EastEnders actress unrecognisable 30 years after leaving soap and quitting acting

Jacqui Gordon-Lawrence, known for her role as Etta Tavernier in EastEnders, first graced our screens over three decades ago. From 1990 to 1994, she portrayed Etta, a mother of three and teacher at Walford Primary School, who navigated significant storylines such as marital issues and faith crises.

Etta exited the storyline in 1992 when her on-screen husband Celestine (Leroy Golding) received a promotion in Norwich, but Jacqui briefly returned for a plot centred around her children.

Post-EastEnders, Jacqui featured in several TV shows, including the 1998 mini-series Close Relations and an episode of ITV's The Bill in 2001, marking her last credited acting role before embarking on a new career path.

Now a respected police station representative, Jacqui joined South London's Wainwright and Cummins LLP solicitors in 2008. She set up shop in Hayes, South East London, with her ex-boxing champion partner Horace Notice, with whom she shares two daughters, Naomi and Amelia, as reported by OK!, reports the Daily Star.

Currently, Jacqui's Instagram bio reveals her latest career move as a London-based psychotherapist. In one of her selfies, she can be seen sporting a stylish grey bob with a blunt fringe, flashing a smile at the camera.

The former soap star turned mental health advocate, with a social media bio that reads: "Mental health can be challenging. I will walk with you through the healing process. We all have the ability to heal ourselves."

Meanwhile, Etta's on-screen progeny are keeping the acting dream alive. Clyde Tavernier, played by Steven Woodcock, has enjoyed a diverse career since leaving EastEnders, including roles like DC Wignall in The Knock and an appearance on Pointless Celebrities in 2022.

He's also graced the stage in productions such as The Taming of the Shrew and the musical Oh Babylon.

Hattie Tavernier, portrayed by Michelle Gayle, traded Albert Square for the pop charts, achieving success as a singer. Prior to her stint on EastEnders, Michelle appeared on other beloved series like Grange Hill and Press Gang.

After departing from the drama of Walford, Michelle ventured into reality TV, showcasing her vocal talents on ITV's Reborn in the USA, battling it out on Channel 4's The Games, and aiming for Eurovision stardom in Eurovision - Your Decision. She came tantalisingly close to representing the UK in 2008 but was pipped at the post by Andy Abraham.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer