . Cat first appeared in Family Affairs in late 1998, and was a key character in the show's story lines until the series ended in December 2005. She has appeared on stage in Simon Gray 's Simply Disconnected at Chichester Festival Theatre ; as Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream and Helen of Troy in Troilus and Cressida at
3608-890: The action to one place. Many storylines now focussed around Pete Callan and his various nefarious activities. Meanwhile, the large group of younger characters in the series went through a series of romantic entanglements. The newly introduced Warrington family became key figures in the show's on-going storylines; Nikki Warrington (Rebecca Blake) endured problems in her marriage and her large blended family, which consisted of her doctor husband Andrew ( Simon Cook ), his children Luke ( Royce Cronin ) and Sara ( Beth Cordingly ), and Nikki's children Becky (Chandra Reugg) and Darren (Joe Fox, later Ike Hamilton) from her previous marriage to incarcerated Adrian Scott ( Ariyon Bakare ). Nikki became embroiled in scandal when she embarked upon an affair with her stepson Luke. This played alongside Pete Callan's latest misdemeanour – framing new wife Siobhan for
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3696-548: The affair afterwards. During her time on Stanley Street, Denise builds up strong friendships with Cat MacKenzie ( Nicola Duffett ), Chrissy Costello ( Kazia Pelka ), Eileen Callan ( Rosie Rowell ), and Cheryl Barker ( Cathy Murphy ). The five of them form a pub darts team. While walking home one night in December 2004, Denise is raped by an unidentified assailant. Les immediately suspects Christian Habgood, Denise's tutor at Charnham College. However, when she enters Graham Harker 's ( Lee Warburton ) cab, Denise suspects him of
3784-578: The altar and left Charnham. Charlotte Day ( Leanne Lakey ) arrived and began working at the Black Swan, quickly becoming a love interest for Pete Callan. She was later joined by her younger sister Lucy ( Julia Lee Smith ) and their mother Eileen ( Rosie Rowell ). After Charlotte's departure, Eileen and Lucy continued in the series, becoming involved in several highly dramatic events. Eileen soon became Pete Callan's fourth wife after his divorce from Siobhan. Peter England joined as Ben Galloway, who lived in
3872-405: The beginning"; Pete proposes marriage out of genuine love. Pete enters into a rivalry with Josh over Siobhan's affections. After selling The Lock and buying The Black Swan, Pete's employs Josh as a barman to pay off a debt. Josh realizes Pete's marriage with Siobhan is bigamous, though they legally remarry. During a showdown at The Black Swann, Pete murders Josh and frames Siobhan for the crime. She
3960-451: The benefit of the doubt. After the Boulters settle into the area and purchase the corner cafe previously owned by Roy, Kelly becomes friends with local teenage girls Lucy Day ( Julie Smith ) and Melanie Costello ( Rebecca Hunter ). In July 2004, Kelly gives birth to a baby girl, Suzie, named after Justin's mother. Justin and Kelly later became engaged. Throughout the rest of the year, Kelly
4048-408: The brief appearance of Kelly's father and Sadie's brother-in-law Barry ( Antony Booth ). At Christmas, Paul Webb discovered that Jim was not his brother, but his father. In 2002, Cat Webb's niece Geri ( Anna Acton ) moved to Stanley Street, as did the troubled Davenport family, who moved into the flat originally occupied by Declan, Gabby and Clive. Mother Ginny ( Joanna Foster ) was recovering from
4136-562: The cafe. Claire offers him 5% of her shares. She dates his rival Tom Shackleford (Tom Healy). Pete has a vendetta against the Shacklefords and forces George Shackleford ( Miles Anderson ) out of Charnham, when he finds out he is cheating on Pete's sister Diane Short ( Pooky Quesnel ) with Claire. Pete romances Tom's ex-wife Kate Matherson ( Mary Stockley ) and becomes a surrogate father to her and Tom's daughter, Harriet, much to Tom's annoyance. Their feud escalates and Pete accidentally causes
4224-715: The callous Pete Callan , appeared in town. Pete, played by ex- Brookside actor David Easter , provided the series with a much-needed villain, and he quickly became the show's standout character. Pete soon married Claire Toomey, who had been deserted by Duncan after giving birth to his twin children. Another early arrival was the sassy bisexual Susie Ross (Tina Landini), who took a job at The Lock and romanced both Duncan and his twin sister Holly. Nick's troublesome teenage son Liam (Stephen Hoyle) arrived, and neighbourhood nosey parker Bill Cockerill ( Roger Sloman ) and his wife Samantha ( Tessa Wyatt ), along with their daughter Charlotte, made several appearances. Liam became involved in
4312-450: The crime based only on her recollections of the smell of his aftershave and his usage of the phrase "Scout's honour". The police question Harker, but no forensic evidence is found to link him to the crime, and they are forced to release him due to lack of evidence. Denise persists with her desire to see him arrested, and eventually learns the true identity of her attacker. Shortly after, Denise discovers that Les had gone to see prostitutes on
4400-480: The cybercafe in September 2003, which kills Roy whilst he is saving his wife, Nikki Farmer (Rebecca Blake). Pete is arrested on his and Eileen's wedding day in December 2003, which occurs on the same day as Roy's funeral. After spending several months in prison, he returns after being acquitted at his trial in June 2004. He returns to discover Lucy murdering Mike in order to protect Eileen and helps them to dump Mike's body at
4488-511: The cybercafé fire. She and Les purchase the corner café and 16 Stanley Street from Nikki Farmer (Rebecca Blake), turning the former into a restaurant and moving the family into the latter. Caleb Andrews (Steve Toussaint) is employed to work in the restaurant as a cook. Denise initially tries to keep secret about an affair she had with Caleb, and that Brendan is actually Caleb's son. Denise and Caleb resume their affair, but quickly end it when Denise realises she loves Les, though he finds out about
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#17328978226424576-642: The deadly blow after Siobhan left in terror. Siobhan was quickly arrested and sent to prison. In 2001, the Warrington clan was extended to include their relatives, the Webb and Ellis families: Nikki's brother Matt Ellis ( Matthew Jay Lewis ), his girlfriend Karen ( Tanya Franks ) and Karen's brothers Jim ( Joe Dow ) and Paul Webb ( Martin Delaney ). With their storylines gradually dwindling, Gabby Johnson and Clive Starr quietly departed. The places in their flat were taken by
4664-432: The end of the series in 2005. Family Affairs Family Affairs is a British soap opera that aired on Channel 5 . It debuted on 30 March 1997, the day of the launch of said channel and was the first programme broadcast on the channel. It was screened as five thirty-minute episodes per week at 6:30pm on weekdays, followed by an omnibus edition on Sundays. The series never achieved high ratings, so it went through
4752-512: The entire Hart family (except for Duncan, who had already left the series) was killed. After Roy and Melanie's wedding, the Harts conducted a small reception on their river boat. After Roy left the boat to retrieve a hangover cure for Jamie, a fallen candle ignited leaking gas. The resultant explosion killed all on board, just as Chris learnt of Annie's affair with Dave Matthews. Immediately, the show's theme tune and opening titles were revamped to reflect
4840-694: The final episode was broadcast on 30 December 2005. Producer Sean O'Connor changed to standard video presentation from September 2005 until the final episode. The serial originally focused on the Hart and Gates family and some of their friends and close associates living in the fictional outer London suburb of Charnham. The Hart family consisted of builder Chris (Ian Ashpitel), his wife Annie ( Liz Crowther ) and their four children: ladies' man Duncan ( Rocky Marshall ); his twin sister, trainee solicitor and confused virgin Holly ( Sandra Huggett ); feisty Melanie , who became
4928-720: The fire in an attempt to frame him for arson, and he plotted a slow and satisfying revenge against Eileen. Another series of new characters were brought in to remould Family Affairs once again. Gary Costello ( Gary Webster ), a businessman who lost his fortune in a failed business deal, was forced to move from Chigwell to the comparatively modest Stanley Street, much to the shame and embarrassment of his snobbish, socialite wife Chrissie ( Kazia Pelka ). Their daughters Melanie ( Rebecca Hunter ) and Chloe (Leah Coombes), were more concerned about leaving behind their school friends. They were later joined by Gary's dependable mother Myra ( Kate Williams ). The fractious Boulter family opened
5016-428: The fire that killed Roy, in an attempt to frame Pete for arson . No one knew Roy was inside when the fire was set; when Pete was arrested, the charge was arson and murder. Pete was sent to prison on remand and was absent for many months, seen in isolated episodes where other characters visited him in prison. He eventually returned to the storyline with his trial, ending in his acquittal, return to Charnham and to running
5104-497: The halfway house and worked in Roy Farmer's Internet café. Ben's storyline progressed to a point where Ben admitted he was gay and shared the first gay kiss on British daytime TV. Meanwhile, Yasmin and Benji's aunt Pearl moved away, and a guilt-racked Siobhan Callan endured prison and a lengthy court case after being framed for Josh's murder. She was eventually released and returned to Charnham, where she and others slowly began to piece
5192-414: The kiss and threatens to tell Pete. Gavin Arnold was played by Neil Roberts and made his first appearance in 2001. Roberts was a newcomer to the soap opera genre and was signed to the show's regular cast. Polly Arnold was played by Juliet Cowan from January 2000 to July 2001. Tanya Ayuba was played by Laila Rouass between 2000 and 2001; it was Rouass' first role on British television. The character
5280-416: The late-1998 infusion of new characters, it was established Dusty and her children lived over their minimarket and that in the next door flat were students Declan, Gabby and Clive. Now, we would see action regularly extend to the shop's street exterior and the surrounding buildings, and this location was revealed to be the bustling Stanley Street with its row of narrow shopfronts and terraced houses. Just as Roy
5368-493: The local clown. He and Kelly Boulter had a romance that led to an unplanned pregnancy. Kelly went on to have the child, and the couple began living together. With the new cast members in place, storylines in 2004 focused on the new characters through several major storylines. During one of many marital upsets in the Costello household, daughter Chloe retreated upstairs and rifled through older sister Melanie's possessions, only to find
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#17328978226425456-444: The murder of Josh Matthews. Siobhan had struck a blow to a suspected burglar in the darkened kitchen upstairs at the pub, where she lived with Pete, before realising the "burglar" was merely barman Josh Matthews. Siobhan falsely believed that her blow to Josh had killed him, when it had actually just knocked him unconscious; Pete, who was on the scene in seconds and harboured a deep-seated entity with Josh's father Dave, secretly delivered
5544-759: The news that their daughter Kelly is pregnant. Just before Christmas, Les and Denise move into the area and began running their own cafe on the site of the previous cybercafé that had been destroyed in a fire, resulting in Roy's death. Les initially dislikes Kelly's boyfriend, Justin MacKenzie ( Ryan Davenport ), but eventually warms up to him. During the first few months of 2004, Denise has been having an affair with Caleb. Les finds out but eventually forgives Denise. He later learns Brendan isn't his son, but Brendan reassures Les that he considered him his dad. Les becomes jealous of Denise spending so much time with her tutor at Charnahm College, Christian Habgood. One night in December, Denise
5632-453: The pub with Eileen, who had become licensee while he was in custody. On Pete's first day back, one of his tasks was to dispose of Mike Shaw's corpse; in an incident, somewhat similar to the death of Josh Matthews, Mike was accidentally killed by Pete's stepdaughter Lucy after he had tried to rape Eileen. Sam Taylor ( Leon Ockenden ), Eileen's son from a previous relationship with Mike, arrived. Pete secretly learned that Eileen and Mike had set
5720-414: The results of which are negative. It is revealed that he is Brendan Boulter 's (Steven Burrell) biological father. Caleb tries to restart his affair with Denise, but she chooses Les. Caleb shares a kiss with Eileen Callan ( Rosie Rowell ), whose husband, Pete Callan ( David Easter ), is sent back to prison for murder. Caleb leaves Charnham because Eileen's daughter, Lucy Day ( Julie Smith ), witnesses
5808-407: The revelation that Pete was actually her father. For several months after the revamp, the existing locations of Maria Starr's flat, Pete Callan's flat, the marina and The Lock continued to be featured. Dave and Cat moved into the former Gates residence. Despite the new tube station opening sequence, the exterior shots of the show's locales the frequently visited Charnham Common suggested that Charnham
5896-412: The same bed for many months. She was actually faking the pregnancy and wearing a cushion under her dress. Disguised by a dark wig, Maria stole a baby from a maternity hospital and brought it home, attempting to pass it off as her own child. The truth quickly came out and the baby returned to its real parents, who chose to not press charges. Pamela defended new client Simon Thornton ( Valentine Pelka ), who
5984-448: The scene and blamed her for the crash. Elsa suffered amnesia during her subsequent recuperation, and Jack kept her isolated from family for fear that their support or inquiries could trigger the return of her memory and uncover the truth. When Elsa's memory did begin to return, Jack smothered her with a pillow, changed his will to make Pete Callan his chief beneficiary, and committed suicide by gassing himself in his car. On 29 January 1999,
6072-494: The serial's new direction. They now deployed flashes of a tube journey to Charnham Station, linking Charnham with the city of London. Over this, shots of the new characters introduced over preceding weeks were shown. Roy suffered emotional trauma after the loss of Melanie, kidnapping Claire Callan and threatening to kill her. After her rescue, she left Charnham and Roy recovered. Maria Starr announced her pregnancy, while refusing to let Dudley/Serge anywhere near her or to even share
6160-493: The series – such as The Lock and the marina – would not be seen again. Alongside Yasmin's minimarket and the newly opened Internet café, The Black Swan would become one of the show's primary meeting places, despite the fact that landlord Pete Callan was openly hated by most of his neighbours. From now on, most outdoor taping was on the Stanley Street set, reducing the number of time-consuming location shoots while confining much of
6248-420: The shopfront of Robert's catering business. The driver was Dave Matthews' recently arrived stepson Jake Walker (Seb Castang), who lost control of the stolen car during a police chase following a botched deal by Gabriel Drummond . The biggest casualty of Davis's arrival was the show's only remaining original character, Roy Farmer, who was killed in a fire at his Internet café business. These departures left just
6336-531: The storyline. Lovable rogue Dave Matthews ( Richard Hawley ), his brassy chain-smoking wife Cat ( Nicola Duffett ), and Dave's son from an earlier marriage Josh (Terry Burns) moved in. Dave was an extramarital love interest for Annie Hart, before falling in love with her daughter Holly. Also introduced was Dusty McHugh ( Doreen Ingleton ), the strident owner of the local mini supermarket, and her children, mouthy daughter Yasmin ( Ebony Thomas ) and conscientious son Benji (Junior Laniyan). The McHughs lived in
6424-465: The task of finally getting viewing figures up to an acceptable standard. Paul Webb left after his portrayer, Martin Delaney , left the series to take a role in New Zealand serial Shortland Street . Following Paul's departure all members of the related Webb, Warrington and Ellis families were gradually phased out. Robert Davenport and co-worker Fern Farmer were killed when a runaway car ploughed into
6512-646: The tickets as an engagement present. Upon their return, Brendan and Mel surprised their families by announcing they had gotten married while in New York. Not long after, Brendan began an affair with a man named Jason, which Melanie found out during Brendan's niece, Suzie's, christening. She decided to end their relationship permanently and Brendan left Charnham in November 2004. Denise, along with her husband Les and children Brendan and Kelly move onto Stanley Street in December 2003 shortly after Roy Farmer 's (Miles Petit) death in
6600-401: The truth about her long-ago affair came to light. However, they eventually reconciled their differences, although Brendan would leave town to escape his own problems. Nicola Duffett Nicola Duffett (born 22 January 1963) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Debbie Bates on EastEnders and Cat MacKenzie on Family Affairs . Duffett had a supporting role in
6688-622: The truth together, although nothing could be proved and Pete got away with the murder. Siobhan departed in 2002, after Pete caused a car crash that injured her killed Kate Matherson ( Mary Stockley ). Robert Davenport had a one-night stand with Geri, after which she accused him of rape. He went to trial but was acquitted. The stress led to the break-up of his marriage, resulting in Ginny moving to France with Jessica. Jude Davenport also moved away. In September 2003, another drastic cast revamp occurred as new series producer Alison Davis arrived, presented with
6776-495: The twins with her sister. In 2000, coinciding with the introduction of the Warrington family, the geographic focus of the series was retconned to Stanley Street, in the fictitious West London W15 postal district. Previously, the specific location of Charnham had never been explicitly stated; it was known to be close to a river (actually the Grand Union Canal at Yeading ), and characters sometimes travelled to Maidenhead . With
6864-427: Was a closeted bisexual. He began a relationship with Melanie Costello ( Rebecca Hunter ) and they became engaged. Mel was unaware that Brendan was having an affair with Sean Steel (Sam Barriscale). At Brendan and Mel's engagement party, Brendan confessed that he was bisexual, devastating Mel who dumped him after outing him. After much coaxing, Mel decided to go to New York City with Brendan, who had originally bought
6952-480: Was a modern, green, and spacious small town. New characters continued to join. One arrival was the Derwin family - censorious Fern Derwin ( Belinda Sinclair ), easy-going taxi-driver Max ( Nick Stringer ) and their rebellious foster son Arlo Dean (Ash Newman). The Derwins soon fostered the troubled and sensitive Gemma Craig ( Angela Hazeldine ) who had recently lost her entire family. Meanwhile, Josh Matthews pursued
7040-698: Was accused of rape. She was convinced of his innocence so didn't fully investigate his background, but later learned he had kept vital facts about previous convictions from her. Realising he was guilty, Pamela dropped the case and resigned from her job, but Simon started stalking her. Pamela accidentally killed Simon with an iron during a confrontation at his home. Fearing her claims of self-defence would not be believed, she enlisted Sadie's help to bury Simon's body on Charnham Common. Racked with guilt for several months, Pamela and Sadie exhibited strange behaviour which puzzled Nick, who had proposed to Pamela during this time. Nick and Pamela were married at The Lock. The marriage
7128-592: Was aghast and ostracized Eileen for several weeks. Chrissie's pretence continued for a few more weeks, until a suspicious Tanya removed Chloe's bandages to reveal that there were no injection wounds at all. Tanya herself was pregnant to Sean; as platonic friends with little prospect of parenthood presenting itself, they planned to become parents together and Tanya underwent in vitro fertilisation . Brendan Boulter became engaged to Melanie Costello married her while conducting an affair with Sean. Denise Boulter had been largely ostracised by her outraged daughter and husband after
7216-450: Was appointed as Family Affairs' new producer and was tasked with remodelling the series. It was decided that the majority of the regular characters would be written out – including all members of Hart and Gates families. Throughout 1998, Tim, Susie and Liam departed, and the recurring Cockerill couple was phased out. Pamela's romance with Nick developed and her mother, lovable but meddling gossip Sadie Hargreaves ( Barbara Young ), entered
7304-434: Was at fault, but orders a review every three months. In August 2005, after Denise leaves Les, Kelly leaves Charnham after she discovers Justin sleeping with Scarlet Anderson ( Cat Simmons ), and she joins Denise with Suzie. Lester "Les" Boulter , played by Howard Saddler, made his first appearance in November 2003. He departed in August 2005. Les first appeared in Charnham in November 2003, shortly after he and Denise hear
7392-589: Was establishing his new Internet café business, next door to Yasmin's mini-supermarket, the Warringtons moved in across the street. Roy came to live in the street as well, and when Pete Callan sold The Lock to buy an old-style pub , The Black Swan, this too was revealed to be on the same short street. In quick succession, any regular characters not already living there soon moved into Stanley Street, while Sadie's home inexplicably shifted there without her having to move house. After this, various locations seen earlier in
7480-468: Was played by Cathy Murphy between 2003 and 2004. She is in a live-in relationship with Dave Matthews ( Richard Hawley ), which sometimes causes tensions given his propensity to sometimes operate outside the law, alongside his feud with slimy publican Pete Callan ( David Easter ). Madge Bennet was played by Heather Chasen , and appeared in 5 episodes in 2005. Brendan Boulter was played by Steven Burrell between autumn 2003 and November 2004. Brendan
7568-483: Was played by David Easter from September 1997 until the character was killed off in September 2005. As Maria Simons's ( Annie Miles ) callous former husband he is disliked by most of her friends: the Hart and Gates families, and their associates. Nevertheless, he takes over running local bar restaurant The Lock where they all regularly hang out. In an attempt to force Pete out of The Lock, Maria hires two thugs to threaten him into leaving. They beat him up and leave him in
7656-474: Was short-lived, as Simon's body was found and Pamela was arrested and imprisoned for murder. Pamela took full blame and insisted Sadie had not assisted, ensuring Sadie's freedom. Nick left town shortly afterwards. Benjie McHugh began a love affair with his married teacher Maggie Roswell ( Robyn Moore ), and eventually went on the run together with Maggie's two sons. Maggie was killed in a car accident while fleeing from her husband. Clive Starr accepted that Declan
7744-552: Was straight and there could be no romance between them, moving on to Adam Sheldrake (Vince Leigh). Adam was a policeman, who was in the closet for fear that being bisexual could affect his career. Adam soon found himself attracted to Clive's flatmate Gabby Johnson. Adam's ex-wife and daughter then arrived, further complicating Adam's relationship with Clive and his affair with Gabby. Siobhan Jones became closely associated with Pete Callan, then her sister Julie-Ann moved in. Julie-Ann started pursuing Pete, an endeavour which ended with
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