EastEnders' Bradley Branning star unrecognisable with different job 15 years on

Daily Mirror

6 hours ago

Charlie Clements, who played Bradley Branning in EastEnders has undergone a dramatic transformation since departing the soap, and has now switched his career entirely
Charlie Clements has undergone a remarkable transformation, now sporting glasses and a beard, a stark contrast to his on-screen EastEnders persona. The actor who brought Bradley Branning to life started on the BBC One soap in 2006 before leaving in February 2010.
Charlie 's dramatic exit from EastEnders took place in its first-ever live episode, marking the show's 25th anniversary, where his character fell to his death from the Queen Vic's roof while being chased by the police. Bradley had pledged to protect his wife Stacey after she murdered her rapist Archie Mitchell, and the couple had devised a plan to flee together.
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However, their getaway plan went disastrously wrong when Bradley attempted to scale The Vic to dodge the police. His hasty escape attempt ended in tragedy, leaving his wife a widow and sending shockwaves through Walford. The groundbreaking episode captivated nearly 20 million viewers.
Over a decade after his EastEnders days, Charlie decided to step away from acting, admitting that, like everyone else, he needs to "pay his bills". In May 2024, he announced to his Instagram followers: "Aware that some may be less interested in my golf related activities! But for those who are go follow me at @charlieclementsgolf."
His dedicated golf page showcases his new life as a greenkeeper, featuring photos of him honing his golf swing. In a recent post, the ex-soap star revealed: "In my career as an actor I've had some incredible opportunities and moments..
"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!"
Known as the unsung heroes of the golfing world, greenkeepers play a vital role in preserving the game's manicured greens and fairways, overseeing tasks from smoothing out sand traps to grooming the plants that border the course.
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Charlie was recognised for his work during his time on EastEnders, scooping the Most Popular Newcomer award at the 2006 National Television Awards.
Following his dramatic departure from EastEnders, Charlie continued to make his mark in the entertainment industry. He played Jake O'Reilly in Casualty and in 2017, he appeared in the documentary Elizabeth and Her Enemies, portraying the Earl of Essex.
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Off-screen, Charlie married his long-term girlfriend, Rebecca Clatworthy, in 2018 and the pair have three children. In addition to his acting prowess, Charlie has a keen eye for photography, frequently sharing photos of landscapes and nature on his Instagram page.
However, like many during the pandemic, Charlie faced the need to adapt. During the lockdowns, he temporarily put his acting career on hold to support his family. He worked in a restaurant during the initial lockdown and later at a garden centre during the second.
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Speaking candidly on Loose Women, the actor explained: "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."
Back in February, Charlie reflected on his EastEnders success on Instagram, writing: "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."
He concluded: "Happy birthday EE, I am immensely proud to have been a small part of you."