2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on EastEnders cast shock as FOUR stars return for harrowing storyline
A HARROWING storyline will soon play out in EastEnders, which comes as FOUR stars make a comeback to the BBC soap opera.
Four EastEnders stars will be making a comeback and reprising their roles in the hit soap for the show’s 40th anniversary.
PAJamie Winstone will be playing a young Peggy Mitchell once again[/caption]
PAHer return comes as Phil battles depression in the soap[/caption]
In 2022, Jamie Winstone portrayed a young Peggy Mitchell in the hit soap operaBBCAs well as Jamie making a comeback, the other three actors returning are: George Russo as Eric Mitchell, Daniel Delaney as a young Phil Mitchell, and Teddy Jay as a young Grant MitchellBBC
Jaime Winstone is set to reprise the role of Peggy Mitchell as she returns to EastEnders, along with three other actors.
The cast comebacks are for an upcoming episode as part of Phil Mitchell’s ongoing mental health storyline.
Phil’s depression will worsen over the coming weeks, with him set to experience symptoms of psychosis in the form of hallucinations.
When Phil has these hallucinations, he will see scenes from the Mitchell family home in 1985.
In the hallucinations, Jamie Winstone will reprise her role of a young Peggy Mitchell.
Jamie first starred in the soap as a young Peggy in 2022 when the soap aired a special Mitchell flashback episode.
Jamie playing the role of Peggy Mitchell again also comes after she played the role of Barbara Windsor in the hit 2017 movie about the actress.
Joining Jamie making a comeback to the soap is George Russo as Eric Mitchell, Daniel Delaney as a young Phil Mitchell, and Teddy Jay as a young Grant Mitchell.
They will all be returning to reprise their roles after the aforementioned episode which aired in 2022.
As well as the four returning characters and actors, Sam Miles will also be joining the cast to take on the role of a young Nigel Bates.
PHIL’S PIVOTAL MOMENT
During his hallucinations, Phil will act as a bystander to a pivotal moment from his adolescence.
On her return to the soap as Peggy, Jamie Winstone said: “It was such an honour to be welcomed back to play Peggy Mitchell, she is a dream role for me.
“So to be able to contribute to this iconic family on this major storyline has been such a joyous and emotional journey and I truly hope I have done her justice.”
Chris Clenshaw, the executive producer of EastEnders added: “We are thrilled to welcome back the young Mitchells for these special scenes as we lead up to our 40th anniversary week.
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Coming up this year…
Ross Kemp – Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
“In 2022 fans and critics alike celebrated Jaime’s portrayal of Peggy, and with Phil’s story, this feels like the perfect time for her to reprise the iconic role – joined once again by George, Daniel, Teddy and now Sam as a young Nigel.
“Flashbacks like these give the audience a unique opportunity to better understand Phil’s mindset and the traumatic events that have led him to his mental health crisis.”
MENTAL HEALTH LINK
EastEnders is working closely with various mental health charities to portray Phil’s depression storyline as accurately as possible.
The soap is working with The Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), and Mind.
Phil is currently involved in a harrowing depression storylineBBCBBCThe storyline will play out amid the 40th anniversary of the soap[/caption]
2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Jack P Shepherd warns ‘no one is safe’ in Coronation Street twist amid cast cull
CORONATION Street legend Jack P Shepherd has warned ‘no one is safe’ in his character’s storyline – amid a cast cull.
Jack, 37, has played David Platt ever since joining the ITV soap in 2000.
Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd has revealed what’s ahead for his character David PlattRexITVJack has been playing the popular character since 2000[/caption]
ITVHe addressed the imminent danger posed by the Radcliffe brothers[/caption]
Last year, David made a misstep in stealing dirty moneyfrom crime boss Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor).
When Harvey realised the money was missing, David soon found himself at the baddie’s mercy.
Recently, he was horrified to realise Harvey’s cronies knew who his daughter Lily is.
With his character’s loved ones in immediate peril, Jack addressed the latest developments in Weatherfield.
He said: “Knowing that no one is safe and they could come after his whole family, he’s panicked and he’s desperate.
“He’s trying to think of ways to pay the money back but it’s a huge lump sum to come up with and he’s bricking it.”
The actor added: “David’s unpredictable, even for soap, you can see where it’s going with certain stories and that it’s not going to end well but you’re not quite sure how he’s going to get out of it or if he’s going to win in the end but hopefully he does.”
Elsewhere, Jack also addressed the threat of the Radcliffe brothers, Logan (Harry Lowbridge) and Matty (Seamus McGoff).
Harvey previously sent the duo after David – to threaten him and get the stolen money back.
Earlier this month, the twisted pair killed their own brother Mason (Luca Toolan) in shocking scenes.
Meanwhile, Jack shared an insight on what the duo’s viciousness meant for David moving forward.
He shared: “He’s very worried because the Radcliffe brothers are now known killers and if they’re prepared to do that to their own brother, he knows they’re not going to hesitate once they get the nod to kill him.”
Will the Platts pull through the latest drama in their lives?
Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
ITVDavid is no stranger to drama in Coronation Street[/caption]
2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on Pep Guardiola’s wife Cristina Serra throws marriage split stories into doubt — by stepping out with her wedding ring on
PEP Guardiola’s wife Cristina Serra throws marriage split stories into doubt — by stepping out with her wedding ring on.
The mum of three, 52, was seen out and about in Barcelona, with her arm in plaster, days after a separation was reported.
GUSTAVO GONZALEZCristina Serra was seen stepping out with her wedding ring on in Barcelona[/caption]
ReutersPep also had his band on at the Etihad for last night’s Prem game against Chelsea[/caption]
The Man City boss, 54, also had his band on at the Etihad for last night’s Prem game against Chelsea.
Pep’s wife has broken her silence following her split from the Manchester City manager to insist she’s “feeling great”.
She smiled as she was approached by a Spanish reporter in the city centre showing off a stylish look of white trainers and loose-fitting grey trousers with a designer handbag slung over the left shoulder of her cream-coloured coat.
Asked how she was doing, the mum-of-three replied: ‘Perfecta, gracias’ – ‘Perfect, thanks’ in English.
She added: “Everything’s fine” when quizzed again about her frame of mind.
But the pretty brunette opted for silence when she was asked about speculation the cause of their breakup had been Guardiola’s decision to stay at Manchester City and sign a two-year contract extension with his club.
Lorena Vazquez and fellow Spanish journalist Laura Fa, who make up a duo of well-respected showbiz reporters called the Mamarazzis, broke the story of the couple’s split at the start of last week.
2 weeks agoLatest NewsComments Off on EastEnders at 40: Vote for your favourite Walford faces with our poll to celebrate those who make you smile
AFTER 40 years of drama, laughter and tears, we all have a favourite EastEnders character.
Thousands have appeared in the show, from pub landlords to hardmen and the big personalities who never fail to make us smile.
PAYou can now pick your top EastEnders characters in our online poll[/caption]
Love ’em or loathe ’em, they’ve all made their mark.
Now, Sun on Sunday readers can pick their top Walford faces in our online poll.
Vote at thesun.co.uk/eastenders and next week we’ll unveil the nation’s favourites – chosen by you.
BEST DOUBLE ACT
Den and Angie Watts v Mick and Linda Carter
BBCDen and Angie Watts’ stormy marriage had us laughing and crying[/caption]
WARNING: Use of this image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital PictureMick and Linda Carter stuck together through thick and thin[/caption]
THEIR stormy marriage had us laughing, crying and gasping with shock but Angie refused to let cheating husband Den go, even during the rockiest of times.
Mick and Linda stuck together through thick and thin and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when the couple renewed their wedding vows in a touching Christmas ceremony at the Queen Vic.
FUNNIEST CHARACTER
Alfie Moon v Dot Cotton
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarronAlfie Moon got held up at gunpoint in the shop as he tried to buy condoms[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationDot Cotton had many memorable moments including when she discovered that her special herbal tea was cannabis[/caption]
DOT’S memorable moments include stumbling across porn as she innocently searched the internet for bushes, and discovering that her special herbal tea was actually cannabis. Ooh, I say!
Shane Richie brought perfect comedy timing to the role of Alfie.
Who can forget him getting held up at gunpoint in the shop as he tried to buy condoms?
BEST BAD BOY
Phil Mitchell v Nick Cotton
BBCPhil Mitchell has committed just about every crime you care to mention[/caption]
handoutNick Cotton killed war veteran Reg Cox and stabbed landlord Eddie Royle[/caption]
HARDMAN Phil has committed just about every crime you care to mention.
He killed a homeless man, fired a gun at his brother Grant, took part in an armed robbery and tried to murder Dennis Rickman.
Not content with killing war veteran Reg Cox and stabbing landlord Eddie Royle, Nasty Nick tried twice to bump off mum Dot to get his hands on her money.
BEST BAD GIRL
Janine Butcher v Stella Crawford
BBC / Kieron McCarronJanine Butcher fell out with Pat Butcher, Kat Slater and Laura Beale and killed two husbands[/caption]
BBCStella Crawford was one of the soap’s most hated characters[/caption]
WALFORD’S Queen of Evil, Janine fell out with Pat Butcher, Kat Slater and Laura Beale.
She killed two husbands (including pushing Barry off a cliff), tried to kill Ryan Malloy and stabbed Michael Moon.
Stella Crawford was one of the soap’s most hated characters. Jealous of fiancé Phil Mitchell’s son Ben, she cruelly abused him physically and emotionally.
BEST BATTLEAXE
Pat Evans v Pauline Fowler
BBCPat Evans’ most notable showdown was with Peggy Mitchell[/caption]
BBCPauline Fowler famously feuded with Peggy and Sonia[/caption]
TOUGH-talking Pat could not resist a slanging match with anyone who crossed her, most notably her classic “You bitch!” showdown with Peggy Mitchell.
Overbearing Pauline never held back, famously feuding with Peggy and Sonia, who she described as the “daughter of a scrubber, lesbian, underage mother who gave away her own baby”.
BEST PUB BOSS
Angie Watts v Peggy Mitchell
GettyAngie Watts was loud and feisty[/caption]
BBCPeggy Mitchell was famous for telling anyone who upset her to ‘Get outta my pub!’[/caption]
LOUD and feisty, Angie sure had her hands full as the Queen Vic’s first landlady – and the wife of cheating husband Dirty Den.
Famous for telling anyone who upset her to “Get outta my pub!” the formidable Peggy ruled the Queen Vic with a rod of iron, all while trying to keep her two warring sons Phil and Grant in check.
SEXIEST FEMALE
Tiffany Butcher v Lucy Beale
instagramTiffany Butcher (played by Maisie Smith) regularly sets social media alight with her bikini snaps[/caption]
Refer to CaptionLucy Beale (played by Hetti Bywater) sends fans wild[/caption]
TIFFANY is played by Maisie Smith, girlfriend of The Wanted pop star Max George, and she regularly sets social media alight with her sexy bikini snaps.
Hetti Bywater, who plays Lucy, has also showcased her bikini body in social media posts, as well as sending soap fans wild with her glamorous red-carpet looks.
HOTTEST HEART-THROB
Ravi Gulati v Joe Wicks
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarronRavi Gulati’s good looks have won him an army of admirers[/caption]
Joe Wicks was twice voted TV’s sexiest actorPA
WHEN he’s not breaking hearts on the soap as bad-boy Ravi, Aaron Thiara is working out. His fit body and good looks have won him an army of admirers.
Paul Nicholls captured the hearts of fans as tormented Joe in the 90s as the pin-up of his era.
He was twice voted TV’s sexiest actor and graced covers of magazines.
HAPPIEST COUPLE
Billy & Honey Mitchell v Ricky & Bianca Butcher
BBCBilly & Honey Mitchell have been on and off since 2006[/caption]
BBCRicky & Bianca Butcher’s romance has captivated fans[/caption]
HONEY and Billy have been on and off since marrying in 2006. They are due to remarry on February 19 – the actual date of the soap’s 40th anniversary.
Ricky and Bianca’s on-off romance captivated fans and, in 1997, one of the biggest-ever audiences of 22million saw them marry.
A spin-off followed – EastEnders: Ricky & Bianca. The pair remarried in 2010.
STRONGEST WOMAN
Cindy Beale v Sharon Watts
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarronCindy Beale has always bounced back[/caption]
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarronSharon Watts takes everything in her stride[/caption]
SCHEMING Cindy looks after No1 and, while the homewrecker has had her heart broken countless times, she always bounces back.
Sharon famously married one Mitchell brother, then had an affair with another.
She takes everything in her stride, including an affair with Keanu, 30 years her junior and becoming a mum again at 50.
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Here we pay tribute to its late stars and take a look at the careers of the original line-up.
DIED
AlamyJune Brown, who played Dot Cotton, made her last appearance in 2020 before passing in 2022[/caption]
Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard): The feisty matriarch ruled the roost until 2006 when Pauline was found dead in the snow after being hit over the head with a frying pan.
Wendy died from breast cancer three years later at 65.
Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher): After being warned by doctors that the gruelling filming schedule would kill him, Bill quit and Arthur was killed off in 1995.
He later got a film role in George And The Dragon with Patrick Swayze.
Bill died aged 92 in 2022.
Den Watts (Leslie Grantham): The infamous landlord had two stints in Walford from 1985-1988 and then again from 2003-2005.
Leslie was axed from the show after an internet sex scandal in 2004.
He died of lung cancer, aged 71, in 2018.
Dot Cotton (June Brown): The actress made her last appearance in 2020.
The BBC insisted that the door remained open and her dressing room was reportedly left intact, but June died in 2022, aged 95.
Dr Legg (Leonard Fenton): After leaving in 1997, Leonard continued to bob in and out for the next 22 years.
He worked as an artist and director and performed radio plays.
His final appearance was in 2019 when Dr Legg passed from pancreatic cancer.
Leonard died in 2022, aged 95.
Lou Beale (Anna Wing): The formidable head of the Beale family was killed off in 1988.
She worked alongside Orlando Bloom in 2004 film The Calcium Kid and was still acting at 97.
She died in 2013, aged 98.
Ethel Skinner (Gretchen Franklin): She was the Walford gossip queen for three years until her character moved to an old folks’ home.
She made brief returns until her final appearance in 2000.
Gretchen died in 2005, aged 94.
Andy O’Brien (Ross Davidson): Ross made EastEnders history as the first main character to be killed on the soap, in a road accident in 1986.
He also appeared in Brookside and Hollyoaks.
He died from brain cancer in 2006, aged 57.
Sue Osman (Sandy Ratcliff): Sue was written out of the show in 1989.
After battling a heroin addiction, she re-trained and worked as a counsellor.
She died in 2019, aged 70.
Willy the pug: Ethel’s dog Willy was put down in heart-breaking scenes in 1992 and, just two weeks later, the dog that played him also died.
Roly the poodle: Sharon Watts’ dog Roly (also his real name) lived with creator Julia Smith.
In 1993, when Roly got too old to be on screen, his character was run over.
Real-life Roly died two years later.
RETIRED FROM ACTING
Susan Tulley, who starred as Michelle Fowler, quit in 1995PA:Press Association
Simon Wicks (Nick Berry): After playing Walford heartthrob Simon Wicks for five years, Nick dabbled in music and played a policeman in Heartbeat.
He quit acting in 2003 to run his own production company.
At 61, he’s now retired.
Lofty Holloway (Tom Watt): After playing barman Lofty, Tom became a sports journalist.
He was the ghostwriter for David Beckham’s 2003 autobiography.
Tom, 68, is now a consultant for EA Sports.
Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully): After joining the show as a teen, Susan quit in 1995, to work behind the camera.
At 57, she has a successful career, having directed episodes of Silent Witness and Line Of Duty.
Mary Smith (Linda Davidson): The Square’s resident punk left in 1988.
She quit acting in the mid-90s to run the BBC’s drama websites.
Linda, 60, went on to work as Digital Director for the Jamie Oliver Group.
Tony Carpenter (Oscar James): The first black actor to appear in EastEnders, Oscar stayed for two years.
He has appeared in everything from Charlie And The Chocolate Factory to Shakespeare.
Now 82, he is retired.
Debbie Wilkins (Shirley Cheriton): Having played posh Debbie, Shirley left in 1987 and starred in Grace & Favour.
Now 69, she last appeared on TV in the 2009 series FM.
STILL WORKING
Pete Beale (played by Peter Dean) was killed in an off-screen car crash in 1993 after Peter publicly criticised bossesBBC
Angie Watts (Anita Dobson): Bosses pleaded with Anita to return as the long-suffering Queen Vic landlady when she quit after three years.
She refused and Angie died off-screen from alcoholic poisoning in 2002.
Anita, 75, is one of the most successful EastEnders cast members, having worked constantly on TV and in theatre.
Nick Cotton (John Altman): Villainous Nick returned to Walford six times, but died from a drugs overdose in 2015.
Actor John, 72, has appeared in The Real Marigold Hotel and horror, The Last Grail Hunter.
Pete Beale (Peter Dean): The fruit and veg seller was killed in an off-screen car crash in 1993 after Peter publicly criticised bosses.
Now 85, he has appeared in Little Britain, The Real Marigold Hotel and Bo’ Selecta.
Kelvin Carpenter (Paul J Medford): After leaving in 1987, he appeared in stage productions.
Since 2019, Paul, 57, has been employed as a vice-president at children’s TV channel Nickelodeon.
Ali Osman (Nejdet Salih): After leaving in 1989, Nej had a few small TV parts before getting a role in two Pirates Of The Caribbean films.
Now 66, he still acts.
Saeed Jeffrey (Andrew Johnson): Andrew, 70, only spent ten months as shopkeeper Saeed.
He moved to Hollywood and had minor parts in Murder She Wrote and Inspector Morse.
His last role was five years ago, playing a thug in The Bold And The Beautiful.
STILL IN THE SQUARE
BBCSharon Watts (played by Letitia Dean) rejoined the soap for a third time in 2012[/caption]
Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean): The teenage daughter of Den and Angie, she stayed in Walford until 1995.
Letitia, now 57, returned from 2001-2006 and then re-joined for a third time in 2012.
She has remained in the Square since.
Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt): The show’s longest-serving main character, Adam was only 17 when he was offered the role of Ian.
Adam, 56, left in 2020, made a brief return two years later for the funeral of Dot Cotton, and has been back in Walford since 2023.
Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth): Gillian was reportedly upset when her character was killed off-screen in a car crash in South Africa in 2006.
But she needn’t have worried.
Kathy miraculously returned nine years later, having faked her death as part of an insurance scam.
Now 69, she is still in the Square.
Who’s who?
Can you guess each member of the original cast from 1-26?
1. Andy O’Brien (Ross Davidson)
2. Debbie Wilkins (Shirley Cheriton)
3. Lofty Holloway (Tom Watt)
4. Dr Legg (Leonard Fenton)
5. Nick Cotton (John Altman)
6. Mary Smith (Linda Davidson)
7. Den Watts (Leslie Grantham)
8. Saeed Jeffery (Andrew Johnson)
9. Dot Cotton (June Brown)
10. Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard)
11. Lou Beale (Anna Wing)
12. Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher)
13. Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully)
14. Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean)
15. Angie Watts (Anita Dobson)
16. Kelvin Carpenter (Paul J Medford)
17. Sue Osman (Sandy Ratcliff)
18. Ali Osman (Nejdet Salih)
19. Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth)
20. Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt)
21. Simon Wicks (Nick Berry)
22. Pete Beale (Peter Dean)
23. Ethel Skinner (Gretchen Franklin)
24. Willy the pug
25. Tony Carpenter (Oscar James)
26. Roly the poodle
WALFORD WONDERS
FROM the Spice Girl who appeared in Walford before finding fame, to why the show was almost called Square Dance, over the next three pages we reveal amazing facts you never knew about the soap . . .
BANGERS AND STASH ON SET
Dean Gaffney always kept some chipolata sausages in his pocket to reward his on-screen pet dog, Wellard
DEAN GAFFNEY, who played hapless road sweeper Robbie Jackson for 12 years, always kept some chipolata sausages in his pocket to reward his on-screen pet dog, Wellard, during filming.
THE CORRIE CONNECTION
Times Newspapers LtdEastEnders was created by TV producer Julia Smith[/caption]
THE show was created by TV producer Julia Smith and writer Tony Holland.
Since Tony came from a large East End family, he based the show around several strong families.
Incredibly, Julia was given unrestricted access to Coronation Street for a month, so she could find out how a continuing drama was produced.
JUST TOO MUCH BLOODY, MARY
Hulton Archive - GettyThe soap had been on air for less than a year when it received a complaint from clean-up TV campaigner Mary Whitehouse[/caption]
EASTENDERS had been on air for less than a year when it received a complaint from clean-up TV campaigner Mary Whitehouse.
She was unhappy about the show’s use of “bleeding”, “bloody hell”, “bastard” and “kick in the crutch”.
NO ENDER NAMES
OTHER names considered for the soap, included Square Dance, Round The Square, Round The Houses, London Pride and East 8.
They settled on its title after Julia rang acting agents, asking: “Do you have any real EastEnders on your books?”
PLASTIC DAFFS
As the show is filmed six to 12 weeks in advance, plastic daffodils are placed in the ground to make it look more like spring than winterGetty - Contributor
AS the show is filmed six to 12 weeks in advance, fake leaves are added to trees and plastic daffs placed in the ground to make it look more like spring than winter.
A BOOZE-WHO OF THE QUEEN VIC
check copyrightReal beer is served in the Queen Vic[/caption]
REAL beer is served in the Queen Vic, as non-alcoholic beer doesn’t come out of the pumps as well.
Water is used instead of vodka and gin, while burnt sugar is added for whisky.
