Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp EastEnders icon Perry Fenwick is famed for playing market stall holder Billy Mitchell on the BBC One show, but the star was once married to an actress from rival soap Coronation Street. Fenwick, 62, has been a stalwart of the long-running soap opera, playing the role of Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) cousin since 1998, with more than 2,000 EastEnders episodes to his name. But away from the bright lights of Walford, Fenwick caused ripples in the industry when he married a star from their rival drama series, Coronation Street. The soap crossover happened when he met his future wife from Corrie, Angela Lonsdale.
EastEnders star Perry Fenwick and former Corrie actress Angela Lonsdale pictured together in 2005
(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
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Angela, 57, played police officer Emma Taylor on the Manchester-based soap from 2000-03, which would have been a mismatch of a pair in the fictional world with Billy Mitchell’s criminal history. Fenwick romantically proposed to the soap-rival actress by writing out a message with pebbles on a beach and they married in 2005. The couple quickly became known for having one of the strongest marriages in show business and went on to have three children together: Lucy, Isabella, and Jayden. However, Perry and Angela’s marriage was short-lived and they decided to go their separate ways just five years after tying the knot.
EastEnders’ Billy Mitchell has lived in Walford for 27 years
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
A spokesperson for the couple said at the time: “Perry Fenwick and Angela Lonsdale have sadly separated after five years of marriage. They will not be making any further comment.” At the time, a friend close to the couple told the Mirror: “They just ran out of love. They had a series of heart-to-hearts and decided to call it a day. No one else is involved. They are determined to stay friends. It’s sad but they are trying to stay positive and their families are rallying around.” After her three-year stint on Coronation Street, Angela went on to perform in a number of soaps including Holby City and Doctors.
Perry Fenwick and Angela Lonsdale were married for five years before going their separate ways
(Image: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)
She also starred in a number of popular series including Vera, Our Girl, This is England 90, The Bill, Scott and Bailey – plus many more. Hollyoaks fans will know her as Gill Holmes in the Channel 4 soap, a role she played for four episodes in 2022. Last year, she starred a Mrs. Hanley in All Creatures Great & Small, and this year appeared as Eva King in The Good Ship Murder. EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
