Nov 26, 2024, 1:16 PM
Nov 26, 2024, 1:16 PM

Michael Greco laments loss of EastEnders omnibus after 30 years

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Highlights
  • Michael Greco, known for his role as Beppe DiMarco in EastEnders, expressed sadness over the cancellation of the Sunday omnibus.
  • The omission of the omnibus also impacted the financial earnings of the actors involved.
  • Greco remains open to a return to the show despite not being approached in the last 22 years.
Story

In the United Kingdom, legendary actor Michael Greco, who famously portrayed Beppe DiMarco on the popular soap opera EastEnders from 1998 to 2002, has publicly shared his sentiments regarding the BBC's decision to discontinue its iconic weekly omnibus. This change affected the traditional Sunday catch-up sessions that had been beloved by fans for over three decades. Greco expressed his deep disappointment during a recent conversation with FruitySlots.com, emphasizing how the weekly omnibus not only served the viewers but also had financial implications for the actors involved. The removal of this programming feature resulted in actors losing a source of additional income that came from these Sunday broadcasts, which had a significant impact on their financial well-being. Michael's character, Beppe, exited the show under somewhat subdued circumstances, leaving to attend his mother's funeral. Despite this exit, Greco has not ruled out a potential return to the series. He revealed that he has never been approached to reprise his role, which he finds puzzling given that his character was not written off completely but rather left quietly. Greco's connection to the character remains strong, as he continues to be recognized as Beppe in public even after more than two decades since his departure from the show. Reflecting on his experience on EastEnders, Greco described it as akin to being at the peak of celebrity status. He recounted an anecdote about meeting Paul McCartney, who complimented his performance and revealed that his family frequently watched the soap. This interaction highlighted the level of fame Greco achieved during his tenure on EastEnders, marking a significant transition in his life from humble beginnings to national recognition. This elevation in status catapulted him into a new career trajectory, allowing him to explore different avenues in the entertainment industry. Post his stint on EastEnders, Greco has successfully established himself as a professional poker player and landed a role in the Netflix series Queen Cleopatra. Furthermore, he is set to portray the character Fleshcreep in an upcoming Christmas production of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich. Greco’s journey exemplifies a versatile career that not only includes television acting but also a breadth of engagements in diverse entertainment fields, all while maintaining a strong public identity closely tied to his EastEnders legacy.

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