Susan Tully Now: You Won’t Believe Her Life After Eastenders

You will probably know her best for playing Michelle Fowler in the BBC soap opera Eastenders but this is Susan Tully now!

Image Source/ Smooth Radio

Her life before Eastenders…

Susan Tully was born on October 20th, 1967 in Highgate, London. She lived on a council estate with her parents – a housewife and a watch-case maker.

When she was at school she decided to take up a hobby and chose acting. She went to the Anna Scher children’s theatre which ended up giving her a fast track into a career in television work.

At nine years-old Susan got the opportunity to host a live children’s TV programme: Our Show. After this she was on The Saturday Banana.

Her big break came in the form of Grange Hill. From 1981-1984 Susan played Suzanne Ross. School and Suzanne did not mix, so the show often saw Susan’s character getting in mischief.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X8kzg2UU0I

Video Source/ YouTube

Susan’s role as Michelle Fowler…

Susan Tully became a household name when she secured the role of Michelle Fowler in Eastenders. She was originally going to give up acting to go to sixth form but couldn’t give up this opportunity.

The daughter of Pauline and Arthur Fowler, Michelle was a character from the show’s concept in 1985 until 1995.

Michelle got herself into some trouble whilst in Albert Square – she has a teenage pregnancy, an affair with Den Watts (the father of her best friend Sharon – played by Letitia Dean) and often chooses the wrong men – including Sharon’s former husband, Grant Mitchell, with whom she has a one night stand.

Michelle then discovers that she is pregnant with Grant’s child and accepts a job in America and moves there to get away from Grant.

Video Source/ YouTube

Although the job is America is only supposed to be for a year, she ends up being off our screens for ten years. She is occasionally mentioned on the show; we learn she goes into early labour when she discovers that her father, Arthur, has died. She gives birth to her son, Mark.

We then learn that Michelle marries Tim Andrews and together the pair move to Florida.

She is mentioned when her brother Mark dies and again when her mum Pauline passes away. Ian even goes to visit her in America after Lucy’s murder.

Sharon tells Michelle that Peggy, Grant’s mum, is dying from cancer. Feeling guilty for not disclosing that Mark is a Mitchell, Michelle writes to Peggy to tell her that she has another grandchild.

However, by the time the letter has arrived Peggy has already died. Hence, Sharon reads the letter and learns about the affair between her best friend and former husband.

Not only was she upset about this, but also the fact that Michelle lied about who Mark’s father is.

Despite Sharon’s best actions, Phil – Sharon’s now husband – ends up finding out and consequently tells Grant about his son.

Michelle’s return to Walford…

On Christmas Eve 2016 Michelle returned to Albert Square but now being played by actress Jenna Russell. It was reportedly Susan’s decision to recast for the role after she herself had turned down returns to the show. Talking about the opportunity, Jenna said:

‘It is a great honour to play such an iconic character. I know the audience loved Michelle Fowler so much, and even though she hasn’t been on our screen for 20 years, she’s very much in the fans’ psyche.

When I used to watch EastEnders all those years ago, she was one of my favourite characters. I’m extremely excited for what is in store for Michelle’.

Image Source/ Digital Spy

She reunites with Sharon and her younger brother, Martin. Michelle keeps tightly lipped as to why she has come to England without Tim and Mark, leaving Sharon suspicious.

Michelle’s return to the show involved many dramatic storylines including an affair with her seventeen year-old student in America; being involved in a car crash; dealing with a stalker; and, being falsely accused of pedophilia (despite her past history).

Jenna was in the role for two years before leaving in 2018. It was speculated that she had been axed from the show, but she assured fans:

Image Source/ Twitter

Susan Tully now…

Susan decided to step away from the limelight to pursue a career in directing TV rather than acting.

Since the 1990s, Susan, who now goes by Sue Tully, has directed many TV series that you will recognise. She has directed BBC drama The A Word; episodes of Eastenders; The Story of Tracy Beaker; Secret Diary of a Call Girl; Silent Witness; Lark Rise To Candleford; Tin Star; as well as the penultimate and final episode of Line of Duty.

Many fans of the show were shocked to see that the crime drama was being directed by the former actress. (Previous episodes had been directed by John Strickland).

Image Source/ Twitter

Even Jenna Russell tweeted:

Image Source/ Twitter

Nowadays, Susan, or Sue, sports a short, blonde pixie cut yet is still recognisable.

Image Source/ The Sun

Susan’s personal life…

It is unknown as to Susan’s sexual orientation. Nowadays, the director likes to keep her personal life private.

Her Eastenders’ character Michelle liked both men and women, is Sue the same?