EastEnders icon Perry Fenwick has played Billy Mitchell since 1998, but away from Walford he was married to a famous soap star
EastEnders stalwart Perry Fenwick, known for his portrayal of market trader Billy Mitchell, has an intriguing off-screen connection to rival soap Coronation Street – he was once married to an actress from the show.
Fenwick, 62, has been a fixture on the BBC One drama since 1998, clocking in over 2,000 episodes as the cousin of hardman Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden. Yet beyond the confines of Albert Square, Fenwick’s personal life gripped soap fans when he tied the knot with Angela Lonsdale, a star from the world of Weatherfield.
Angela, who at 57 graced the cobbles as police officer Emma Taylor from 2000 to 2003, found herself in a real-life romance that would have sparked controversy in the soaps’ universes, given Billy Mitchell’s not-so-clean record.
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Their courtship took a fairytale turn as Perry popped the question to Angela through a pebble-written message on a beach, leading to their marriage in 2005. Together they became one of the entertainment industry’s most adored couples and welcomed three children: Lucy, Isabella, and Jayden.
However, the fairy tale didn’t last forever. Five years after walking down the aisle, Perry and Angela announced their decision to amicably part ways, reports OK!
At the time, a representative for the pair stated: “Perry Fenwick and Angela Lonsdale have sadly separated after five years of marriage. They will not be making any further comment.”
At the time, a source close to the couple revealed to the Mirror: “They just ran out of love. They had a series of heart-to-hearts and decided to call it a day. No one else is involved. They are determined to stay friends. It’s sad but they are trying to stay positive and their families are rallying around.”
After leaving Coronation Street, where she spent three years, Angela went on to appear in numerous soaps, including Holby City and Doctors.
Her extensive television credits include notable series such as Vera, Our Girl, This is England 90, The Bill, Scott and Bailey, and many others.
Fans of Hollyoaks may recognize her as Gill Holmes, a character she portrayed in four episodes in 2022. More recently, she appeared as Mrs. Hanley in All Creatures Great and Small last year, and as Eva King in The Good Ship Murder this year.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
