Who is Michael Owen Morris? EastEnders tribute explained after death

| Freelance Soaps Reporter Published September 28, 2026 4:59pm Updated September 28, 2026 5:11pm Michael Owen Morris was a huge presence behind the scenes (Picture: BBC) EastEnders viewers who watch today (Monday, September 28) episode of the BBC soap, will see a heartfelt tribute to director and producer, Michael Owen Morris, at the conclusion of the credits. The graphic read: ‘In loving memory of Michael Owen Morris 1947 – 2026’, alongside an image of the iconic director. Michael’s legacy is that of one of the longest-running directors in the history of EastEnders with his first episodes airing in 2003. He continued to direct on the show regularly until 2019, returning for one final episode in 2023. This brought his total of episodes directed to 241! His final outing on the show was a special one and came under previous producer, Chris Clenshaw, and was a landmark episode set in France and explained how Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was not only still alive after her supposed death in 1998, but that she had reunited with her ex-husband, Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). The episode also featured the return of Thomas Law to the role of Peter Beale, but also the return of Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) EastEnders paid tribute to the long-serving director (Picture: BBC) Michael directed the episode featuring the return of the Beale clan (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) He worked under a huge selection of show bosses, including: Louise Berridge, Kate Harwood, Diederick Santer, Bryan Kirkwood, Lorraine Newman, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Sean O’Connor, John Yorke, and Kate Oates across his years on the show. He also helmed the spin-off special, Pat & Mo in 2004, which centred on the history of Pat Evans (Pat St. Clement) and Mo Harris (Laila Morse). Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. The spin-off episode delved deep into the backstory between the two Walford matriarchs, and went a way to explaining the long running feud that had developed between them. Michael also made his directing presence felt on other soaps, too, contributing 9 episodes of Coronation Street in 1994, 4 episodes of Holby City between 1999 and 2000 and 16 episodes of The Bill between 1989 and 2002. Away from soap, Michael worked on Campion, Doctor Who, Vanity Fair and Tenko. Very sad to hear that super-talented director Michael Owen Morris has died. We loved taking him back to his Awakening locations in 2010 and I was filming with him again only last year – lovely chap. pic.twitter.com/wSFWdXbi7U— Chris Chapman (@ChrisChapman81) July 5, 2026 A number of tributes were paid to him on X/Twitter, with @ChrisChapman81 writing: ‘Very sad to hear that super-talented director Michael Owen Morris has died. We loved taking him back to his Awakening locations in 2010 and I was filming with him again only last year – lovely chap’. @philipnewmandsign added: ‘Oh that’s very sad! Only met him a few months ago at a @fantomfilms signing. And just finished a rewatch of Tenko for which he directed several episodes…RIP’ while @lambikins said: ‘That’s the lovely part of the entertainment industry.. his work will always be remembered..on film’ @stargaze girl said: ‘Ohhhh that is such sad news. He was a fantastic director.’ Deals of the Day I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale Arrow MORE: Cast of beloved axed BBC show reunited after pain of drastic cuts Arrow MORE: Axed Debbie Webster legend Sue Devaney would have stayed on Coronation Street for the rest of her career Arrow MORE: ‘It means the world’: Soap stars unite to support Emmerdale couple for a cause close to their hearts The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.