DI Kelly
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
soap opera A soap opera (also called a daytime drama or soap) is a genre of a long-running radio or television Serial (radio and television), serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term ''soap opera'' originat ...
''
EastEnders ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the ...
'' in 2007, by order of first appearance. A new family were introduced in this year, with
Zainab Masood Zainab Masood (also Khan) is a character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Nina Wadia.
(
Nina Wadia Nina Wadia (born 18 December 1968) is a British actress. She is known for portraying Zainab Masood in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Aunty Noor in '' Citizen Khan'', Mrs Hussein in the BBC comedy ''Still Open All Hours'' and for starring i ...
), Masood Ahmed (
Nitin Ganatra Nitin Chandra Ganatra (born 30 June 1967) is a British actor. He is known for portraying Masood Ahmed in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders'' (2007–2019), for which he won a British Soap Award. Early life Ganatra was born on 30 June 1967 in Ke ...
), Shabnam Masood (
Zahra Ahmadi Zahra Ahmadi (; born 1982) is a British actress from Plymouth, England of Persian descent. She is best known for playing the original Shabnam Masood in ''EastEnders''. Career She is known for her role as Shabnam Masood in the British televis ...
/ Rakhee Thakrar) and Tamwar Masood ( Himesh Patel) creating the Masood clan.
Heather Trott Heather Trott (also Peterson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Cheryl Fergison. She made her first appearance on 26 June 2007. The character was introduced as a guest character, but later became a regu ...
(
Cheryl Fergison Cheryl El Jamouni (born 27 August 1965), known professionally as Cheryl Fergison, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Heather Trott in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role in which she starred in from 2007 until ...
) was introduced, and the Mitchell family was extended, with
Ronnie Mitchell Ronnie Mitchell (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Samantha Womack. She and her younger sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 200 ...
(
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
) and
Roxy Mitchell Roxy Mitchell (also Slater) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rita Simons.Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
) as a fiery new double act. August saw the arrival of
Tanya Branning Tanya Branning (also Cross and Jessop) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. Joyner left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity le ...
's (
Jo Joyner Joanne Mary Joyner (born 24 May 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Mandy Carter in the Channel 4 school drama '' Ackley Bridge''. From 2018, she has starred as Lue ...
) drug-addicted sister
Rainie Cross Rainie Highway (also Branning and Cross) is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Tanya Franks. Introduced as the drug-addicted sister of established character Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner), Franks has had thr ...
(
Tanya Franks Tanya Christine Franks (born 16 August 1967) is an English actress. She is best known for her role as Rainie Cross in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''. Career 1986–2006 Franks worked for 14 years in theatre both in the UK and abroad. Her ...
). Former ''
The Bill ''The Bill'' is a British police procedural television series, broadcast on ITV (TV network), ITV from 16 October 1984 until 31 August 2010. The programme originated from a one-off drama, "Woodentop (The Bill), Woodentop" (part of the ''Storyb ...
'' actor
Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in the ITV police drama series ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also too ...
joined the soap opera as
Jack Branning DI Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim ( John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham) and the ...
in October, and Tanya and
Max Branning Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jake Wood. He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006. Wood took a four-month break from the show in 2011 and the character was absent between August and Nov ...
's (
Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is a British actor and podcaster from Westminster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' a ...
) son,
Oscar Branning The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 2007, by order of first appearance. A new family were introduced in this year, with Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia), Masood Ahmed ( Nitin Ganatra), ...
, was born in November.


DI Kelly

Detective Inspector Kelly, played by
Ian Burfield Ian Burfield is an English actor, who has often played roles as police officers and detectives on television. He appeared in 12 episodes of ''The Bill'', 39 episodes of ''EastEnders'', and played the part of a Tweed Coat Fingerman in 2005 film '' ...
, is a
police detective A detective is an investigator, usually a member of a law enforcement agency. They often collect information to solve crimes by talking to witnesses and informants, collecting physical evidence, or searching records in databases. This leads the ...
at Walford Police Station. In 2007, he investigates the death of
Pauline Fowler Pauline Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders''. She was played by actress Wendy Richard between the first episode on 19 February 1985 and 25 December 2006. Pauline was created by scriptwriter Tony Holland an ...
(
Wendy Richard Wendy Richard (born Wendy Emerton; 20 July 1943 – 26 February 2009) was an English actress, best known for her television roles as Miss Shirley Brahms on the BBC sitcom ''Are You Being Served?'' from 1972 to 1985, and Pauline Fowler on the ...
) and subsequently arrests
Sonia Fowler Sonia Fowler (also Jackson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Natalie Cassidy. Her first appearance was on and she departed on She returned briefly in 2010 along with other members of the Jackson fami ...
(
Natalie Cassidy Natalie Ann Cassidy (born 13 May 1983) is an English actress and television personality. She is known for her role as Sonia Fowler in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders.'' She has also appeared in the BBC Two sitcom-horror series '' Psychoville ...
) for her murder following the funeral. He arrests May Wright (
Amanda Drew Amanda Drew (born 21 December 1969) is a British actress from Boston, England, with extensive credits in theatre, television and film. Biography One of four children, Drew was born in Boston. Drew's mother was a nurse and her father was a vicar ...
) for abducting
Summer Swann The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 2007, by order of first appearance. A new family were introduced in this year, with Zainab Masood ( Nina Wadia), Masood Ahmed ( Nitin Ganatra), ...
, and also
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) on suspicion of murdering his fiancée Stella Crawford (
Sophie Thompson Sophie Thompson (born 20 January 1962) is a British actress. She has worked in film, television and theatre and she won the 1999 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the London revival of ''Into the Woods''. She has been nominated for ...
). He appears when he is investigating Jay Brown's stabbing. In August 2008 he investigates the murder of Jase Dyer (
Stephen Lord Stephen Lord (born 1 October 1972) is an English actor, known for playing Jase Dyer in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2007 to 2008 and Dominic Meak in the Channel 4 comedy drama series, '' Shameless'', between 2012 and 2013. In 2021, ...
) and interrogates
Billy Mitchell William Lendrum Mitchell (December 29, 1879 – February 19, 1936) was a United States Army officer who had a major role in the creation of the United States Air Force. Mitchell served in France during World War I and, by the conflict's end, ...
(
Perry Fenwick Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998. Career Television Fenwick's first regular television rol ...
) as a key witness. In July 2010 he informs Liz Turner ( Kate Williams) that a body found in
Albert Square Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location work i ...
is that of her son
Owen Owen may refer to: People and fictional characters * Owen (name), including a list of people and fictional characters with the given name or surname Places United States * Owen, Missouri, a ghost town * Owen, Wisconsin * Owen County, Indiana ...
(
Lee Ross Lee David Ross (August 25, 1942 – May 14, 2021) was a Canadian-American professor. He held the title of the Stanford Federal Credit Union Professor of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University and was an influential social psychologist wh ...
), and takes his ex-wife Denise Johnson (
Diane Parish Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
) in for questioning. Denise is released without charge. Kelly later informs Denise's family that her car has been discovered abandoned by a canal, and then that the body of a woman was pulled from the canal along with Denise's mobile phone. Lucas identifies the body as Denise's, however, Kelly still believes somebody else was involved in Owen's murder. Kelly's actor Ian Burfield had previously played a police detective in 1997, DI Hamilton, and went on to play DCI Peter Arthurs in 2018.


Derek Evans

Derek Evans is a social worker, played by
Simon Lowe Simon Lowe is a British actor who, among other titles, has played series regulars in ''Bodies'' (Dr. Tim Sibley), and '' The Grimleys'' (Shane Titley), both of which were written by Jed Mercurio. He also played Derek Evans in ''EastEnders''. In ...
. In March 2007, he visits Bert Atkinson ( Dave Hill) and his grandson Jay Brown (
Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', in which he has starred since 2006. His role on ''EastEnders'' earned him a British Soap A ...
), when Bert is trying to get a residency order for Jay to live with him permanently. Jay charms Derek, offering him a cup of tea and talking to him politely, impressing him. In January 2008, Derek visits
Tanya Branning Tanya Branning (also Cross and Jessop) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. Joyner left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity le ...
(
Jo Joyner Joanne Mary Joyner (born 24 May 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Mandy Carter in the Channel 4 school drama '' Ackley Bridge''. From 2018, she has starred as Lue ...
) and her sister
Rainie Cross Rainie Highway (also Branning and Cross) is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Tanya Franks. Introduced as the drug-addicted sister of established character Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner), Franks has had thr ...
(
Tanya Franks Tanya Christine Franks (born 16 August 1967) is an English actress. She is best known for her role as Rainie Cross in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''. Career 1986–2006 Franks worked for 14 years in theatre both in the UK and abroad. Her ...
). In October that year, he attempts to sort out Jay's foster care problems when
Billy Mitchell William Lendrum Mitchell (December 29, 1879 – February 19, 1936) was a United States Army officer who had a major role in the creation of the United States Air Force. Mitchell served in France during World War I and, by the conflict's end, ...
(
Perry Fenwick Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998. Career Television Fenwick's first regular television rol ...
) offers to care for him, as Jay does not want
Dawn Swann Dawn Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005. It was reported on 26 March 2009 that Tointon and co-star Ricky Groves, who plays Garry Hobbs, would be w ...
(
Kara Tointon Kara Louise Tointon (born 5 August 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2010, she won the BBC competition series ''Strictly Come Dancing'', and in 2015, she appeared a ...
) to be his foster mother. Derek inspects the flat above
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
public house A pub (short for public house) is in several countries a drinking establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption Licensing laws of the United Kingdom#On-licence, on the premises. The term first appeared in England in the ...
, and allows Jay to stay with Billy, despite
Roxy Mitchell Roxy Mitchell (also Slater) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rita Simons.Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
) messiness. In July 2009, he visits Denise Wicks (
Diane Parish Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
) after Jordan Johnson's ( Michael-Joel David Stuart) mother
Trina Katrina Laverne Kearse (née Taylor; born December 3, 1974), is an American rapper. She rose to prominence in the late 1990s for her collaborations with Trick Daddy on the singles " Nann Nigga", " Shut Up", and " Take It to da House". In 2000, ...
(
Sharon Duncan Brewster Sharon Duncan-Brewster (born 8 February 1976) is a British actress. She is known for her role as Imperial Planetologist Dr. Liet-Kynes in Denis Villeneuve's 2021 adaptation of Frank Herbert's ''Dune'', and before that as Crystal Gordon in '' ...
) reports her to the police, claiming that Denise has been abusing Jordan. In June 2010, he visits
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) to assess his family situation involving his children Louise (Brittany Papple) and
Ben Ben is frequently used as a shortened version of the given names Benjamin, Benedict, Bennett, Benson or Ebenezer, and is also a given name in its own right. Ben meaning "son of" is also found in Arabic as ''Ben'' (dialectal Arabic) or ''bin ...
(Charlie Jones), who has assaulted Jordan. The following month he visits Phil and his mother
Peggy Mitchell Peggy Mitchell (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared in the episode broadcast on 30 April 1991, featuring in 10 episodes. Peggy was rein ...
(
Barbara Windsor Dame Barbara Windsor (born Barbara Ann Deeks; 6 August 193710 December 2020) was an English actress, known for her roles in the Carry On (franchise), ''Carry On'' films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders''.
) to say that Louise's mother Lisa Fowler (
Lucy Benjamin Lucy Benjamin (born Lucy Jane Baker; 25 June 1970) is an English actress. After appearing in various television series including '' Close to Home'' (1989–1990), '' Press Gang'' (1989–1993) and '' Jupiter Moon'' (1990, 1996), she was cast i ...
) has made an application to see her daughter. Derek explains that the final decision is not up to Phil and Peggy says that Derek is a typical social worker – an interfering, home-wrecking busybody. Derek responds sarcastically and leaves. When Peggy returns Louise to Lisa, they contact Derek again, and when he arrives, Phil steals his bag to get Lisa's address. In April 2015, Derek visits Kat (
Jessie Wallace Karen Jane Wallace (born 25 September 1971), known professionally as Jessie Wallace, is an English actress. She made her acting debut in the television police series ''The Bill'' and rose to prominence for her role as Kat Slater on the BBC so ...
) and
Alfie Moon Alfie Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Shane Richie. He made his first appearance on 21 November 2002, and left on 25 December 2005. He returned on 21 September 2010, following the return of his on ...
(
Shane Richie Shane Patrick Paul Roche (born 11 March 1964), known as Shane Richie, is an English actor, comedian, presenter and singer. Following initial success as a stage and screen performer, he became best known for his portrayal of the character Alfie ...
) after Kat attempts suicide. Kat refuses to tell Derek why she did it but assures him that it will not happen again. Alfie then tells Derek that he felt he had let Kat down but he would help her get better. Derek is satisfied with this and leaves. In July, he visits
Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
(
Linda Henry Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
) and Buster Briggs (
Karl Howman Karl Howman (born 13 December 1953) is an English writer, actor and director. Howman's first book, ''Secret Spitfires'', co-written with Ethem Cetintas and Gavin Clarke, went to paperback from hardback in 2022; he also co-directed and produced ...
) to discuss them gaining custody of their granddaughter, Jade Green (Amaya Edward). Buster informs Derek of his criminal record and Derek tells Shirley that single people can adopt children as well, prompting Shirley to nearly split up with Buster. In May 2016, Derek visits Billy and his partner Honey Mitchell (
Emma Barton Emma Louise Barton (born 26 July 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her role as Honey Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', which she has portrayed since November 2005. Before her role in ''EastEnders'', Barton appeared in ...
) after Jay returns to live with them after being convicted of a child sex offence to assess Jay being around their children,
Janet Janet may refer to: Names * Janet (given name) Surname * Charles Janet (1849–1932), French engineer, inventor and biologist, known for the Left Step periodic table * Jules Janet (1861–1945), French psychologist and psychotherapist * Maur ...
(Grace) and Will Mitchell (Freddie Phillips). Billy and Honey insist Jay is innocent but Derek informs them that Jay's contact with their children must be supervised. Derek returns in August after Honey reports Jay to the police for possession of drugs which he had been dealing, to reassess their living arrangements. Derek tells Honey that he is concerned about her children's welfare due to the presence of the drugs and implies that Jay might be a danger to Janet and William, causing Jay to decide to move out of the flat. After Jay's home assessment discovers he is living with an underage Louise (now played by
Tilly Keeper Matilda Elizabeth Keeper (born 16 August 1997) is an English actress. From 2016 to 2020, she portrayed Louise Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. After her exit from the soap, she starred as Helen in the BBC film '' Make Me Famous'' ...
) at Phil's house, Derek visits
Sharon Mitchell Sharon Mitchell is an American sexologist and former pornographic film actress and film director, director. In 1998, she founded the Adult Industry Medical Health Care Foundation (AIM), which tested over 1,000 adult film performers per month be ...
(
Letitia Dean Letitia Jane Dean (born 14 November 1967) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sharon Watts in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. An original cast member from 1985 to 1995, she reprised the role from 2001 to 2006, and ag ...
) and despite Sharon insisting that she and Phil trust Jay, Derek tells her if Jay does not move out, Louise may have to be taken into care as her needs come first.


Marco Bianco

Marco Bianco, played by Bart Ruspoli, is the interior designer who redesigns the flat above
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
pub for
Peggy Mitchell Peggy Mitchell (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared in the episode broadcast on 30 April 1991, featuring in 10 episodes. Peggy was rein ...
(
Barbara Windsor Dame Barbara Windsor (born Barbara Ann Deeks; 6 August 193710 December 2020) was an English actress, known for her roles in the Carry On (franchise), ''Carry On'' films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders''.
). He works on the design to renovate the pub itself, after Pat Evans (
Pam St. Clement Pamela Ann Clements (born 11 May 1942), known professionally as Pam St Clement, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Pat Butcher in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 12 June 1986 until 1 January 2012, with a guest ...
) found a
flea Flea, the common name for the order (biology), order Siphonaptera, includes 2,500 species of small flightless insects that live as external parasites of mammals and birds. Fleas live by hematophagy, ingesting the blood of their hosts. Adult f ...
on the bar, though the regulars think the pub looks the same, and Peggy berates him for it. Peggy then gets him to do some work for Stella Crawford (
Sophie Thompson Sophie Thompson (born 20 January 1962) is a British actress. She has worked in film, television and theatre and she won the 1999 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the London revival of ''Into the Woods''. She has been nominated for ...
) and
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
's (
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) wedding reception. At one stage Marco breaks down crying to Peggy, after his boyfriend left him. Marco also helps
Patrick Trueman Patrick Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001. On 7 December 2015, Walker filmed his 1,000th episode as Patrick. For his portrayal of ...
(
Rudolph Walker Rudolph Malcolm Walker CBE (born 28 September 1939) is a Trinidadian-British actor, best known for his roles as Bill Reynolds in ''Love Thy Neighbour'' (1972–1976) and Constable Frank Gladstone in '' The Thin Blue Line'' (1995–1996), as wel ...
) mend a fan of his wife Yolande's (
Angela Wynter Angela Wynter (born 14 July 1957) is a Jamaican-British actress. She is known for her role as Yolande Trueman in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2003–2008, 2017, 2023–present). In 2021, she joined the cast of the BBC soap opera ''Doctors ...
) that Patrick broke by tripping up.


Anya Covalenco

Anya Covalenco ( Ukrainian: Аня Коваленко), played by
Olga Fedori Olga Victorivna Fedorishcheva (; born 17 March 1984), known as simply Olga Fedori, is a Ukrainian actress who works in English language films and programmes. She is best known for portraying Frieda Petrenko in the BBC medical drama ''Holby City ...
, is a Ukrainian illegal immigrant, a pole dancer who abandons her month-old baby,
Tomas Tomas may refer to: People * Tomás (given name), a Spanish, Portuguese, and Gaelic given name * Tomas (given name), a Swedish, Dutch, and Lithuanian given name * Tomáš, a Czech and Slovak given name * Tomàs, a Catalan given name and surname * ...
, in a church in Kent for vicar Mary Lavender (Regina Freedman) to look after.
Dot Branning Dorothy "Dot" Cotton (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', portrayed by June Brown. In a special episode entitled ''EastEnders: Dot's Story'' (2003) a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in f ...
(
June Brown June Muriel Brown (16 February 1927 – 3 April 2022) was an English actress and author. She was best known for her role as Dot Cotton on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (1985–1993; 1997–2020). In 2005, she won Best Actress at the Inside ...
) later finds the baby, and knowing Reverend Lavender is on holiday, takes Tomas back to
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
, leaving a note in the church with her address on it. Dot's husband Jim (
John Bardon John Bardon (born John Michael Jones, 25 August 1939 – 12 September 2014) was an English stage and screen actor. He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1988 (1987 season) for ''Kiss Me, Kate'', sharing the awa ...
) goes to a pole dancing club, finding a flyer for it with Tomas, to track Anya down, but is told she no longer works there by a hostess he speaks to. As Jim travels back to Walford, Anya arrives at Dot and Jim's house. After shouting at Dot for interfering, Dot offers her a place to stay, and she accepts. Jim, however, does not agree with this, and reports Anya to the immigration authorities. Immigration officers arrive and Jim tells Dot what he has done. Dot takes Anya and Tomas out of the house and hides them in the back of her car. Dot returns to the house and tells immigration that there is nobody there and it must have been a hoax. Dot and Jim then take Anya and Tomas to a church, believing it to be a sanctuary where they will be safe. The immigration officers follow them to the church, where Dot says Anya and Tomas will be safe in a room at the back of the church and could live there. Dot confronts the officers, Paul Jenkins ( Simon Quarterman) and Warren Rice (Ewan Bailey) telling them it is a sanctuary and they cannot go through. Rice tells Dot she is wrong about this. Anya eventually decides to give herself up, but tells Jim to take care of Tomas as she now trusts them. She later writes to Dot in June 2007, telling her to care for her son – not knowing that Tomas is now up for adoption, when Dot realises that she cannot bring up baby Tomas.


Tomas Covalenco

Tomas Covalenco (Ukrainian: Томас Коваленко) is a baby that is abandoned on 9 April 2007 by his mother,
Anya Anya, Ania or Anja is a given name. The names are feminine in most East European countries and unisex in several African countries. Origins and variant forms * Anya (Аня) is a Russian diminutive of Anna. * Ania is the spelling in Polish ...
(
Olga Fedori Olga Victorivna Fedorishcheva (; born 17 March 1984), known as simply Olga Fedori, is a Ukrainian actress who works in English language films and programmes. She is best known for portraying Frieda Petrenko in the BBC medical drama ''Holby City ...
) in a church in Kent, and found by
Dot Branning Dorothy "Dot" Cotton (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', portrayed by June Brown. In a special episode entitled ''EastEnders: Dot's Story'' (2003) a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in f ...
(
June Brown June Muriel Brown (16 February 1927 – 3 April 2022) was an English actress and author. She was best known for her role as Dot Cotton on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (1985–1993; 1997–2020). In 2005, she won Best Actress at the Inside ...
). Dot leaves her address on a notice board in the church, and Anya arrives in
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
to collect Tomas on 10 April. She is later arrested by immigration officials Warren Rice (Ewan Bailey) and Paul Jenkins ( Simon Quarterman) for being an illegal immigrant, but she does not tell them she has a baby, leaving him with Dot and her husband Jim (
John Bardon John Bardon (born John Michael Jones, 25 August 1939 – 12 September 2014) was an English stage and screen actor. He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1988 (1987 season) for ''Kiss Me, Kate'', sharing the awa ...
). Jim later tells
his family ''His Family'' is a novel by Ernest Poole published in 1917 about the life of a New York widower and his three daughters in the 1910s. It received the first Pulitzer Prize for the Novel in 1918. Plot introduction ''His Family'' tells the story ...
that Tomas is the product of an affair between Dot's son
Nick Cotton Nick Cotton is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' played by John Altman (actor), John Altman on a semi-regular basis from the soap's debut episode on 19 February 1985. Altman has stated that his initial exit was due t ...
( John Altman) and a prison nurse with no maternal instincts. He is then known as George Merton, until Dot is persuaded by Reverend Stevens (
Michael Keating Michael, Mike or Mickey Keating may refer to: Politics * Michael Keating (Irish politician) (born 1946), Fine Gael then Progressive Democrats TD from Dublin * Michael Keating (Manitoba politician) * Michael Keating (political scientist) (born 195 ...
) and her oldest friend, Harold Legg (
Leonard Fenton Leonard Fenton (; 29 April 1926 – 29 January 2022) was an English actor, director and painter, best known for his role as Harold Legg in ''EastEnders''. Early life Fenton was born Leonard FinesteinNatasha Powell (Natasha Gordon).


Hazel Hobbs

Hazel Hobbs, played by
Kika Mirylees Kika Mirylees (born Christina Kika Le Fleming Mirylees; 23 September 1953) is a South African-born British actress and councillor. She is best known for her roles as Fliss in ''Not Going Out'' and Julie Johnston in '' Bad Girls'', Doc Newton i ...
, is the mother of
Garry Hobbs Garry Hobbs is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Ricky Groves. He made his first appearance on 18 September 2000, alongside the Slater family. It was announced on 26 March 2009 that Groves and co-star Kara ...
(
Ricky Groves Richard Groves (born 23 April 1968) is an English actor best known for playing Garry Hobbs in ''EastEnders'' from 2000 to 2009, before making a brief return in 2025. Before his role in ''EastEnders'' he appeared in the series ''Burnside (TV se ...
). She first appears in April 2007, when Garry attends her wedding. Hazel then decides she does not want to marry her fiancé,
Gerald Gerald is a masculine given name derived from the Germanic languages prefix ''ger-'' ("spear") and suffix ''-wald'' ("rule"). Gerald is a Norman French variant of the Germanic name. An Old English equivalent name was Garweald, the likely original ...
( Brian Cowan), because he has too much nasal hair, describing it as "like tusks". She and Garry rush back to Gerald's house to collect her belongings, but Gerald arrives at the house before they leave, and hits Garry, thinking he is Hazel's toyboy. Hazel then stays with Garry in
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
, and falls for his best friend, Minty Peterson (
Cliff Parisi Cliff Parisi (born Clifford R Manley; 24 May 1960) is an English actor and businessman, known for his roles as Minty Peterson in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Fred Buckle in the BBC period drama ''Call the Midwife''. In 2019, he ...
). However, this leads to Garry punching Minty, and Hazel leaves Walford. In August 2007, it is revealed that Hazel and Minty have started a relationship behind Garry's back. They take a romantic weekend in
Brighton Brighton ( ) is a seaside resort in the city status in the United Kingdom, city of Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, England, south of London. Archaeological evidence of settlement in the area dates back to the Bronze Age Britain, Bronze Age, R ...
, but do not know that Garry is also there with
Dawn Swann Dawn Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005. It was reported on 26 March 2009 that Tointon and co-star Ricky Groves, who plays Garry Hobbs, would be w ...
(
Kara Tointon Kara Louise Tointon (born 5 August 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2010, she won the BBC competition series ''Strictly Come Dancing'', and in 2015, she appeared a ...
). Garry finds out they are seeing each other and is outraged. Back in Walford, Minty finds the engagement ring that Garry had used to propose to Dawn (she said no) and bends down to pick it up off the floor. He is on one knee, holding the ring, when Hazel comes in the room, and she assumes that Minty is planning to propose to her and immediately says "Yes, I do". Hazel then starts planning the wedding, and she gets a job as a receptionist at Booty. Hazel befriends
Heather Trott Heather Trott (also Peterson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Cheryl Fergison. She made her first appearance on 26 June 2007. The character was introduced as a guest character, but later became a regu ...
(
Cheryl Fergison Cheryl El Jamouni (born 27 August 1965), known professionally as Cheryl Fergison, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Heather Trott in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role in which she starred in from 2007 until ...
), who is infatuated with her son Garry. Hazel then asks an elated Heather to be her bridesmaid at her upcoming wedding to Minty, to which she accepts. After fainting at work, Hazel starts to believe she is pregnant. Minty buys lots of things for the baby, but Hazel tearfully reveals on in February 2008 that it is the
menopause Menopause, also known as the climacteric, is the time when Menstruation, menstrual periods permanently stop, marking the end of the Human reproduction, reproductive stage for the female human. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 5 ...
, and she can never have a baby. Hazel then leaves the square, believing that she would be restricting Minty's future desires to have a family if she stayed with him. However, Hazel returns on 22 April and proposes to Minty on his wedding morning to Heather. Hazel tells him that they would get married and set for a life on the cruise ships, but he says no and goes after Heather. Hazel then watches as the wedding goes ahead without her, then says goodbye to Garry and leaves. This is her last appearance, but it is mentioned in February 2009 that Hazel is on a cruise ship heading for
Monaco Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a Sovereign state, sovereign city-state and European microstates, microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Regions of Italy, Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, ...
.


Olive Woodhouse

Olive Woodhouse, played by
Sylvia Syms Sylvia May Laura Syms (6 January 1934 – 27 January 2023) was an English stage and screen actress. Her best-known film roles include '' My Teenage Daughter'' (1956), '' Woman in a Dressing Gown'' (1957), for which she was nominated for a BAFTA ...
, is a friend of
Peggy Mitchell Peggy Mitchell (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared in the episode broadcast on 30 April 1991, featuring in 10 episodes. Peggy was rein ...
's (
Barbara Windsor Dame Barbara Windsor (born Barbara Ann Deeks; 6 August 193710 December 2020) was an English actress, known for her roles in the Carry On (franchise), ''Carry On'' films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders''.
) whom she has known since childhood. She is a dress fitter and first appears fitting Stella Crawford's (
Sophie Thompson Sophie Thompson (born 20 January 1962) is a British actress. She has worked in film, television and theatre and she won the 1999 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the London revival of ''Into the Woods''. She has been nominated for ...
) wedding dress in April 2007, and criticises her taste, making her angry. She returns on 5 March 2009 to fit Peggy's wedding dress and she takes an instant dislike to Peggy's niece and future stepdaughter Roxy (
Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
). The wedding dress she creates for Peggy is slightly provocative and Peggy's fiancé Archie (
Larry Lamb Lawrence Douglas Lamb (born 1 October 1947) is an English actor and radio presenter. He played Archie Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Mick Shipman in the BBC comedy series ''Gavin & Stacey'' and Ted Case in the final series of ...
) sees the plans and purposely walks in, seeing Peggy in the dress, making her want to change it in fear of bad luck. She then notices
Janine Butcher Janine Butcher (also Evans, Malloy and Carter) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', introduced in 1989. The character is played by Rebecca Michael, Alexia Demetriou and Charlie Brooks respectively. Brooks initially d ...
(
Charlie Brooks Charlene Emma Brooks (born 3 May 1981) is an English actress, best known for her role of Janine Butcher in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Brooks has also performed in British television shows ''The Bill'', ''Wired'' and ''Bleak House'', ...
) following Archie and grows suspicious, thinking they are having an affair. She asks Archie, who then tells her that now they are paying for another dress, he wants to make some changes making the new dress less revealing. She returns again in 2010, when Peggy, Roxy, Roxy's sister Ronnie (
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
) and Ronnie and Roxy's mother Glenda (
Glynis Barber Glynis Barber (born Glynis van der Riet; 25 October 1955) is a South African born British actress. She is known for her portrayals of Sgt. Harriet Makepeace in the British police drama ''Dempsey and Makepeace'', Glenda Mitchell in ''EastEnders ...
) arrive at her bridal shop to find a dress for Ronnie's wedding to
Jack Branning DI Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim ( John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham) and the ...
(
Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in the ITV police drama series ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also too ...
). Olive feels insulted when Roxy insults the dresses. When Ronnie finds a dress she likes, Olive returns with them to
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
public house A pub (short for public house) is in several countries a drinking establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption Licensing laws of the United Kingdom#On-licence, on the premises. The term first appeared in England in the ...
to make adjustments. However, whilst Olive is making the adjustments, Ronnie tears the dress off and runs out of The Queen Vic when the conversation turns to her father.


Verity Wright

Verity Wright, played by
Amanda Ryan Amanda Ryan (born 10 October 1971) is an English actress who trained at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She is best known for portraying Lettice Howard in '' Elizabeth'' and Vera Campbell in '' Britannic'', as well as for her role on Ch ...
, is the sister of May Wright (
Amanda Drew Amanda Drew (born 21 December 1969) is a British actress from Boston, England, with extensive credits in theatre, television and film. Biography One of four children, Drew was born in Boston. Drew's mother was a nurse and her father was a vicar ...
). She visits May with her two children on 1 May 2007, when she finds the nursery in May's flat meant for
Dawn Swann Dawn Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005. It was reported on 26 March 2009 that Tointon and co-star Ricky Groves, who plays Garry Hobbs, would be w ...
's (
Kara Tointon Kara Louise Tointon (born 5 August 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2010, she won the BBC competition series ''Strictly Come Dancing'', and in 2015, she appeared a ...
) baby, presuming May is pregnant. She later visits May on her birthday, and is shocked to find out that May's husband Rob ( Stuart Laing) has filed for divorce. She returns once more on 28 May to visit May and gives her a present for the baby she thinks she is having.


Manju Patel

Manju Patel is played by Leena Dhingra. Originally a guest character, Mrs Patel's primary purpose was as a plot device in the exit of nurse
Naomi Julien Naomi Julien is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', portrayed by Petra Letang. She first appeared in the show in the episode broadcast on 15 August 2005. Her storylines include a relationship with established character S ...
, after the actress
Petra Letang Petra Letang (born 4 May 1979) is a British actress. She played Naomi Julien in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2005–2007) and Adele Effanga in ''Holby City'' (2014–2016). Early life Letang is from Plaistow, East London. She is of D ...
left the show. However, following her two appearances on 4 May and 21 May 2007, Mrs Patel became popular with fans, to the point where she was called a "cult icon" by ''
Digital Spy Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its initial launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television pro ...
'' soaps editor Kris Green.EXCLUSIVE: Mrs Manju Patel – an 'EastEnders' legend?
, ''Digital Spy''. Retrieved 16 August 2007
It was announced on 16 August 2007 that she would be return to the show later in 2007. Mrs Patel is a patient of
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
's
general practitioner A general practitioner (GP) is a doctor who is a Consultant (medicine), consultant in general practice. GPs have distinct expertise and experience in providing whole person medical care, whilst managing the complexity, uncertainty and risk ass ...
, May Wright (
Amanda Drew Amanda Drew (born 21 December 1969) is a British actress from Boston, England, with extensive credits in theatre, television and film. Biography One of four children, Drew was born in Boston. Drew's mother was a nurse and her father was a vicar ...
). May writes out a double prescription for her, and takes one of the bottles of
dihydrocodeine Dihydrocodeine is a semi- synthetic opioid analgesic prescribed for pain or severe dyspnea, or as an antitussive, either alone or compounded with paracetamol (acetaminophen) (as in co-dydramol) or aspirin. It was developed in Germany in 190 ...
pills for her own personal use. She later tells nurse
Naomi Julien Naomi Julien is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', portrayed by Petra Letang. She first appeared in the show in the episode broadcast on 15 August 2005. Her storylines include a relationship with established character S ...
(
Petra Letang Petra Letang (born 4 May 1979) is a British actress. She played Naomi Julien in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2005–2007) and Adele Effanga in ''Holby City'' (2014–2016). Early life Letang is from Plaistow, East London. She is of D ...
) that it is a mistake, after Mrs Patel points this out. Mrs Patel is later mentioned on 9 August 2007 during a telephone conversation between
Dot Branning Dorothy "Dot" Cotton (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', portrayed by June Brown. In a special episode entitled ''EastEnders: Dot's Story'' (2003) a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in f ...
(
June Brown June Muriel Brown (16 February 1927 – 3 April 2022) was an English actress and author. She was best known for her role as Dot Cotton on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (1985–1993; 1997–2020). In 2005, she won Best Actress at the Inside ...
) and Charlie Slater (
Derek Martin Derek Martin (born Derek William Rapp; 11 April 1933) is a retired English actor. Beginning his career as a stuntman, he moved into acting and played many roles on UK television. One of his most widely known roles is Charlie Slater on the BBC ...
). On 9 November it is revealed that Mrs Patel is
Billy Mitchell William Lendrum Mitchell (December 29, 1879 – February 19, 1936) was a United States Army officer who had a major role in the creation of the United States Air Force. Mitchell served in France during World War I and, by the conflict's end, ...
's (
Perry Fenwick Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998. Career Television Fenwick's first regular television rol ...
) new landlady. She gives him one month's notice to vacate the flat along with his wife
Honey Honey is a sweet and viscous substance made by several species of bees, the best-known of which are honey bees. Honey is made and stored to nourish bee colonies. Bees produce honey by gathering and then refining the sugary secretions of pl ...
(
Emma Barton Emma Louise Barton (born 26 July 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her role as Honey Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', which she has portrayed since November 2005. Before her role in ''EastEnders'', Barton appeared in ...
) and baby
Janet Janet may refer to: Names * Janet (given name) Surname * Charles Janet (1849–1932), French engineer, inventor and biologist, known for the Left Step periodic table * Jules Janet (1861–1945), French psychologist and psychotherapist * Maur ...
because she wants a professional couple with no children to live there. Eventually, Mrs Patel decides to evict the couple from the flat. However, Billy changes the locks so Mrs Patel cannot enter. When Billy is out buying nappies, Mrs Patel gets help from her nephews to get into the flat and remove Honey, the children and all their belongings. She offers Billy money as a goodwill gesture, but Billy refuses to accept it. Though she does not appear again, Manju is mentioned on 13 May 2008 by Shabnam Masood (
Zahra Ahmadi Zahra Ahmadi (; born 1982) is a British actress from Plymouth, England of Persian descent. She is best known for playing the original Shabnam Masood in ''EastEnders''. Career She is known for her role as Shabnam Masood in the British televis ...
) who tells her mother Zainab (
Nina Wadia Nina Wadia (born 18 December 1968) is a British actress. She is known for portraying Zainab Masood in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Aunty Noor in '' Citizen Khan'', Mrs Hussein in the BBC comedy ''Still Open All Hours'' and for starring i ...
) that she is going to see if Mrs Patel has any new clothes in her Sari shop. On 24 July, Mrs Patel's shop is mentioned by
Jane Beale Jane Beale (also Collins) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Laurie Brett. She made her first appearance on 21 June 2004. Brett took maternity leave in 2011 and departed on 19 May. She returned on 8 Novem ...
(
Laurie Brett Laurie Brett (born 28 March 1969) is a Scottish actress, best known for her roles as Jane Beale in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Christine Mulgrew in the BBC One drama series '' Waterloo Road''. Early and personal life Brett was b ...
) when she is looking to buy some fabric for an Indian lunch that she and husband Ian (
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
) are holding at the café. They buy the material from Mrs Patel after seeing it although Mrs Patel is not seen. Mrs Patel is then mentioned on 24 March 2009 when Syd Chambers (
Nina Toussaint-White Nina Toussaint-White is a British actress, known for her roles as Syd Chambers in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Jude Thomas in the ITV2 drama ''Switch''. Her other credits include '' GameFace'' and '' The Feed''. Career In 2009, Toussai ...
) announces she is renting 13a Turpin Road, the flat above the bookies from her. In April 2010, she rents the flat to
Syed Syed may refer to: * Seyd, alternative for Sayyid (name) * Alternative for Sayyid, an honorific title * Ahsan Ali Syed (born 1973), Indian businessman * Ghulam Murtaza Syed (1904-1995), prominent Sindhi politician * Ibrahim Bijli Syed (born 1939) ...
( Marc Elliott) and Amira Masood (
Preeya Kalidas Preeya Kalidas (born 21 June 1980) is an English singer and actress. She played Amira Masood in the soap opera ''EastEnders'', from 2009 to 2012. She released the single "Shimmy" in July 2010, taken from her proposed debut album ''(I'm Over It) ...
). In 2012 she is mentioned by
Denise Fox Denise Fox (also Wicks and Johnson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Diane Parish. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006 and temporarily left ''EastEnders'' in early 2008 to give birth to her se ...
(
Diane Parish Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
) and Zainab at
Heather Trott Heather Trott (also Peterson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Cheryl Fergison. She made her first appearance on 26 June 2007. The character was introduced as a guest character, but later became a regu ...
's (
Cheryl Fergison Cheryl El Jamouni (born 27 August 1965), known professionally as Cheryl Fergison, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Heather Trott in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role in which she starred in from 2007 until ...
) funeral service.


Erek

Erek, played by
Goran Kostić Goran Kostić ( sr-cyrl, Горан Костић, born 18 November 1971) is a Bosnian actor based in the United Kingdom. He has appeared in supporting roles in a number of Hollywood films. Early life Kostić was born on 18 November 1971 to an ...
, was a Polish builder who first appears on 7 May 2007.
Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
(
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
) is annoyed by him and the other builders, and when a feud breaks out between Ian and
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
), Erek helps Phil to humiliate Ian. He later starts a relationship with
Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
(
Linda Henry Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
) but it ends when Shirley's son Deano (
Matt Di Angelo Mario Angelo Stavrou Constantinou (born 1 May 1987), professionally known as Matt Di Angelo, is a British actor and singer, best known for his role as Dean Wicks in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He also portrayed Sean Kennedy in the BBC d ...
) speaks badly about her, Erek punches him and Shirley then punches Erek.


Warren Stamp

Warren Stamp, played by
Will Mellor William Mellor (born 3 April 1976) is an English actor and singer. He is known for his roles as Jambo Bolton in ''Hollyoaks'', Gaz Wilkinson in '' Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps'', Warren Stamp in EastEnders, DC Spike Tanner in ' ...
, appears in three episodes first broadcast in May. Warren is a salesman who asks Preeti Choraria (Babita Pohoomull) out on a date after trying to sell her supplies at Booty salon. He assaults Preeti on the date leaving distinct bruises on her arm. A day later, he goes on a date with Carly Wicks ( Kellie Shirley) where he puts drugs in her drink in an attempt to rape her. She is rescued by Sean Slater (
Robert Kazinsky Robert John Appleby (born 18 November 1983), known professionally as Robert Kazinsky, is an English actor. He is known for his roles as Casper Rose in the Sky One drama '' Dream Team'' (2005–2006) and Sean Slater in the BBC soap opera ''East ...
), and Warren runs away.


Summer Swann

Summer Swann is the daughter of
Dawn Swann Dawn Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005. It was reported on 26 March 2009 that Tointon and co-star Ricky Groves, who plays Garry Hobbs, would be w ...
(
Kara Tointon Kara Louise Tointon (born 5 August 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2010, she won the BBC competition series ''Strictly Come Dancing'', and in 2015, she appeared a ...
) and Rob Minter ( Stuart Laing). She has been played by on-screen uncle
Joe Swash Joseph Adam Swash (born ) is a British actor and television presenter from London, best known for his role of Mickey Miller in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' and various presenting roles with ITV2. He won the eighth series of '' I'm ...
's son, Harry Swash, Abbie Hackworth as well as by Daisy Fitter, and by twins Isabella and Rebecca Hegarty. Along with actors
Ricky Groves Richard Groves (born 23 April 1968) is an English actor best known for playing Garry Hobbs in ''EastEnders'' from 2000 to 2009, before making a brief return in 2025. Before his role in ''EastEnders'' he appeared in the series ''Burnside (TV se ...
and
Kara Tointon Kara Louise Tointon (born 5 August 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2010, she won the BBC competition series ''Strictly Come Dancing'', and in 2015, she appeared a ...
, the character made her final appearance on 27 August 2009. Summer is born in June 2007 after Dawn goes into premature labour on the tube. Dawn gets to hospital and safely delivers Summer with her friend Carly Wicks ( Kellie Shirley) by her side. Dawn initially finds it hard to bond with Summer as she still wants to go out partying. However, during a trip to
Brighton Brighton ( ) is a seaside resort in the city status in the United Kingdom, city of Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, England, south of London. Archaeological evidence of settlement in the area dates back to the Bronze Age Britain, Bronze Age, R ...
in August 2007 with Summer and
Garry Hobbs Garry Hobbs is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Ricky Groves. He made his first appearance on 18 September 2000, alongside the Slater family. It was announced on 26 March 2009 that Groves and co-star Kara ...
(
Ricky Groves Richard Groves (born 23 April 1968) is an English actor best known for playing Garry Hobbs in ''EastEnders'' from 2000 to 2009, before making a brief return in 2025. Before his role in ''EastEnders'' he appeared in the series ''Burnside (TV se ...
), Dawn takes responsibility for Summer and vows to become a proper mother to her. In January 2008, Dawn starts dating Jase Dyer (
Stephen Lord Stephen Lord (born 1 October 1972) is an English actor, known for playing Jase Dyer in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2007 to 2008 and Dominic Meak in the Channel 4 comedy drama series, '' Shameless'', between 2012 and 2013. In 2021, ...
), and Summer begins modelling for catalogues after Dawn takes her to an audition. Dawn also enters her for the "Beautiful Baby" competition at
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
pub on her first birthday in June 2008. Dawn puts fake tan on Summer for the competition, which she has an allergic reaction to, but she is named runner-up at the competition anyway. On Summer's birthday, May Wright (
Amanda Drew Amanda Drew (born 21 December 1969) is a British actress from Boston, England, with extensive credits in theatre, television and film. Biography One of four children, Drew was born in Boston. Drew's mother was a nurse and her father was a vicar ...
) returns to Walford, intending to kidnap Summer. May was married to Summer's birth father Rob Minter as they were taking a break and he had a brief relationship with Dawn and she got pregnant. May, who is unable to have children, never got over this, especially as during her pregnancy, Dawn agreed that May could adopt Summer. However, Dawn changed her mind and refused to let May take Summer. Upon seeing Summer in fake tan, May brands Dawn a terrible mother before attacking her and her brother
Mickey Miller Mickey Miller is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Joe Swash. He first appeared on 15 April 2003 as a guest character. Mickey proved popular and the executive producer Louise Berridge made him a full-time mem ...
(
Joe Swash Joseph Adam Swash (born ) is a British actor and television presenter from London, best known for his role of Mickey Miller in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' and various presenting roles with ITV2. He won the eighth series of '' I'm ...
) and then trying to leave with Summer, whom she calls Sophie. However, Mickey snatches Summer back and locks May out of the bedroom, leaving May trying to break down the door, screaming for Summer. Devastated, May goes down to the kitchen and blows the house up by lighting a cigarette in the kitchen while the gas cooker was on. Mickey then tries to throw Summer out the window but he drops her when he passes out and Jase catches her. Summer was unharmed. In July 2008, it is revealed that Jase has adopted Summer, (Dawn did not put Rob's name on Summer's birth certificate as she registered the birth alone and was not married to Rob). More tragedy strikes for Dawn and Jase when Jase is murdered in August 2008 by members of a gang he used to be in. Being in Walford after Jase's death proves too much for Dawn and in September 2008, she and Summer join her family in the
Cotswolds The Cotswolds ( ) is a region of central South West England, along a range of rolling hills that rise from the meadows of the upper River Thames to an escarpment above the Severn Valley and the Vale of Evesham. The area is defined by the bedroc ...
. Dawn returns to Walford in October 2008 for Jase's funeral and is adamant that she is returning to the Cotswolds, but she is eventually persuaded by Garry to stay in Walford. Dawn and Summer move in with Garry, Minty Peterson (
Cliff Parisi Cliff Parisi (born Clifford R Manley; 24 May 1960) is an English actor and businessman, known for his roles as Minty Peterson in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Fred Buckle in the BBC period drama ''Call the Midwife''. In 2019, he ...
) and Callum Monks ( Elliott Jordan). Dawn and Garry start dating but Dawn has an affair with
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
). Garry finds out but decides to give Dawn another chance and they leave Walford together with Summer, sailing on a boat, in August 2009.


Kenny Morris

Sergeant Kenny Morris, played by Ryan Philpott, is a police officer who is originally introduced as a police constable, but later becomes a sergeant. He is first seen as an associate of
Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
(
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
), who Ian gives free food to in his café, in return for an occasional police presence. He is later called to
Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
's (
Linda Henry Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
) flat when a party is getting out of hand. He breaks up a fight and is almost hit by Shirley, however, he ends up staying the night and having sex with her. He later appears in September 2007, after
Patrick Trueman Patrick Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001. On 7 December 2015, Walker filmed his 1,000th episode as Patrick. For his portrayal of ...
(
Rudolph Walker Rudolph Malcolm Walker CBE (born 28 September 1939) is a Trinidadian-British actor, best known for his roles as Bill Reynolds in ''Love Thy Neighbour'' (1972–1976) and Constable Frank Gladstone in '' The Thin Blue Line'' (1995–1996), as wel ...
) is attacked by
Craig Dixon Craig Kline Dixon (March 3, 1926 – February 25, 2021) was an American athlete who competed mainly in the 110 meter hurdles. He competed for the United States in the 1948 Summer Olympics held in London, Great Britain in the 110 meter hurdle ...
( Rory Jennings), and Chelsea Fox (
Tiana Benjamin Tiana Opium Benjamin (born 5 October 1984) is an English actress, known for originally playing Chelsea Fox in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Career Benjamin trained at the Anna Scher Theatre in London. In 2005, she made an appearance in ...
) and Deano Wicks (
Matt Di Angelo Mario Angelo Stavrou Constantinou (born 1 May 1987), professionally known as Matt Di Angelo, is a British actor and singer, best known for his role as Dean Wicks in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He also portrayed Sean Kennedy in the BBC d ...
) try to frame Sean Slater (
Robert Kazinsky Robert John Appleby (born 18 November 1983), known professionally as Robert Kazinsky, is an English actor. He is known for his roles as Casper Rose in the Sky One drama '' Dream Team'' (2005–2006) and Sean Slater in the BBC soap opera ''East ...
) for the crime. In November 2007, Kevin Wicks (
Phil Daniels Philip William Daniels (born 25 October 1958) is an English actor, musician and singer, most noted for film and television roles playing Londoners, such as the lead role of Jimmy Cooper in ''Quadrophenia'', Richards in '' Scum'', Stewart in '' T ...
) unknowingly sells Morris a stolen car. When
Darren Miller Darren Miller is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Charlie G. Hawkins. He made his first appearance on 6 September 2004 and departed in the episode broadcast on 20 September 2011. Creation and development ...
( Charlie G. Hawkins) tells Kevin that the car is stolen and that Morris is a police officer, they steal the car from Morris and set it on fire. In October 2008, Morris visits
Stacey Slater Stacey Slater (also Branning and Fowler) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Lacey Turner. She first appears in episode 2826, originally broadcast on 1 November 2004. The character is introduced as a feis ...
's (
Lacey Turner Lacey Amelia Turner (born 28 March 1988) is an English actress. She gained prominence in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' for her portrayal of Stacey Slater, a role she initially played between 2004 and 2010 before returning in 2014 an ...
) stall after
Ronnie Mitchell Ronnie Mitchell (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Samantha Womack. She and her younger sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 200 ...
(
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
) calls the market inspector about her selling stolen clothes. He later appears when
Dawn Swann Dawn Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005. It was reported on 26 March 2009 that Tointon and co-star Ricky Groves, who plays Garry Hobbs, would be w ...
(
Kara Tointon Kara Louise Tointon (born 5 August 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2010, she won the BBC competition series ''Strictly Come Dancing'', and in 2015, she appeared a ...
) accuses Jay Brown (
Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', in which he has starred since 2006. His role on ''EastEnders'' earned him a British Soap A ...
) of trying to set fire to her house. He appears again when
Max Branning Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jake Wood. He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006. Wood took a four-month break from the show in 2011 and the character was absent between August and Nov ...
(
Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is a British actor and podcaster from Westminster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' a ...
) calls the police following a faked burglary at his home. On 12 January 2009, Morris appears when he and a colleague find Danielle Jones ( Lauren Crace) sleeping rough on
Albert Square Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location work i ...
. On 15 January 2009 he appears when the police receive complaints of a protest outside Gilly's Massage Parlour. On 7 January 2011 he visits
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) after his son
Ben Ben is frequently used as a shortened version of the given names Benjamin, Benedict, Bennett, Benson or Ebenezer, and is also a given name in its own right. Ben meaning "son of" is also found in Arabic as ''Ben'' (dialectal Arabic) or ''bin ...
(Joshua Pascoe) has been accused of pushing Glenda Mitchell (
Glynis Barber Glynis Barber (born Glynis van der Riet; 25 October 1955) is a South African born British actress. She is known for her portrayals of Sgt. Harriet Makepeace in the British police drama ''Dempsey and Makepeace'', Glenda Mitchell in ''EastEnders ...
) down her stairs. Morris later visits Glenda to take a statement from her. He visits Phil again in October 2011, after his car is vandalised with graffiti. Phil demands a crime reference number from Morris who mocks Phil along with his colleague. In July 2015, he appears at the police station when Ben (now
Harry Reid Harry Mason Reid Jr. (; December 2, 1939 – December 28, 2021) was an American lawyer and politician who served as a United States Senate, United States senator from Nevada from 1987 to 2017. He led the Senate Democratic Caucus from 2005 to 2 ...
) is arrested for the murder of
Lucy Beale Lucy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. The character was played by Eva Brittin-Snell, Casey Anne Rothery, Melissa Suffield, and Hetti Bywater. Lucy was introduced in December 1993 as the daughter of Ian ( ...
( Hetti Bywater). He tells DCI Jill Marsden (
Sophie Stanton Sophie Stanton (born 1971) is an English actress. She is best known for her role as DCI Jill Marsden in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in which she has appeared on from 2001 to 2015. Career EastEnders Born in London and raised in Suffolk ...
) that witness
Arsim Kelmendi ''EastEnders'' is a BBC soap opera that first aired on 19 February 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in 2019, in order of first appearance. All new characters in 2014 were introduced by executive producer Dominic ...
(Tomasz Aleksander) has arrived at the station and escorts Ben back to his cell. He is later on desk duty when Ritchie Scott (
Sian Webber Sîan Webber (born 1959) is a British actress. She is known the recurring role of Ritchie Scott in BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', which she first played in 2005, returning regularly to the role up to and including 2023. Career Webber has ap ...
) arrives and asks for Ben's whereabouts. Morris is on the phone and tells her to wait but she ignores him and goes into the station. Morris is forced to apologise to Marsden for not stopping her and she tells him to escort Ritchie back to the front desk. He is also present when Phil arrives at the police station and Morris asks him to wait. Bobby Beale (Eliot Carrington) later comes to the police station and asks to see DI Samantha Keeble ( Alison Newman) but Morris is taking another phone call and tells him to wait too. Morris later informs Marsden that Phil has returned to the station and wants to see her. In November 2015, Morris visits
Denise Fox Denise Fox (also Wicks and Johnson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Diane Parish. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006 and temporarily left ''EastEnders'' in early 2008 to give birth to her se ...
(
Diane Parish Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
) and tells her that a person the police have in custody has given her address as theirs. She confirms to Morris all of the people who live in her house. Denise then tries to find out from Morris who the arrested person is, and although he is unable to tell her, she realises it is her former stepson Jordan Johnson (
Joivan Wade Joivan Wade ( ; born 23 July 1993) is an English actor known for playing Manyou in the BBC comedy television series '' Big School'', Jordan Johnson on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', and Victor Stone / Cyborg in the Max series ''Doom Patro ...
).


Heather Trott

Heather Trott, played by
Cheryl Fergison Cheryl El Jamouni (born 27 August 1965), known professionally as Cheryl Fergison, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Heather Trott in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role in which she starred in from 2007 until ...
, is first introduced as a guest character, but later becomes a regular. The sidekick of character
Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
(
Linda Henry Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
), most of Heather's storylines involve comedy, and Fergison won the 'Funniest Performance' award at the 2008 ''Inside Soap'' Awards. Heather's character is known for her
headband A headband or hairband is a clothing accessory worn in the hair or around the forehead, usually to hold hair away from the face or eyes. Headbands generally consist of a loop of elastic material or a horseshoe-shaped piece of flexible plast ...
s, love of cheese and
karaoke is a type of interactive entertainment system usually offered in nightclubs and bars, where people sing along to pre-recorded accompaniment using a microphone. Its musical content is an instrumental rendition of a well-known popular song. I ...
, and being a fan of singer
George Michael George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; 25 June 1963 – 25 December 2016) was an English singer-songwriter and record producer. Regarded as a pop culture icon, he is one of the List of best-selling music artists, best-selling rec ...
. In 2009, Heather is involved in a
whodunnit A ''whodunit'' (less commonly spelled as ''whodunnit''; a colloquial elision of "Who asdone it?") is a complex plot-driven variety of detective fiction in which the puzzle regarding who committed the crime is the main focus. The reader or viewer ...
-style storyline when she becomes pregnant by an unknown man. Several characters are possibilities, and the father, teenager
Darren Miller Darren Miller is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Charlie G. Hawkins. He made his first appearance on 6 September 2004 and departed in the episode broadcast on 20 September 2011. Creation and development ...
( Charlie G. Hawkins) is revealed after the baby, George Trott, is born.


Charity Kase

Karl "Charity Kase", played by Morgan Crowley, is an Irish
drag act Drag is a performance of exaggerated femininity, masculinity, or other forms of gender expression, usually for entertainment purposes. Drag usually involves cross-dressing. A drag queen is someone (usually male) who performs femininely and a drag ...
employed by
Peggy Mitchell Peggy Mitchell (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared in the episode broadcast on 30 April 1991, featuring in 10 episodes. Peggy was rein ...
(
Barbara Windsor Dame Barbara Windsor (born Barbara Ann Deeks; 6 August 193710 December 2020) was an English actress, known for her roles in the Carry On (franchise), ''Carry On'' films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders''.
) for a night in
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
public house. He sings "
Big Spender "Big Spender" is a song written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the musical '' Sweet Charity'', first performed in 1966. Peggy Lee was the first artist to record the song (on single released on Jan 29, 1966), also on the album ''Big Spender ...
" to
Billy Mitchell William Lendrum Mitchell (December 29, 1879 – February 19, 1936) was a United States Army officer who had a major role in the creation of the United States Air Force. Mitchell served in France during World War I and, by the conflict's end, ...
(
Perry Fenwick Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998. Career Television Fenwick's first regular television rol ...
) and
Bradley Branning Bradley Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Charlie Clements. He made his first appearance on screen on 24 January 2006 and last appeared on 22 February 2010 after he was killed-off in the show's ...
( Charlie Clements), makes Bradley go up on stage and repeat his proposal to
Stacey Slater Stacey Slater (also Branning and Fowler) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Lacey Turner. She first appears in episode 2826, originally broadcast on 1 November 2004. The character is introduced as a feis ...
(
Lacey Turner Lacey Amelia Turner (born 28 March 1988) is an English actress. She gained prominence in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' for her portrayal of Stacey Slater, a role she initially played between 2004 and 2010 before returning in 2014 an ...
) in front of the audience, and sings a duet with barmaid
Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
(
Linda Henry Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
). After being told by Sean Slater (
Robert Kazinsky Robert John Appleby (born 18 November 1983), known professionally as Robert Kazinsky, is an English actor. He is known for his roles as Casper Rose in the Sky One drama '' Dream Team'' (2005–2006) and Sean Slater in the BBC soap opera ''East ...
), he dresses up Deano Wicks (
Matt Di Angelo Mario Angelo Stavrou Constantinou (born 1 May 1987), professionally known as Matt Di Angelo, is a British actor and singer, best known for his role as Dean Wicks in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He also portrayed Sean Kennedy in the BBC d ...
) and makes a fool of him. He later appears when Shirley is in
Brighton Brighton ( ) is a seaside resort in the city status in the United Kingdom, city of Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, England, south of London. Archaeological evidence of settlement in the area dates back to the Bronze Age Britain, Bronze Age, R ...
with her best friend
Heather Trott Heather Trott (also Peterson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Cheryl Fergison. She made her first appearance on 26 June 2007. The character was introduced as a guest character, but later became a regu ...
(
Cheryl Fergison Cheryl El Jamouni (born 27 August 1965), known professionally as Cheryl Fergison, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Heather Trott in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role in which she starred in from 2007 until ...
) and they run into him. He offers them a lift back to
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
because their car has been clamped. In 2009,
Kim Fox Kim Fox (also Fox-Hubbard) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Tameka Empson. She is the half-sister of Denise Fox (Diane Parish), and aunt to Chelsea Fox, Chelsea (Tiana Benjamin/Zaraah Abrahams) and Libby ...
(
Tameka Empson Tameka Lydia Empson (born 15 April 1977) is an English actress and comedian. She appeared as one of the three protagonists in the hidden-camera comedy sketch show ''3 Non-Blondes''. In 2009, she began portraying the role of Kim Fox in the BBC O ...
) books him for her sister Denise Wicks' (
Diane Parish Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
) wedding to
Lucas Johnson Lucas Johnson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Don Gilet. He made his first on-screen appearance on 3 April 2008. Lucas is introduced as a reformed drug addict and criminal-turned-preacher who appears a ...
(
Don Gilet Don Gilet (born 17 January 1967) is an English actor. He is best known for his roles as DS Nicky Cole in ''55 Degrees North'', DI Mervin Wilson in ''Death in Paradise'', Lucas Johnson in ''EastEnders'', and Jesse Law in ''Holby City''. Early ...
).


Zainab Masood

Zainab Masood, played by
Nina Wadia Nina Wadia (born 18 December 1968) is a British actress. She is known for portraying Zainab Masood in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Aunty Noor in '' Citizen Khan'', Mrs Hussein in the BBC comedy ''Still Open All Hours'' and for starring i ...
, is first seen as the owner of Walford Post Office, and employer of Denise Wicks (
Diane Parish Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
). Zainab is the mother of
Shabnam Jharna Basak (born 17 August 1946), known by her stage name Shabnam, is a Bangladeshi–Pakistani stage and film actress. Actor Waheed Murad introduced her to the Pakistani film industry by offering her a lead role in his film '' Samundar'' in ...
(
Zahra Ahmadi Zahra Ahmadi (; born 1982) is a British actress from Plymouth, England of Persian descent. She is best known for playing the original Shabnam Masood in ''EastEnders''. Career She is known for her role as Shabnam Masood in the British televis ...
), Tamwar ( Himesh Patel) and Syed Masood ( Marc Elliott), and is the wife of Masood Ahmed (
Nitin Ganatra Nitin Chandra Ganatra (born 30 June 1967) is a British actor. He is known for portraying Masood Ahmed in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders'' (2007–2019), for which he won a British Soap Award. Early life Ganatra was born on 30 June 1967 in Ke ...
). Zainab and Masood stay strong through various family difficulties, and Zainab gives birth to another son,
Kamil Kamil is a name used in a number of languages. Kamil () is a Polish, Czech, and Slovak given name, equivalent to the Italian Camillo, Spanish/Portuguese Camilo and French Camille. It is derived from Camillus,stablishment and dissolution ...
in 2010, but their joy is short-lived as Syed soon admits that he is
gay ''Gay'' is a term that primarily refers to a homosexual person or the trait of being homosexual. The term originally meant 'carefree', 'cheerful', or 'bright and showy'. While scant usage referring to male homosexuality dates to the late ...
. When Zainab's ex-husband Yusef Khan (
Ace Bhatti Ahsen Rafiq "Ace" Bhatti is a British actor. Early in his career, he appeared in the BBC series ''Cardiac Arrest'' (1994–1995), '' Holding On'' (1997), '' NCS: Manhunt'' (2001–2002), and '' New Street Law'' (2006–2007), as well as the ITV ...
) arrives, this ultimately leads to her divorcing Masood, and she later remarries Yusef. He abuses her and is killed, leaving her a widow.


Shabnam Masood

Shabnam Masood, played by
Zahra Ahmadi Zahra Ahmadi (; born 1982) is a British actress from Plymouth, England of Persian descent. She is best known for playing the original Shabnam Masood in ''EastEnders''. Career She is known for her role as Shabnam Masood in the British televis ...
, is the daughter of
Zainab Masood Zainab Masood (also Khan) is a character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Nina Wadia.
(
Nina Wadia Nina Wadia (born 18 December 1968) is a British actress. She is known for portraying Zainab Masood in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Aunty Noor in '' Citizen Khan'', Mrs Hussein in the BBC comedy ''Still Open All Hours'' and for starring i ...
) and Masood Ahmed (
Nitin Ganatra Nitin Chandra Ganatra (born 30 June 1967) is a British actor. He is known for portraying Masood Ahmed in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders'' (2007–2019), for which he won a British Soap Award. Early life Ganatra was born on 30 June 1967 in Ke ...
), and the sister of Tamwar ( Himesh Patel) and Syed Masood ( Marc Elliott). A university graduate, she has not yet decided what career path she wants to follow and works in her parents' posy office in the meantime. She has aspirations to travel and makes secret plans to leave Walford, but she is forced to rethink when she discovers her parents are having financial difficulties. Shabnam struggles with the clash between her family's traditional Muslim culture and modern British life, and after her mother catches her poledancing in a club, Shabnam starts to feel confused about where she belongs. In 2014, Shabnam returned to
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
, this time played by Rakhee Thakrar.


Myra Sim

Police Constable Myra Sim, played by
Naomi Ryan Naomi Ryan (born 24 May 1977 in Bournemouth, England) is a British actress who has appeared in '' Dream Team'' as Ashleigh King, ''Mile High'' as Lehann Evans and ''Coronation Street'' where she played Underworld factory worker Bobbi Lewis. Fi ...
, is a police officer who investigates Wellard's kidnapping. She speaks to
Mickey Miller Mickey Miller is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Joe Swash. He first appeared on 15 April 2003 as a guest character. Mickey proved popular and the executive producer Louise Berridge made him a full-time mem ...
(
Joe Swash Joseph Adam Swash (born ) is a British actor and television presenter from London, best known for his role of Mickey Miller in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' and various presenting roles with ITV2. He won the eighth series of '' I'm ...
) and
Gus Smith Gus Smith is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Mohammed George. He made his first appearance on 28 May 2002. It was announced in January 2008 that Gus would leave the show later in 2008, and he made his l ...
(
Mohammed George Mohammed Michael "Mo" George (born 11 March 1982) is a British actor who played Gus Smith on the soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2002 to 2008. Early life Mohammed Michael George was born to a Jamaican mother and Antiguan father, in Hackney, ...
), and finds the recently departed Li Chong's (
Elaine Tan Elaine Tan is an English actress. Early life Tan trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School before graduating from the University of Exeter with a degree in Law and completing the Legal Practice Certificate with Distinction. Career In 2001 T ...
) stash of dodgy mobile phones. Mickey asks her not to tell Gus about the phones, which she does not. When Bert Atkinson ( Dave Hill) later plasters posters of Wellard around
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
, she deals with a complaint about them, telling Gus to take them down or he will be fined. She appears again on 26 and 28 December 2009 following the murder of
Archie Mitchell Archie Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Larry Lamb. He first appeared on 8 July 2008 as a newest member of the Mitchell family—who had first appeared on the soap in 1990—and became the show ...
(
Larry Lamb Lawrence Douglas Lamb (born 1 October 1947) is an English actor and radio presenter. He played Archie Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Mick Shipman in the BBC comedy series ''Gavin & Stacey'' and Ted Case in the final series of ...
), questioning
Bradley Branning Bradley Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Charlie Clements. He made his first appearance on screen on 24 January 2006 and last appeared on 22 February 2010 after he was killed-off in the show's ...
( Charlie Clements) and
Stacey Slater Stacey Slater (also Branning and Fowler) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Lacey Turner. She first appears in episode 2826, originally broadcast on 1 November 2004. The character is introduced as a feis ...
(
Lacey Turner Lacey Amelia Turner (born 28 March 1988) is an English actress. She gained prominence in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' for her portrayal of Stacey Slater, a role she initially played between 2004 and 2010 before returning in 2014 an ...
). She is also present at the police station and takes
Ronnie Mitchell Ronnie Mitchell (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Samantha Womack. She and her younger sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 200 ...
's (
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
) clothes from her for forensic analysis after she is arrested for the murder.


Jase Dyer

Jase Dyer, played by
Stephen Lord Stephen Lord (born 1 October 1972) is an English actor, known for playing Jase Dyer in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2007 to 2008 and Dominic Meak in the Channel 4 comedy drama series, '' Shameless'', between 2012 and 2013. In 2021, ...
, is the father of Jay Brown (
Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', in which he has starred since 2006. His role on ''EastEnders'' earned him a British Soap A ...
). He arrives in
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
to reunite with his estranged son. Jase quickly bonds with Jay, and soon replaces Bert Atkinson ( Dave Hill) as his guardian. It is revealed that Jase used to be in a gang of football hooligans led by Terry Bates ( Nicholas Ball), and his involvement led to him spending time in prison. After a brief fling with
Roxy Mitchell Roxy Mitchell (also Slater) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rita Simons.Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
), Jase starts a relationship with
Dawn Swann Dawn Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005. It was reported on 26 March 2009 that Tointon and co-star Ricky Groves, who plays Garry Hobbs, would be w ...
(
Kara Tointon Kara Louise Tointon (born 5 August 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2010, she won the BBC competition series ''Strictly Come Dancing'', and in 2015, she appeared a ...
) and becomes engaged to her. However Jase finds his gang-related past hard to break free from.


Roxy Mitchell

Roxy Mitchell, played by
Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
, arrives in
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
with her sister Ronnie (
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
). Described as the "fire", as opposed to Ronnie's "ice",The Mitchell Sisters
, ''Daily Mirror''. Retrieved 11 May 2007.


Ronnie Mitchell

Ronnie Mitchell, played by
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
, arrives in
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
with her sister Roxy (
Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
). Described as the "ice", as opposed to Roxy's "fire", Ronnie takes over Scarlet nightclub and forms a relationship with her business partner,
Jack Branning DI Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim ( John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham) and the ...
(
Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in the ITV police drama series ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also too ...
). However Ronnie finds it difficult to move on from the years of manipulation and abuse she suffered from her father,
Archie Mitchell Archie Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Larry Lamb. He first appeared on 8 July 2008 as a newest member of the Mitchell family—who had first appeared on the soap in 1990—and became the show ...
(
Larry Lamb Lawrence Douglas Lamb (born 1 October 1947) is an English actor and radio presenter. He played Archie Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Mick Shipman in the BBC comedy series ''Gavin & Stacey'' and Ted Case in the final series of ...
).


Craig Dixon

Craig Dixon, played by Rory Jennings, arrives in
Albert Square Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location work i ...
for an interview with
Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
(
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
), to work in Ian's chip shop. Ian employs Craig, and Craig goes on to secretly date Ian's daughter,
Lucy Lucy is an English language, English feminine given name derived from the Latin masculine given name Lucius with the meaning ''as of light'' (''born at dawn or daylight'', maybe also ''shiny'', or ''of light complexion''). Alternative spellings ar ...
(
Melissa Suffield Melissa Holly Suffield (born 24 December 1992) is a former English actress known for her role in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' as Lucy Beale. She appeared on the show from 2004 to 2010.
). It is soon revealed that Craig has a gun in the
glove compartment A glove compartment or glove box is a compartment built into the dashboard of an automobile, located over the front-seat passenger's footwell, and often used for miscellaneous storage. The name derives from the original purpose of the compart ...
of his car.
Lauren Branning Lauren Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. The role was originally played by Madeline Duggan, who first appeared on 3 July 2006. Duggan played the role for four years until her exit on 23 June 2010. Three ...
(
Madeline Duggan Madeline Duggan (born 28 June 1994) is a British actress, known for her portrayal of Lauren Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2006 to 2010. Career In 2003, Duggan portrayed the role of Little Cosette in a production of ''Les Mi ...
) invites him and Lucy to her house and they play truth or dare. Craig and Lucy leave when they are interrupted by Lauren's sister, Abi (
Lorna Fitzgerald Lorna Katie Fitzgerald (born 17 April 1996) is a British actress from Northampton. Her most notable role to date is that of Abi Branning in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''. Since leaving ''EastEnders'' in January 2018, Fitzgerald has develop ...
). Craig later dares Lucy to shoplift from the Minute Mart. Craig also has a minor disagreement with
Patrick Trueman Patrick Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001. On 7 December 2015, Walker filmed his 1,000th episode as Patrick. For his portrayal of ...
(
Rudolph Walker Rudolph Malcolm Walker CBE (born 28 September 1939) is a Trinidadian-British actor, best known for his roles as Bill Reynolds in ''Love Thy Neighbour'' (1972–1976) and Constable Frank Gladstone in '' The Thin Blue Line'' (1995–1996), as wel ...
) when purchasing alcohol from the Minute Mart when Patrick asks him for proof of age much to the annoyance of Craig, who shows him his passport, proving he is 18 years old. Patrick is attacked soon after. Ian finds out about Lucy and Craig dating from his wife Jane (
Laurie Brett Laurie Brett (born 28 March 1969) is a Scottish actress, best known for her roles as Jane Beale in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Christine Mulgrew in the BBC One drama series '' Waterloo Road''. Early and personal life Brett was b ...
) and Lauren at a party. Ian rushes to find Lucy and
Max Branning Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jake Wood. He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006. Wood took a four-month break from the show in 2011 and the character was absent between August and Nov ...
(
Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is a British actor and podcaster from Westminster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' a ...
) offers to help. Ian and Max find Lucy and Craig in bed at Craig's flat. Craig is warned by Max whilst Lucy is told to button her top and get out. The next day after taking Lucy home, Ian reports the incident to the police and Craig is cautioned, much to Ian's annoyance. He visits Craig and gives him £300 to leave his daughter alone. Lucy and Craig later meet in secret. It is later revealed that it was Craig who attacked Patrick. A tape discovered by Kevin Wicks (
Phil Daniels Philip William Daniels (born 25 October 1958) is an English actor, musician and singer, most noted for film and television roles playing Londoners, such as the lead role of Jimmy Cooper in ''Quadrophenia'', Richards in '' Scum'', Stewart in '' T ...
), shows him hitting Patrick over the head. Sean Slater (
Robert Kazinsky Robert John Appleby (born 18 November 1983), known professionally as Robert Kazinsky, is an English actor. He is known for his roles as Casper Rose in the Sky One drama '' Dream Team'' (2005–2006) and Sean Slater in the BBC soap opera ''East ...
), who had also disagreed with Patrick, is charged with the crime. On the same day, it is revealed that Craig and Lucy have got back together. When Lucy plays truant, she goes to see Craig and gets into his car, almost discovering his gun, but he stops her by saying there is a wasp in her hair and quickly changes the subject. On 6 September, Craig and Lucy run away to a hotel. When Craig comes out of the shower topless, he makes it clear that he wants to have sex but she throws her drink on him and locks herself in the bathroom. She phones Ian on her mobile but her family have gone looking for her so they never get the call. She leaves a message but it is cut short when her battery runs out. She persuades Craig to leave the hotel by saying they will steal money from Ian. Lucy runs to her father, pretending to cry, and tells the police that Craig attacked Patrick. Craig is arrested for
attempted murder Attempted murder is a crime of attempt in various jurisdictions. Canada Section 239 of the ''Criminal Code'' makes attempted murder punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment. If a gun is used, the minimum sentence is four, five or seve ...
and is not seen again, resulting in Sean's freedom. However, Craig hides his gun in Lucy's bag.
Steven Stephen or Steven is an English first name. It is particularly significant to Christians, as it belonged to Saint Stephen ( ), an early disciple and deacon who, according to the Book of Acts, was stoned to death; he is widely regarded as the firs ...
( Aaron Sidwell), Lucy's half-brother, later attempts to use the gun to shoot himself but instead wounds Jane.


Rainie Highway

Rainie Highway, played by
Tanya Franks Tanya Christine Franks (born 16 August 1967) is an English actress. She is best known for her role as Rainie Cross in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''. Career 1986–2006 Franks worked for 14 years in theatre both in the UK and abroad. Her ...
, is the drug-addicted sister of
Tanya Branning Tanya Branning (also Cross and Jessop) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. Joyner left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity le ...
(
Jo Joyner Joanne Mary Joyner (born 24 May 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Mandy Carter in the Channel 4 school drama '' Ackley Bridge''. From 2018, she has starred as Lue ...
). As of April 2011, she has had four separate stints in the series, in 2007 (two episodes), 2008 (four episodes), 2010, and 2011 onwards. Rainie has been called "troublesome" and "troubled". Franks said that Rainie would be "unlikely to return without stirring up a bit of trouble". Her most notable storyline is one of getting
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) addicted to the drug
crack cocaine Crack cocaine, commonly known simply as crack, and also known as rock, is a free base form of the stimulant cocaine that can be Smoking, smoked. Crack offers a short, intense Euphoria (emotion), high to smokers. The ''Manual of Adolescent Sub ...
, which Frank said "gets quite dark and dirty". She was given advice from the charity DrugScope on how to act the part and also undertook some of her own research. The storyline attracted several complaints.


Ellen Dunn

Detective Sergeant Ellen Dunn, played by Phillipa Peak, is the leading officer investigating the attack on
Patrick Trueman Patrick Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001. On 7 December 2015, Walker filmed his 1,000th episode as Patrick. For his portrayal of ...
(
Rudolph Walker Rudolph Malcolm Walker CBE (born 28 September 1939) is a Trinidadian-British actor, best known for his roles as Bill Reynolds in ''Love Thy Neighbour'' (1972–1976) and Constable Frank Gladstone in '' The Thin Blue Line'' (1995–1996), as wel ...
). She interrogates Sean Slater (
Robert Kazinsky Robert John Appleby (born 18 November 1983), known professionally as Robert Kazinsky, is an English actor. He is known for his roles as Casper Rose in the Sky One drama '' Dream Team'' (2005–2006) and Sean Slater in the BBC soap opera ''East ...
), and later interviews Deano Wicks (
Matt Di Angelo Mario Angelo Stavrou Constantinou (born 1 May 1987), professionally known as Matt Di Angelo, is a British actor and singer, best known for his role as Dean Wicks in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He also portrayed Sean Kennedy in the BBC d ...
) when he is attacked after making a statement against Sean. One month later, she leads a team of officers to arrest Deano and Chelsea Fox (
Tiana Benjamin Tiana Opium Benjamin (born 5 October 1984) is an English actress, known for originally playing Chelsea Fox in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Career Benjamin trained at the Anna Scher Theatre in London. In 2005, she made an appearance in ...
) for attempting to
pervert the course of justice Perverting the course of justice is an offence committed when a person prevents justice from being served on themselves or on another party. In England and Wales it is a common law offence, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Statu ...
.


Zachary Carson

Detective Constable Zachary Carson, played by Jonah Russell, is one of the police officers investigating the attack on
Patrick Trueman Patrick Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001. On 7 December 2015, Walker filmed his 1,000th episode as Patrick. For his portrayal of ...
(
Rudolph Walker Rudolph Malcolm Walker CBE (born 28 September 1939) is a Trinidadian-British actor, best known for his roles as Bill Reynolds in ''Love Thy Neighbour'' (1972–1976) and Constable Frank Gladstone in '' The Thin Blue Line'' (1995–1996), as wel ...
). He collects witness statements from Deano Wicks (
Matt Di Angelo Mario Angelo Stavrou Constantinou (born 1 May 1987), professionally known as Matt Di Angelo, is a British actor and singer, best known for his role as Dean Wicks in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He also portrayed Sean Kennedy in the BBC d ...
) and Chelsea Fox (
Tiana Benjamin Tiana Opium Benjamin (born 5 October 1984) is an English actress, known for originally playing Chelsea Fox in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Career Benjamin trained at the Anna Scher Theatre in London. In 2005, she made an appearance in ...
), who claim they saw Sean Slater (
Robert Kazinsky Robert John Appleby (born 18 November 1983), known professionally as Robert Kazinsky, is an English actor. He is known for his roles as Casper Rose in the Sky One drama '' Dream Team'' (2005–2006) and Sean Slater in the BBC soap opera ''East ...
) attack Patrick, and later he interviews Patrick when he regains consciousness, distressing him until Denise Wicks (
Diane Parish Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
) tells Carson to leave the hospital. He leaves Patrick his card, and Patrick later telephones him and tells him Sean is the culprit. One month later, the police officers arrest Chelsea and Deano after it has been discovered they are
perverting the course of justice Perverting the course of justice is an offence committed when a person prevents justice from being served on themselves or on another party. In England and Wales it is a common law offence, carrying a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Stat ...
.


Wayne Hughes

Detective Constable Wayne Hughes, played by Jamie Treacher, is a police officer who interviews
Craig Dixon Craig Kline Dixon (March 3, 1926 – February 25, 2021) was an American athlete who competed mainly in the 110 meter hurdles. He competed for the United States in the 1948 Summer Olympics held in London, Great Britain in the 110 meter hurdle ...
( Rory Jennings) after he had been caught in bed with an underage
Lucy Beale Lucy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. The character was played by Eva Brittin-Snell, Casey Anne Rothery, Melissa Suffield, and Hetti Bywater. Lucy was introduced in December 1993 as the daughter of Ian ( ...
(
Melissa Suffield Melissa Holly Suffield (born 24 December 1992) is a former English actress known for her role in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' as Lucy Beale. She appeared on the show from 2004 to 2010.
). He returns on 18 March 2008 when Lucy runs away from home and leaves again on 28 March when Lucy is found and returns home. Hughes returns on 28 December 2009, investigating the murder of
Archie Mitchell Archie Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Larry Lamb. He first appeared on 8 July 2008 as a newest member of the Mitchell family—who had first appeared on the soap in 1990—and became the show ...
(
Larry Lamb Lawrence Douglas Lamb (born 1 October 1947) is an English actor and radio presenter. He played Archie Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Mick Shipman in the BBC comedy series ''Gavin & Stacey'' and Ted Case in the final series of ...
). He is the central colleague of DCI Jill Marsden (
Sophie Stanton Sophie Stanton (born 1971) is an English actress. She is best known for her role as DCI Jill Marsden in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in which she has appeared on from 2001 to 2015. Career EastEnders Born in London and raised in Suffolk ...
). When a DNA screening begins,
Jack Branning DI Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim ( John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham) and the ...
(
Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in the ITV police drama series ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also too ...
) pays Hughes a bribe to make the samples disappear. Hughes contacts Jack when his nephew
Bradley Branning Bradley Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Charlie Clements. He made his first appearance on screen on 24 January 2006 and last appeared on 22 February 2010 after he was killed-off in the show's ...
( Charlie Clements) is about to be arrested. He becomes involved in police chase with Bradley and he watches him fall to his death from the roof of the
Queen Victoria Pub ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
. Actor Jamie Treacher, who plays the character, is the son of former ''EastEnders'' actor
Bill Treacher William Charles Treacher (4 June 1930 – 5 November 2022) was an English actor. He was best known for portraying the role of Arthur Fowler in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 1985 to 1996, having been the first person to be cast for t ...
, who played original character
Arthur Fowler Arthur Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Bill Treacher from 1985 to 1996. Arthur featured in archive footage in 2025 to celebrate the show's 40th anniversary. The father of the Fowler family, ...
from 1985 to 1996.


Len Harker

Len Harker, played by
Christopher Ellison Christopher Michael Ellison (born 16 December 1946 in St Pancras, London) is a British actor from London. He is best known for his role as DCI Frank Burnside in the ITV police series ''The Bill'' and short-lived spin-off series '' Burnside''. ...
, is a man who unknowingly helps
Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
(
Linda Henry Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
) and
Heather Trott Heather Trott (also Peterson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Cheryl Fergison. She made her first appearance on 26 June 2007. The character was introduced as a guest character, but later became a regu ...
(
Cheryl Fergison Cheryl El Jamouni (born 27 August 1965), known professionally as Cheryl Fergison, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Heather Trott in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role in which she starred in from 2007 until ...
) to steal a car that Pat Evans (
Pam St. Clement Pamela Ann Clements (born 11 May 1942), known professionally as Pam St Clement, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Pat Butcher in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 12 June 1986 until 1 January 2012, with a guest ...
) borrowed from Kevin Wicks (
Phil Daniels Philip William Daniels (born 25 October 1958) is an English actor, musician and singer, most noted for film and television roles playing Londoners, such as the lead role of Jimmy Cooper in ''Quadrophenia'', Richards in '' Scum'', Stewart in '' T ...
). As Shirley and Heather drive away to Brighton, Pat comes out from the service station and calls out that it is her car, but she slips and breaks her shoe. Len mends her broken shoe, and then offers her a lift to
Worthing Worthing ( ) is a seaside town and borough in West Sussex, England, at the foot of the South Downs, west of Brighton, and east of Chichester. With a population of 113,094 and an area of , the borough is the second largest component of the Br ...
, where she had been heading for. After Pat accepts, he drives her to a run-down mental facility where Pat's long-lost sister Joan had been sent sixty years previously. After being refused entry, he helps Pat to break in, where they discover that Joan had not died aged 22 as Pat had been told, but had been sent to a different hospital in the 1980s. However, while running from the police, Len drops the paper which reveals which hospital she had been sent to, but he searches the internet and finds the location. He takes Pat there, where they discover that Joan had only died a few years ago, and that she had married in 1963. He takes Pat back to Walford, where he says goodbye to her, giving her his card, looks around, and then drives away. Len is not heard of again until Christmas Eve 2007, when Pat receives a rocking horse and card from him.


Damian

Damian, played by
James Hillier James Hillier, (August 22, 1915 – January 15, 2007) was a Canadian- American scientist and inventor who designed and built, with Albert Prebus, the first successful high-resolution electron microscope in North America in 1938. Biography ...
, is
Roxy Mitchell Roxy Mitchell (also Slater) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rita Simons.Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
) fiancé, whom she starts avoiding calls from during her stay in Walford. Roxy tells her sister Ronnie (
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
) she is going to leave Damian and never go back to Ibiza, but Ronnie warns her to wait until she gets the money out of his business. They then both get into an argument over the situation, during which Damian arrives unexpectedly at
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
pub. Roxy and Ronnie then trick him into believing Roxy's new boyfriend is
Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
(
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
) and that she is pregnant with Ian's baby. Roxy even kisses Ian to prove she loves him, in front of Damian. Damian then leaves to go back to Ibiza. Two months later, Damian returns to Walford to be with Roxy, who pretends that she had a miscarriage. Roxy tries not to let him know that she is using him only for the money to help Peggy pay off her £40,000 debts and the funds for her and Ronnie's future ownership of the Scarlet nightclub. On 29 October, Damian attacks Ian in the café when he discovers that he and Roxy were never in love, and then gets himself arrested by
Jack Branning DI Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim ( John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham) and the ...
(
Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in the ITV police drama series ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also too ...
) when he "hits" Ronnie (this is set up by Ronnie, when she makes it look like he was sexually assaulting her). Damian then realises that Roxy does not really love him, but is using him to get the money he owes her. This is the last time he is seen.


Queenie Trott

Queenie Trott, played by
Judy Cornwell Judy Valerie Cornwell (born 22 February 1940) is an English actress. She is best known for her role as Daisy in the British sitcom ''Keeping Up Appearances'' (1990–1995). She also played Anya Claus in '' Santa Claus: The Movie'' (1985). In ...
, is the mother of
Heather Trott Heather Trott (also Peterson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Cheryl Fergison. She made her first appearance on 26 June 2007. The character was introduced as a guest character, but later became a regu ...
(
Cheryl Fergison Cheryl El Jamouni (born 27 August 1965), known professionally as Cheryl Fergison, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Heather Trott in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role in which she starred in from 2007 until ...
). Queenie is a controlling woman, who regularly taunts, insults and demeans her daughter, always calling her by the name "Pig". When
Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
(
Linda Henry Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
) asks Heather to move out of her mother's flat and into hers, Queenie manipulates Heather into staying by pretending to have an accident. Heather is so concerned for her mother's safety that she decides not to move out, but she later hears Queenie laughing about her deception to a friend on the phone. Heather is so angry that she decides to move in with Shirley after all, only to find that Shirley has been evicted as she'd failed to pay the rent. Not wanting to remain living with her spiteful mother, Heather decides to pay the rent with money she has in her savings account. When she sneaks back to Queenie's to find her savings book however, she discovers that her mother has stolen most of her money. Queenie arrives on Heather's doorstep on 16 March 2008 to meet her new fiancé, Minty Peterson (
Cliff Parisi Cliff Parisi (born Clifford R Manley; 24 May 1960) is an English actor and businessman, known for his roles as Minty Peterson in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Fred Buckle in the BBC period drama ''Call the Midwife''. In 2019, he ...
). When she discovers that Heather is pretending to be
Hazel Hobbs The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 2007, by order of first appearance. A new family were introduced in this year, with Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia), Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra), S ...
(
Kika Mirylees Kika Mirylees (born Christina Kika Le Fleming Mirylees; 23 September 1953) is a South African-born British actress and councillor. She is best known for her roles as Fliss in ''Not Going Out'' and Julie Johnston in '' Bad Girls'', Doc Newton i ...
) so they can win a wedding competition in a magazine, Queenie blackmails Minty and Heather, saying she will not leave unless they give her their winnings from the competition. Heather reveals to Minty that Queenie had told her that her father walked out on them because he hated living with Heather. Minty then encourages Heather to stand up to Queenie, which she does, prompting Queenie to leave. Queenie later tries to stop Minty and Heather's wedding, revealing Heather's true identity to
Marni The name Marni originates from several languages, including Hebrew, meaning "rejoice", and Latin as a variant of "Marina (given name), Marina", meaning "of the sea". It also has derivations from Goidelic languages, Gaelic and Swahili language, Swa ...
( Lisa Ellis) from the magazine. Heather marries Minty anyway and later berates Queenie for trying to ruin her happiness, and Queenie leaves. When Heather gives birth to a baby boy named
George George may refer to: Names * George (given name) * George (surname) People * George (singer), American-Canadian singer George Nozuka, known by the mononym George * George Papagheorghe, also known as Jorge / GEØRGE * George, stage name of Gior ...
in 2009, she phones Queenie to let her know that she is a grandmother, but is unsurprisingly let down by her mother's response. In 2011, Heather tries to visit Queenie but a neighbour tells her that Queenie has moved to
Eastbourne Eastbourne () is a town and seaside resort in East Sussex, on the south coast of England, east of Brighton and south of London. It is also a non-metropolitan district, local government district with Borough status in the United Kingdom, bor ...
a few years before. When Heather is murdered in 2012, Queenie does not attend her funeral. In 2015, it was revealed that Shirley's aunt Babe Smith (
Annette Badland Annette Badland is a British actress known for a wide range of roles on television, radio, stage, and film. She is best known for her roles as Charlotte in the BBC crime drama series '' Bergerac'', Margaret Blaine in the BBC science fiction se ...
) and Queenie were baby farmers in
Ramsgate Ramsgate is a seaside resort, seaside town and civil parish in the district of Thanet District, Thanet in eastern Kent, England. It was one of the great English seaside towns of the 19th century. In 2021 it had a population of 42,027. Ramsgate' ...
years before.


Tamwar Masood

Tamwar Masood, played by Himesh Patel is the son of
Zainab Masood Zainab Masood (also Khan) is a character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Nina Wadia.
(
Nina Wadia Nina Wadia (born 18 December 1968) is a British actress. She is known for portraying Zainab Masood in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Aunty Noor in '' Citizen Khan'', Mrs Hussein in the BBC comedy ''Still Open All Hours'' and for starring i ...
) and Masood Ahmed (
Nitin Ganatra Nitin Chandra Ganatra (born 30 June 1967) is a British actor. He is known for portraying Masood Ahmed in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders'' (2007–2019), for which he won a British Soap Award. Early life Ganatra was born on 30 June 1967 in Ke ...
), and the brother of
Shabnam Jharna Basak (born 17 August 1946), known by her stage name Shabnam, is a Bangladeshi–Pakistani stage and film actress. Actor Waheed Murad introduced her to the Pakistani film industry by offering her a lead role in his film '' Samundar'' in ...
(
Zahra Ahmadi Zahra Ahmadi (; born 1982) is a British actress from Plymouth, England of Persian descent. She is best known for playing the original Shabnam Masood in ''EastEnders''. Career She is known for her role as Shabnam Masood in the British televis ...
; Rakhee Thakrar) and Syed Masood ( Marc Elliott). Tamwar works hard on his studies to please his parents, but he fails to achieve the grades he needs for his place at university. At his brother Syed's wedding to Amira Shah (
Preeya Kalidas Preeya Kalidas (born 21 June 1980) is an English singer and actress. She played Amira Masood in the soap opera ''EastEnders'', from 2009 to 2012. She released the single "Shimmy" in July 2010, taken from her proposed debut album ''(I'm Over It) ...
), Tamwar meets Afia Khan ( Meryl Fernandes) and they kiss. Later in 2010, Tamwar meets Afia again and they begin dating, leading to a marriage. This is despite Afia's father, Yusef Khan (
Ace Bhatti Ahsen Rafiq "Ace" Bhatti is a British actor. Early in his career, he appeared in the BBC series ''Cardiac Arrest'' (1994–1995), '' Holding On'' (1997), '' NCS: Manhunt'' (2001–2002), and '' New Street Law'' (2006–2007), as well as the ITV ...
), being Zainab's ex-husband. However, the various dramas between the two families, including Yusef physically abusing Zainab, ultimately lead to Afia divorcing Tamwar.


Brendan Hughes

Brendan Hughes, played by Tim Hudson, is the solicitor of Chelsea Fox (
Tiana Benjamin Tiana Opium Benjamin (born 5 October 1984) is an English actress, known for originally playing Chelsea Fox in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Career Benjamin trained at the Anna Scher Theatre in London. In 2005, she made an appearance in ...
) and Deano Wicks (
Matt Di Angelo Mario Angelo Stavrou Constantinou (born 1 May 1987), professionally known as Matt Di Angelo, is a British actor and singer, best known for his role as Dean Wicks in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He also portrayed Sean Kennedy in the BBC d ...
). He represents them in court after they are charged with falsifying evidence in a police enquiry. Despite Mr Hughes' plea for lenience, Deano and Chelsea are sentenced to 6 months in prison.


Vinnie Monks

Vinnie Monks, played by
Bobby Davro Robert Christopher Nankeville, known professionally as Bobby Davro (born 13 September 1958), is an English actor and comedian. He made his television debut in 1981 followed by breakthrough in ''Live from Her Majesty's'' (1983); this was follo ...
, meets
Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in 'EastEnders', as she previously p ...
(
Linda Henry Linda Valiris (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. She had previously ...
) after he hits her with his car. Vinnie and Shirley soon enter a relationship, but Shirley finds herself more in love with
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) and less in love with Vinnie. After she forgets his birthday, Vinnie finally confronts her, resulting in Shirley revealing her true feelings for Phil. They split, but Vinnie is soon joined by his son,
Callum Callum is a Scottish Gaelic name that commemorates the Latin name Columba, meaning 'dove'. Callum was popular among early Christians because the dove was a symbol of purity, peace and the Holy Spirit. St. Columba was one of the most influential of ...
( Elliott Jordan). When an old friend offers him the chance to travel across the world in a vintage car, Vinnie accepts the offer, but is unsure whether he should take his ex-girlfriend, Shirley.


Masood Ahmed

Masood Ahmed, played by
Nitin Ganatra Nitin Chandra Ganatra (born 30 June 1967) is a British actor. He is known for portraying Masood Ahmed in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders'' (2007–2019), for which he won a British Soap Award. Early life Ganatra was born on 30 June 1967 in Ke ...
, is the husband of
Zainab Masood Zainab Masood (also Khan) is a character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Nina Wadia.
(
Nina Wadia Nina Wadia (born 18 December 1968) is a British actress. She is known for portraying Zainab Masood in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Aunty Noor in '' Citizen Khan'', Mrs Hussein in the BBC comedy ''Still Open All Hours'' and for starring i ...
), and the father of
Shabnam Jharna Basak (born 17 August 1946), known by her stage name Shabnam, is a Bangladeshi–Pakistani stage and film actress. Actor Waheed Murad introduced her to the Pakistani film industry by offering her a lead role in his film '' Samundar'' in ...
(
Zahra Ahmadi Zahra Ahmadi (; born 1982) is a British actress from Plymouth, England of Persian descent. She is best known for playing the original Shabnam Masood in ''EastEnders''. Career She is known for her role as Shabnam Masood in the British televis ...
), Tamwar ( Himesh Patel) and Syed Masood ( Marc Elliott). Masood appears as the local postman, and moves to
Albert Square Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location work i ...
with his family.


Bird Meadows

Liam "Bird" Meadows, played by Brett Fancy, is a member of Terry Bates's ( Nicholas Ball) gang of football hooligans. He catches up with Jase Dyer (
Stephen Lord Stephen Lord (born 1 October 1972) is an English actor, known for playing Jase Dyer in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2007 to 2008 and Dominic Meak in the Channel 4 comedy drama series, '' Shameless'', between 2012 and 2013. In 2021, ...
), a former member of the gang, in
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
and attempts to recruit him back into the gang. When Jase refuses, Bird helps Terry and the gang to arrange a car crash for
Dee Dee or DEE may refer to: People Surname * Dee, an alternate spelling of the Welsh surname Day * Dee, a romanization of several Chinese surnames, including: ** Those listed at Di (surname) ** Some Hokkien pronunciations of the surname Li () ...
(Steve Chaplin), the man who had sent Jase to prison. When this fails to win Jase back, the gang raid
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
pub looking for him. In May 2009 he returns during Terry's trial, though he is arrested for assaulting
Billy Mitchell William Lendrum Mitchell (December 29, 1879 – February 19, 1936) was a United States Army officer who had a major role in the creation of the United States Air Force. Mitchell served in France during World War I and, by the conflict's end, ...
(
Perry Fenwick Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998. Career Television Fenwick's first regular television rol ...
) and holding Jay Brown (
Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', in which he has starred since 2006. His role on ''EastEnders'' earned him a British Soap A ...
) hostage.


Terry Bates

Terry Bates, played by Nicholas Ball, is a notorious gang lord and the leader of a football firm; amongst his gang members include Terry's right-hand man
Bird Meadows The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 2007, by order of first appearance. A new family were introduced in this year, with Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia), Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra), S ...
( Brett Fancy), their fellow accomplice
Dee Dee or DEE may refer to: People Surname * Dee, an alternate spelling of the Welsh surname Day * Dee, a romanization of several Chinese surnames, including: ** Those listed at Di (surname) ** Some Hokkien pronunciations of the surname Li () ...
(Steve Chaplin), and formerly his protege Jase Dyer (
Stephen Lord Stephen Lord (born 1 October 1972) is an English actor, known for playing Jase Dyer in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2007 to 2008 and Dominic Meak in the Channel 4 comedy drama series, '' Shameless'', between 2012 and 2013. In 2021, ...
). At the age of 15, Jase had arrived in London from
Manchester Manchester () is a city and the metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester, England. It had an estimated population of in . Greater Manchester is the third-most populous metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, with a population of 2.92&nbs ...
and Terry ended up taking him under his wing. After Dee told the police about Jase's unruly behaviour, Jase went to prison and came out a changed man - caring for his son
Jay Jays are a paraphyletic grouping of passerine birds within the family Corvidae. Although the term "jay" carries no taxonomic weight, most or all of the birds referred to as jays share a few similarities: they are small to medium-sized, usually ...
. In October 2007, Terry sends Bird to find Jase in
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
; Jase soon meets up the gang at a pub. The gang later turn on Dee when they find out he had told the police about Jase, and arrange for his car to crash - injuring him severely. Jase expresses his wish to have no part in the gang, so Terry visits Jay while Jase is out; he takes Jay to see a firework display. Jase later finds Terry in a
snooker Snooker (pronounced , ) is a cue sport played on a rectangular Billiard table#Snooker and English billiards tables, billiards table covered with a green cloth called baize, with six Billiard table#Pockets 2, pockets: one at each corner and ...
hall In architecture, a hall is a relatively large space enclosed by a roof and walls. In the Iron Age and the Early Middle Ages in northern Europe, a mead hall was where a lord and his retainers ate and also slept. Later in the Middle Ages, the gre ...
, and again says that he wants no further involvement with the gang. They play snooker afterwards, and Terry allows him to go home - but is left fuming as Jase leaves. Later, Terry leads a gang of hitmen to storm
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
public house A pub (short for public house) is in several countries a drinking establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption Licensing laws of the United Kingdom#On-licence, on the premises. The term first appeared in England in the ...
- believing Jase is there on a date with his girlfriend
Dawn Swann Dawn Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005. It was reported on 26 March 2009 that Tointon and co-star Ricky Groves, who plays Garry Hobbs, would be w ...
(
Kara Tointon Kara Louise Tointon (born 5 August 1983) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Dawn Swann in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. In 2010, she won the BBC competition series ''Strictly Come Dancing'', and in 2015, she appeared a ...
). Not finding him, Terry orders his gang to smash up the pub and they end up taking hostages; which consists of the pub's landlady
Peggy Mitchell Peggy Mitchell (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared in the episode broadcast on 30 April 1991, featuring in 10 episodes. Peggy was rein ...
(
Barbara Windsor Dame Barbara Windsor (born Barbara Ann Deeks; 6 August 193710 December 2020) was an English actress, known for her roles in the Carry On (franchise), ''Carry On'' films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders''.
), her nieces Roxy (
Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
) and Ronnie (
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
); her close friend
Patrick Trueman Patrick Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001. On 7 December 2015, Walker filmed his 1,000th episode as Patrick. For his portrayal of ...
(
Rudolph Walker Rudolph Malcolm Walker CBE (born 28 September 1939) is a Trinidadian-British actor, best known for his roles as Bill Reynolds in ''Love Thy Neighbour'' (1972–1976) and Constable Frank Gladstone in '' The Thin Blue Line'' (1995–1996), as wel ...
); and his wife Yolande (
Angela Wynter Angela Wynter (born 14 July 1957) is a Jamaican-British actress. She is known for her role as Yolande Trueman in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2003–2008, 2017, 2023–present). In 2021, she joined the cast of the BBC soap opera ''Doctors ...
),
Garry Hobbs Garry Hobbs is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Ricky Groves. He made his first appearance on 18 September 2000, alongside the Slater family. It was announced on 26 March 2009 that Groves and co-star Kara ...
(
Ricky Groves Richard Groves (born 23 April 1968) is an English actor best known for playing Garry Hobbs in ''EastEnders'' from 2000 to 2009, before making a brief return in 2025. Before his role in ''EastEnders'' he appeared in the series ''Burnside (TV se ...
), Minty Peterson (
Cliff Parisi Cliff Parisi (born Clifford R Manley; 24 May 1960) is an English actor and businessman, known for his roles as Minty Peterson in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Fred Buckle in the BBC period drama ''Call the Midwife''. In 2019, he ...
),
Gus Smith Gus Smith is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Mohammed George. He made his first appearance on 28 May 2002. It was announced in January 2008 that Gus would leave the show later in 2008, and he made his l ...
(
Mohammed George Mohammed Michael "Mo" George (born 11 March 1982) is a British actor who played Gus Smith on the soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2002 to 2008. Early life Mohammed Michael George was born to a Jamaican mother and Antiguan father, in Hackney, ...
) and Dawn's brother
Mickey Miller Mickey Miller is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Joe Swash. He first appeared on 15 April 2003 as a guest character. Mickey proved popular and the executive producer Louise Berridge made him a full-time mem ...
(
Joe Swash Joseph Adam Swash (born ) is a British actor and television presenter from London, best known for his role of Mickey Miller in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' and various presenting roles with ITV2. He won the eighth series of '' I'm ...
) and their common-law stepfather Keith (
David Spinx David Spinx (born 25 April 1951) is an English actor, probably best known for playing Keith Miller in the BBC television soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2004 to 2008. He had previously appeared in ''EastEnders'' as a guest character in an episode ...
). While his gang observes the hostages, Terry confronts Jase in the cellar and has him attacked - knocking down a pregnant Honey Mitchell (
Emma Barton Emma Louise Barton (born 26 July 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her role as Honey Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', which she has portrayed since November 2005. Before her role in ''EastEnders'', Barton appeared in ...
) onto some empty beer kegs. Jase rushes her to hospital after Terry leaves the area with his gang members. He later appears at the hospital, then later visits Jase's flat to turn Jay against his biological father. Though he achieves with his scheme, Terry - along with Bird - is eventually arrested after Jase teams up with Peggy's son
Phil Phil may refer to: * Phil (given name), a shortened version of masculine and feminine names * Phill, a given name also spelled "Phil" * Phil, Kentucky, United States * Phil (film), ''Phil'' (film), a 2019 film * -phil-, a lexical fragment, used as ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) to claim that Terry's actions had resulted in the death of Phil's relative,
Will Will may refer to: Common meanings * Will and testament, instructions for the disposition of one's property after death * Will (philosophy), or willpower * Will (sociology) * Will, volition (psychology) * Will, a modal verb - see Shall and will ...
(Toby Warpole). Terry soon returns to Walford on 25 July 2008, after Jase - desperate for money - agrees to work for him again. Terry reappears in August, where he makes plans for Jase to get some of his money back for him. It turns out that Jase has been stealing from him, and Terry, in retaliation, sets Jase up, then returns to his flat and holds Jay hostage. Jase seeks help from Phil's cousin
Billy Billy may refer to: * Billy (name), a name (and list of people with the name) * Billy (surname), a surname (and list of people with the surname) Animals * Billy (dog), a dog breed * Billy (pigeon), awarded the Dickin Medal in 1945 * Billy ( ...
(
Perry Fenwick Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998. Career Television Fenwick's first regular television rol ...
), and together the pair rush to the rescue. A confrontation ensues where Billy managed to get Jay out of the flat to safety in Jase's van. Terry has his men beat Jase to the brink of death. Terry then viciously stabs Jase in an attempt to kill him. After Jay makes a frantic call to Honey, armed CO19 officers storm 89 George Street and arrest Terry, his men and Billy, who had been hiding in the bathroom after seeing the gang standing over Jase and was too frightened to try to save him. Jase later dies in hospital. In May 2009, Terry reappears on trial; he has been arrested and charged with Jase's murder. Prior to the events of his trial starting, Terry gets his wife Viv (Dido Miles) to threaten Billy by saying she will hurt Jay if he does go to the trial to testify. When his name is still on the witness list, Viv sends Bird and two other hitmen to hold Jay hostage. However, Terry is found guilty of Jase's murder and is sentenced to life imprisonment. He later orders his wife to get Bird to call him, but she instead turns on Terry by standing up to him - telling her husband that she will no longer take orders from him. Terry accuses Viv of betraying and using him, before threatening her with revenge - stating that she'll "get what she deserves" just like Billy. Unfazed, Viv calls Terry weak and continues to taunt her husband until she throws her wedding ring at him. Viv then leaves the prison, telling her husband that he is on his own now, and Terry is left seething at having to spend the rest of his life in prison. In October 2019, Terry dies and his body is brought to Coker and Mitchell Funeral Directors. This enrages Jay, who manages the funeral parlour. However, after realising Viv does not recognise him, Jay agrees to bury Terry.


Dee

Dee, played by Steve Chaplin, is a member of Terry Bates' ( Nicholas Ball) hooligan firm alongside Terry,
Bird Meadows The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 2007, by order of first appearance. A new family were introduced in this year, with Zainab Masood (Nina Wadia), Masood Ahmed (Nitin Ganatra), S ...
( Brett Fancy) and Jase Dyer (
Stephen Lord Stephen Lord (born 1 October 1972) is an English actor, known for playing Jase Dyer in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2007 to 2008 and Dominic Meak in the Channel 4 comedy drama series, '' Shameless'', between 2012 and 2013. In 2021, ...
). It is revealed that Dee was the one who informed on Jase to the police, resulting in Jase being sent to prison. Terry and his firm arrange a car crash for Dee, which leaves him severely injured.


Jack Branning

Jack Branning, played by
Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in the ITV police drama series ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also too ...
, is the son of
Jim Branning Jim Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by John Bardon, first appearing on 29 April 1996 and became a regular character in 1999. He remained in the series until 2011. Jim was temporarily written out ...
(
John Bardon John Bardon (born John Michael Jones, 25 August 1939 – 12 September 2014) was an English stage and screen actor. He was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1988 (1987 season) for ''Kiss Me, Kate'', sharing the awa ...
) and brother of Carol Jackson (
Lindsey Coulson Lindsey Coulson (born 13 April 1960) is an English actress, known for her portrayal of Carol Jackson on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (1993–1997; 1999; 2010–2015). For this, she won the 2000 British Soap Award for Best Dramatic Perfo ...
) and
Max Branning Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jake Wood. He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006. Wood took a four-month break from the show in 2011 and the character was absent between August and Nov ...
(
Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is a British actor and podcaster from Westminster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' a ...
). Soon after his arrival in
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
Jack begins an on-off relationship with
Ronnie Mitchell Ronnie Mitchell (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Samantha Womack. She and her younger sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 200 ...
(
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
), but he betrays her by having sex with her sister Roxy (
Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
), and getting her pregnant. Jack also has a brief fling with Sam Mitchell (
Danniella Westbrook Danniella Westbrook (born 5 November 1973) is an English actress and television personality. She is best known for playing Sam Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Westbrook has also presented various television shows and was a conte ...
), resulting in another baby. He goes on to reunite with Ronnie, however their child,
James James may refer to: People * James (given name) * James (surname) * James (musician), aka Faruq Mahfuz Anam James, (born 1964), Bollywood musician * James, brother of Jesus * King James (disambiguation), various kings named James * Prince Ja ...
dies of
sudden infant death syndrome Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sometimes known as cot death or crib death, is the sudden unexplained death of a child of less than one year of age. Diagnosis requires that the death remain unexplained even after a thorough autopsy and ...
. Jack then has a relationship with Sharon Rickman (
Letitia Dean Letitia Jane Dean (born 14 November 1967) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sharon Watts in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. An original cast member from 1985 to 1995, she reprised the role from 2001 to 2006, and ag ...
), but he jilts her moments before they are due to marry. Maslen departed from the show on 15 October 2013 after six years on the show, but later returned full time at Christmas 2015.


Will Mitchell

Will Mitchell, played by Toby Walpole until 2014, and Freddie Phillips from 2015, is the son of
Billy Billy may refer to: * Billy (name), a name (and list of people with the name) * Billy (surname), a surname (and list of people with the surname) Animals * Billy (dog), a dog breed * Billy (pigeon), awarded the Dickin Medal in 1945 * Billy ( ...
(
Perry Fenwick Perry Fenwick (born 29 May 1962) is an English actor. He is known for portraying the role of Billy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role which he has played since 1998. Career Television Fenwick's first regular television rol ...
) and Honey Mitchell (
Emma Barton Emma Louise Barton (born 26 July 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her role as Honey Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', which she has portrayed since November 2005. Before her role in ''EastEnders'', Barton appeared in ...
). In March 2007, Honey finds out she is pregnant again and tells Pat Evans (
Pam St Clement Pamela Ann Clements (born 11 May 1942), known professionally as Pam St Clement, is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Pat Butcher in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 12 June 1986 until 1 January 2012, with a guest ...
), but asks her not to tell Billy. Pat persuades Honey to tell him, but he is distant initially. He soon comes round, following a heart to heart, and admits to being concerned, like Honey, that they would love the new baby more than their daughter Janet Mitchell (Grace) if it did not have Down's syndrome, which Janet has. Honey reassures him it will not happen. After this, Billy and Honey agree they want the baby and gradually tell their families. On the due date in November 2007, Honey is knocked over during an incident at
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
public house A pub (short for public house) is in several countries a drinking establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption Licensing laws of the United Kingdom#On-licence, on the premises. The term first appeared in England in the ...
involving Jase Dyer (
Stephen Lord Stephen Lord (born 1 October 1972) is an English actor, known for playing Jase Dyer in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2007 to 2008 and Dominic Meak in the Channel 4 comedy drama series, '' Shameless'', between 2012 and 2013. In 2021, ...
), Terry Bates ( Nicholas Ball) and Terry's gang of football hooligans, and she goes into labour. When William is born, it seems that he is stillborn because he is not breathing but he pulls through. Honey wants to name him after Billy and feels guilty about being happy that he does not have Down's syndrome. William leaves Walford with Honey and Janet in September 2008 when Billy lies about giving Jase's money to charity, which had led to his death. It is revealed a few days later that they are living with Honey's father Jack Edwards (
Nicky Henson Nicholas Victor Leslie Henson (12 May 1945 – 15 December 2019) was a British actor. Early life Henson was born in London, the son of Harriet Martha (née Collins) and comedian Leslie Henson, a few days after VE Day, hence his middle name, Vi ...
). Janet and William return when
Peggy Mitchell Peggy Mitchell (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared in the episode broadcast on 30 April 1991, featuring in 10 episodes. Peggy was rein ...
(
Barbara Windsor Dame Barbara Windsor (born Barbara Ann Deeks; 6 August 193710 December 2020) was an English actress, known for her roles in the Carry On (franchise), ''Carry On'' films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders''.
) wants a family photo taken. On Christmas Day 2008, Janet and William return again for Christmas but are not seen on-screen. In April 2009, when it is revealed that William is ill, Billy goes to see him, leaving the Mitchell family, who are torn apart by the true identity of Danielle Jones ( Lauren Crace) and her subsequent death, to see William. William reappears in May 2009, along with Janet, for Billy's birthday party. In December 2009, Peggy's ex-husband
Archie Mitchell Archie Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Larry Lamb. He first appeared on 8 July 2008 as a newest member of the Mitchell family—who had first appeared on the soap in 1990—and became the show ...
(
Larry Lamb Lawrence Douglas Lamb (born 1 October 1947) is an English actor and radio presenter. He played Archie Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', Mick Shipman in the BBC comedy series ''Gavin & Stacey'' and Ted Case in the final series of ...
) and his girlfriend,
Janine Butcher Janine Butcher (also Evans, Malloy and Carter) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', introduced in 1989. The character is played by Rebecca Michael, Alexia Demetriou and Charlie Brooks respectively. Brooks initially d ...
(
Charlie Brooks Charlene Emma Brooks (born 3 May 1981) is an English actress, best known for her role of Janine Butcher in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Brooks has also performed in British television shows ''The Bill'', ''Wired'' and ''Bleak House'', ...
), convince Honey to allow Billy to have Janet and William for Christmas in return for him keeping quiet about their plotting against the Mitchells. In May 2010, Billy has trouble telling Janet and William that Honey has been involved in a car crash and that Jack has died. William appears again in May 2011 when he meets Billy's girlfriend Julie Perkins (
Cathy Murphy Catherine McKevitt Murphy (born 7 August 1967) is a British actress. She is known for her television roles as Tilly Watkins in the BBC drama ''The House of Eliott'' (1991–1994), Cheryl Barker in the Channel 5 soap opera ''Family Affairs'' (2 ...
) for the first time as they play in the local park. In June 2011, he visits Billy on Father's Day and in July 2011, Janet and William meet their niece
Lola Pearce Lola Pearce (also Pearce-Brown) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Danielle Harold. She was introduced as the granddaughter of Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) and Julie Perkins (Cathy Murphy), and an exte ...
( Danielle Harold) off-screen for the first time. In July 2012, Janet and William make an appearance in the spin-off episode
Billy's Olympic Nightmare Episode 4466 of the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' was broadcast on BBC One on 23 July 2012, between 9pm and 9.30pm. It was written by Matt Evans, directed by Clive Arnold, and executively produced by Lorraine Newman. It included seven minutes of ...
. During the live segment at the end of the second episode, William returns to the Square to watch Billy take part in the
Olympic Torch The Olympic flame is a Olympic symbols, symbol used in the Olympic movement. It is also a symbol of continuity between ancient and modern games. The Olympic flame is lit at Olympia, Greece, several months before the Olympic Games. This ceremony s ...
relay. William returned in February 2014 with Janet to stay with Billy. Lola's boyfriend
Peter Beale Peter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Peter makes his first appearance in episode 926, originally broadcast on 16 December 1993. Peter has been played by seven actors since being introduced in 1993. Franc ...
( Ben Hardy), feels squeezed out by this as the flat is overcrowded. Peter also asks his father
Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
(
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
) to give Billy a job in his fish and chip shop, so Billy can provide for Janet and William. In May 2014, William returns again along with Honey and Janet. Billy and Honey take Janet and William out for the day and Billy believes Honey wants to reconcile with him, but she reveals that William has been offered a modelling job in Canada and she plans to move there with Janet and William. She explains that she wanted Billy to be able to spend as much time with Janet and William as he could before they left. Billy is outraged by this, even more so when he discovers that William's contract lasts for a year. Billy burns Janet's passport and pleads with Honey not to take Janet and William but Honey is adamant and refuses to change her mind. She allows Janet and William to stay with Billy until their departure. Billy decides to flee with Janet and William and stays the night at a hotel, with the intention of going to stay with
Garry Hobbs Garry Hobbs is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Ricky Groves. He made his first appearance on 18 September 2000, alongside the Slater family. It was announced on 26 March 2009 that Groves and co-star Kara ...
(
Ricky Groves Richard Groves (born 23 April 1968) is an English actor best known for playing Garry Hobbs in ''EastEnders'' from 2000 to 2009, before making a brief return in 2025. Before his role in ''EastEnders'' he appeared in the series ''Burnside (TV se ...
). Billy's cousin
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother, Grant ( Ross Kemp), sister, Sam ( Danniella Westbrook/ Kim Medca ...
(
Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor whose career has spanned three decades. He rose to prominence for his role as longstanding character Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has ...
) and Jay Brown (
Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', in which he has starred since 2006. His role on ''EastEnders'' earned him a British Soap A ...
), track Billy down and convince him to return to Walford with Janet and William. Honey finds out what Billy had been planning to do and she decides to let Janet stay with him whilst she is in Canada with William. Billy is satisfied with this solution, and after bidding farewell to Billy, William leaves for Canada with Honey. In November 2015, William, now called Will, (now Freddie Phillips) returns with Honey to visit Billy and Janet. He is left devastated when Honey tells him his modelling contract has not been renewed. He and Janet are delighted when Honey decides to move near to Billy and they then move in with Billy's cousin,
Ronnie Mitchell Ronnie Mitchell (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Samantha Womack. She and her younger sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 200 ...
(
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
). In 2016, Billy, Honey, Janet and Will move into the flat above the funeral parlour, where Billy is made a partner in the business, but Will struggles to sleep. In July 2017, Will and Dennis Rickman Jnr ( Bleu Landau) plan to throw eggs at
Keegan Baker Keegan Baker (also Butcher-Baker) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Zack Morris. He first appeared in episode 5421, broadcast on 9 January 2017, transpiring to be a school friend of established character ...
( Zack Morris), but accidentally hit his half-sister,
Bernadette Taylor ''EastEnders'' is a BBC soap opera that first aired on 19 February 1985. The following is a list of characters that first appeared in 2017, by order of first appearance. All characters are introduced by the show's executive producer Sean O'Co ...
(
Clair Norris Clair Hayley Norris (born 30 December 1997) is a British actress from London, known for portraying the role of Bernadette Taylor on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' between 2017 and 2025. While on the series, she has also made appearances in s ...
). Keegan gets into Dennis's house and tells them Bernadette is pregnant. Dennis and Will apologise and Keegan attempts to force Dennis to smoke, but is caught and thrown out by
Michelle Fowler Michelle Fowler (also Holloway) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BB ...
(
Jenna Russell Jenna Russell (born 5 October 1967) is an English actress and singer. She has appeared on the stage in London in both musicals and dramas, as well as appearing with the Royal Shakespeare Company The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is a maj ...
). In 2024, Will is caught vaping by his mother after he was given a vape by Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James). In June 2024, Will confides in his grandfather Stevie Mitchell ( Alan Ford) that he is being blackmailed. He tells Stevie that he has been catfished and needs £300 to stop the blackmailer from uploading nude images he has sent to the catfish. After Stevie's plan backfires, at the charity night that is held for Lola some money is stolen. Everyone believes it to be Stevie. After working out that it was really Will that stole it, Stevie confronts him and Will knocks him over resulting in Stevie being hospitalised. Phil discovers about the blackmailing and confronts the catfish. He gets the money back and makes out Stevie stole it. He tells Will to go along with the story. After Stevie's secret family turn up and there's arguments, Will finally admits what's been going on and he was to blame for the money and hurting his grandad.


Reception

The scenes in which Honey was attacked were subject to heavy criticism, with
Ofcom The Office of Communications, commonly known as Ofcom, is the government-approved regulatory and competition authority for the broadcasting, internet, telecommunications and mail, postal industries of the United Kingdom. Ofcom has wide-rang ...
receiving 78 complaints from viewers about the level of violence displayed, and concerns for the safety of her baby. The media regulatory body stated that: "In Ofcom's view the violence was not appropriately limited for this time of the evening when many children are available to view television." ''EastEnders'' was found to have breached the broadcasting code on this occasion, though the
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
defended itself by stating that there had been a gradual buildup to the event over several episodes, and that a content warning was aired prior to the episode's broadcast.


Jamie Stewart

Doctor Jamie Stewart, played by
Edward MacLiam Edward MacLiam (born Edward Wilson in 1976) is an Irish actor, known for his roles as Greg Douglas in the BBC medical drama ''Holby City'' and identical twins Adam and Gareth Regan in the BBC soap opera ''Doctors Doctor, Doctors, The Doctor ...
, is an Irish doctor at
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of East London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location wor ...
General Hospital who helps
Ronnie Mitchell Ronnie Mitchell (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Samantha Womack. She and her younger sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 200 ...
(
Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the United Kingdom in ...
) when she sprains her wrist. He flirts with Ronnie's sister, Roxy (
Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
), who invites him to attend the opening of their new nightclub, R&R, which he attends on 30 November. He reappears in May 2008 when Roxy has to go to hospital after fainting. Jamie gives Roxy his number. He later meets up with her at
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
pub, though he is interrupted when his former wife Laura Stewart (Jessica Regan) arrives and asks him to look after their son, Felix Stewart (Oaklee Pendergast). Roxy gets on well with Felix, but when she faints again and finds out that she is pregnant, Jamie tells her that he cannot commit to a relationship with her, as he is already preoccupied with Felix. In 2009, he treats
Stacey Slater Stacey Slater (also Branning and Fowler) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Lacey Turner. She first appears in episode 2826, originally broadcast on 1 November 2004. The character is introduced as a feis ...
(
Lacey Turner Lacey Amelia Turner (born 28 March 1988) is an English actress. She gained prominence in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' for her portrayal of Stacey Slater, a role she initially played between 2004 and 2010 before returning in 2014 an ...
) after she falls and cuts her head.


Bernadette Logan

Bernadette Logan, played by Olivia Grant, is a pupil in Abi Branning (
Lorna Fitzgerald Lorna Katie Fitzgerald (born 17 April 1996) is a British actress from Northampton. Her most notable role to date is that of Abi Branning in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''. Since leaving ''EastEnders'' in January 2018, Fitzgerald has develop ...
) and Ben Mitchell's (Charlie Jones) school year. She is first seen when she takes part in
Dot Branning Dorothy "Dot" Cotton (also Branning) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', portrayed by June Brown. In a special episode entitled ''EastEnders: Dot's Story'' (2003) a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in f ...
(
June Brown June Muriel Brown (16 February 1927 – 3 April 2022) was an English actress and author. She was best known for her role as Dot Cotton on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (1985–1993; 1997–2020). In 2005, she won Best Actress at the Inside ...
) and Yolande Trueman's (
Angela Wynter Angela Wynter (born 14 July 1957) is a Jamaican-British actress. She is known for her role as Yolande Trueman in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2003–2008, 2017, 2023–present). In 2021, she joined the cast of the BBC soap opera ''Doctors ...
) 2007 nativity play. Abi is jealous of her as Bernadette is playing
Mary Mary may refer to: People * Mary (name), a female given name (includes a list of people with the name) Religion * New Testament people named Mary, overview article linking to many of those below * Mary, mother of Jesus, also called the Blesse ...
. After Abi tries to sabotage Bernadette to gain the role of Mary, she is demoted from narrator to the role of the donkey. Bernadette later appears at Abi's twelfth birthday party in June 2008, when she teases Abi about having a childish party, but they later become friends. In September 2008, Abi tells her father
Max Max or MAX may refer to: Animals * Max (American dog) (1983–2013), at one time purported to be the world's oldest living dog * Max (British dog), the first pet dog to win the PDSA Order of Merit (animal equivalent of the OBE) * Max (gorilla) ...
(
Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is a British actor and podcaster from Westminster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' a ...
) that she'd confided in Bernadette about her mother Tanya's (
Jo Joyner Joanne Mary Joyner (born 24 May 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Mandy Carter in the Channel 4 school drama '' Ackley Bridge''. From 2018, she has starred as Lue ...
) relationship with Max's brother
Jack Jack may refer to: Places * Jack, Alabama, US, an unincorporated community * Jack, Missouri, US, an unincorporated community * Jack County, Texas, a county in Texas People and fictional characters * Jack (given name), a male given name, incl ...
(
Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in the ITV police drama series ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also too ...
), and Bernadette had been calling Tanya a "scrubber". Max tells Abi to stand up to Bernadette, and it is revealed that Abi had assaulted Bernadette (off-screen) and been suspended from school for four days.


Oscar Branning

Oscar Branning, played by Gabriel Miller-Williams until 2008, then Neo Hall in 2008 to February 2015, Charlee Hall in 2017, and Pierre Moullier from 2025, is the son of
Tanya Branning Tanya Branning (also Cross and Jessop) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. Joyner left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity le ...
(
Jo Joyner Joanne Mary Joyner (born 24 May 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Mandy Carter in the Channel 4 school drama '' Ackley Bridge''. From 2018, she has starred as Lue ...
) and
Max Branning Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jake Wood. He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006. Wood took a four-month break from the show in 2011 and the character was absent between August and Nov ...
(
Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is a British actor and podcaster from Westminster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' a ...
) and is born onscreen on 14 December 2007. In May 2007, Tanya tells Max that she is pregnant. In December 2007, Oscar is delivered by Max as Tanya had left it too late to go to hospital. The midwife gives Max instructions over the phone and Oscar is named by his sister, Abi Branning (
Lorna Fitzgerald Lorna Katie Fitzgerald (born 17 April 1996) is a British actress from Northampton. Her most notable role to date is that of Abi Branning in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''. Since leaving ''EastEnders'' in January 2018, Fitzgerald has develop ...
), although Max is not keen on the name. Tanya later asks
Jane Beale Jane Beale (also Collins) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Laurie Brett. She made her first appearance on 21 June 2004. Brett took maternity leave in 2011 and departed on 19 May. She returned on 8 Novem ...
(
Laurie Brett Laurie Brett (born 28 March 1969) is a Scottish actress, best known for her roles as Jane Beale in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Christine Mulgrew in the BBC One drama series '' Waterloo Road''. Early and personal life Brett was b ...
) to be Oscar's godmother and she accepts. In March 2008, Tanya reveals that every time she looks at Oscar (now Neo Hall), she remembers Max's affair with
Stacey Branning Stacey Slater (also Branning and Fowler) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Lacey Turner. She first appears in episode 2826, originally broadcast on 1 November 2004. The character is introduced as a feis ...
(
Lacey Turner Lacey Amelia Turner (born 28 March 1988) is an English actress. She gained prominence in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' for her portrayal of Stacey Slater, a role she initially played between 2004 and 2010 before returning in 2014 an ...
). In December 2009, Tanya leaves Max, taking Lauren and Oscar with her after discovering the true extent of Max's financial problems and that her salon was still in Max's name, despite his promise to put her name on the deeds. In January 2011, Tanya and Oscar return with Tanya's new fiancé,
Greg Jessop Greg Jessop is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Stefan Booth. He was introduced as the fiancé of Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner), and first appeared on screen on 1 October 2010 to work on the reconstruction of ...
(
Stefan Booth Stefan Booth (born 4 October 1979) is an English actor and singer, best known for playing Greg Jessop in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 1 October 2010 to 21 October 2011. Career Booth played Jamie Nash in ''Hollyoaks'' from 2001 unti ...
), and rents a house. At Tanya and Greg's wedding in April 2011, Oscar walks down the aisle with Tanya. Whilst in the care of Tanya's mother,
Cora Cross Cora Cross is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Ann Mitchell. Cora is the mother of Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner), Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks) and Ava Hartman ( Claire Perkins) and the grandmother of Lauren ( ...
(
Ann Mitchell Ann Mitchell (born 22 April 1939) is a British stage and television actress. She came to prominence in the 1980s when she starred as Dolly Rawlins in the crime series ''Widows'' as well as the sequels '' Widows 2'' and '' She's Out'', all writt ...
), Oscar suffers a fall whilst playing and suffers minor injuries. In September 2012, Oscar starts Walford Primary School and makes friends with Dennis Rickman Jnr (Harry Hickles), as Tanya and Dennis's mother, Sharon Rickman (
Letitia Dean Letitia Jane Dean (born 14 November 1967) is an English actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Sharon Watts in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. An original cast member from 1985 to 1995, she reprised the role from 2001 to 2006, and ag ...
) feud briefly. In June 2013, Tanya, Lauren and Oscar move to
Exeter Exeter ( ) is a City status in the United Kingdom, cathedral city and the county town of Devon in South West England. It is situated on the River Exe, approximately northeast of Plymouth and southwest of Bristol. In Roman Britain, Exeter w ...
so Lauren can go to rehab for her addiction to alcohol. Lauren returns alone in August 2013 and reveals that Tanya and Oscar are staying in Exeter. Oscar returns in April 2014 and stays with Max, whilst Tanya is on a night out in London. Abi collects him and brings him to Max in the café, and Lauren and Abi take him bowling, while Max meets
Lucy Beale Lucy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. The character was played by Eva Brittin-Snell, Casey Anne Rothery, Melissa Suffield, and Hetti Bywater. Lucy was introduced in December 1993 as the daughter of Ian ( ...
( Hetti Bywater). In May 2014, Oscar visits again after Lucy's murder, and plays with Abi and her boyfriend, Jay Brown (
Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor. He rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', in which he has starred since 2006. His role on ''EastEnders'' earned him a British Soap A ...
). Lauren is upset and angry that everyone is carrying on as normal and ignoring the fact that Lucy is dead. Oscar and Tanya attend Jane and
Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is one of four remaining original characters, the others being his mother, Kathy Beale ( Gillian Taylforth), his long standing best friend an ...
's (
Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role he has portrayed since the show's inception in 1985, making him one of the shows longest ...
) wedding in February 2015, and Tanya announces that she is taking a fashion course in
Manchester Manchester () is a city and the metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester, England. It had an estimated population of in . Greater Manchester is the third-most populous metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, with a population of 2.92&nbs ...
. She allows Oscar to stay with Max for a while, but he returns to live with Tanya when Max is arrested and charged with Lucy's murder in July 2015. Disgusted by Max's relationship with Lucy, Tanya refuses to allow Max to see Oscar. In June 2017, Max's brother
Jack Branning DI Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim ( John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham) and the ...
(
Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in the ITV police drama series ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also too ...
) arranges for Oscar (now Charlee Hall) to visit Max on Father's Day. When Oscar is due to visit Max for his tenth birthday in December 2017, Tanya changes her mind about letting Max see him when
Denise Fox Denise Fox (also Wicks and Johnson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Diane Parish. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006 and temporarily left ''EastEnders'' in early 2008 to give birth to her se ...
(
Diane Parish Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
) informs Cora about Max's part in conning the neighbours with Weyland & Co as a form of revenge for being falsely imprisoned for murder.


Casting

Oscar was originally played by Gabriel Miller-Williams. In 2008, Miller-Williams was fired, as the BBC were cutting costs, and it cost £300 a day to transport him to the set from his home in
Leigh-on-Sea Leigh-on-Sea (), commonly referred to simply as Leigh, is a List of towns in England, town and civil parish within the city of Southend-on-Sea, located in the ceremonial county of Essex, England. In 2011 it had a population of 22,509. Geograph ...
. His mother, Claire, said she was going to sue the BBC as she only found out he was sacked after a taxi failed to pick him up. She said, "It's a disgusting way to treat people. We still haven't had a call explaining why he was sacked. I've sent his contract to solicitors to investigate legal action." A BBC spokesperson said, "We're looking to hire local babies as we watch costs." They also said Miller-Williams' agent had been informed.


Gaynor Lucas

Gaynor Lucas played by Kathleen Frazer, is an old friend of
Tanya Branning Tanya Branning (also Cross and Jessop) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. Joyner left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity le ...
(
Jo Joyner Joanne Mary Joyner (born 24 May 1977) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Mandy Carter in the Channel 4 school drama '' Ackley Bridge''. From 2018, she has starred as Lue ...
), who works in Tanya's beauty salon Booty. On 24 February 2009, Gaynor appears as part of an iconic episode of ''EastEnders'' featuring only black members of the cast. Gaynor arranges with Chelsea Fox (
Tiana Benjamin Tiana Opium Benjamin (born 5 October 1984) is an English actress, known for originally playing Chelsea Fox in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Career Benjamin trained at the Anna Scher Theatre in London. In 2005, she made an appearance in ...
) to meet in
The Queen Victoria ''EastEnders'' is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, the programme follows the ...
public house for a drink.
Theo Kelly Louis Alford Theodore Kelly (17 January 1896 – 30 April 1964) was manager of Everton Football Club from 1939 to 1948. Biography Kelly was born in Liverpool on 17 January 1896. His father, Louis Theophilus Kelly, was Manx. His mother, Lilian ...
(
Rolan Bell Rolan Alfonso Bell (born 17 October 1983) is a Laurence Olivier Award nominated British actor who was born in West London,Gillian Fisher"Rolan Bell, Ragtime the Musical" Afridiziak Theatre News, 20 May 2012. of Jamaican and Nigerian origin. He ...
) uses her to get Chelsea to come to the pub so he can speak to her. This episode marks her first credited appearance and first main speaking part. Booty closes down in late 2009, so Gaynor loses her job. Gaynor works as a makeup artist for
Denise Fox Denise Fox (also Wicks and Johnson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Diane Parish. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006 and temporarily left ''EastEnders'' in early 2008 to give birth to her se ...
's (
Diane Parish Diane Carol Richards (born 6 November 1969), known professionally as Diane Parish, is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. A graduate of the Royal Academy of D ...
) wedding, to
Lucas Johnson Lucas Johnson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Don Gilet. He made his first on-screen appearance on 3 April 2008. Lucas is introduced as a reformed drug addict and criminal-turned-preacher who appears a ...
(
Don Gilet Don Gilet (born 17 January 1967) is an English actor. He is best known for his roles as DS Nicky Cole in ''55 Degrees North'', DI Mervin Wilson in ''Death in Paradise'', Lucas Johnson in ''EastEnders'', and Jesse Law in ''Holby City''. Early ...
). In February 2010, Gaynor gives out beauty treatments at
Bianca Jackson Bianca Jackson (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders,'' played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opt ...
's (
Patsy Palmer Julie Anne Merkell (''née'' Harris; born 26 May 1972), known professionally as Patsy Palmer, is a British actress and DJ. After appearing as Natasha in the children's drama series ''Grange Hill'' (1985–1987), she came to prominence for her p ...
) hen party. Gaynor resumes her old job when
Roxy Mitchell Roxy Mitchell (also Slater) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rita Simons.Rita Simons Rita Joanne Simons (born 10 March 1977) is an English actress and singer. After beginning her career as a member of the short-lived girl group Girls@Play, she became best known for portraying the role of Roxy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''Ea ...
) reopens the beauty salon as Roxy's. When Roxy faces financial difficulties, Roxy sells the salon back to Tanya, and Gaynor continues working there. Tanya sells the salon to
Sadie Young Sadie Young is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kate Magowan. The character and casting was announced in July 2013 and she made her first appearance in the episode airing on 5 August 2013. Sadie was described ...
(
Kate Magowan Katie Victoria "Kate" Magowan (born 1 June 1975) is an English actress and producer. Her film and television roles include Yvette in ''24 Hour Party People'' (2002), Sonya in '' It's All Gone Pete Tong'' (2004), Princess Una in '' Stardust'' (20 ...
) in 2013, and Gaynor continues as an employee. Sadie leaves and sells the salon; Gaynor stops appearing during this period, as she does not have a job any more.


Others


References

{{EastEnders characters, year, state=expanded
2007 2007 was designated as the International Heliophysical Year and the International Polar Year. Events January * January 1 **Bulgaria and Romania 2007 enlargement of the European Union, join the European Union, while Slovenia joins the Eur ...
*, EastEnders 2007 in British television