EastEnders legend Jack Ryder is now unrecognisable 24 years after his devastating exit as Jamie Mitchell. The actor, 45, played the beloved bad boy for four years before his character was killed off in a dramatic car crash in 2002.
Fans of the BBC soap will recall Jamie arriving in Albert Square as the nephew of established character Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), and a welcome addition to the Mitchell family. Viewers instantly fell in love with the character, as did Sonia Jackson (Natalie Cassidy), as the pair enjoyed a turbulent romance over the next few years.
However, in 2002, Jamie met a violent death when he was run over by love rival Martin Fowler, then played by James Alexandrou. In tear-jerking scenes, Jamie later died in hospital with his fiancée Sonia and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) at his bedside, confirming Jack's character had been killed off from the soap.
Departure and Shock Exit
Jack chose to depart EastEnders in 2002 when his contract expired, admitting it wasn't an easy decision but that he was keen to explore other opportunities. However, he wasn't expecting to be killed off from the show.
"I was a bit shocked by their decision," he revealed to The Mirror in December 2002. "When I said he was going to leave, they said they would keep the door open. Then Louise took over as producer, and they said they wanted a good exit."
"It didn't really matter either way to me. I wasn't planning on coming back. At the end of the day, it's their choice. They hired me. Jamie was always having an affair or another fight with Phil, and I didn't want to be in a soap for the rest of my life."
Life After Walford
After departing EastEnders, Jack secured parts in other prominent television dramas, particularly playing Evan Crowhurst in Holby City and Frank Tuner in Silent Witness. He also triumphed on Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes with a Justin Timberlake impersonation, and has featured in numerous stage productions.
Jack works as a drama coach and pens children's literature, including his first book, Jack's Secret Summer. Former EastEnders stars Jack and Natalie recently reunited after 24 years, as they both were part of National Rail's 'Proper Catch-Up Carriage' initiative, viewable on National Rail's YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Family Life and Marriage to Kym Marsh
Jack is currently in a long-term relationship with his partner, Ella, but he generally prefers to keep details of his private life out of the public eye. However, in 2020, Jack expressed his joy about becoming a father for the first time as Ella was expecting their first child.
During a video call on Loose Women, Jack shared, "We are due in July. Ella and I are gushy and over the moon. I always just smile when I talk about it. We're prepared as we can be, but we've got toys all around the place and clothes and bits and pieces. Yeah, we're ready to go." He added: "We're very humbled and grateful. It's going to be an amazing journey". The couple later welcomed their daughter, Marnie, into the world.
Before Jack settled down with Ella, he was married to Kym Marsh, who found fame in 2001 after winning a spot in the pop band Hear'Say on the reality television show Popstars. The couple tied the knot in 2002 and made their home in St Albans, Hertfordshire, after first meeting in a BBC canteen while Kym was appearing on the television music show Top of the Pops.
However, with Kym seeking job opportunities in the north-west and wanting to be nearer to her relatives, they relocated to Manchester in 2004. Two years later, she arrived in Weatherfield as Michelle Connor. In 2008, Jack and Kym called time on their relationship releasing a statement claiming no third party was involved in their split and that they would "remain friends".
Following their separation, the actress shockingly confessed to being unfaithful to Jack in their divorce documents, as reported by The Mirror. Court documents reveal Jack's claim that he first discovered her infidelity in July 2008. He stated that his wife "has admitted that she has committed adultery, which is ongoing". When asked if she confessed to the alleged adultery, Kym simply responded: "Yes".
EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
