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English actor (born 1983) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ricky James Norwood (né Saggar; born 26 April 1988) is a British actor from London, known for portraying the role of Fatboy in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders (2010–2015, 2023) and its online spin-off EastEnders: E20 (2010–2011). Following his initial exit from the soap, Norwood appeared as a housemate on the eighteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2016 and finished as the runner-up. He has also competed in the sixteenth series of Dancing on Ice in 2024.
Ricky Norwood | |
---|---|
Born | Richard James Saggar 26 April 1988 |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 2009–present |
Television | EastEnders EastEnders: E20 Celebrity Big Brother Dancing on Ice |
Norwood was born Ricky James Saggar on 26 April 1988 in Forest Gate, Newham in London to an English father and a Kenyan-Indian mother.[1][2][3] He lives in Wanstead.[4] From the age of 12, he attended the Theatre Royal Stratford East's Youth Theatre and also studied Performing Arts at Barking College. With friends, Norwood started a production company, writing, producing and starring in five original productions which were performed at the Theatre Royal Stratford.
Ricky is a fan of Tottenham Hotspur football club.[5]
Norwood's theatre credits include Daddy Cool at Shaftesbury Theatre, Sick at the Almeida Theatre and The Stones at the Royal National Theatre.[5]
In 2009, Norwood was cast in the EastEnders internet spin-off series EastEnders: E20 as Fatboy.[6][7] Norwood said of his casting: "I am so excited to be on the show. It's an honour to now be part of a show that has been on in my house for as long as I have been alive. I am born and bred in the East End—a stone's throw from the real Albert Square. It feels like a homecoming. I love being part of a cast that feels like family and can't wait to have a scene in The Vic."[8] In the run-up to the series, Norwood also appeared in EastEnders for two episodes, and after EastEnders: E20's first series ended, Fatboy became a regular character in EastEnders. Fatboy was called one of the most popular new characters in the show[9] and Norwood won Most Popular Newcomer at the 16th National Television Awards in 2011.[10] Norwood went on to appear in series 2 and 3 of EastEnders: E20 as Fatboy, and has appeared in the spin-offs "East Street"[11] and All I Want for Christmas.[12]
In March 2014, a video surfaced of Norwood reportedly smoking cannabis and performing a sex act during a Skype chat, captured by a woman he had met online. On 1 April, after meeting with BBC and EastEnders bosses, he was suspended from the soap for two months. An EastEnders spokesperson said: "Ricky Norwood has been suspended from the show for a period of two months with immediate effect. In addition, Ricky would like to apologise to EastEnders' viewers for any offence caused and for bringing the show into disrepute."[13] On 16 October 2015, it was announced that Norwood had been axed from EastEnders after nearly six years in the role of Fatboy, after show bosses chose to write the character out.[14] Norwood filmed his final scenes later that month and producers chose to keep details surrounding Fatboy's exit under wraps. A show spokesperson said, "We can confirm that Ricky will be leaving EastEnders. We wish him all the best for the future",[14] whilst a show insider commented: "Ricky is a great guy and very popular on set. He's leaving the show as it's the end of Fatboy's storyline, but everyone wishes him well for the future."[14] His last on-screen appearance was on 24 December 2015, and it transpired that the character was killed off-screen when crushed in the boot of a car. In August 2023, Norwood made a cameo appearance as Fatboy in a flashback episode surrounding the return of Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).[15][16]
In 2013, Norwood appeared on Pointless Celebrities[17] and Sweat the Small Stuff.[18] He also took part in the 2013 Christmas special of Strictly Come Dancing, and was paired with professional dancer Janette Manrara.[19]
Norwood's first role after leaving EastEnders was as a "vile, violent homophobe" in Marty Ross's audio drama Romeo and Jude, a gay adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.[20]
From 2016 to 2018, Norwood regularly appeared as a panellist on the Big Brother companion show, Big Brother's Bit on the Side.[21] In July 2016, Norwood became a housemate on the eighteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother.[22] He finished the series as runner-up behind Stephen Bear.[23] In 2020, Norwood appeared as Reggie in the Netflix film The Princess Switch: Switched Again.[24] The following year, he reprised his role for the sequel The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star.[25] In 2024, Norwood appeared as a contestant on the sixteenth series of Dancing on Ice.[26] He was paired with Annette Dytrt and was sixth to be eliminated.[27]
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2010–2015, 2023 | EastEnders | Fatboy | Regular role | [28] |
2010−2011 | EastEnders: E20 | Regular role | [6] | |
2010 | Children in Need | Episode: "East Street" | [29] | |
2012 | All I Want for Christmas | EastEnders spin-off | [30] | |
2013 | Tamwar Tales – The Life of an Assistant Market Inspector | EastEnders spin-off | [31] | |
2013 | Strictly Come Dancing | Contestant | 2013 Christmas special | [32] |
2015–2018 | Big Brother's Bit on the Side | Himself | Regular panellist | [33] |
2016 | Celebrity Big Brother | Himself | Contestant; series 18 | [34] |
2020 | The Princess Switch: Switched Again | Reggie | Film role | [24] |
2021 | The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star | Reggie | Film role | [25] |
2024 | Dancing on Ice | Himself | Contestant; series 16 | [35] |
Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | Inside Soap Awards | Best Newcomer | Won | [36] |
2010 | TV Quick Awards | Best Soap Newcomer | Shortlisted | [37] |
2011 | National Television Awards | Newcomer | Won | [10] |
2011 | British Soap Awards | Best Newcomer | Nominated | [38] |
2012 | Inside Soap Awards | Funniest Male | Won | [39] |
2012 | Black International Film Festival and Music Video & Screen Awards | Best Newcomer | Nominated | [40] |
2013 | Screen Nation Awards | Young Shooting Star (16-25) | Nominated | [41] |
2013 | British Soap Awards | Best Comedy Performance | Nominated | [42] |
2013 | Inside Soap Awards | Funniest Male | Shortlisted | [43] |
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