EastEnders Bradley Branning star looks completely different 15 years after BBC exit
Charlie Clements is best known for playing Bradley Branning on EastEnders, but he has undergone a dramatic transformation since leaving the BBC soap
Charlie Clementa made his debut as Bradley Branning in 2006 (Image: BBC)
Charlie Clements has stunned fans with a dramatic new look complete with glasses and a beard which is a far cry from his clean-cut character on the BBC One soap.
The actor joined the show as Bradley Branning in 2006 and made an unforgettable exit in February 2010.
The actor’s departure from Albert Square was nothing short of sensational, occurring during EastEnders’ first live episode to celebrate its 25th anniversary, where his character tragically fell from the roof of the Queen Vic.
In a bid to protect his wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turrner), who had killed her rapist Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb), Bradley had resolved to escape with her before their plan went awry, resulting in his fatal fall while evading the police.
This pivotal moment in the soap drew nearly 20 million viewers. More than 10 years after leaving the soap, Charlie has taken a break from acting, acknowledging the need to “pay his bills” like anyone else.
In May 2024, he took to Instagram to share with his followers: “Aware that some may be less interested in my golf related activities! But for those who are go follow me at @charlieclementsgolf.”
Charlie now embraces life as a greenkeeper, with his dedicated golf page, @charlieclementsgolf, displaying his passion for the sport. Reflecting on his past, the former EastEnders star shared on social media: “In my career as an actor I’ve had some incredible opportunities and moments..”, reports the Mirror.A year into his role as a Greenkeeper, Charlie gushes about the highlight of his career: “But since starting out as a Greenkeeper a year ago, this is up there with the best of them… Touching the hallowed turf of Centre!”.
Maintaining manicured greens and fairways, greenkeepers are often referred to as the unsung heroes in the golfing realm, taking on everything from perfecting sand traps to tending to fringe vegetation.
The actor was lauded for his performance in EastEnders, clinching the title of Most Popular Newcomer at the 2006 National Television Awards.
Post-EastEnders, Charlie’s career continued to blossom as he portrayed Jake O’Reilly in Casualty and took on the role of the Earl of Essex in the 2017 documentary, Elizabeth and Her Enemies.
Away from the limelight, Charlie tied the knot with his sweetheart Rebecca Clatworthy in 2018, and they have been blessed with three children. His talents extend beyond acting, as evidenced by his compelling landscape and nature photography on Instagram.
The pandemic compelled Charlie to pivot, pausing his acting pursuits to keep his family afloat, first working in a restaurant during the initial lockdown and subsequently joining a garden centre when restrictions tightened again.
During a frank discussion on Loose Women, the actor shared his perspective: “Acting is my first love and career choice, but at the end of the day, I’m a jobbing actor. I’ve got bills to pay and a family to support like everyone else.”
Reflecting on past glories back in February on Instagram, Charlie posted: “Reminded today that ‘I died’ 15 years ago today which makes that little thing even older.! ! ! As EE turns 40 I remind myself how fortunate I was to work on such an institution at such a young age and will be forever thankful to those to who made it possible.”
In a nostalgic tribute, he added: “Happy birthday EE, I am immensely proud to have been a small part of you.”