EastEnders' Lofty star unrecognisable 35 years after quitting BBC soap

Bobby Davro asked if he would return to EastEnders

EastEnders legend Tom Watt, famously known for his stint as George "Lofty" Holloway, has opened up about life after the soap, having initially rose to fame on the BBC show 35 years ago.

Lofty was one of the original stars from 1985 who became a fan-favourite before exiting Albert Square three years later. At 68, the actor waved goodbye to his stage career and embraced the vibrancy of sports journalism with gusto.

Tom's transition saw him rubbing shoulders with the likes of talkSPORT and Channel 4, making his mark as a trusted sports pundit. Post-soap life included a four-year spell hosting Season Ticket on talkSPORT, before shifting to BBC London where he anchored live football coverage and served up Arsenal insight on Fans' Forum until its axing in 2013.

His expertise isn't contained to just broadcasting; Tom contributed to Arsenal Football Club's publication and recently, BT Sport viewers have seen him presenting. Notably, he also ghostwrote David Beckhams autobiography "My Side," divulged by OK!.

Actor Tom Watt played Lofty in EastEnders for three years before making his exit in the late 1980s. (Image: GETTY)

EastEnders' Lofty reuniting with Dot Branning for Dr Leggs' funeral. (Image: BBC)

Though he's turned away from acting, Tom couldn't resist revisiting Lofty, appearing in EastEnders for emotional farewells to Dr Harold Legg and again for beloved Dot Cotton.

Recounting his brief return on This Morning, he expressed: "I really enjoyed going back to do it, acting's something I love doing I'm just not great waiting for the phone to ring and I'm out of town. They came along with this and I've got to say it wasn't just 'oh let's get someone from the past back'. It was really well-written absolutely the right thing that Lofty was there for the funeral."

Reflecting on his time in EastEnders during an interview on Steph's Packed Lunch in 2022, Tom Watt reminisced: "Lofty was a really rewarding character to play - a beautiful mix of comedy and proper drama.

Tom Watt changed career and took on sports journalism (Image: GETTY) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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"I had really good working relationships with people like Leslie Grantham, Anita Dobson, and Susan Tully."

The character Lofty, who was famously portrayed by Tom Watt, experienced an unreciprocated love for Michelle Fowler (played by Susan Tully), which was a significant storyline during his tenure on the show.

Lofty's departure from the iconic Albert Square was notably driven by the emotional turmoil following the breakdown of his marriage to Michelle and her decision to have an abortion.

EastEnders is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

EastEnders' Lofty star unrecognisable 35 years after quitting BBC soap

EastEnders' Lofty star unrecognisable 35 years after quitting BBC soap

EastEnders' Lofty star unrecognisable 35 years after quitting BBC soap

EastEnders' Lofty star unrecognisable 35 years after quitting BBC soap

EastEnders' Lofty star unrecognisable 35 years after quitting BBC soap