BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share By Joel Harley Jul 9 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 9 2025 Former EastEnders star Craig Russell reveals how he almost died from brain tumour The actor was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2022 EastEnders EastEnders Cast Share By Joel Harley Jul 9 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 9 2025 Former EastEnders actor Craig Russell has revealed how he ‘almost died’ from a brain tumour. The actor, who also plays DI Mark Gascoyne on Hollyoaks, appeared in a 2001 episode as a man named Chris. In 2022, the EastEnders actor began to experience such symptoms as memory loss, confusion and loss of vision. His wife Kate Edney urged him to see a doctor – which was when he was diagnosed with the tumour. In a recent interview, the actor has described the life saving operation – and the ‘very real chance’ he might die. Craig stars in the low-budget horror film Protein (Credit: Bulldog Film Distribution) EastEnders actor Craig Russell reveals brain tumour that almost killed him In an interview with PA Real Life, Craig said: ‘The tumour got so big it pushed my skull up and out, it deformed the back of my head.” He continued: “There was a very real chance I wouldn’t survive the operation because one little mistake and that’s it, or at best I could come out blind or have a stroke.” Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers View this post on Instagram A post shared by Craig Russell (@russandchips) The actor went on to make a full recovery, and has gone on to continue his acting career. This includes his recent film Protein, in which he plays cannibalistic ex-soldier Sion. Of the film, he said: “Someone asked me if I thought I’d ever see the film finished, which was a sobering idea as I nearly died before it came out, I’m so glad I was there to see it, so I just have a lot of pride for everyone in.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Craig Russell (@russandchips) Actor thanks NHS and ‘superhero wife’ amid recovery In a post to Instagram last year, he credited the NHS with saving his life. “On this day last year the NHS saved my life,” he shared in a hospital bed selfie. He continued: “We must do all we can to keep it. We must love it, cherish it and respect it at all costs. There will never be another National Health Service.” He also thanked his family, friends and wife. “Massive shout out also to my superhero wife, my family and my friends. I love you all more than you could ever know and I’m nothing without you,” he added. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Jul 9 2025 By Joel Harley Jul 9 2025
