In a heartwarming update from the world of EastEnders, former star Danny Walters,

best known for his portrayal of the lovable yet troubled Keanu Taylor, has announced the birth

of his first child. Walters, who graced the screen as the infamous mechanic from 2017 until his departure in 2024, shared the joyous news with fans on social media, flooding his followers with emotion and excitement.

In a post shared on Instagram, Walters revealed that he and his partner Maddie had welcomed their beautiful daughter into the world. The actor posted a touching black-and-white photograph, showing the tiny hand of their newborn being gently held by both parents. “One month with you,” Walters captioned the photo, with a bittersweet acknowledgment of their autumn-born bundle of joy, who arrived on March 25th. The simplicity of the image, paired with the powerful sentiment, left fans and friends alike feeling the warmth of the couple’s blissful new chapter.

The birth of their daughter marks a significant moment in Walters’ personal life, providing a glimpse of the quieter, more intimate side of the actor behind the dramatic character of Keanu. Walters’ portrayal of the complex, often conflicted mechanic had earned him a dedicated fanbase, and his real-life news has prompted an outpouring of support and congratulations from his EastEnders co-stars.

Denise Fox actress Diane Parish was quick to celebrate with a heartfelt comment, saying, “Ah wow, congrats to you all Danny.” Meanwhile, Emma Barton, who played the iconic Honey Mitchell, echoed the sentiment with a simple but meaningful, “Congrats darling.” Keanu’s on-screen sister, the ever-loving Bernie, played by the talented Cla Norris, added to the flood of joy by leaving a series of heart emojis in the comments. Their support highlights the close-knit nature of the EastEnders cast, where friendships extend far beyond the studio lights and into real-life milestones.

But while the happiness surrounding Walters’ personal life has stolen the limelight, fans of the show will remember his exit from the BBC soap with mixed emotions. Keanu Taylor’s departure from EastEnders was nothing short of dramatic. His exit storyline, which unfolded in a series of shocking twists, saw Keanu shockingly revealed as the Christmas Day victim of a long-running mystery, teased almost a year in advance through a haunting flash-forward. This plot twist, which kept viewers on the edge of their seats, ignited months of speculation about who would be the true victim and how the events would unfold.

When Keanu’s death aired on screen, it was a moment of high drama and emotional devastation for both the character and viewers. For Walters, however, it was a deeply challenging and emotional journey. In an interview following his exit, Walters revealed how tough it was to keep the secret of his character’s demise, confessing to the strain it put on his personal relationships. “I feel like I’ve been very deceitful to my friends and my family,” Walters shared, reflecting on the immense weight of keeping the plot twist under wraps. “I’ve had to make a lot of excuses and laugh it off, but I wanted the storyline to have as much impact as possible for the audience.”

Indeed, the tension surrounding Keanu’s supposed death kept fans on tenterhooks for months, and when the moment finally arrived, it was a devastating blow for those who had followed his turbulent journey on the show. Keanu’s character had been through a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from the turbulent relationships with family and friends to his passionate and complicated romance with Sharon Watts. Walters’ commitment to portraying Keanu’s complex emotional arc had earned him accolades, but his exit brought an end to one of EastEnders’ most gripping storylines.

Though Keanu’s fate may have been sealed, Walters was keen to carry a piece of his character with him. The actor revealed that he had kept Keanu’s iconic mechanic overalls as a poignant memento from his time on the show. The overalls, symbolizing his character’s working-class roots and blue-collar resilience, serve as a powerful reminder of Walters’ journey through the world of Albert Square. “They’re a great reminder of everything Keanu went through,” Walters said, adding that they held sentimental value and would forever be a connection to his time on EastEnders.

Looking forward, Walters is clearly embracing this new chapter in his life with his partner Maddie, stepping into the role of a father with the same dedication and passion that he brought to his portrayal of Keanu. Becoming a parent is a monumental life event, and for Walters, it represents a fresh start, a chance to shape his own legacy outside the world of EastEnders.

As the star of the popular BBC soap transitions into fatherhood, the future remains bright for the actor, who has already established himself as a charismatic and talented performer. With his infectious energy and ability to portray a wide range of emotions, Walters has undoubtedly made his mark on the British television landscape. Now, with the arrival of his daughter, he is poised to face a new adventure, one that will undoubtedly bring its own set of challenges and rewards.

For fans of EastEnders, Walters’ personal news is a moment of joy and reflection. His portrayal of Keanu Taylor may have come to an end, but his impact on the show and its viewers will not be forgotten. As for the future, it’s clear that the actor is ready for whatever comes next – both as a father and as a performer. The excitement around his new arrival is palpable, and one can’t help but wonder what new milestones Walters will share with his fans as he continues to grow in both his personal and professional life.

In the world of EastEnders, where drama and tragedy often go hand in hand, Walters’ heartfelt announcement offers a rare and beautiful moment of hope and happiness. It reminds us all that, even in the midst of tumultuous storylines and complex characters, there is always room for new beginnings, love, and family.

As Walters embarks on this new chapter, fans can only wish him and Maddie all the best as they raise their daughter, cherishing the memories of their unforgettable time on EastEnders while looking forward to the bright future that awaits them.