Category Entertainment News

Bradley Branning, played by Charlie Clements in EastEnders, has undergone a dramatic transformation since leaving the soap, and has now completely changed his career.

Charlie Clements has undergone a remarkable transformation, now sporting glasses and a beard, a stark contrast to his on-screen EastEnders persona. The actor who brought Bradley Branning to life started on the BBC One soap in 2006 before leaving in February 2010.

Charlie’s dramatic exit from EastEnders took place in its first-ever live episode, marking the show’s 25th anniversary, where his character fell to his death from the Queen Vic’s roof while being chased by the police. Bradley had pledged to protect his wife Stacey after she murdered her rapist Archie Mitchell, and the couple had devised a plan to flee together.

READ MORE: EastEnders icon confirms break after BBC One soap change

However, Bradley’s attempted escape from The Vic resulted in a disastrous mistake. His wife became a widow after his hasty escape attempt, which tragically led to his wife’s death and shocked Walford. Nearly 20 million viewers tuned in to the groundbreaking episode.

Over a decade after his EastEnders days, Charlie decided to step away from acting, admitting that, like everyone else, he needs to “pay his bills”. In May 2024, he announced to his Instagram followers: “Aware that some may be less interested in my golf related activities! But for those who are go follow me at @charlieclementsgolf.”

His dedicated golf page features photos of him improving his swing and describes his newfound position as a greenkeeper. The ex-soap star stated in a recent post that “in my career as an actor I’ve had some incredible opportunities and moments..

However, since I first started out as a Greenkeeper a year ago, this is among the best of them… touching the Center’s ostina!

Known as the unsung heroes of the golfing world, greenkeepers play a vital role in preserving the game’s manicured greens and fairways, overseeing tasks from smoothing out sand traps to grooming the plants that border the course.

At the 2006 National Television Awards, Charlie received praise for his work on EastEnders.

Following his dramatic departure from EastEnders, Charlie continued to make his mark in the entertainment industry. He played Jake O’Reilly in Casualty and in 2017, he appeared in the documentary Elizabeth and Her Enemies, portraying the Earl of Essex.

Off-screen, Charlie married his long-term girlfriend, Rebecca Clatworthy, in 2018 and the pair have three children. In addition to his acting prowess, Charlie has a keen eye for photography, frequently sharing photos of landscapes and nature on his Instagram page.

However, like many during the pandemic, Charlie faced the need to adapt. During the lockdowns, he temporarily put his acting career on hold to support his family. He worked in a restaurant during the initial lockdown and later at a garden centre during the second.

Speaking candidly on Loose Women, the actor explained: “Acting is my first love and career choice, but at the end of the day, I’m a jobbing actor. I’ve got bills to pay and a family to support like everyone else.”

Charlie reflected on his EastEnders success on Instagram in February, saying, “Remember that I died 15 years ago today, which makes that little thing even older. As EE approaches 40, I reflect on how fortunate I was to work for such a small organization when I was a child. I will always be grateful to those who contributed to this endeavor.

He said, “Happy birthday, EE, I’m incredibly proud to have been a small part of you.”

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Frankie Bridge gave fans a glimpse at one of her must-have sleep items, and Amazon shoppers say her padded silk eye mask is ‘super soft and very comfortable’

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, most of us will be willing to try anything if it means we can wake up feeling well rested and refreshed. For those who are light sleepers or sensitive to light, that can only mean one thing – an eye mask.

However, you can forget everything you think you know about tight, uncomfortable and flimsy sleep masks, because Frankie Bridge’s go-to pick is here to change the game. The presenter posted a snap of herself post-snooze wearing the Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask , and a quick scan of Amazon reviews proves it’s a worthwhile investment.

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The highly-recommended eye mask is definitely an investment at £69, however it has a whole host of benefits that help improve not just the quality of your sleep, but your skin and hair, too. The Drowsy mask has thick, squishy padding that provides plenty of cushioning and comfort while you sleep.

It has a fully adjustable blackout design that blocks out all light interference, making it ideal for everything from your usual bedtime routine to wearing while travelling. It fastens with velcro at the back to get the perfect fit, and the wide strap prevents rubbing and digging in, as well as eliminating those dreaded lines in your hair that other masks’ elastic straps cause.

If you prefer something with some stretch, Beauty Pie’s Sleepeasy Luxury Mulberry Silk is £34 and has a silk-covered elasticated strap. Alternatively the £66 contoured Slip Sleep Mask also features a silk-covered elasticated strap, and has the added bonus of a contoured eye area that stops your lashes from rubbing or touching the material.

Frankie’s Drowsy Silk Sleep Mask, however, is made from 22 momme padded mulberry silk, which comes with plenty of benefits alongside making it soft and comfortable to wear. The silk helps prevent friction from your pillows in the night which can cause the appearance of deep set wrinkles and creases on your skin over time.

Instead, the silk protects your delicate eye area from pulling and rubbing, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and preventing new ones from forming. It also helps reduce dark circles and fine lines.

The silk of the Drowsy Sleep Mask can even stop your skin from drying out as rapidly as standard cotton or polyester options, keeping it moisturised and letting your overnight skincare products work better. There’s a huge 14 different colour options to choose from, including Frankie’s navy version, printed and embroidered versions, and bold colours like lilac and pink.

Amazon shoppers are also big fans, with one saying its the: “Best sleep mask I’ve used” before adding: “I cannot sleep with any degree of light in the bedroom and have used various masks over the years. This mask, although really expensive, must be regarded as a necessary investment. This is the best mask that I’ve ever used. The adjustment at the back means that it will never feel too tight or loose and the design allows one to position the mask so there is no pressure on the back of your head if you sleep on your back. The mask is large enough that there is no light leakage no matter what position you sleep in. And then there is the comfort; the fabric and the filling are superb in this regard. I’ve never used such a wide mask before and it took me a couple of nights to adjust to that, but I now find it incredibly comfortable.”

Another agreed: “I hate masks but this one is amazing – super soft, very comfortable to wear. Does not get in the way of getting to sleep and stays on! highly recommended.”

Whilst someone else chimed in: “This is amazing for travel.”

Some did find some issues, though, with one reviewer writing: “Is a nice mask to wear during winter time but very sweaty from spring to autumn.”

Another said: “Beautiful fabric and beautifully made. Its also surprisingly comfortable, I was concerned that I would feel a wide velcro band, but I don’t notice it. However there is no travel pouch despite several photos showing one, I do find light sneaking under the nose slit which moves slightly whilst sleeping. It’s also very expensive in comparison to other similar design masks. I need a bag to store when travelling so bearing in mind the high cost will purchase another similar brand next time.”

The Primark handbag looks similar to one by a designer brand, but there’s a significant price difference

Primark is selling a “stylish” £5 bag that could easily be mistaken for a more expensive version by a designer label. Popular with shoppers looking for budget-friendly fashion, the high street retailer could have another hit with its latest handbag. Its Textured Zip Top Crossbody Bag resembles Ted Baker’s Stina Double Zip Croc Effect Mini Camera Bag, yet has a much smaller price tag.

The Ted Baker bag is currently fetching £89 online, offering Primark shoppers a hefty saving on a similar style. Both black bags share key features such as a croc-effect finish, a cross-body strap, a zip fastening across the top of the bag, and gold hardware.

The style is so similar that shoppers could pair the black Primark bag with any outfit they’d plan to wear with the Ted Baker bag. While both bags are small and sleek, they differ somewhat in shape.

Both bags have a rectangular shape with rounded edges, but the Ted Baker style is more angular, with a flat front panel. It also has two zipped compartments, and it features the luxury brand’s logo.

According to the product descriptions, neither bag is real leather. Primark’s bag is made from 100% PVC-coated textile, and Ted Baker’s alternative is 100% polyurethane.

Primark describes its style as a “textured crossbody bag with zip closure and a compact shape for easy everyday wear.” The full description reads: “Add a sleek finish to your look with this textured zip top crossbody bag. Its stylish, raised texture gives it a modern, elevated feel.

“The secure zip top closure keeps your essentials safe, while the crossbody strap makes it easy to go hands-free. Compact but roomy enough for your phone, keys and everyday bits, it’s a great pick for day-to-night plans. Whether you’re heading out for errands or dressing up for the evening, this bag adds an effortless style boost!”

Meanwhile, John Lewis’ description reads: “From Ted Baker, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap. Complete with two zipped compartments.” It adds that the bag has one internal slip pocket.

Unlike Primark, the retailer’s website allows shoppers to leave reviews. The bag has an average rating of 4.6 out of five. One happy reviewer said: “Beautiful Bag. Good size to put phone keys make up and small purse in. Its like the Tardis. Small on the outside, big inside. Comfortable straps. Easy, smart and great price.”

A second thought: “This really is a perfect ‘little black bag’. Just large enough for the bare essentials – keys, phone and a comb – the two sections ensure things are easily accessible. The bag is very well finished off, with gold trim on the inside. As well as being stylish, it seems robust, with quality zips and a good length strap.” But another wrote: “Although outer dimensions are available and I thought would be suitable for my needs the inside is very small.

The Primark handbag looks similar to one by a designer brand, but there’s a significant price difference

Primark is selling a “stylish” £5 bag that could easily be mistaken for a more expensive version by a designer label. Popular with shoppers looking for budget-friendly fashion, the high street retailer could have another hit with its latest handbag. Its Textured Zip Top Crossbody Bag resembles Ted Baker’s Stina Double Zip Croc Effect Mini Camera Bag, yet has a much smaller price tag.

The Ted Baker bag is currently fetching £89 online, offering Primark shoppers a hefty saving on a similar style. Both black bags share key features such as a croc-effect finish, a cross-body strap, a zip fastening across the top of the bag, and gold hardware.

The style is so similar that shoppers could pair the black Primark bag with any outfit they’d plan to wear with the Ted Baker bag. While both bags are small and sleek, they differ somewhat in shape.

Both bags have a rectangular shape with rounded edges, but the Ted Baker style is more angular, with a flat front panel. It also has two zipped compartments, and it features the luxury brand’s logo.

According to the product descriptions, neither bag is real leather. Primark’s bag is made from 100% PVC-coated textile, and Ted Baker’s alternative is 100% polyurethane.

Primark describes its style as a “textured crossbody bag with zip closure and a compact shape for easy everyday wear.” The full description reads: “Add a sleek finish to your look with this textured zip top crossbody bag. Its stylish, raised texture gives it a modern, elevated feel.

“The secure zip top closure keeps your essentials safe, while the crossbody strap makes it easy to go hands-free. Compact but roomy enough for your phone, keys and everyday bits, it’s a great pick for day-to-night plans. Whether you’re heading out for errands or dressing up for the evening, this bag adds an effortless style boost!”

Meanwhile, John Lewis’ description reads: “From Ted Baker, this cross-body bag features an adjustable strap. Complete with two zipped compartments.” It adds that the bag has one internal slip pocket.

Unlike Primark, the retailer’s website allows shoppers to leave reviews. The bag has an average rating of 4.6 out of five. One happy reviewer said: “Beautiful Bag. Good size to put phone keys make up and small purse in. Its like the Tardis. Small on the outside, big inside. Comfortable straps. Easy, smart and great price.”

A second thought: “This really is a perfect ‘little black bag’. Just large enough for the bare essentials – keys, phone and a comb – the two sections ensure things are easily accessible. The bag is very well finished off, with gold trim on the inside. As well as being stylish, it seems robust, with quality zips and a good length strap.” But another wrote: “Although outer dimensions are available and I thought would be suitable for my needs the inside is very small.