Ross Davidson, one of the original cast members of EastEnders, died aged 57 from a brain tumour, just months after marrying his long-term partner Barbara in what he called his dream wedding.
From PE teacher to soap heartthrob
The Scottish actor initially worked as a PE teacher in Scotland and was also an international water polo player, representing his home nation. He later left teaching to run a pub and disco in Glasgow, before developing a passion for acting and signing up for evening classes.
His debut television role came in 1979 in a BBC play, A Degree of Uncertainty, followed by minor parts in other BBC dramas such as Shakespeare's A Comedy of Errors and Widows II. He also featured in TV adverts in Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, and appeared in the 1983 film Pirates of Penzance and the Monty Python short, The Crimson Permanent Assurance.
Breakthrough in Albert Square
In 1985, Ross landed the role of nurse Andy O'Brien as part of the original cast of EastEnders. His character shared a home with girlfriend Debbie Wilkins, but the pair endured a turbulent relationship and decided to date other people. Andy was regarded as one of the 'middle-class' residents of Albert Square, committed to improving the local area and standing at the forefront of campaigns opposing the demolition of the square.
He also helped struggling teenager Mary Smith learn to read, before beginning a controversial affair with Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts, which was discovered by her husband Den. Debbie eventually wanted Andy back, and the pair became engaged. However, just 18 months after arriving in Albert Square, Andy was struck down by a lorry driver and killed.
Later career and diagnosis
Ross was the first of the original cast to depart EastEnders. He subsequently appeared in stage productions and worked as a television presenter on Daytime Live and Run the Gauntlet. He also appeared in Brookside, Pobol Y Cwm, and Take the High Road, and between 1999 and 2002 performed as Andy Morgan in Hollyoaks.
In 2005, Ross was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery, which proved unsuccessful. He was readmitted to hospital a month later and informed he had a glioblastoma grade 4, the most aggressive and fastest-growing form of brain tumour. Three months after his diagnosis, he married his long-term girlfriend Barbara.
Final months and tribute
In July of that year, he revealed that his tumour was inoperable and that he had 12 to 18 months to live. At the time, he said: "I was about to retire. And I was just thinking how life was treating me unbelievably well and then this cancer nonsense comes along and spoils everything. Thanks a lot. I've been killed off at least three times on TV. I've been rehearsing for this for years."
Ross passed away on October 16, 2007, aged 57, leaving behind his wife, eight-year-old son Drew, and three step-children. Following his death at his home on Fronton-on-Sea in Essex, his agent Keith Bishop said: "Ross had surgery three times. He searched the country for a cure and fought a brave fight."
Former co-star Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale in EastEnders, paid tribute, saying: "He was a good man with a great sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye. It's a great shame that he has left us after such a long and brave battle, but he always was a fierce competitor. My thoughts are with his family."
