EastEnders original Peter Dean revealed he would be open to a return to the soap on Loose Women today – even though his character was killed off 25 years ago.
Host Kaye Adams didn’t seem aware the actor’s iconic character, fruit and veg stall owner Pete Beale, was axed after Peter left EastEnders following eight years on the soap in 1993 as she squeezed in one final question at the end of his appearance on the show.
“I’m a jobbing actor, of course I would,” replied the 79-year-old, currently on TV as part of the third series of The Real Marigold Hotel.
He added, to laughter from the studio audience: “I’d come back here if you ask me.”
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And while a character’s demise hasn’t always been an impossible obstacle to overcome when it comes to soap returns, fans were quick to point out it might prove difficult to explain at the very least.
Kay just asked peter would he go back to Eastenders? He can’t the producers killed off Pete Beale’s character
— tony wright (@tonywright25) August 15, 2018
After all, Pete’s soap wife Kathy Beale (played by Gillian Taylforth) managed to come back from the dead after apparently dying in a car crash – also off screen – eight years earlier in 2014.
@loosewomen Pete Beale had died off screen – so a return is not impossible! Poor Ian Beale (@AdamWoodyatt) Mum and Dad both faked their death!?😆
— EastEnders Weekly Podcast (@eastendersweek) August 15, 2018
Great seeing #Peterdean on @loosewomen come on @bbceastenders You fetched Kathy back you could always fetch #PeteBeale back
— Wayne O’Brien (@waylo12) August 15, 2018
Peter also opened up about his long-running real life feud with EastEnders co-star Leslie Grantham, who played Dirty Den.
Expressing regret the acting pair didn’t have the opportunity to mend fences before Leslie died in June, Peter urged anyone who has fallen out with somebody close to them to reconcile before it is too late.
Reluctant to reveal why the former friends fell out, Peter added he had hoped they could come together to help campaign against knife crime in London.
“If anybody’s out there had a row with them, make up now,” he advised.
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Viewers also expressed surprise at an odd comment Peter made when panellist Chizzy Akudolu said sitting next to Peter was brought back vivid memories of watching EastEnders as a child.
Seemingly joking about getting older and the passing of time, Peter remarked: “I need you like I need the National Front.”
“Watch that on catch up, a very funny joke,” Chizzy clarified to viewers who may have missed what he said.
Did Pete Beale really just say that on #LooseWomen @loosewomen pic.twitter.com/OeNHXUaoMZ
— Sandra (@secN21) August 15, 2018
pete Beale needs you like he needs the national front pic.twitter.com/ig5RXjE4pi
— Ready Salted Steve (@ploughmurton) August 15, 2018
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