Charlie Clements, best known for playing Bradley Branning in EastEnders , lives a dramatically different life after quitting acting to raise his family. The star appeared on the BBC soap for four years and won numerous accolades for his performance. In January 2006, Charlie, now 37, debuted in Walford as Max (played by Jake Wood ) and Rachel Branning’s (Suki Smith) son Bradley.
During his tenure, the character married Stacey Slater ( Lacey Turner ), had a romance with beautician Preeti Choraria (Babita Pohoomull) and was once taken hostage by Nick Cotton (John Altman) in Ian Beale ’s (Adam Woodyatt) café. During a live episode broadcast in February 2010 to mark EastEnders ’ 25th anniversary, Bradley died falling from the roof of the Queen Victoria pub while being pursued by a policeman. Following his departure, Charlie picked up awards for Best Exit at both the British Soap Awards and the Inside Soap Awards.
After bowing, Charlie claimed it was “Time to move on and take on some new roles.” He continued: “I will always be grateful to EastEnders - I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful people whilst being given some fantastic storylines." However, the London -born star also admitted it was “scary” to think about a post- EastEnders life.
"It takes up so much of your life,” he said. “I guess it's auditions, auditions, auditions for me. I just hope I get work.
” Three years after hanging up his hat, Charlie bagged the role of Jake O’Reilly.
