EastEnders’ Lofty star Tom Watt is unrecognisable 37 years on from Walford debut
EASTENDERS' Lofty Holloway star Tom Watt is unrecognisable 37 years on from his Walford debut.
Lofty was one of the show’s 26 characters when it launched in 1985, with his final appearances in 1988.
The 64-year-old actor looks very different to his appearance on the BBC One soap.
George 'Lofty' Holloway — the barman at The Queen Vic pub — was hopelessly in love with Michelle Fowler.
After three years on the soap, Lofty, decided to move on, heart-broken after Michelle's abortion and left to become a social worker.
Lofty returned to the soap years after their departure from the show, to attend Dr. Harold Legg's funeral back in 2019.
In real life, aside from a few small roles, actor Tom moved into sports journalism and regularly appears on radio.
He also ghostwrote David Beckham’s autobiography.
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He recently praised his time on the soap and his character, saying: "I had really good working relationships with people like Leslie Grantham (Den Watts), Anita Dobson (Angie Watts) and Sue Tully.
"Lofty was a really rewarding character to play — a beautiful mix of comedy and proper drama."
Tom returned to Albert Square in 2019 alongside Mary the Punk, played by Linda Davidson, 57.
A soap source previously told The Sun: "Lofty and Mary The Punk are two of the most memorable characters of the original set of stars.
"It’s staggering to think it’s been more than 30 years since they were last on the Square but soap fans will be delighted to hear of their comeback.
"Regular viewers will know Dr Legg’s health is bad and it’s thought his death will play out in February next year, and these two will be back around the time of his funeral."
Speaking to The Sun. Tom admitted he would be open to a more permanent role in Walford.
The actor said: "Well, I don’t know, they’ve never said.
"If they did, yeah, I like acting. I really like acting, it’s not that I’m not doing it because I don’t like acting.
"I’m not great at waiting for the phone to ring."
