EastEnders’ Steve McFadden avoids BBC bosses ban on appearing in panto – which prompted co-star to quit
STEVE McFadden, best known as Phil Mitchell on EastEnders, is proving that soap opera royalty can still swap Walford for the stage.
While BBC bosses have reportedly placed restrictions on cast members appearing in lucrative pantomime roles, Steve seems to have sidestepped the ban.
He is set to return to the panto world as the villainous Fleshcreep in Jack and the Beanstalk at The Hawth in Crawley.
The show runs from December 13 to January 5.
This isn’t Steve’s first time in Crawley – he played Fleshcreep there nine years ago and is thrilled to reprise the role.
Reflecting on his last performance, Steve shared: “There has been a lot of water under the bridge in those nine years.
“I’ve got an eight-year-old daughter now, but it’s lovely to be back. I take it as a big compliment—they must’ve thought I did something half-decent last time!”
Steve, who is no stranger to panto with his first role dating back to 1993, embraces the chance to shed his soap persona for a lighter, more playful role.
He added: “My day job is a great tragedy with few laughs, so panto is the perfect antidote. It’s bold, it’s live, and it’s a lot of fun.”
Known for playing the baddie, he insists it’s the more exciting choice.
The soap actor shared: “I’ve only ever played a goodie once—it was so boring I almost fell asleep.”
His long-standing career in EastEnders, which spans 35 years, has been a cornerstone of British TV.
Despite Phil Mitchell’s penchant for bad decisions, Steve’s nuanced portrayal of the hardman has endeared him to fans.
Steve’s panto return contrasts sharply with the exit of his EastEnders co-star Brian Conley, who played Tom ‘Rocky’ Cotton.
Brian departed the soap after feeling “restricted” by the BBC’s ban on side gigs like panto.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Conley expressed frustration at the rules, saying: “At the time, they said you can’t do anything else. I’m a live performer and love being out there, so I felt very restricted.”
Brian is a panto veteran and has played Buttons in Cinderella for 30 years.
He left the soap on December 29, when his character turned himself in to the police after a dramatic gambling-related storyline.
The BBC’s restrictions were reportedly tied to the show’s upcoming 40th anniversary.
Show bosses were trying to keep the cast available for filming pivotal scenes during the festive season.
A source explained: “Milestone years like the 40th require all hands on deck to deliver explosive storylines. Panto commitments could disrupt those plans.”