Aaron Monroe | |||||||||
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EastEnders character | |||||||||
Portrayed by | Charlie Wernham | ||||||||
Duration | 2021–2022 | ||||||||
First appearance | Episode 6363 21 October 2021 | ||||||||
Last appearance | Episode 6475 26 April 2022 | ||||||||
Classification | Former; regular | ||||||||
Introduced by | Jon Sen | ||||||||
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Aaron Monroe is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Charlie Wernham. Wernham auditioned for the role over Zoom due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on television and was cast as Aaron, the son of Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) and older brother of Dana Monroe (Barbara Smith). He first appeared in episode 6363, broadcast on 21 October 2021. Wernham was open about his joy to be cast in EastEnders, as it had been a childhood dream of his. Across his stint, Aaron's storylines have included his relationship with Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith), involvement with a far-right terrorist organisation, and his eventual arrest and struggles in prison.
Initially billed as a suave, opinionated, and cocky businessman, Aaron was soon revealed to be involved in an Islamophobic hate group. The storyline required advisors on-set to ensure accuracy. Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the plot, Wernham was happy to play a villain. Aaron saw an unnanounced exit, which was confirmed after his last appearance in episode 6475, broadcast on 26 April 2022. Aaron's character was generally disliked by viewers, but Wernham often received supportive messages online for his portrayal.