Fatboy's stomach-churning EastEnders death and controversial exit explained
EastEnders star Ricky Norwood earned a legion of fans playing Fatboy in the BBC soap for six years. But despite winning awards for his portrayal of the loveable rogue, Ricky was sensationally axed in 2015 due to being caught in a compromising position off screen.
And his exit left many viewers uncomfortable and distraught as the soap explicitly detailed his death in one of the most harrowing scenes to date, making it also one of the most controversial. But on last night's episode, Fatboy made a shock return for a cameo scene. However, here we take a look at the star's demise.
Axed from the Soap
Ricky Norwood was accused of bringing the BBC soap into disrepute after he was shockingly caught on a webcam performing a naked sex act. The actor, 36, was also seen allegedly smoking cannabis during the eight-minute Skype clip which cemented his exit.
Ricky Norwood was asxed from Eastenders due to webcam scandal (TV Grab)Despite being on a two month suspension in 2014, it was confirnmed by soap bosses in October 2015 that the star will no longer return to Albert Square. And his final scene was aired over the Christmas break that year. At the time, a spokesman for the BBC show said: “We can confirm Ricky is leaving. We wish him all the best.”
Despite winning a National Television Award in 2011 for Most Popular Newcomer, his reputation had been shattered by the inappropriate webcam scandal. And at the time of his suspension, a statement read: “Ricky Norwood has been suspended from the show for a period of two months with immediate effect. In addition, Ricky would like to apologise to EastEnders’ viewers for any offence caused and for bringing the show into disrepute."
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Stomach-churning death
Nicknamed Fatboy, Ricky Norwood's character was in fact named Arthur Chubb and it was his cheeky-chappie persona that made him a popular resident of Albert Square - not to mention among fans. But his shocking webcam scandal sealed his exit storyline and bosses made sure it was one of the most gripping storylines of the show's history.
Ronnie Mitchell, played by Samantha Womack had hired thugs to kill her enemy Vincent Hubbard played by Richard Blackwood. But things soon turned sour after Ronnie's henchmen mistakingly took Fatboy instead of Vincent, killed him and put him in the boot of a car. In scenes shown on Boxing Day in 2015, viewers saw Vincent discover Fatboy's body and break down in tears.
Understandably viewers were left devastated and claimed the script writers had ruined their Christmas holiday. Taking to Twitter, which is now called X, one fan wrote: "How can eastenders kill off fatboy,he was hilarious and so sweet with Mrs b! @RickyJNorwood you'll be greatly missed #ripfatboy."
Another wrote: "#EastEnders p****d off ruined Boxing Day Rip fatboy." Meanwhile a third said:"Fatboy better pull a Kathy and miraculously come back alive #EastEnders." Sharing the sentiments of fans Ricky himself tweeted his thoughts and said: "Bye fat's..!! It was so fun to play you..!!Gona miss u .!!Fat's was only supposed to be around for 3months managed 6years..!! # bbceastenders." Viewers even launched a petition for his return.
Cameo return
Ricky Norwood finally made his return to EastEnders on last night's episode (Tuesday 29) eight years after the much loved character was axed from the show. Viewers were left open-mouthed as Fatboy appeared during a flashback sequence in the latest episode, following Cindy Beale's return.
And taking to X formerly known as Twitter, Ricky wrote: "Guess who back..!?!? Even for a brief moment… What an episode and what an epic storyline to be apart of @missmcollins Big Thanks to Chris Clenshaw for making it happen! The @bbceastenders team for keeping it super secret. Just wish Mrs. B could of been there."
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