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Alex Healy (EastEnders)

The Reverend Alex Healy
Alex Healy.jpg
EastEnders character
Portrayed by Richard Driscoll
Duration 1997–1999
First appearance Episode 1429
31 March 1997
Last appearance Episode 1823
23 August 1999
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Vicar

Alexander "Alex" Healy is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Richard Driscoll between 31 March 1997 and 23 August 1999.

Alex arrives in Walford in March 1997 as the local vicar. He runs a homeless shelter called Bridge House with the help of Christian follower Sarah Hills (Daniela Denby-Ashe), despite protests from many of the residents in Walford. Alex falls in love with Kathy Mitchell (Gillian Taylforth) while her marriage to Phil (Steve McFadden) has begun to crumble. Alex and Kathy later break up when she leaves for South Africa, ignoring Alex's pleas to stay. A while later, Alex leaves the Square to work in a mission in Somalia.

His first major television role, Driscoll was sent to audition for EastEnders by his agent and following a screen test was given the part of vicar Alex. His first scene was with actress Daniella Denby-Ashe who played Sarah Hills. He has reflected, "I was really chuffed. But that soon turned to fear when I had my first scene with Daniella. It was so nerve-racking. I didn't really understand the set-up. I don't know how I got the words out."

Alex's most notable storyline is a love affair with Kathy Mitchell (Gillian Taylforth) who is married in the serial to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). Discussing the storyline, Driscoll suggested that Alex had been "wracked by emotional and spiritual turmoil ever since" sleeping with Kathy. He added, "Alex has got a lot of conflict. He's been suggesting to his father that he should work at his relationship with his wife - but there he is having an affair with a married woman. He feels a bit of a hypocrite - he feels guilty and ashamed. But the inescapable fact is he's attracted to Kathy. Something strange and wonderful happens to him when he's around her."


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