EastEnders' Michelle Fowler star Susan Tully looks unrecognisable 30 years after soap exit

Former EastEnders actress Susan Tully, who played Michelle Fowler on the popular soap, has undergone a dramatic transformation since her departure from the show in 1995. Now aged 57, she sports a chic bob haircut, a stark contrast to Michelle's iconic shoulder-length curls.

Fans were taken aback by Susan's new look in a recent photo where she was seen smiling alongside Michelle Collins, who portrayed Cindy Beale in EastEnders. During her stint as Michelle, Susan was involved in numerous high-profile storylines, most notably when her character fell pregnant at 16 by 'Dirty Den' Watts, who was the adoptive father of her best friend, Sharon Mitchell.

Despite leaving Albert Square in 1995, the character of Michelle returned to Walford in 2016, but Susan chose not to reprise her role, with Jenna Russell stepping into the part for just over a year. The former Grange Hill star has since retired from acting and transitioned into directing, working on shows such as Silent Witness, Stella, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Strike, and Line of Duty.

She also directed two episodes of the BBC police drama Line of Duty and the ITV thriller Too Close. Despite her success behind the camera, fans are still hopeful to see her return to her iconic role as Martin's sister Michelle.

Despite speculation, director Susan Tully has confirmed she won't be reprising her role in the soap. Sean O'Connor, a former executive producer, had approached Tully about the potential return of Michelle Fowler in 2016 and she gave the green light for the show to recast the character, reports the Mirror.

"Of course if you're considering bringing back Michelle Fowler you'd have to consider talking to Susan Tully about it," he stated. "But she is now a well-respected, hugely experienced TV director. Her acting career is part of her past, really a closed door for her."

Sean added: "But, of course, I contacted her immediately when I thought about bringing the character back."

Susan was open to giving Jenna Russell, who eventually took on the role, her blessing and some advice on portraying Michelle. "It was important to me to make sure Susan gave the idea her blessing and it was really delightful when she did," Sean explained.

The news comes as EastEnders celebrated its remarkable 40th anniversary, with dedicated fans being moved to tears by a dramatic live episode this week. In an emotional twist, Martin Fowler was written out of the storyline through a tragic death.

The BBC flagship programme, which first graced television screens in 1985, rounded off its anniversary festivities with a live broadcast, showcasing the repercussions of a fatal explosion and unraveling a public vote outcome involving a love triangle plot.