It’s been more than two decades since Michael Greco walked the cobbled streets of EastEnders’ Albert Square as Beppe Di Marco, but his story didn’t stop when the cameras cut.
From soap star to poker pro, fatherhood to West End roles, Michael’s life has taken all kinds of surprising turns—and he’s finally ready to look back.
A 90s Soap Star Who Made Serious Waves
Back in the late ’90s, Michael became a household name the moment he burst onto EastEnders as part of the Italian Di Marco clan.
He played Beppe, a police officer turned nightclub owner, who butted heads with Grant Mitchell and stirred up more than a few romantic storylines.
During his three-year stint, Michael picked up two British Soap Awards for Sexiest Male and was even voted Sexiest Male Soap Star Ever by Radio Times readers.
But despite the fanfare, he wasn’t thrilled with how things ended.
His character left Walford quietly in a cab after his on-screen mum suffered a heart attack.
“I just left with a bag of crisps,” he joked, looking back on his low-key exit.
Post-EastEnders Life: Poker, Fame, and a Whole Lot of Cash
While many soap stars struggle to move on from a major role, Michael took an entirely different path—poker.
And not just dabbling in Vegas for fun.
He went pro and made over £1 million in winnings, including a jaw-dropping $250,000 in one day.
“I put it in my rucksack and sprinted to my hotel room,” he admitted, recalling how paranoid he was carrying that kind of money through the streets.
“It was fun, it paid well, but eventually I got bored. I missed acting.”
Jumping Between Screens and Stages
Though acting remained his first love, Michael chose variety over mainstream fame.
He performed in productions like Aladdin at Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre, took the lead in Naked in London, and appeared on Casualty and Holby City.
He even popped up on Celebrity Love Island and Soapstar Superstar, showing off a cheekier, more playful side.
In 2023, he joined the cast of Netflix’s African Queens, keeping his acting resume fresh and full of surprises.
High-Profile Romances and a Party Lifestyle
Greco’s personal life once grabbed as many headlines as his career.
He was linked to Lisa Faulkner, Dani Behr, and Stephanie Waring of Hollyoaks.
At one point, he was engaged to glamour model Linsey Dawn McKenzie, though the relationship ended tragically with two miscarriages.
Stephanie, meanwhile, reportedly ended things with Michael over his party-heavy lifestyle.
“She’s more of a homebody,” a friend said at the time. “He wasn’t ready to settle down.”
A New Chapter: Fatherhood at 50
In 2020, Michael’s life changed completely when he became a first-time dad at age 50.
Sharing the news with fans, he called it “the best news I could ever dream of,” especially during the global chaos of the pandemic.
He and partner Helen Harris welcomed their second child, Gianni, in 2024.
Michael gushed about his family life on Instagram, calling himself “the happiest man alive.”
For someone who once lived for the party scene, fatherhood clearly brought a brand-new kind of joy.
A Quiet Comeback and a Family Reunion
Despite being out of the soap spotlight for years, Michael made headlines again when the Di Marco family reunited in 2023—25 years after their EastEnders debut.
The nostalgic photo he shared got fans reminiscing, with comments like, “It’s never been the same without the Di Marcos!”
Though the reunion warmed fans’ hearts, Michael revealed that he wasn’t invited back for the show’s 40th anniversary.
“They didn’t ask me,” he admitted. “I guess I’m not on their radar anymore.”
Still, he joked about how he still makes money off the show, albeit in tiny amounts.
“I get £1.27 in repeat fees every six months,” he laughed during an interview.
Looking Ahead—But Still Hoping for a Return?
While Michael’s career has zig-zagged through soap stardom, poker riches, and unexpected fatherhood, one thing hasn’t changed—his love for performing.
Though he doesn’t expect a return to EastEnders, he’s still open to the idea.
“If they want you back, they get you back,” he said with a grin.
“Maybe I’ll return as a vice squad officer and arrest someone in the Square.”
