Just months after his on-screen character met a chilling end, EastEnders alum Danny Walters is writing a much happier chapter in real life. The actor, known to millions as Keanu Taylor, has stepped away from the drama of Albert Square and into the most heartwarming role of his life—fatherhood.

On March 25, Danny and his partner Maddi welcomed their baby girl, Autumn, into the world. The proud parents chose to share the beautiful news a month later with a touching black-and-white photo on Instagram, showing the tiny hand of their daughter nestled between theirs. The caption was simple, emotional, and brimming with love: “One Month With You, Autumn. Born March 25.”

The post drew a wave of congratulations from friends, fans, and former EastEnders co-stars alike. Diane Parish, who plays Denise Fox, was among the first to comment with a heartfelt “Ah wow! Congrats to you all Danny.” Emma Barton, known as Honey Mitchell, chimed in with “Congrats darling,” while Clair Norris, who portrayed Keanu’s on-screen sister Bernie, responded with a cascade of heart emojis.

It’s a remarkable moment for the actor, who not long ago was at the center of one of EastEnders’ most suspenseful and secretive storylines. Keanu Taylor’s fate was teased in a groundbreaking flash-forward episode nearly a year ahead of Christmas 2023, when viewers saw a lifeless body on the floor surrounded by six iconic women. Fans speculated for months, trying to decode who the victim was and how the story would unfold. When Christmas Day finally arrived, the chilling truth was revealed: Keanu was the corpse, and “The Six” were behind it.

The reveal stunned audiences—and left Danny Walters with the unenviable task of keeping his character’s death a secret for months. Reflecting on the experience after the episode aired, he confessed it had been “extremely difficult” to maintain the illusion. “I feel like I’ve been very deceitful to my friends and my family (laughs) and have made many excuses!” he joked. Still, his commitment to the storyline’s impact never wavered. “I wanted the storyline to have as much impact as possible for the audience,” he added.

Despite his character’s grim end, Walters left EastEnders with his head held high—and with a few tokens of his time on the show. Among them: Keanu’s mechanic overalls, a symbolic keepsake of his six-year journey on the Square.

Now, away from the cameras and plot twists, Danny is focused on a new kind of script—fatherhood. Autumn’s arrival marks the start of an entirely new chapter, one filled with wonder, milestones, and a love deeper than any storyline could ever capture. From the emotional weight of Keanu’s last breath to the tender first breaths of his daughter, it’s clear that Danny Walters is embracing his off-screen life with the same passion and heart that made him a fan favorite on-screen.