Susan Tully, who played Martin Fowler’s sister Michelle Fowler in BBC soap EastEnders, now sports a very different look after changing her career following her soap exit

Ex soap star Susan Tully, known for her portrayal of Michelle Fowler in EastEnders, has undergone a remarkable transformation since leaving the show in 1995.

Now 57, she sports a sleek bob haircut, which is a big change from Michelle’s signature shoulder-length curls. Fans were stunned by how different Susan looked in a recent photo where she was smiling in a white T-shirt and black pinafore dress, standing next to Michelle Collins, who played Cindy Beale in EastEnders. During her time as Michelle, Susan was part of many dramatic storylines, with the most memorable being when Michelle became pregnant at 16 by ‘Dirty Den’ Watts.

Den, of course, was the adoptive father of Michelle’s best friend, Sharon Mitchell. After leaving the square in 1995, Michelle returned to Walford in 2016, but Susan decided not to reprise her role, with Jenna Russell taking over the part for just over a year. The former Grange Hill star has since retired from acting and now works behind the camera.

Susan Tully, known for her portrayal of Michelle Fowler in EastEnders, has undergone a remarkable transformation since leaving the show in 1995  (Image: @amevs5/Instagram)

Susan filmed a scene for her character Michelle’s wedding on the soap over two decades ago  (Image: Getty Images)

After leaving EastEnders, Susan 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 achievements behind the camera, fans are still eager to see her reprise her iconic role as Martin’s sister Michelle.

However, the director has made it clear she has no plans to return to the soap. When it came to bringing Michelle back in 2016, then executive director Sean O’Connor confirmed Susan gave them her blessing to move on without her.

“Of course if you’re considering bringing back Michelle Fowler you’d have to consider talking to Susan Tully about it,” he explained. “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.”

After leaving EastEnders, Susan transitioned into directing, working on shows like Silent Witness, Stella, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Strike, and Line of Duty  (Image: Getty Images)

He added: “But, of course, I contacted her immediately when I thought about bringing the character back.” However, Susan did offer to give her blessing for Jenna to take on her role and advise her how to play the character. “It was important to me to make sure Susan gave the idea her blessing and it was really delightful when she did,” added Sean.

This comes as EastEnders recently marked its 40th anniversary. Fans of EastEnders were left in tears after watching the live episode this week, where Martin Fowler was sadly killed off. The BBC soap, which first aired in 1985, has been celebrating its 40th anniversary all week, with the highlight being a live episode last night. The episode revealed the result of a public vote on a love triangle and followed the residents of Albert Square in the aftermath of a deadly explosion.