Former EastEnders actor Charlie Clements who played much loved character Bradley Branning has revealed that his career took a turn in a different direction in the height of the pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic has meant that finding acting jobs are extremely difficult with theatres still closed.
Charlie played Bradley from 2009-2010 until his time on the square came to an end when Bradley fell from the roof of the Queen Vic pub after running away from the police.
Following his exit from soapland, Charlie has since had several roles on stage and screen, but as the coronavirus pandemic forced jobs to come to a halt, the actor turned to a job as a chef to tide things over, according to The Mirror.
Despite relying on his new profession during lockdown, he has now announced that he is quitting the kitchen and heading back into rehearsals as theatres are set to reopen soon.
Sharing a photo on Instagram of himself in his white uniform, Charlie wrote: "Last day as a chef today!! On to rehearsals next week... #actorslife #actor #acting #work #theatre."
One fan replied: "Whatchya off to do? You're amazing! Culinary skills and an actor impresario."
His former EastEnders co star, Rita Simons wrote: "Whoop! Well done Chaz."
A third pal added: "Can’t think of anyone more deserving mate".
When he first left EastEnders, Charlie opened up on his worries about the precarious world of acting, telling Loose Women: "I don't know what I'm going to do, it's scary thinking about life after EastEnders, it takes up so much of your life.
"I guess it's auditions, auditions, auditions for me. I just hope I get work."
Charlie did indeed get work - and played David Filde in a touring play The Haunted, before landed the role of Mick in Meredith Oakes' play Faith, for which he underwent military training.
In 2013, he landed a role in Casualty playing Jake O'Reilly, and in 2015 he played the Earl of Essex in TV documentary Elizabeth and her Enemies.
For his role as Bradley, Charlie won numerous Inside Soap Awards including Best Newcomer, Best Soap Actor, Best Exit, and Best Couple with his co star Lacey Turner.
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