User:Bluebolt94/Jeff Healy

Jeff Healy
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Leslie Schofield
Duration	1997–2000
First appearance	9 December 1997
Last appearance	3 August 2000
Classification	Former; regular
In-universe information Occupation Handyman Wife Jane Healy Sons Alex Healy Daughters Melanie Owen Katie Healy

Jeff Healy is played by Leslie Schofield, introduced in 1997. The character was axed in 2000 by executive producer John Yorke.

Storylines

Jeff first arrives in Albert Square in December 1997 to rebuild bridges with his son Alex Healy (Richard Driscoll). One of Jeff's daughters, Melanie Owen (Tamzin Outhwaite), makes a reappearance in his life and the three of them gradually began living as a family again. Jeff has a brief courtship with Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) but was rejected when he proposes to her. Jeff left Walford in August 2000.

Character creation

Jeff was axed from EastEnders in March 2000 and made his last appearance 3 August 2000.

Development

In July 1999, it was confirmed that Jeff will start a fling with Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard). Sharon Marshall said of the storyline "Pauline will stun viewers by actually smiling as she falls for the ageing Romeo." An EastEnders insider said "Wendy's character has been left out in the cold recently but she is much happier with this strong storyline."

Reception

Of Jeff and Rosa's short fling, Merle Brown of the Daily Record said "So, anyway Rosa gets it on with Jeff this week too, but she ends up in confession the next day and then tells him it was a mistake and she can't even be friends with him. Women, eh? What are we like? No wonder men get confused. But it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind." A writer for BBC News said "Although not exactly the average Casanova, he too has set hearts a flutter, including that of Dot and Rosa di Marco, for whom he worked as a waiter." Sharon Marshall of The People called Jeff an "ageing Romeo".