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GALLERY: EastEnders stars then and now

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Click through for the best EastEnders transformations.

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Charlie Brooks

Super-villain Janine Butcher has done it all: murder, blackmail. But her real life alter-ego Charlie Brooks couldn't be more different. Janine was last seen heading to France in 2014, after being cleared of killing evil Archie Mitchell, but we're still holding out for a comeback…

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Danniella Westbrook

Danniella starred as Sam Mitchell on and off between 1990 and 2000, but her very public addiction problems her to leave the soap numerous times. She is set to return later this year.

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Steve McFadden

The other half of the infamous Mitchell brothers duo, Phil has been an almost constant presence on Albert Square for the last 26 years. Viewers have watched him battle alcoholism and addictions, as well as negotiate his various criminal activities and extra-marital affairs.

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Jack Ryder

Everybody loved Jamie Mitchell when he was on the soap from 1998 to 2002, when he met his tragic end on Christmas Day. But when a photo surfaced of Jack Ryder earlier this year, fans were left shocked at just how unrecognisable he is these days!

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Ross Kemp

EastEnders fans rejoiced this year when it was finally confirmed hard man Grant would be making a comeback. Although happy about Ross' reinstatement, the reason couldn't be sadder: he's returning to Barbara Windsor's final scenes as Peggy Mitchell.

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Charlie Clements

Poor Bradley Branning. He fell to his death after being accused of killing Archie when the culprit was in fact his wife Stacey. Charlie Clements recently appeared on Loose Women to promote his latest TV show, and viewers couldn't help but notice how much he is turning into his former on-screen dad Jake Wood, aka Max Branning.

© BBC, Rex

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Marc Elliott

Syed Masood had viewers constantly gripped as he battled with his sexuality while trying to stay faithful to his religion. These days Marc Elliott is appearing in Holby City, and it looks like he's all grown up now!

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Martine McCutcheon

Tiffany is undoubtedly an EastEnders legend and a nation wept when she was killed off in 1998. Martine McCutcheon left to have her Perfect Moment and, following a successful music career, she went on to star in movies including Love Actually.

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Leticia Dean

Sharon Watts has also been a meddling busybody, but check out that hair from back in the day! Strangely enough, she looks younger now than she did back then – when she couldn't decide which Mitchell brother she wanted to be with. Something tells us history may repeat itself when Grant returns to the Square.

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