Who was Steve Owen in EastEnders, how did he die and when was Martin Kemp in the soap?

STEVE Owen was a legendary EastEnders hardman character, played by Martin Kemp.

The character has been mentioned on screen again recently after his former wife Mel Owen, returned to the BBC One soap with her son – newcomer Hunter. But who was Steve Owen and how did he die? Here's the lowdown...

Who was Steve Owen and when did Martin Kemp star in EastEnders?

Steve Owen was a nasty nightclub owner, played by heartthrob Martin Kemp, who appeared on the soap from 1998 until 2002.

Prior to appearing in EastEnders, Martin was known for being in the band Spandau Ballet.

When Steve arrived he bought the Market Cellar Club, which he did up and renamed E20.

During his time on the show he romanced Saskia Duncan and Sam Mitchell, before marrying Mel Owen and having a son, Hunter, with her.

Mel was engaged to Ian Beale when she first met him and she cheated on him with Phil Mitchell.

One of Steve’s biggest storylines was when he killed Saskia, by hitting her over the head with an ashtray after she started causing trouble at his club night opening.

He later dumped her body in Epping Forest and pinned the blame on Matthew Rose.

Steve was also known for feuding with the Mitchell brothers, being a conman and for having a drug addiction.

How did Steve Owen die?

The evil schemer was killed off in a car blaze following a feud with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden).

He was trying to deceive Phil and help Lisa Fowler flee the country with Louise.

A car chase ensued and led to a nasty crash, and after rescuing Louise, Steve didn’t come out alive.

Why was Steve Owen mentioned recently?

Steve has been mentioned on screen again recently after Tamzin Outhwaite, who plays his ex Mel Owen, returned to the BBC One soap.

The former couple's son Hunter Owen (Charlie Winter) has also joined Mel in Albert Square, and it came to light she has been pretending his father was an east end hero.

But Hunter soon finds out the truth about his dad, who was responsible for murdering his former flame Saskia Duncan (Deborah Sheridan-Taylor) and then framing Matthew Rose (Joe Absolom) for the crime.

Mel and Hunter's return prompted calls from EastEnders fans for Steve to return, despite him being dead.

But it wouldn't be the first time a character has returned from the grave on the soap after Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) did so in 2015 following a 15-year absence from Walford.