Arthur Chubb - AKA Fatboy - was an EastEnders fan favourite from when he joined in 2010 right up until his untimely death five years later.
Both fans and Walford residents alike were devastated, especially given the mysterious circumstances surrounding his exit. It's been eight years since Fatboy (who was played by actor Ricky Norwood) departed Walford, so let’s take a look back the lovable rogue and his time on the Square.
What happened to Fatboy on EastEnders?
He first arrived in Walford in 2010 and was on our screens for five years before he left in 2015. During his time on the Square, he had a lot of trouble with love. As well as relationships with Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and Mercy Olubunmi (Bunmi Mojekwu), who he was married to for a brief time, Fatboy had an infamous fling with Denise Fox (Diane Parish). Before his departure, he had a friendship and short relationship with Donna Yates (Lisa Hammond).
Fatboy also had a sweet friendship with Dot Cotton (June Brown), which developed after he smashed her window with a ball while playing rounders. He was also pals with Leon Small (Sam Attwater), Zsa Zsa Carter (Emer Kenny), Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) and her brother Peter (Thomas Law).
He also has various jobs, including being a DJ for Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) and working for Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) while seeing Ian’s then-fianceé Denise. He also sold cars for Max Branning (Jake Wood).
Fatboy was killed after getting wrapped up in Vincent Hubbard’s (Richard Blackwood) feud with the Mitchell family. After threatening Fatboy and saying that he would harm Dot if he ever interfered with his business again he told Fatboy to leave the Square. Vincent then finds out that Ronnie planned to kill him by crushing his car, but ended up killing Fatboy instead (which she never learns before her death).
Why did Ricky Norwood leave EastEnders?
Ricky's reason for leaving was, unfortunately, a bit of a scandal. He was axed by the show's producers after he was caught smoking cannabis and getting a little more than PG on Skype.
He later said that he fell into a "deep depression" after being sacked.
Ricky admitted, “I went into deep depression, I didn't want to leave my house. I got suspended from my job for two months; I held my hands up. When it came to the end of the contract, it was end of the contract. Normally I'd get a renewal."
He continued by saying that despite his stint on EastEnders coming to an end, he was happy with the time that he had spent on the show. “I was only supposed to be there for three months, I was there just under six years," he added.
Is Fatboy returning to EastEnders?
Fans have been hopeful that despite him leaving Walford nearly a decade ago, he could return. Though his character is presumed dead, he could very much turn up like Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).
Viewers were shocked when a letter of condolence turned up for Dot’s funeral in December last year from Fatboy and they seemed convinced that he could return. However nothing is confirmed, but we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Was Fatboy ever found in EastEnders?
When he died, Fatboy’s body was never found. Vincent only found blood and a necklace (which he gave to Donna) in the car. All these years later and not a peep about where his body is. EastEnders also shared a photo of Ricky with James Bye, who plates Martin Fowler, and it sent fans into a frenzy. We very much see an opening for him to come back and we demand it.
What does Ricky Norwood do now?
He’s still acting. He recently played the genie in the Christmas panto of Aladdin in Torquay.
What has Ricky Norwood starred in?
He has appeared in Netflix’s Christmas film series The Princess Switch alongside High School Musical actress Vanessa Hudgens and took part in Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas Special in 2013 where he was partnered with dancing professional Janette Manrara.
How old is Ricky Norwood?
Ricky is 36. He was born on November 15, 1986.
Was Ricky Norwood on Celebrity Big Brother?
Yes, he was. He appeared on Series 18 in 2016 and just missed out on being the winner as he finished in second place.
Who is Ricky Norwood dating?
From what we can see, Ricky isn’t currently in a relationship and is a single man.
Does Ricky Norwood have Instagram?
Yes, he does. His Instagram is @officialrickynorwood.