Frank Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Mike Reid. Frank makes his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987, but due to a positive viewer reception, he is reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long hiatus from EastEnders in 1994 and Frank remained off-screen for over a year and a half. Frank made his return as a recurring character from December 1995 to January 1998. Frank eventually becomes a regular once again from May 1998 to November 2000, when Reid quit the show. Frank makes three brief reappearances after that, the final one in December 2005. Following Reid's death in July 2007, Frank died off-screen and the character was celebrated with a special week of episodes in April 2008.
Frank Butcher
Frank and Pat Wicks marry on 22 June 1989
Frank in the early 1990s. The character was often seen wearing a trilby, raincoat and large tinted glasses.
Frank seducing Pat naked was voted the fifth top soap moment of all time in 2004.
Michael Reid was an English comedian, actor, author and occasional television presenter. He played the role of Frank Butcher in the soap opera EastEnders and hosted the children's game show Runaround. He was known for his gravelly voice and strong London accent.
Reid as Frank Butcher in EastEnders
Mike Reid's face on the façade of a shop in Brighton
Mike Reid's gravestone in the graveyard of St Mary's Church, Little Easton, Essex