Steve McFadden is better known to millions as EastEnders legend Phil Mitchell, a role which he's played for 35 years.
The celebrated soap actor has been at the heart of some of Albert Square's biggest-ever storylines, including 'Who Shot Phil' and 'Sharongate'. He's also had more doff doffs than any other EastEnders character.
But what is there to know about the actor who plays Walford's tough nut? Here are several things about Steve McFadden you may not know...
Steve McFadden had a different name at birth
Steve McFadden was born Steve Robert Reid on March 20, 1959.
He was the only child of Robert and Barbara Mallet Reid, who split when he was a baby. Steve's mum remarried John McFadden and he took his last name.
The actor was raised in London and left school at 16. Steve then had a string of short-stint jobs including labouring, carrot picking, plumbing and working as a barman.
He even enrolled to a do a degree in economics, but left after seven weeks to pursue his dream of acting.
He's a former RADA student
At the age of 25, Steve was accepted at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).
He graduated in 1987, and the following year made his film debut in Buster, playing a gang member.
Steve then had a small role in the 1989 BBC film The Firm and appeared in series such as The Bill, Minder and Bergerac.
He was only meant to stay in EastEnders for three months
Steve's first appearance as Phil Mitchell was shown on February 20, 1990. His on-screen brother Grant (played by Ross Kemp) arrived a couple of days later.
It wasn't long before the residents of Albert Square fell for the cheeky charm of the burly brothers, unaware of the havoc the Mitchell brothers would wreck on Walford in the years to come!
"I had this really difficult line. It was 'This place is ripe for the picking' which is an awkward bit of phrasing," he told us once.
"Two years as a jobbing actor, there I was with all these famous people. I was only supposed to be there for three months with an option to stay three more, but they liked Phil and Grant and that was quickly extended to two years and it’s just rolled on."
Steve likes to be beside the seaside
When Steve's not filming EastEnders, it's quite likely you'll find him fishing or sailing down in Falmouth, Cornwall, as he loves being out on the water.
"I first went to Falmouth in 1966, I was fishing in the harbour at Falmouth Bay when I was six," Steve told Cornwall Alive.
"I’ve got a little boat down there, a place to stay and loads of friends and family. I get down as often as I can. It’s my second home, if it wasn’t for EastEnders it would be my first choice of residence, but because of the show I have to be in London more."
Steve once sang a cover version of Sia's Cheap Thrills on the radio!
What are the chances of seeing Steve appear on The Voice one day?
After all, he has performed a cover version of Sia's hit single, Cheap Thrills live on Capital FM radio.
We reckon the Aussie songstress should hit Steve up for a duet!
Steve inspired a hilarious website
Who knew Steve was the inspiration behind the genius website that is Utter Philth? Described as a 'shrine dedicated to the master of menace, Phil Mitchell, it's a collection of a collection of animated memes and gifs.
"About ten years ago I did a few photoshopped film posters with Steve Mcfadden's Phil in, and every now and then would do one just to email to mates for a laugh," explains site creator Douggy Pledger in an interview with Vice. "I had enough together to start off a website, then just got a bit carried away."
We'd be happy watching this Super Mitchell Bros video several times a day. Check out the bit where Phil collides with Dot and she goes, 'Ooh, I say!'.
Steve is the king of panto
Every year Steve takes a break from EastEnders to appear in panto.
In 2024 he appeared as the villainous Fleshcreep in a production of Jack and the Beanstalk at The Hawth theatre in Crawley.
Steve loves his stints in panto and says they're totally different from shooting a soap.
"It's lovely to have the live audience and it's a completely different skillset, so they're barely comparable," he said in 2017, while playing Captain Hook in Plymouth.
"That said I do bring some Phil Mitchell onto the stage, and a bit of Steve and a bit of Hook as well, that's what people get! A bit of fear and a bit of fun."
Steve McFadden's fact file
Frequently asked questions about the actor....
How old is Steve McFadden?
Steve McFadden is 65. He was born on March 20, 1959.
Is Steve McFadden married?
Steve McFadden is not married.
Does Steve McFadden have kids?
Steve McFadden has five children, one son and four daughters.
Where was Steve McFadden born?
Steve McFadden was born in Maida Vale, London.
How tall is Steve McFadden?
Steve McFadden is 5 foot 7.
EastEnders airs on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30pm on BBC One and on BBC iPlayer at 6am - see our TV Guide for full listings.
We work hard to ensure that all information is correct. Facts that change over time, such as age, will be correct, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of the last article update.
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