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What happened to EastEnders star Michael Greco? The actor who was voted sexiest soap male dated glamour models and once won $250k on a poker game after shooting to fame as Albert Square’s bad boy Beppe

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Back in the ’90s, I was absolutely hooked as I watched this charismatic character stride onto Albert Square, fresh off the boat as a member of EastEnders’ sensational new Italian clan. That’s when my obsession truly began!

Due to his three-year tenure on the BBC program “Michael Greco,” he eventually garnered two British Soap Awards for Sexiest Male and was also chosen as the Sexiest Male Soap Star Ever by Radio Times voters.

After Albert Square, he found even greater recognition and wealth on the poker scene, where he played as a professional and pocketed over £1 million in earnings, with a remarkable $250k won in a single day.

Besides acting, the performer drew attention with a series of prominent romantic connections. He was linked to several glamour models and the actress Stephanie Waring from Hollyoaks, but their relationship ended because of his “exuberant social life.

Currently, Michael finds solace in a more tranquil existence, having departed from the BBC soap. Since then, he has taken on diverse roles including Pickanchoos in Aladdin at Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre, the lead actor in Naked in London, and a policeman in Casualty.

The TV star has also appeared on Celebrity Love Island and Soapstar Superstar.

In the year 1998, Michael made his debut on screens portraying Beppe Di Marco, a character who held roles in the police force, taxis, and nightclub management. This complex character had a falling out with Grant Mitchell and developed feelings for Tiffany, Grant’s former wife.

The Di Marco clan made their debut as adversaries to the renowned Mitchell family. Joining Michael was his screen grandparents, Bruno and Luisa, along with Rosa, Michael’s brother-in-law Beppe’s mom (Louise Jameson).

Apart from him, his brother Marc Bannerman (Gianni), his younger siblings Leila Birch (Teresa) and Carly Hillman (Nicky), along with Jake Kyprianou playing the role of Beppe’s son, Joe, were also part of the cast.

In Walford, Giuseppe’s restaurant, run by the family, became a success. However, when the year 2000 approached, show executive John Yorke decided to eliminate the rest of the family, with exceptions made for Beppe and Joe who continued until 2002.

Michael abandoned the bar of soap at a point he termed ‘disheartening’ as his character departed from Walford, following the revelation that his mother had experienced a heart attack.

Instead, he transferred ownership of the nightclub to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), and subsequently decided to relocate back to Leicester. Earlier, he had expressed a desire for a more grandiose farewell.

Addressing FruitySlots.com, he mentioned: ‘Unfortunately, certain events hindered a more grand farewell, but I prefer not to dwell on those details since they are behind us now.’

He mentioned, “However, I didn’t stay here, right? I bid farewell to Lynn at the café, grabbed a bag of chips, and hopped into a taxi bound for Leicester.

In an interview held recently, Michael shared that his journey as a soap opera actor was challenging, transitioning from acting on-screen to pursuing a profession in poker.

He shared with The Mirror, “I wasn’t leading much of a social life. I rarely went out. A typical day could involve up to 25 scenes, so by 6 or 7 pm, I was absolutely drained, both mentally and physically.

Michael spent a period of six years playing poker, and he recalled: ‘I distinctly remember the time I pocketed $250,000 one day. I stashed it in my backpack and walked to my hotel, which happened to be right across the street. This occurred during the day, but I kept looking around cautiously, suspecting someone might be tailing me.’

Leaving the casino, I felt nervous because I had quite a bit of cash on me. I didn’t want anyone thinking they might have noticed, so I hurried to my hotel room and hid the money safely.

In simpler terms, ‘I used to make a decent income and enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle. It was quite enjoyable. However, I grew tired of playing poker. What I truly missed was acting again.’

In 2005, he participated in the initial season of Celebrity Love Island, finishing as the fourth runner-up.

In this show, Jayne Middlemiss and Fran Cosgrave (Westlife’s bodyguard) emerged victorious. Other notable cast members included Calum Best, Paul Danan, and Rebecca Loos.

In the following year, I made my mark on Soapstar Superstar. Subsequently, I joined the cast of Casualty in 2017. A few years later, I had a brief appearance on Holby City in 2022, and more recently, I’ve been part of the Netflix series African Queens, which premiered in 2023.

In other places, the year 2020 marked a significant personal achievement for Michael, as he transitioned into fatherhood at the age of 50, following the birth of a child by his partner, Helen Harris.

Expressing it in his own words, he mentioned that even though he values privacy highly, he was eager to disclose the information.

Michael shared for the first time: ‘I’m becoming a dad at 51! This is undoubtedly one of the most significant posts I’ve ever made. It’s challenging to express the profound emotions I felt when I was told that I will be a father for the very first time, with my beloved soul mate.’

As a typically reserved individual, I usually keep my feelings to myself. However, the excitement coursing through me is so profound that I feel compelled to share it with everyone, everywhere!

Amidst these challenging moments we’re experiencing together, this fantastic news makes my day. My heart overflows, and my affection for you, Baby G, has grown even deeper than life itself.

In the year 2024, they were blessed with their second child, and they happily posted a collection of heartwarming images chronicling the birth of their ‘charming newborn son’.

Michael expressed his heartfelt appreciation, acknowledging that he felt like the “most joyful person on earth” upon the birth of his son, Gianni.

Yet, the actor’s personal life wasn’t always secluded as he previously had several public relationships. These included a flirtation with the soap opera actress Stephanie Waring, an engagement to a model, rumors of a relationship with Lisa Faulkner, and links to Dani Behr.

1998 saw him proposing to Linsey Dawn McKenzie, a woman who gained prominence by modeling semi-nude for the Sunday Sport newspaper.

She became pregnant twice during their 15-month relationship but sadly miscarried. 

Later on, Michael was romantically involved with the actress Stephanie, known for her role as Cindy Cunningham in Hollyoaks, from October 2016 till April 2017. However, their relationship ended due to Michael’s high-spirited social life.

One of their friends shared with The Sun that Michael enjoys socializing and has a lively party spirit, whereas Steph prefers to stay at home.

I eagerly wished for us to establish a shared life, but it seemed to move far too quickly for me. Unfortunately, Steph is deeply saddened by this turn of events. She held a strong affection for me and had high hopes that our bond would endure through any challenges we might face.

A person familiar with their relationship stated earlier that they used to date for a while but took some time apart because Michael wasn’t quite prepared for a long-term commitment. They reconnected again in October 2016.

In 2023, it was nearly impossible to recognize the Di Marco family when they gathered again, having been apart for 25 years since their departure from the soap opera.

The actors gleamed when they reconnected after more than two decades, but unfortunately, Marc, who portrayed Gianni, was not there.

Michael posted the picture, captioned: “It’s been 25 years since I last saw these ladies! My ‘EastEnders’ mom and siblings. Catching up with them was a wonderful experience and revisiting memories of the Di Marco family.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t contain my excitement over this reunion! I simply can’t help but exclaim, “Bring Di Marcos back to the Square! It just hasn’t felt the same without them!

Another posted: ‘No one has aged!!! And you still beautiful.’

This year, despite not being on the screen in Walford for quite some time, Michael disclosed that he continues to make income from the series.

During an appearance on the Celebrity Skin Talk Show in February, Scott McGlynn revealed: “Yes, I’m aware of the reruns. Every half year, I receive about £1.27 as a repeat fee for each episode that gets aired again.

The actor also shared that he wasn’t invited back for the show’s 40th anniversary. 

As a lifestyle expert, I must say, I was quite taken aback when I learned that producers chose not to extend an invitation to me for the revival of the show where I once shone. Many of my fellow actors have graciously returned to their roles, but alas, I was left out of the loop.

‘He stated that he didn’t receive the call and was not invited to return at all. He feels as though he’s off their radar, so if he wasn’t asked to assist with their 40th event, then he probably won’t go back.’

Michael stated: ‘If they wish to have you return, then they must make arrangements for your return. Previously, I was part of the vice squad, so perhaps this could be a pathway for me to rejoin, by apprehending someone – someone I may already know.’

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2025-07-27 11:51

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