Steven Richard "Steve" Owen was a fictional character and recurring antagonist of the British soap opera EastEnders from 28 December 1998 to 1 March 2002.
He was portrayed by Martin Kemp, who is best known for being the bassist for the British band Spandau Ballet.
History
Steve's first major storyline in the show saw him murder his former love Saskia Duncan (which he did in self-defence when she tried to strangle him) and framed Matthew Rose for the crime.
Matthew was arrested and sent to prison, was appealed and exacted revenge of Steve by tying him to a chair and threaten to pour petrol on him and set him on fire.
However, when Steve reduces to a nervous helpless wreck, Matthew reveals that the petrol was actually water and that he just wanted to show Steve up for what he truly was.
Steve subsequently slipped into depression and became addicted to drugs, before leaving Walford and returning 4 weeks later after conquering his addiction.
He later became an enemy of Phil Mitchell and Dan Sullivan because of their connections to Steve's girlfriend and eventual wife Melanie. Steve later became a suspect in the "Who Shot Phil?" storyline.
In 2002, Steve planned to leave Walford for America with Melanie, Lisa Shaw, Martin Fowler and Lisa and Phil's daughter Louise.
However, Mark is unable to go and Lisa believes that their plan is falling apart. Steve leaves in his car with Louise with Phil pursuing them in his car. Steve's car's tires burst, causing him to crash into a barrel of petrol and starts a fire. Steve passes Louise to Phil, but before Phil can help Steve, the car explodes and kills Steve.
