EastEnders star Thomas Law has portrayed Peter Beale on the BBC soap since 2006, but his off-screen life is equally compelling. The 33-year-old actor, who first arrived in Albert Square as the son of Ian and Cindy Beale, left the show in 2010 before making a triumphant return in 2023. His character has been central to major storylines, including the shocking return of Cindy after 25 years and the revelation of Peter's half-sisters, Gina and Anna Knight.
Family Ties to EastEnders
Thomas Law is not the only member of his family with connections to the show. His mother and sister both work on EastEnders, a fact he revealed during a press gathering. He shared: "My mum and sister both work at EastEnders, so they found out two weeks into me knowing as they heard a few whispers which they, of course, had to keep a secret too." This family bond kept him connected to the soap even during his absence.
Career Highlights and Return
Born in Hertfordshire and raised in Potters Bar, Thomas catapulted to fame after landing the role of Peter Beale in 2006. He left the BBC soap in 2010, with Ben Hardy taking over from 2013 to 2015, followed by Dayle Hudson from 2020 to 2022. During his break, Thomas appeared in ITV dramas such as The Bay (2021-2023) as DC Eddie Martin, and Casualty in 2014. He also starred in films including Unhallowed Ground (2015), Framed (2021), and Last Train to Christmas (2021).
Thomas reprised his role as Peter in 2023, marking his first chance to perform alongside former on-screen mother Michelle Collins since her departure in 1998. Since returning, Peter has been embroiled in dramatic plots, including his newborn son Jimmy being diagnosed with severe sight impairment, his mother moving in with his father-in-law Max Branning, and his father Ian facing jail for a hit-and-run.
Romantic Life and Famous Exes
Thomas typically keeps his romantic life private, but in 2024 he was linked to camera assistant Tylor Jane after they were spotted together at Whipsnade Zoo. He has also been romantically associated with former EastEnders co-star Madeline Duggan, who played Lauren Branning, and Hollywood actress and singer Sofia Carson. Thomas starred alongside Carson in the 2016 film A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits. Sofia Carson is also known for Netflix's Purple Hearts and Disney's Descendants, and is a singer-songwriter.
Current Storylines
Peter Beale can frequently be seen running the fruit and veg stall on the market following Martin Fowler's death. The character continues to face family turmoil, with Cindy's return and Ian's legal troubles. EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
