EastEnders legend unrecognisable 18 years after gangster character is brutally murdered on the soap

EASTENDERS legend Michael Higgs looked unrecognisable as he stepped out in London with his wife Caroline Catz 18 years after his character was brutally murdered on the BBC soap.

The actor, who played Andy Hunter in the hit show between 2003 and 2005, put on a loved-up display with the actress as they strolled around Soho, London.

Michael, 61, opted for a burnt orange jacket, brown jumper and denim jeans.

He completed the look with a pair of smart black boots.

Meanwhile Caroline, who is best known for roles in Doc Martin, The Bill and Hotel Babylon, looked stylish in a navy trench coat, white trousers and a pair of heeled boots.

The pair looked happier than ever as they held hands wandering around the streets of the capital.

They met back in the 90s when they starred in ITV's The Bill and tied the knot in 1997.

Michael played  Eddie Santini in the police procedural television series, while Caroline took on the role of Rosie Fox.

Years later the star appeared in EastEnders as gangster Andy Hunter.

He arrived in Walford in 2003 and took over The Firm after Dennis Rickman killed Jack Dalton.

His alter-ego got up to a lot of mischief during his time on the Square, including dating Kat Slater, but later tied the knot with Sam Mitchell.

After realising his dodgy ways, Paul Trueman reported him to the police and in return he was killed by a hitman.

Andy soon got involved with Johnny Allen - and he ended up murdering him by pushing him off a flyover.

After EastEnders he appeared in the likes of Silent Witness, Casualty and Midsomer Murders.