Lucifer Star Tom Ellis Was In EastEnders Earlier In His Career

As Netflix's hugely popular Lucifer returned to screens for a fifth season yesterday (21 August), Tom Ellis - the eponymous celestial being - must be feeling pretty smug.

The 41-year-old has become one of the more recognisable stars of TV in the USA, which is made even more surprising when you realise he cut his teeth in the world of UK kitchen sink soap operas.

Yes, the Welshman made his name - well, sort of - on the BBC's EastEnders.

His appearance back in January 2006 was one of his first big roles, and he took on the character of Dr Oliver Cousins.

To say he looks a wee bit different nowadays is something of an understatement. To be fair, he's gone from playing a fairly wholesome GP to the Lord of Hell himself, so that's to be expected.

Sadly, Tom's time in Walford was fairly short-lived, because his character only lasted from January to May 2006.

His main storyline involved a romantic entanglement with Little Mo - played by Kacey Ainsworth - culminating in Dr Oliver asking Mo to marry him.

It wasn't to be, though.

Ellis' character got p***ed and took bartender Dawn Swann back to his house, and the whole thing was called off.

Obviously, Mo took it in typical EastEnders style, and chucked a drink into his face before engaging him in a screaming match.

Heartbroken, soaked, and - presumably - more than a little bit embarrassed, Dr Oliver decided the only solution was to leave Walford forever.

After leaving Albert Square, Ellis went on to perform a number of roles in shows such as The Catherine Tate Show, Doctor Who, Miranda and Merlin, before landing the biggest role of his career to date in Lucifer.

Ellis took on the role of Lucifer Morningstar, the devil himself.

If you're not sure of the premise, Ellis' Lucifer decided to leave Hell to set himself up as a nightclub owner in Los Angeles.

The show was initially dropped by Fox, but was later picked up for another two seasons by Netflix. Recently, Netflix announced Lucifer was getting an extra sixth season, which would definitely be the last one.

Maybe we'll see Ellis make a shock return to Albert Square once all of this is over? After all, stranger things have happened on EastEnders in the past, haven't they?

Featured Image Credit: Netflix

Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, UK Entertainment, US Entertainment, Netflix, Weird

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim