EastEnders' Most Notorious Villains Revealed

This article contains discussions about sensitive topics such as rape, domestic violence, and child abuse. Please be advised that these subjects might cause distress to some readers.

As the 40th anniversary of EastEnders approaches, it’s only natural that we find ourselves reflecting on the most memorable scenes, characters, and incidents from this cherished BBC drama series.

Considering villains play a significant role in the genre, it’s fitting to take a moment to ponder over the strongest antagonists during the series’ run.

To celebrate this upcoming significant birthday, let’s take a nostalgic journey together by revisiting the past and ranking the 15 most notorious villains in EastEnders. Enjoy the ride!

EastEnders at 40: Top 15 best ever villains

15. Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith)

Initially, the plot revolved around a deeply distressing tale of domestic abuse, leading to the tragic killing of Chantelle by Gray (Jessica Plummer). However, the character’s portrayal ultimately turned into a comedic misstep, making this antagonist seem more like a caricature.

It took over a year for Gray to be caught, during which time he murdered twice more.

However, Smith’s performance was chilling, as he brought the grim story to life so convincingly that we found ourselves truly fearful of despicable Gray.

14. Johnny Allen (Billy Murray)

In the beginning, Johnny’s brutal murder of Andy marked only the commencement of his dominance in Walford. However, it was later revealed that he had a past with Pat Evans (played by Pam St Clement) and Peggy Mitchell (portrayed by Barbara Windsor).

Given that Johnny had orchestrated Dennis Rickman’s (Nigel Harman) gruesome killing, it was just a question of when he would face the consequences, as both Phil (Steve McFadden) and Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) were determined to exact their revenge.

Daughter Ruby (Louisa Lytton) was the cause of his downfall; she made him surrender himself. As a result, Johnny received a life imprisonment.

In prison, Johnny experienced a fatal heart attack during an attempt to hire someone to harm Ruby’s boyfriend, Sean Slater, which was mistakenly connected to a planned assault on Jake Moon. However, fortunately for Jake, he survived and remained in the series.

While his legacy lives on, Johnny’s weakness over Ruby was his ultimate foil.

13. Andy Hunter (Michael Higgs)

Despite still harboring feelings for his former partner Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace), Andy resorted to underhanded tactics, manipulating her into a sexual encounter by promising to clear Alfie Moon’s (portrayed by Shane Richie) outstanding debts.

Afterward, Andy wed Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf). However, while Phil was gone, Andy exploited their relationship as a means to seize control of her family’s business.

In simpler terms, when it stopped being advantageous for him, Andy broke up with Sam, evicted her from their shared home, and even arranged for the death of Paul Trueman, who was portrayed by Gary Beadle in this scenario.

However, stripped of his leadership role, Andy met his demise when fellow gangster Johnny Allen, known as Billy Murray, shoved him from a bridge.

Or:

After losing his position as leader, Andy was quickly eliminated by Johnny Allen, who is also known as Billy Murray, when he pushed Andy off a bridge.

Despite being overpowered by Johnny, wrong’un Andy still just about claims the edge in our top 15.

12. Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd)

In a challenging encounter, Janine found an equally formidable counterpart in the complicated and troubled individual, Michael. Their separation led to a contentious dispute concerning the custody of their daughter, Scarlett, which unfortunately took on an unpleasant tone.

Following an act of intimidation towards Janine, Michael employed the affectionate Alice Branning (played by Jasmyn Banks) as part of his plan to harm Janine.

However, upon Alice confronting him, Michael made an attempt to choke Janine instead, but it was Alice who ended up stabbing him first. Janine then completed the act by stealthily plunging a second knife into Michael’s same wound, resulting in his death.

She framed Alice but eventually confessed, claiming self-defence.

11. Babe Smith (Annette Badland)

The wickedness of the Carter family’s aunt was unlike any other, leaving an enormous, suspenseful unresolved ending.

Babe was found to be involved in the practice of baby farming, forced his niece Shirley (Linda Henry) into surrendering custody of her son Mick, broke the law by serving alcohol at The Queen Vic, and extorted Les Coker (Roger Sloman) due to his liking for cross-dressing.

In simpler terms, Mick eventually kicked Babe out following too many mistakes, and in response, Babe put a curse on the pub and the entire family. Therefore, it’s reasonable to believe that the troubles the establishment has faced since then are due to Babe’s curse!

10. Doctor May Wright (Amanda Drew)

In my critique as a movie aficionado, I must say that the character of May, aptly nicknamed ‘Mad May’, crafted an intriguing plot twist in this production. When Dawn Swann, played by Kara Tointon, embarked on an affair and bore Rob’s (Stuart Laing) child – my former husband’s child – May took the ultimate revenge. This riveting turn of events added a layer of complexity to the narrative that kept me hooked till the very end.

Instead of using drugs on Dawn and threatening to forcibly remove her unborn child, May attempted this action but Dawn successfully fled. Later, after delivering her baby, Dawn went to the police to report May’s actions.

However, May hadn’t finished her tasks yet, and when she returned, she secretly recruited Dawn’s unaware fiancé, Jase Dyer (Stephen Lord), for a job using a different identity.

Unpredictable May seized control over Dawn once more, intending to claim Summer as well. However, as the townsfolk intervened to save Dawn, May ignited a fatal chain of events by lighting a cigarette near a gas source, ultimately leading to an explosion that took her life.

Actress Drew played a pivotal role in creating an indelible scene on EastEnders, one that continues to be a topic of conversation even today.

9. Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo)

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that Dean Wicks’ despicable actions towards his sister-in-law Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) have solidified him as one of the most heinous characters in the soap opera genre. By committing sexual assault against these women, he managed to escape justice and vanish overseas.

However, upon Dean’s return to Walford following nearly a decade-long absence, setting up both residence and business there, Linda was shocked and appalled. Furthermore, she was coerced by Dean into retracting her accusation against him.

Established under circumstances involving Linda, The Six, and Keanu’s tragic end, Dean’s anger boiled over during the court proceedings. It wasn’t until then that Linda found justice when, on record, Dean admitted to his assault against her, delivering one of Di Angelo’s most electrifying performances in the courtroom.

Dean was sentenced for his vile crime, and holds a rightful place on this extensive ranking.

8. Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet)

In a different phrasing, the serial killer Lucas thought his actions of taking lives and holding former Denise Fox (Diane Parish) prisoner were part of God’s plan. However, justice eventually caught up with him as he was imprisoned for life. Yet, this wasn’t the end of his story.

As a cinephile reflecting on a gripping tale, let me recount an incident where the protagonist, Lucas, made a valiant yet unsuccessful bid for freedom following an unfortunate turn of events. Fast-forward a few years, he found himself back in society, not as a free man, but as a penitent individual seeking redemption. In this quest for atonement, he selflessly sacrificed himself to shield his precious daughter Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams) from the shackles of drug charges, choosing instead to shoulder the burden himself.

I severed all connections with Chelsea to shield her, yet Denise sought my counsel, wrestling with the weight of concealing Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) murder, as she grappled with the complexities of it all.

Lucas expressed worry over Denise’s psychological well-being by contacting her close associates, after which he has been absent from view.

It’s unusual for a villain of this magnitude to display such humility, yet it doesn’t lessen Lucas’s standing as one of EastEnders’ greatest all-time antagonists.

Or simply:

Lucas is remarkably humble for his notorious status as one of EastEnders’ most notorious villains. His humility doesn’t detract from his position among the show’s best baddies.

7. Stella Crawford (Sophie Thompson)

As a cinephile, I must confess that when I first saw Stella on screen as Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) potential bride, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was the right fit. After all, Phil was seeking a companion for his son Ben (Charlie Jones) and a partner to ease his own life. Yet, Stella initially appeared rather shy and unassuming, making me question whether she would meet Phil’s expectations.

However, it was unfortunate that Stella was mistreating Ben, both physically and emotionally. Remarkably, he found the courage to voice his concerns during their wedding ceremony itself.

Phil confronted her, but Stella jumped off a roof to her death.

Star Thompson’s powerful performance demonstrated that a soap opera villain need not always be the most boisterous character or command every scene, while Stella’s subtle machinations significantly influenced troubled Ben as he grew into maturity.

6. Nick Cotton (John Altman)

Nick consistently caused hardship for his elderly mother, Dot Branning (June Brown), yet she remained steadfast in her hope for him.

In a different phrasing, it could be said that Nick, who struggled with a heroin addiction and had a dark past as a murderer, is particularly known for the ruthless scheme he devised to poison Dot in order to obtain her wealth.

Over the course of several years, Nick has resorted to tactics such as blackmail, was involved in the tragic death of his son Ashley (Frankie Fitzgerald), made an attempt to deceive Dot by pretending she had dementia, and staged his own demise.

In simpler terms, it was Dot who purchased illegal substances for Nick, leading ultimately to his demise. Despite a lifetime of being hurt by him, she neglected to seek medical aid for him as he lay critically ill.

The character was the soap’s first villain, and Altman’s work certainly stands the test of time.

5. James Willmott-Brown (William Boyde)

In a different phrasing, it’s important to note that James Willmott-Brown forced himself upon Kathy (Gillian Taylforth), rejecting her refusals. Later on, he was incarcerated due to the criminal act he had committed.

Later on, he came back and confessed his actions, giving Kathy a slight feeling of resolution. But then it was learned that Willmott-Brown had sexually assaulted another woman.

Boyde convincingly embodied the disconcerting attitude of his alternate persona, maintaining it even after Willmott-Brown appeared 25 years later with the intention of seizing control over Albert Square.

During his visit to Kathy, he disclosed his impending death. However, Kathy steered the discussion and eventually, Willmott-Brown found himself facing death on his own.

One of the most chilling villains in EastEnders history.

4. Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns)

For a long time before it became a frequent plot device in soap operas, Trevor cruelly subjected his wife, Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth), to a horrifying ordeal of domestic violence.

He physically abused her, sexually assaulted her, and dominated all facets of her existence, until she defended herself by hitting him with an iron when he attacked her.

Eventually, Trevor met his end in a tragic fire, while Ferns delivered bone-chilling performances that established an unmatched standard for any similar storylines to follow.

Trevor ultimately succumbed to flames, whereas Ferns offered spine-tingling acts, setting the bar high for all future narratives of this nature.

3. Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks)

Janine repeatedly exhibits behavior that warrants a top evaluation. Time and again, when she reappears in Walford, she provides us with a new motivation to dislike her; however, Brooks consistently manages to peel away her tough exterior and reveal her tender side.

Indeed, I am referring to myself as someone who has taken the lives of Barry Evans (Shaun Williamson) and Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd). Yet, the intrigue of a character like mine lies in my ability to devise an infinite number of means to stir up mayhem.

Despite being partially implicated in the apparent drowning of her latest husband, Mick Carter (played by Danny Dyer), we’d gladly embrace the cunning character of Janine again.

2. Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb)

In a captivating turn of events, Archie, the charming character, tied the knot with his former brother-in-law Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor). However, their daughter Ronnie (Samantha Womack) uncovered Archie’s real nature through her experiences of childhood mistreatment.

Archie, known for being both a rapist and a controlling manipulator, had made quite a few adversaries prior to his murder at the hands of Stacey Slater (played by Lacey Turner), who used the statue of Queen Victoria as her weapon.

In a remarkable demonstration of his acting prowess, the character he portrayed was a chilling embodiment of his loathsome persona. It’s truly impressive that this role overlapped with his beloved BBC character Mick Shipman, the adored patriarch from Gavin & Stacey.

The actor really nailed playing a horrible character, and it’s amazing that he did so at the same time as his popular BBC character Mick Shipman, who is loved by many in Gavin & Stacey.

1. Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry)

In my opinion, I couldn’t help but find myself rooting against the character of Nasty Nish, a man who seemingly reveled in wielding power and dominance over his ex-wife, Suki (Balvinder Sopal), during his time in Walford.

Nish was an abuser who put Suki through hell via physical attacks and coercive control.

In my perspective, each move he made was meticulously orchestrated to fit his personal storyline. And as a spectator, it seemed as though Nish aimed to eliminate not only Suki but also Eve Unwin (portrayed by Heather Peace) and Vinny (played by Shiv Jalota).

In the celebration of the New Year, he made his last move. He deliberately poisoned Eve and provoked his eldest son, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), to shove him off a balcony, causing himself and Suki to fall as well.

Therefore, Nish’s tyrannical rule concluded, yet Chowdhry’s performances continue to be celebrated as timeless classics, ensuring that EastEnders remains a dominant force in television 40 years after its premiere.

2025-02-17 17:39

EastEnders’ Most Notorious Villains Revealed