Roland Manookian is a British actor who gained a loyal following through gritty crime films before stepping into the mainstream as Teddy Mitchell on EastEnders. His time on the soap lasted only 18 months, ending abruptly in December 2025 when his character was sentenced to life in prison. Behind the scenes, the circumstances of his departure remain a topic of debate among fans.
Born in Bermondsey, London, Manookian built his reputation playing tough, streetwise characters in British independent cinema. His career path reflects a pattern common among character actors: years of cult-film roles followed by a high-profile television stint, then an unexpected exit that leaves both the character and the actor’s future uncertain.
This profile draws on verified sources to separate established facts from speculation. It covers his early background, film and television work, the details of his EastEnders exit, and what is – and is not – known about his personal life.
Who Is Roland Manookian? Personal Background and Early Life
| Full Name | Date of Birth | Place of Birth | Occupation | Known For | Notable Roles | Marital Status | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roland Manookian | 21 February 1980 (age 45 in 2025) | Bermondsey, London, England | Actor, Writer, Director | The Football Factory, Rise of the Footsoldier, EastEnders | Zebedee (Rise of the Footsoldier), Teddy Mitchell (EastEnders) | Not publicly confirmed (rumoured married) | Estimated $1–3 million (unverified) |
- Roland Manookian has built a career largely in British crime dramas and independent films, with his most mainstream role being Teddy Mitchell on EastEnders.
- His sudden exit from EastEnders in December 2025 after only 18 months suggests behind-the-scenes restructuring or creative decisions.
- Despite a cult following for roles like ‘Zebedee’ in Rise of the Footsoldier, Manookian remains relatively under the radar in mainstream media.
- His Instagram presence (5.8k followers) indicates a modest but engaged fanbase, often sharing philosophical musings.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 21 February 1980 |
| Age (2025) | 45 |
| Birthplace | Bermondsey, London, England |
| Occupation | Actor, writer, director |
| Notable Films | The Football Factory (2004), Rise of the Footsoldier (2007), RocknRolla (2008), His House (2020), Oliver Twist (2005) |
| Notable TV | EastEnders (2024–2025, Teddy Mitchell), The Bill (appearance, year unknown) |
| Current Status | Recently departed from EastEnders; future projects unannounced |
Roland Manookian’s Career: Movies, TV Shows, and Rise to Fame
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
Manookian’s first major film role came in 2004 with The Football Factory, a gritty drama about football hooliganism. He followed this with a part in Roman Polanski’s Oliver Twist (2005), playing the character Noah Claypole. The year 2007 brought his most recognisable film role: Zebedee in Rise of the Footsoldier, a biographical crime film based on the life of gangster Carlton Leach. In 2008 he appeared in Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla.
The nickname ‘Zebedee’ is exclusive to his character in Rise of the Footsoldier. There is no documented evidence that it is used as a personal nickname outside the film.
Later Film Work and Television
In 2020 Manookian starred in the Netflix horror film His House, a critically acclaimed story about refugees confronting supernatural forces in England. His television credits include a guest appearance on the long-running police drama The Bill, though the specific episode date is not widely recorded. He joined EastEnders in summer 2024 as Teddy Mitchell, the half-brother of Billy Mitchell, bringing a polished but ruthless edge to the Mitchell family.
For a full filmography, see Roland Manookian on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.
Why Was Roland Manookian Axed from EastEnders? Recent News and Future Plans
The Storyline Behind Teddy Mitchell’s Exit
Manookian’s character Teddy Mitchell was written out of EastEnders in December 2025 after 18 months on the show. In the narrative, Teddy received a life sentence – a minimum of 20 years – for taking the blame for a murder committed by his son Harry. The victim was drug dealer Okie Okyere. Teddy was subsequently moved to Durham prison, hundreds of miles from his family in Walford, effectively ending his presence on Albert Square. Radio Times confirmed the details of the exit scenes.
During his 18 months, Teddy was involved in a romantic plot with Sharon Watts, which made him an adversary of cousin Phil Mitchell. He also participated in burning the Panesars’ call centre after a threat from Ravi Gulati, and became central to a drug-related plot involving his son Harry and Kojo Asare’s debt.
The ‘Axe’ vs. Quit Debate
An EastEnders spokesperson confirmed Manookian’s departure to Digital Spy, stating: “We can confirm Roland will be leaving EastEnders this year, and we wish him all the best for the future.” While some fan pages and forums describe his exit as being “axed”, reports suggest the actor chose to leave due to dissatisfaction with the writing and story direction, indicating a personal decision rather than a forced cancellation. Co-star Laura Doddington (Nicola Mitchell) paid tribute to Manookian on Instagram after his exit, praising him as a colleague.
What’s Next for Roland Manookian?
As of early 2026, no future projects have been announced. His Instagram profile reveals a modest following of 5.8k, with posts that often include philosophical reflections rather than career updates. It remains to be seen whether he will return to independent cinema or pursue other television work.
The distinction between being ‘axed’ and leaving voluntarily has not been officially clarified. The actor has not publicly commented on the reasons for his departure.
What Is the Career Timeline of Roland Manookian?
- 1980 – Born in Bermondsey, London.
- 2004 – First major film role in The Football Factory.
- 2005 – Appears in Oliver Twist.
- 2007 – Plays Zebedee in Rise of the Footsoldier.
- 2008 – Role in Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla.
- 2020 – Stars in horror film His House on Netflix.
- Summer 2024 – Joins EastEnders as Teddy Mitchell.
- December 2025 – Departs EastEnders after 18 months; character given life sentence.
More background is available on Wikipedia.
What Is Known and Unknown About Roland Manookian?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Roland Manookian is a British actor born on 21 February 1980 in Bermondsey. | Net worth figures are speculative; no verified sources exist. |
| He appeared in The Football Factory, Rise of the Footsoldier, RocknRolla, and EastEnders. | Marital status and wife’s identity are not confirmed by official sources. |
| He was reportedly axed from EastEnders in December 2025 after 18 months. | Ethnicity is often assumed from his surname (Armenian) but not publicly stated. |
| His character Teddy Mitchell received a life sentence in the storyline. | Meaning of ‘Zebedee’ as a nickname is not documented outside the film role. |
What Does Roland Manookian’s Career Trajectory Reveal?
Roland Manookian’s career trajectory reflects a pattern common among British character actors: starting in gritty crime films, transitioning to mainstream TV, then facing an abrupt exit. His EastEnders departure may be linked to cost-cutting or storyline changes. The lack of verified personal data leaves room for fan speculation, but his work remains the strongest anchor for his public identity.
What Do Official Sources Say About Roland Manookian?
“Roland Manookian (born 21 February 1980) is a British actor from London. He is known for his roles in the films The Football Factory (2004) and Rise of the Footsoldier.”
– Wikipedia
“Roland Manookian has been AXED from his role of Teddy Mitchell. His exit will air…”
– EastEndersOverdose Facebook (fan page)
“Roland Manookian was born in 1979 in Bermondsey, London, England, UK. He is an actor and writer, known for RocknRolla (2008), His House (2020) and Oliver Twist.”
– IMDb
What Is the Conclusion on Roland Manookian?
Roland Manookian remains a respected figure in British independent cinema and recently gained wider recognition through EastEnders. His departure from the soap marks the end of a short but impactful tenure, and his future moves are awaited by fans. For those following other EastEnders cast stories, see Jac Jossa – Split Rumors, Biography and Children and Bonnie Langford – Biography, Career, Family and Doctor Who Role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Roland Manookian’s net worth?
There is no publicly verified net worth. Estimates range from $1–3 million based on his film and TV roles, but these are speculative.
Is Roland Manookian married?
His marital status is not publicly confirmed. Some sources mention a wife, but no official records or interviews confirm this.
What does ‘Zebedee’ mean in relation to Roland Manookian?
‘Zebedee’ is the nickname of his character in the film Rise of the Footsoldier. It is not known to be a personal nickname.
Did Roland Manookian appear in The Bill?
Yes, he had a guest role in the long-running British police drama The Bill, though the episode year is not widely documented.
What is Roland Manookian’s ethnicity?
His surname suggests possible Armenian heritage, but he has not publicly discussed his ethnicity.
Freddie Harry Cooper Bennett is a staff writer for DailyPressUK.co.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitmore and UK Managing Editor Eleanor Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.