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Carl White is a fictional character from the
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
soap opera A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
EastEnders ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the ...
'', played by Daniel Coonan. He first appears in the 4660th episode, originally broadcast in the United Kingdom on 20 June 2013. Carl is the ex-fiancé of Kirsty Branning (
Kierston Wareing Kierston Wareing (born Faye Kierston Wareing (legally dropped Faye in 2006) 7 January 1976) is a British actress. Her first film role was the lead in Ken Loach's ''It's a Free World...'', followed by a supporting role in Andrea Arnold's ''Fish T ...
), and his storylines include tracking down cash owed to him by Derek Branning (
Jamie Foreman Jamie Foreman (born 25 May 1958) is an English actor best known for his roles as Duke in ''Layer Cake'' (2004) and Bill Sikes in Roman Polanski Raymond Roman Thierry Polański (; born 18 August 1933) is a Polish and French filmmaker and a ...
) – which
Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
(
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
) has used to open a restaurant; trying to win Kirsty back; a relationship with
Roxy Mitchell Roxy Mitchell (also Slater) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rita Simons.Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
); his feuds with Roxy's cousin
Phil Phil may refer to: * Phil (given name), a shortened version of masculine and feminine names * Phill, a given name also spelled "Phil" * Phil, Kentucky, United States * Phil (film), ''Phil'' (film), a 2019 film * -phil-, a lexical fragment, used as ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) and Derek's brother
Max Max or MAX may refer to: Animals * Max (American dog) (1983–2013), at one time purported to be the world's oldest living dog * Max (British dog), the first pet dog to win the PDSA Order of Merit (animal equivalent of the OBE) * Max (gorilla) ...
(
Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is a British actor and podcaster from Westminster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' a ...
); blackmailing Ian for money; and developing a conflict with Roxy's sister Ronnie (
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
) that ultimately results in his downfall. He became the show's main
antagonist An antagonist is a character in a story who is presented as the main enemy or rival of the protagonist and is often depicted as a villain.Kirsty Branning's (
Kierston Wareing Kierston Wareing (born Faye Kierston Wareing (legally dropped Faye in 2006) 7 January 1976) is a British actress. Her first film role was the lead in Ken Loach's ''It's a Free World...'', followed by a supporting role in Andrea Arnold's ''Fish T ...
) ex-boyfriend and has been in prison, where he had shared a cell with Derek Branning (
Jamie Foreman Jamie Foreman (born 25 May 1958) is an English actor best known for his roles as Duke in ''Layer Cake'' (2004) and Bill Sikes in Roman Polanski Raymond Roman Thierry Polański (; born 18 August 1933) is a Polish and French filmmaker and a ...
). Coonan said of his casting, "''EastEnders'' has been a part of my life since I was 12 years old. I even remember talking about the storylines in school playgrounds in Tottenham and I am very happy and proud to now be a small part of its life." Executive producer
Lorraine Newman Lorraine Newman (born 1978) is a British scriptwriter, television producer, and the executive producer of the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2012 to 2013. Newman, who has worked on ''EastEnders'' for "nearly 20 years", received the role of ...
said: "It's wonderful to have Daniel Coonan joining us in
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
to play Carl White. Oozing confidence and with a dangerous edge, will Kirsty be able to resist his bad boy charms for long, or can irsty's husband Max rannningsave her from the lure of the dark side?" This is Coonan's second role in ''EastEnders'', as he played David Priors in 2011. Coonan said the four-episode role helped him prepare for a bigger role in the programme, though describing his first day on set as Carl, he said, "it still hits you when you walk on to the Square for the very first time. It's like walking into your TV." Coonan filmed his first scene on the Bridge Street market set. ''
Heat In thermodynamics, heat is energy in transfer between a thermodynamic system and its surroundings by such mechanisms as thermal conduction, electromagnetic radiation, and friction, which are microscopic in nature, involving sub-atomic, ato ...
'' reported that Carl's introduction was part of a "rescue plan" to increase ratings for ''EastEnders'', especially with the announced departures of popular characters
Tanya Branning Tanya Branning (also Cross and Jessop) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. Joyner left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity le ...
(
Jo Joyner Joanne Mary Joyner (born 24 May 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Mandy Carter in the Channel 4 school drama '' Ackley Bridge''. From 2018, she has starred as Lue ...
),
Jack Branning DI Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim ( John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham) and the ...
(
Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in the ITV police drama series ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also too ...
) and Michael Moon ( Steve John Shepherd), saying "with ever-dwindling ratings and an unusually bare trophy cabinet, producers have been forced to plan some major shake-ups in an attempt to revive the ailing drama with new characters, returning familiar faces and exciting storylines." Coonan later said of being cast, "When they offered the part of Carl to me, I thought about it as long as it takes to blink your eyelids. I knew it would be a great character and fun to play. Something like this can massively raise your profile. I'm beaming into thousands of people's homes four times a week." Coonan was originally contracted to appear in 28 episodes over a six-month period, but instead filmed over 60 episodes. After
Danny Dyer Danial John Dyer (born 24 July 1977) is an English actor and presenter. Dyer's breakthrough role was as Moff in ''Human Traffic'' (1999), with other notable roles Billy the Limpet in ''Mean Machine (film), Mean Machine'' (2001) and as Tommy J ...
was cast as Mick Carter in the show, he revealed that he was approached to play Carl.


Characterisation

Carl is characterised as an unemployed man who has spent five and a half years in prison for drug offences. His backstory on the ''EastEnders'' website states that he grew up on a tough south London estate with his brothers. Upon his announcement, he was described as confident, dangerous and charming, while many news reports referred to him as a "bad boy" character. Coonan called the character a
dark horse A dark horse is a previously lesser-known person, team or thing that emerges to prominence in a situation, especially in a competition involving multiple rivals, that is unlikely to succeed but has a fighting chance, unlike the underdog who is exp ...
, very clever, manipulative and "slippery", and said that Carl is "exciting to play" because he is unpredictable, adding that you should always expect the unexpected with Carl. He compared the character to other villains from the series, saying he is "right up there with them." ''
Inside Soap ''Inside Soap'' is a weekly soap opera and television listings magazine published in the United Kingdom. The magazine is currently released every Tuesday. It covers storylines featured in British and Australian soap operas that are broadcast in t ...
'' called Carl "nasty" and "evil", and said that he fills the "super-villain" role last taken by Derek, hoping that he would "shake the Square to its foundations." ''Heat'' said of Carl, "there's a new baddie in town and he's proper scary." ''
Soaplife ''Soaplife'' was a soap opera magazine published in the United Kingdom by TI Media (formerly IPC Media and Time Inc. UK). The magazine was first published in 1999 and focused on British and Australian soap operas. It was originally published mont ...
'' reported that Carl would be the show's "toughest bad guy yet".
Digital Spy Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its initial launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television pro ...
called him "cunning and ruthless". Coonan hoped that Carl would be as devious as original villain
Den Watts Den Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by actor Leslie Grantham. He became well known for his tabloid nickname, "Dirty Den". Den was the original landlord of The Queen Victoria public house from Albert ...
(
Leslie Grantham Leslie Michael Grantham (30 April 1947 – 15 June 2018) was an English actor who played "Dirty" Den Watts in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He was a convicted murderer, having served 10 years for the killing of a West Germany, West German ...
), hoping for "spicy storylines" for his character, who is "a bad guy" and "pretty nasty" with "a dark way of going about things." However, he hoped that Carl would have redeeming qualities and that he would not be "a total arch-villain". He also compared Carl to
William Shakespeare William Shakespeare ( 23 April 1564 – 23 April 1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's nation ...
's
Iago Iago () is a fictional character in Shakespeare's '' Othello'' (c. 1601–1604). Iago is the play's main antagonist and Othello's standard-bearer. He is the husband of Emilia who is in turn the attendant of Othello's wife Desdemona. Iago ha ...
(from ''
Othello ''The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice'', often shortened to ''Othello'' (), is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare around 1603. Set in Venice and Cyprus, the play depicts the Moorish military commander Othello as he is manipulat ...
''), and said Carl is a film fan who would compare himself to
Al Pacino Alfredo James Pacino ( ; ; born April 25, 1940) is an American actor. Known for his intense performances on stage and screen, Pacino is widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of all time. His career spans more than five decades, duri ...
in films such as '' Scarface'' and ''
The Godfather ''The Godfather'' is a 1972 American Epic film, epic crime film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, who co-wrote the screenplay with Mario Puzo, based on Puzo's best-selling The Godfather (novel), 1969 novel. The film stars an ensemble cast inc ...
''. He also said Carl presents "different fronts to different people" and opined that there is "a bit of nice in him", but he likes to dominate, make money and have influence, and would not be good until he achieves that. He wondered if Carl would be capable of settling down and starting a family. On playing a villain, Coonan said, "It is good fun playing the bad guys. They are the always the best to play. They do not care how people perceive them. They do not have the normal social restrictions." He said that Carl is "slightly psychotic" and is "the sort of person who finds it genuinely heartwarming to see people suffer". In October 2013, Coonan said that Carl had been "an absolute bastard" during his six months in the show. Carl's profile on the official ''EastEnders'' website says he is "seductive" and can draw people to him, especially women, and can easily fool people. He can read people quickly, understanding what they want, and can tell who has power, but is waiting for a moment when he can take it for himself because he enjoys having power. He rarely gets into fights, is unsympathetic and angry, becoming suspicious of everybody. He is entrepreneurial, pragmatic and ingenious, and could have been a successful businessman if he did not choose a life of crime, though it was the only way he knew to get women, cars and money. He will do whatever he can to get what he wants. In August 2013, Coonan said, "I wouldn't mess with a man like Carl—I would stay indoors a lot more if I'd got on the wrong of someone like him. He's someone who doesn't care and who'll go to any lengths to take people out." In the run-up to Carl's departure, ''
All About Soap ''All About Soap'' was a fortnightly UK magazine founded in October 1999. It was released on Tuesdays. Storylines of the shows it covered were from soap operas shown in the United Kingdom and from Australia, including ''EastEnders'', ''Coronat ...
'' called him "a horrible bloke". ''Heat'' said Carl "thinks he's hard as nails, but compared to onnie, who attacks him he's just a big old pussycat."


Storylines and relationships

Carl is brought to
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
by
Bianca Butcher Bianca Jackson (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders,'' played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted ...
(
Patsy Palmer Julie Anne Merkell (''née'' Harris; born 26 May 1972), known professionally as Patsy Palmer, is a British actress and DJ. After appearing as Natasha in the children's drama series ''Grange Hill'' (1985–1987), she came to prominence for her p ...
) after she finds his telephone number in her uncle Derek's belongings. Derek had stolen Carl's money and Carl wants it back, though it has been found by
Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
(
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
) following Derek's death, and he has spent it. Coonan said, "the only way Carl knows how to get that cash back is to threaten people." He said that getting the money back is his first mission in Walford. Digital Spy said that Carl "leaves Ian Beale fearing for his life". Carl is Kirsty's ex-boyfriend, and Coonan explained that they were in a relationship before he went to prison. Carl was in his early 20s and Kirsty was 16 when they met and he became obsessive of her. Their relationship was based on hedonism and excess, rather than tenderness. When he went to prison, Kirsty promised to wait for him to be released, but she realised their relationship was toxic and ceased all contact. She then went on to marry Max. Carl is still in love with Kirsty, believing her to be "the only woman for him" and his second mission in Walford is to get her back. Coonan said this would cause problems between Carl and Max. He later said that "In Carl's head, he's coming in on a white horse to save Kirsty from a bad marriage", and explained that while Carl was in prison he focussed on Kirsty, and she "become an object of this freedom he was dreaming about. ..Now he sees she's poodling after Max and that he isn't treating her right." However, he thought that Kirsty may not want to reunite with Carl because "he's not the type of guy who's just going to change overnight" and he is probably not "the knight in shining armour" he thinks he is. Coonan went on to say that Carl would treat Kirsty "like a goddess" but would probably have a problem with her independence, and he would want to provide for her, being "old-fashioned and a bit misguided", and they would have a "fiery" relationship because they are both "strong-willed".
Kierston Wareing Kierston Wareing (born Faye Kierston Wareing (legally dropped Faye in 2006) 7 January 1976) is a British actress. Her first film role was the lead in Ken Loach's ''It's a Free World...'', followed by a supporting role in Andrea Arnold's ''Fish T ...
, who plays Kirsty, opined that her character is more suited to Carl than to Max, and hoped they could be a "manipulative, power couple". In July 2013, Carl's mother Nora White is introduced for a single episode, played by
Lynn Farleigh Marilyn J. "Lynn" Farleigh (born 3 May 1942) is an English actress of stage and screen. Early life Farleigh was born in Bath, Somerset on 3 May 1942 to Joseph Sydney Farleigh and his wife Marjorie Norah (née Clark). She attended the Redla ...
, when he and Kirsty visit her in a nursing home. ''Inside Soap'' said that Nora is "pure, unbridled evil" and her introduction might show why Carl is a menace, giving viewers a "glimpse into istwisted upbringing". They said there is tension between Carl and Nora, and compared her digging her fingernails into his hand to his burning of Ian's hand, asking "has Carl learnt everything he knows from his evil mum?" Coonan said that Nora is "dominating and horrible" and shows that Carl has "demons within his own family" and a "troubled background". ''Inside Soap'' hoped that Carl would "give notorious bad boy
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
a run for his money", and Coonan said that he had filmed scenes with
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
, who plays Phil, saying that "You can only have so many alpha males in one place before it kicks off!" On 11 July 2013, it was reported that Carl and Phil would be involved in a "massive car accident which leaves both men unconscious", caused by Carl. The storyline involves a flipped car and a helicopter, from which a birds-eye view of the crash scene is seen. It is reported to have cost £1 million to make. The crash was filmed over two days and was directed by Michael Owen Morris, who had to create what was originally scripted as "car hits wall" and compared it to a
James Bond The ''James Bond'' franchise focuses on James Bond (literary character), the titular character, a fictional Secret Intelligence Service, British Secret Service agent created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels ...
film. Newman said the crash was "A suitably explosive start to a jam-packed autumn and winter full of love, romance and reprisals", while a show insider said, "The crash is going to change things for many residents in Albert Square. There will be serious repercussions and with the twists and turns we have planned for the aftermath, everything might not be as it seems." Coonan spoke to David Brown from ''
Radio Times ''Radio Times'' is a British weekly listings magazine devoted to television and radio programme schedules, with other features such as interviews, film reviews and lifestyle items. Founded in September 1923 by John Reith, then general manage ...
'' about the crash, where it was said that Carl would "show just how evil he can be" by causing it. Coonan said that Carl causes the crash because he wants to depose Phil as "top boy" in Albert Square, saying it is "such an insane thing to do. You get to see how nuts Carl is. He doesn't care if Phil dies yet he risks damaging himself as well. ..He realises he will have to get rid of him." He also said that Phil is a "major barrier" for Carl getting what he wants, so he could either go into business with Phil or eliminate him. On filming the crash, Coonan explained that he was inside the car when the glass was detonated, and he suffered cuts on his leg and hand. Brown said the crash looks "visceral and intense" on screen, and said that Phil is not scared of Carl because he sees him as a "wannabe" and a "young pretender", but added that "there is obviously more to
arl ARL may refer to: Military * A US Navy hull classification symbol: Landing craft repair ship (ARL) * Admiralty Research Laboratory, UK * United States Army Research Laboratory * ARL 44, a WWII French tank Organizations * Aero Research Limited, ...
than hilrealises." On 3 September 2013, it was reported in the '' Daily Star'' that Carl would be buried in a shallow grave by Phil and Max. Danny Walker from the ''
Daily Mirror The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily Tabloid journalism, tabloid newspaper. Founded in 1903, it is part of Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), which is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the tit ...
'' said, "if you try and kill a Mitchell and blame Max Branning for cutting the brakes, it will have repercussions." Coonan revealed that in the run-up to his departure, Carl becomes a "bit of a lone wolf" after giving up trying to win Kirsty back, and said he has no friends because he has threatened everyone. Coonan shares scenes with actresses
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
, who plays
Ronnie Mitchell Ronnie Mitchell (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Samantha Womack. She and her younger sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 200 ...
, and
Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
, who plays
Roxy Mitchell Roxy Mitchell (also Slater) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rita Simons. It was reported on 1 December 2013 that Roxy would "seek solace" in Carl after her marriage is annulled, but
Shane Richie Shane Patrick Paul Roche (born 11 March 1964), known as Shane Richie, is an English actor, comedian, presenter and singer. Following initial success as a stage and screen performer, he became best known for his portrayal of the character Alfie ...
, who plays Roxy's ex-husband
Alfie Moon Alfie Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Shane Richie. He made his first appearance on 21 November 2002, and left on 25 December 2005. He returned on 21 September 2010, following the return of his on ...
, said Roxy is doing it because she has "her freedom back—and she'll be throwing it in Alfie's face", despite being warned off Carl by Ronnie and Phil. ''Soaplife'' said that Roxy is "hooked on the excitement of being with Carl." Ronnie and Carl then start a feud, and it was reported that it would "come to a head with some dark twists", and that "One last showdown then sees Ronnie get rid of Carl forever."


Departure

On 24 September 2013, it was announced that Carl, along with three other characters— Kirsty Branning (
Kierston Wareing Kierston Wareing (born Faye Kierston Wareing (legally dropped Faye in 2006) 7 January 1976) is a British actress. Her first film role was the lead in Ken Loach's ''It's a Free World...'', followed by a supporting role in Andrea Arnold's ''Fish T ...
), Poppy Meadow ( Rachel Bright) and AJ Ahmed ( Phaldut Sharma)—had been axed from the series by the new executive producer
Dominic Treadwell-Collins Dominic Treadwell-Collins (born 26 August 1977) is a British television producer, known for his work on the soap operas ''Family Affairs'' and ''EastEnders'', creating the ''EastEnders'' spin-off series '' Kat & Alfie: Redwater'' and Executive P ...
. It was reported that Treadwell-Collins was "determined to get ''EastEnders'' back to its best" and a spokesperson confirmed the departures. Reports said that it was hoped the move would increase ratings, and a show source added that " readwell-Collinsdidn't feel the characters who are leaving fit with the direction he is taking the show so he quickly decided to write them out. He has only been in a month but he is already making big changes. He knows what he wants for ''EastEnders'' and is putting plans in place quickly." Coonan filmed his final scenes before Christmas 2013 and departed in 2014. Coonan hoped the character would "go out in a blaze of glory", saying "That would be a kind of logical end for him. Either marry him off or blow him up!" He felt that the producers no longer wanted bad characters in ''EastEnders'', saying "they want tto be about love and deceit." He had hoped that other sides to the character could have been explored, such as Carl winning Kirsty back and then trying to stay out of trouble but failing, or turning them into a criminal couple while showing Carl's "more human side".


Storylines

Carl arrives at
Bianca Butcher Bianca Jackson (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders,'' played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted ...
's (
Patsy Palmer Julie Anne Merkell (''née'' Harris; born 26 May 1972), known professionally as Patsy Palmer, is a British actress and DJ. After appearing as Natasha in the children's drama series ''Grange Hill'' (1985–1987), she came to prominence for her p ...
) house, after she telephones him thinking his number belonged to her father
David Wicks David Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC TV soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Michael French. David originally appeared from 23 December 1993 to 21 November 1996. He returned to the show on 1 January 2012 and departed two weeks later ...
(
Michael French Michael French (born Michael Clark, 17 September 1962) is an English actor, known for his roles as David Wicks in ''EastEnders''; Nick Jordan, a consultant and Clinical Lead, Senior Consultant in emergency medicine in '' Casualty'' and former ...
). Bianca assumes Carl is the plumber, but when the real plumber arrives, Carl says he is the friend of Derek Branning (
Jamie Foreman Jamie Foreman (born 25 May 1958) is an English actor best known for his roles as Duke in ''Layer Cake'' (2004) and Bill Sikes in Roman Polanski Raymond Roman Thierry Polański (; born 18 August 1933) is a Polish and French filmmaker and a ...
) that Bianca called. He learns that Derek is dead, and claims to know his daughter Alice Branning ( Jasmyn Banks), so Bianca gives him her address. He visits Alice, who gives him the box that contained the phone number, which Alice says was found by
Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
(
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
). Bianca's friend
Kat Moon Kat Slater (also Moon and Mitchell) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jessie Wallace. She was also played by Kate Peck in a flashback in 2001 and Sumar-Elise Sandford in a flashback in 2018. Kat is the ...
(
Jessie Wallace Karen Jane Wallace (born 25 September 1971), known professionally as Jessie Wallace, is an English actress. She made her acting debut in the television police series ''The Bill'' and rose to prominence for her role as Kat Slater on the BBC so ...
) realises that Carl lied about knowing Alice and warns Alice and Bianca to be wary of him. Carl visits Ian, who denies knowing Derek. Carl realises Ian took £10,000 from the box that Derek owed him, and Ian is terrified of Carl. The next day, Carl sees his ex-girlfriend, Kirsty Branning (
Kierston Wareing Kierston Wareing (born Faye Kierston Wareing (legally dropped Faye in 2006) 7 January 1976) is a British actress. Her first film role was the lead in Ken Loach's ''It's a Free World...'', followed by a supporting role in Andrea Arnold's ''Fish T ...
), who says she is now married and pregnant, and he has no reason to stay. At the restaurant, Carl makes Ian confess to taking his money, and tells Ian to pay him £500 a week for the foreseeable future. He then tells Kirsty he is not leaving. Ian soon realises the situation between Carl and Kirsty, so he threatens to tell Kirsty about Carl's blackmail. Carl responds by burning Ian's hand. Joey Branning ( David Witts) catches Carl dealing drugs in the nightclub, R&R and informs
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) and Kirsty's husband
Max Branning Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jake Wood. He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006. Wood took a four-month break from the show in 2011 and the character was absent between August and Nov ...
(
Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is a British actor and podcaster from Westminster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' a ...
), who confront and threaten Carl and his brother Adam. Max calls the police because he thinks Carl is involved in Kirsty nearly getting mugged by Carl's brother Adam White (Ben Wigzell) and Carl is checked for drugs by the police in front of Kirsty. Carl has none, and later tells Max that in three weeks' time, he will end Max and Kirsty's relationship. Three weeks later, Carl deliberately cuts the brakes on his car, then takes Phil as his passenger, and crashes it after releasing Phil's seatbelt. Phil is hospitalised and Carl frames Max for cutting the brakes after forcing Ian to become a false witness, promising to cancel the debt. Max is arrested and released on bail, until Carl goads him into attacking him, and he is remanded in custody. Max ends his relationship with Kirsty under Carl's instructions, who has threatened to harm his daughter
Lauren Branning Lauren Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. The role was originally played by Madeline Duggan, who first appeared on 3 July 2006. Duggan played the role for four years until her exit on 23 June 2010. Three ...
(
Jacqueline Jossa Jacqueline Mary Osborne (''née'' Jossa) (born 29 October 1992) is an English actress. She is known for portraying Lauren Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2019, Jossa won the nineteenth series of '' I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Ou ...
). Carl attempts to take over Phil's businesses while he is in hospital, and after
Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
(
Linda Henry Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
) challenges him, she mysteriously disappears. Carl attempts to reconcile with Kirsty but she rejects him. However, she later approaches him and they have sex, but he sees her stealing £1000 from him the next morning. On the day of Max's trial, Ian fails to turn up, and Max is released without charge, to Carl's fury. Max and Phil then kidnap Carl and Phil offers Max the chance to kill him. Max declines and leaves, so Phil prepares to kill him instead until Carl implies that he caused harm to Shirley and knows where she is. He leads Phil to a block of run-down flats where Shirley is staying with her sister, Tina Carter (
Luisa Bradshaw-White Luisa Bradshaw-White (born 9 December 1974) is an English actress. She is known for her roles in many British television series, including ''Grange Hill'' as Maria Watts, '' This Life'' as Kira, '' Bad Girls'' as Lorna Rose, ''Holby City'' as Li ...
). It is revealed that Carl threatened Shirley to stay away from Walford or he would harm Phil's family. Carl leaves, but Phil confronts him later. Carl declares that he has contacts inside prison who can harm his son if Phil does anything to him. Carl then tells Max that he had sex with Kirsty while he was in prison, leading to Max ending his relationship with Kirsty. When
Roxy Mitchell Roxy Mitchell (also Slater) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rita Simons.Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
) splits from her husband
Alfie Moon Alfie Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Shane Richie. He made his first appearance on 21 November 2002, and left on 25 December 2005. He returned on 21 September 2010, following the return of his on ...
(
Shane Richie Shane Patrick Paul Roche (born 11 March 1964), known as Shane Richie, is an English actor, comedian, presenter and singer. Following initial success as a stage and screen performer, he became best known for his portrayal of the character Alfie ...
) immediately after their wedding, Carl flirts with a drunken Roxy. She insists she is not interested, but later waits outside his new flat and they have sex when he returns. They start a relationship, which Roxy's sister
Ronnie Mitchell Ronnie Mitchell (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Samantha Womack. She and her younger sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 200 ...
(
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
) disapproves of and tries to split them up. She confronts Carl, who is violent towards her and a final threat leads to her hitting him over the head with a champagne bottle; he falls unconscious. She ties him up in Phil's garage and the next day tells him to leave Walford and never return, but he ignores her and attempts to rape her, kissing her forcefully. She slams the boot of a car onto his head, killing him, and has the car crushed with his body inside.


Reception

Carl's first episode, broadcast on 20 June at 7:30pm on BBC One, received overnight ratings of 6.64 million, an audience share of 33.7%, while the BBC Three repeat, shown at 1am on 21 June, was watched by 210,000 people, 8.3% of the total viewing audience at that time. Gary Gillatt from ''
Inside Soap ''Inside Soap'' is a weekly soap opera and television listings magazine published in the United Kingdom. The magazine is currently released every Tuesday. It covers storylines featured in British and Australian soap operas that are broadcast in t ...
'' wrote of Carl's arrival, "Walford's new super-villain shows big promise. We loved how Kat boldly shoved up her boobs the moment she saw Carl, but then had him pegged as a wrong'un in seconds. And an isscared—and so are we!" David Brown from the ''
Radio Times ''Radio Times'' is a British weekly listings magazine devoted to television and radio programme schedules, with other features such as interviews, film reviews and lifestyle items. Founded in September 1923 by John Reith, then general manage ...
'' said the character is "shaping up nicely" as the latest bad-boy character. He later stated that Carl could help increase ratings if viewers feared him, saying, "We're making some headway here with bad boy Carl, whose
Robert De Niro Robert Anthony De Niro ( , ; born August 17, 1943) is an American actor, director, and film producer. He is considered to be one of the greatest and most influential actors of his generation. De Niro is the recipient of List of awards and ...
routine is unsettling the locals. But, let's face it, his mother was ten times more intimidating and she was only in one episode. EastEnd life should always be a combination of charm and menace: for every
Jack Branning DI Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim ( John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham) and the ...
, there should be a Trevor Morgan. Get Carl and his old ma to join forces—then we'd be getting somewhere." Filipa Jodelka from ''
The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in Manchester in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'' and changed its name in 1959, followed by a move to London. Along with its sister paper, ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardi ...
'' said, "Carl is an ''EastEnders'' speciality, a new character shoehorned in with a backstory that's not so much shadowy as completely obscured. Everyone seems to be scared of him, though, because apparently wandering around the Square silently pulling faces counts as menacing these days." Victoria Garo-Falides from the ''
Daily Mirror The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily Tabloid journalism, tabloid newspaper. Founded in 1903, it is part of Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN), which is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the tit ...
'' said Carl is "on track to be the shortest, scariest man ever to walk the Square". Coonan received a nomination for "best bad boy" at the 2013 ''Inside Soap'' Awards, on which he said "I was massively surprised to be nominated ..because the story involving Carl and Max was only just starting to kick in." Coonan was not shortlisted for the award. He said that he was being recognised in public and that "everybody seems to really love the character". When it was announced that Coonan would be leaving the show in 2014,
Yahoo! Yahoo (, styled yahoo''!'' in its logo) is an American web portal that provides the search engine Yahoo Search and related services including My Yahoo, Yahoo Mail, Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Sports, y!entertainment, yahoo!life, and its a ...
TV UK said, "It's been enjoyable for a while—but there's only so many hardmen that the Square can handle." Vicky Prior from the ''
Metro Metro may refer to: Geography * Metro City (Indonesia), a city in Indonesia * A metropolitan area, the populated region including and surrounding an urban center Public transport * Rapid transit, a passenger railway in an urban area with high ...
'' said, "I shall be glad to see the back of
arl ARL may refer to: Military * A US Navy hull classification symbol: Landing craft repair ship (ARL) * Admiralty Research Laboratory, UK * United States Army Research Laboratory * ARL 44, a WWII French tank Organizations * Aero Research Limited, ...
" After Carl was killed off, Brown from ''Radio Times'' said Carl "won't be missed" because "His poor-man's Robert De Niro shtick was starting to grate and ''EastEnders'' has never really thrived when it's put pre-watershed gangsters centre stage."


See also

*
List of soap opera villains A list is a set of discrete items of information collected and set forth in some format for utility, entertainment, or other purposes. A list may be memorialized in any number of ways, including existing only in the mind of the list-maker, but ...


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:White, Carl EastEnders characters Television characters introduced in 2013 Fictional criminals in soap operas British male characters in soap operas Fictional blackmailers Male villains Fictional murdered people Fictional gangsters Fictional drug dealers