Lisa Faulkner, the actress and TV presenter, has been through some dramatic chapters in her personal life, including a marriage to one of the most sinister villains in EastEnders history. But what really happened between Lisa and her ex-husband, the infamous Tony King? The dark storyline involving Chris Coghill’s portrayal of the abusive character shook fans and still resonates with the audience today.

💔 Lisa’s Tumultuous Past: From Chris Coghill to John Torode

Before falling for MasterChef host John Torode, Lisa Faulkner was married to EastEnders actor Chris Coghill, who played the notorious Tony King on the BBC soap. For those who might not remember, Tony King was one of EastEnders‘ most unsettling characters—a man who was not only married to Bianca Jackson, but also sexually abusing her daughter Whitney Dean over a long period of time. The storyline was groundbreaking, as it was the first time child sexual abuse was addressed so openly on UK soap operas, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.

Lisa and Chris met while working together on the set of Burn It and eventually adopted a daughter, Billie, in 2006 after going through an IVF journey together. However, despite their efforts to build a family, the couple separated in 2011. Lisa has since shared with Good Housekeeping how difficult it was to navigate life after her divorce and the emotional toll it took on her, especially as she started a new relationship with John Torode while raising her daughter.

🥄 From MasterChef to Master of Her Heart: Lisa and John Torode’s Unexpected Romance

While Lisa and John Torode’s love story was born out of their professional connection on Celebrity MasterChef in 2010, things weren’t exactly romantic at first. At the time, both were married, and neither Lisa nor John thought of their relationship beyond the confines of their working environment. However, fast-forward a few years later, and both were single, with John taking the first step in asking Lisa out for a dinner date.

Speaking in 2013 to The Daily Mail, Lisa confessed how their friendship blossomed into something more. “We went out for dinner. Then it was slightly different,” she said. Despite her initial hesitation, Lisa revealed that she and John always got along well, but romance wasn’t on her radar until that fateful dinner.

💥 Chris Coghill’s Villainous Role Shocks Audiences

Chris Coghill’s portrayal of Tony King remains one of the most harrowing and unforgettable performances in EastEnders history. His character’s dark and abusive behavior towards Whitney is still a painful reminder of the impact of child sexual abuse and the strength needed to confront such horrors. While the actor himself was not involved in such behavior, the weight of playing such a controversial and disturbing character carried a heavy toll for him as well.

Tony King’s dramatic exit, after being arrested for his crimes, continues to haunt the residents of Walford, especially Whitney, who has revisited the trauma in later years. Fans still reference the storyline, highlighting the emotional and psychological scars left on both the characters and the viewers.

💖 Lisa’s New Love and Taking Things Slowly

Despite the dark chapters of her past, Lisa has found happiness with John Torode. Their relationship has blossomed into something beautiful, and Lisa has been open about the slow journey they took towards becoming a couple. “We took things really slowly because of Billie, and also because I’d been through the end of a marriage,” Lisa said, reflecting on how important it was for her to proceed cautiously, especially as a mother.

Lisa has spoken about how her initial fears of John—whom she found intimidating due to his role as a judge on MasterChef—slowly turned into admiration and love. “I was petrified of him. He was brilliant and gave us all tips so you didn’t want to let him down,” Lisa shared, remembering how their professional relationship eventually blossomed into something much deeper.

💬 Final Thoughts: Lisa’s New Chapter

Lisa Faulkner’s life has been anything but boring, filled with love, heartbreak, and massive career transitions. From her marriage to Chris Coghill, whose portrayal of the EastEnders villain Tony King left a dark mark on soap opera history, to her blossoming romance with John Torode, Lisa has navigated it all with grace.

While her past with Coghill remains a significant part of her history, her present with Torode is filled with love and hope. And as for EastEnders fans, Tony King will always be remembered as one of the most chilling characters to ever grace Albert Square.