EastEnders’ Lofty star unrecognisable 35 years later - with bizarre link to international icon

ok.co.uk:

It's been 35 years since George 'Lofty' Holloway exited EastEnders for good, with actor Tom Watt going on to pursue a very different career away from soapland.The iconic character was introduced as part of the show's original cast in 1985, but after three years on Albert Square he made the decision to leave.

Tom, 68, opted to abandon acting to pursue a career as a sports journalist. He has worked for the likes of talkSPORT, Channel 4 and the BBC, having established himself as a sports pundit.

He presented the drivetime show Season Ticket on talkSPORT for over four years after his soap exit, before moving over to BBC London to present live weekend football coverage.

He also presented weekly show Fans' Forum on Arsenal TV up until it was axed in 2013. Tom also contributed to the club's matchday programme.