BBC EastEnders star Steve McFadden’s quiet life off-screen in town where houses go for £400k

BBC EastEnders star Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell, has been a mainstay on the soap since 1990 and has swapped the hustle and bustle of London for a quieter life

EastEnders legend Steve McFadden has been a cornerstone of the BBC soap since 1990 portraying the notorious Phil Mitchell. Originally from Maida Vale in West London, McFadden worked in numerous jobs before turning to acting, including roles as a labourer, carrot picker, plumber, and builder’s merchant.

Over the years, Steve’s character Phil has been at the centre of various high-profile storylines, including his rocky relationship with brother Grant and the iconic ‘Who Shot Phil?’ plot more than two decades ago. More recently, Phil’s hard-hitting mental health storyline has seen him grapple depression with psychotic symptoms in poignant scenes.

Away from his dramatic on-screen character, McFadden enjoys a peaceful existence in Falmouth, Cornwall, where he has maintained a property since the 1990s.

The actor has been seen at the local bargain shop Trago Mills, perusing furniture and home accessories, whilst also frequenting the town’s pubs and nightspots.

Speaking to CornwallLive in 2017, McFadden described Falmouth as his “second home”, explaining that without his EastEnders obligations, it would be his preferred place to live permanently, reports Cornwall Live.

He praised the region’s angling opportunities, cuisine, ale, and welcoming residents, stating: “I get down as often as I can. It’s my second home, if it wasn’t for EastEnders it would be my first choice of residence, but because of the show I have to be in London more.”

Falmouth, featuring its magnificent natural harbour along the Fal Estuary and beautiful coastline including Swanpool, Maenporth, and Gyllyngvase beaches, has won over McFadden completely.

The delightful coastal town offers fascinating heritage, spectacular scenery, and a flourishing cultural community, creating a perfect sanctuary for the actor.

The acclaimed Falmouth Art Gallery, with its collection of more than 2,000 artworks including contemporary prints, British impressionist paintings, and pre-Raphaelite masterpieces, is just one of the attractions that make Falmouth a highly desirable place to live.

The town’s vibrant atmosphere, eclectic mix of pubs and restaurants, boutique shopping, and top-rated schools have all been highlighted by the Express.

In 2024, house prices in Falmouth have an overall average of £418,785 over the last year, according to RightMove.

The majority of properties sold in Falmouth during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £343,612. Detached properties sold for an average of £622,784, with flats fetching £361,427.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Falmouth over the last year were 5 per cent up on the previous year and 4 per cent up on the 2022 peak of £401,869.