EastEnders star unrecognisable 21 years after quitting soap as legendary character

AN EastEnders star looked unrecognisable as he was seen out and about 21 years after quitting the soap.

The actor - now 60 - played one of EastEnders' most iconic characters but left the show in 2003.

Former Mark Fowler star Todd Carty was snapped at The Lowry Theatre in Manchester, looking a far cry from his Albert Square counterpart.

Mark was seen sporting a moustache and wearing glasses as he covered up in a cap.

He cut a casual figure in a zip-up jacket and jeans and smiled at waiting photographers.

Todd joined EastEnders in 1990 as the son of Pauline Fowler and was involved in a huge storyline when Mark was diagnosed with HIV.

When Mark was told his body was rejecting life-prolonging medication, he made the decision to leave Walford for good and was seen riding out of the Square on his motorbike.

Shortly after his EastEnders exit Todd joined the cast of The Bill as PC Gabriel Kent.

Away from the screen Todd has been in a relationship with writer and producer Dina Clarkin since 1990 and the couple share two children.

Speaking about his exit from EastEnders in 2003, Mark said: "I've had 12 brilliant years on EastEnders, and they've been fantastic to me.

"I'll deeply miss all the cast and crew and everyone involved on the show. I'm looking forward to trying new things, seeing a little more of my children."

A year after Mark left the Square it was revealed the character had died off-screen.