In a fascinating revelation, Michelle Collins, known for her portrayal of Cindy Beale in EastEnders, shared
how the late pop icon George Michael played a pivotal role in the casting of Martin Kemp as Steve Owen in
1998. The connection stemmed from George’s close friendship with Martin, facilitated by his wife Shirley, who
was a backing singer for George’s band, Wham!
During an appearance on The One Show, Michelle recounted a memorable call from George while she was in Milan, asking her to help Martin land a role in the soap. This call eventually led to Martin joining EastEnders a year later, a move Michelle humorously suggested she deserved a 25% commission for.
Martin’s four-year stint on the show was marked by significant storylines, including taking over the nightclub E20 and framing his DJ employee for a murder. His character was central to some of the show’s most dramatic moments, including the iconic “Who shot Phil?” storyline in 2001.
After his character’s explosive exit, George Michael continued to be referenced in the show, particularly through the character of Heather Trott, who even named her son after the legendary singer.
This intriguing backstory highlights the unexpected connections between pop culture and television, showcasing how George Michael’s influence extended beyond music into the world of soap operas.
