Peter Beale
Peter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', currently played by Thomas Law.[1] He made his first appearance on 16 December 1993 in episode 926, introduced as the newborn son of Ian Beale and Cindy Beale, along with his twin sister Lucy Beale.[2] In the show's timeline, Peter was born on 9 December 1993.[3] He is the half-brother of Steven Beale, Bobby Beale, Gina Knight, Anna Knight, and Cindy Williams Jr., and the father of Louie Beale.[4] Portrayed by seven actors over the years due to the character's age progression, Peter has been central to major Beale family storylines, including his mother's criminal past and his sister's murder. After departing in 2015, he briefly returned in 2020 and permanently in 2023.[5]Casting and development
Casting
The role of Peter Beale has been portrayed by multiple actors due to the character's aging across decades, with frequent recasts to match developmental stages and accommodate performers' growth or career changes. Narrative gaps in the storyline, such as periods where Peter lived abroad with his mother Cindy, facilitated these transitions without disrupting continuity.[6] Peter was introduced as a baby in 1993 and initially played by child actors. Francis Brittin-Snell portrayed the newborn and toddler from December 1993 to October 1996.[1] Alex Stevens took over the role in November 1997, continuing until May 1998 to reflect Peter's early childhood.[7] Joseph Shade assumed the part in October 1998, holding it for the longest child tenure until September 2004, allowing the character to age into pre-teen years.[8] James Martin played Peter from 2004 to 2006, bridging the transition to adolescence.[5] In August 2006, at age 13, Thomas Law was cast as the teenage Peter to align with the character's advancing age, making his on-screen debut later that month and serving until December 2010.[9] Law's selection emphasized age appropriateness, enabling authentic family dynamics with co-stars like Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale. To further age the character into young adulthood, a recast occurred in 2013; Ben Hardy, then 22, was announced for the role on April 19, 2013, debuting in June after an off-screen explanation of Peter's time overseas.[10] Executive producer Lorraine Newman highlighted Hardy's fit, describing him as a "wonderful addition to the EastEnders cast" suited to the role's dramatic demands.[10] Hardy departed in February 2015 amid rising commitments, including film projects.[11] After another storyline absence, Dayle Hudson was cast in December 2019 at age 24, debuting in March 2020 as the adult Peter returning to Walford.[12] Executive producer Jon Sen commended Hudson's audition, stating, "As soon as I met Dayle, I knew he'd be the one to bring Peter Beale back to Walford," praising his ability to convey the character's layered history.[13] Hudson's tenure ended in July 2022. In June 2023, Thomas Law reprised the role for a special episode tied to family reunions, transitioning to full-time status by August.[7] Executive producer Chris Clenshaw welcomed the return, noting Law "brings a wealth of experience and history to the character."[14] As of November 2025, Law remains in the role, providing continuity to Peter's ongoing portrayal.[15]| Actor | Years Portrayed | Notes on Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Francis Brittin-Snell | 1993–1996 | Initial baby/toddler portrayal |
| Alex Stevens | 1997–1998 | Early childhood |
| Joseph Shade | 1998–2004 | Pre-teen years; longest child run |
| James Martin | 2004–2006 | Late childhood |
| Thomas Law | 2006–2010 | Teenage years |
| Ben Hardy | 2013–2015 | Young adult; post-abroad gap |
| Dayle Hudson | 2020–2022 | Adult return |
| Thomas Law | 2023–present | Adult reprise |