Actor Charlie Clements, who portrayed Max Branning's son and the love of Stacey Slater's life was killed off in EastEnders ' 25th anniversary episode.
And more than a decade on the soap fans have reflected on his screen exit as he shared an almost unrecognisable selfie to his social media.
Charlie's fans and former co-stars - including former on-screen love Lacey Turner - rushed to wish him many happy returns on his 35th birthday.
Looking very different to how he looked 12 years ago, the Bradley actor is now sporting facial hair and some smart spectacles.
He was just 23 when he exited the soap - so of course Charlie is bound to look a bit different.
Fans of the soap will recall his character Bradley died after falling from the Queen Vic roof after being chased by a policeman. In a dramatic chain of events, Bradley discovered Archie Mitchell had raped his girlfriend Stacey and got her pregnant.
One fan took to the comments section of the celebratory snap and penned: “After all this time still miss you playing Bradley in EE.”
Another added: “Happy birthday @charlie__clements been watching old EastEnders on BBC iPlayer and I'm getting all emotional about Bradley. One of my favourite characters.”
While a third wrote: "Happy Birthday Charlie! Hope you had a good day. Hard to believe you're 35 because I still haven't accepted Bradley dying in EE."
And his former co-star Lacey Turner - who plays Stacey Slater - also penned: "Happy belated birthday buddy! Looking good," complete with a red heart.
And after scooping up acting accolades for appearing on the BBC 1 drama he continued to train as an actor and attended The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts where he gained a master's degree.
He then headed to London’s West End appearing in The Mousetrap before pursuing options away from the acting world.
Explaining his career U-turn to become a chef he told ITV ’s Loose Women panel in 2021, "It was just a way of me supporting the family.
"At the end of the day the kids and the family come first. I've never been afraid of work and never been work shy.
"Acting is always my first love and will always be my career choice but at the end of the day I've got bills to pay and a family to support like everyone else."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
