EASTENDERS Cast Then and Now 2026 | Where Are They Now?

Welcome to the outer fringes of the galaxy. It has been forty-eight years since the Liberator first took flight and introduced audiences to a dark, cynical, and deeply compelling vision of the future. Premiering in 1978, Blake's 7 broke the mold of traditional science fiction by trading optimistic space exploration for an intense, gritty rebellion against a corrupt interstellar Federation. As we look back from the perspective of May 2026, nearly half a century has passed, and the stars of this cult classic have seen profound changes, incredible career transformations, and recent, deeply emotional farewells. The anti-heroes of the crew have faced their own final chapters. We pay tribute to the core leaders of the rebellion we have lost, including Gareth Thomas who brought fierce conviction to Roj Blake before his passing in 2016, and Paul Darrow who gave us the brilliantly cold Kerr Avon until his departure in 2019. The Blake's 7 family is also mourning a very recent loss, as Michael Keating, who brought warmth, humor, and cowardice to life as the beloved thief Vila Restal, passed away just weeks ago in April 2026 at the age of seventy-nine. We honor his memory alongside Jacqueline Pearce, who gave us the incomparable villain Servalan, and David Jackson as the gentle giant Gan. Meanwhile, several key members of the rebellion continue to thrive today. Sally Knyvette, who played the fierce pilot Jenna Stannis, is seventy-five years old in 2026 and has built a long career as a director and acting teacher. Jan Chappell, the telepathic alien guerrilla Cally, is celebrating eighty years of life and continues to revisit her iconic role through audio dramas. From the later seasons, Josette Simon, who played the weapon expert Dayna Mellanby, is now sixty-six and stands as a highly decorated theater icon with an OBE for her services to drama. Alongside her, Steven Pacey, who brought a youthful arrogance to pilot Del Tarrant, is sixty-eight years old and actively works across television, recently appearing in major fantasy epics like House of the Dragon. Blake's 7 remains a masterclass in low-budget, high-concept storytelling that proved complex characters and sharp dialogue could outshine any special effects. Who was your favorite member of the original crew, and which episode still holds up for you after forty-eight years? Share your memories, tributes, and thoughts in the comments section below. Subscribe to Screen Fortune to keep exploring the history, lost fortunes, and enduring legacies of classic television history. Disclaimer: Ages and statuses are verified as of May 2026. The voiceover used in this video is made using AI. This video is a nostalgic tribute to the cast and creators of Blake's 7.