HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Little Mo Mitchell (also Morgan) is a fictional character from 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 ...
'', played by
Kacey Ainsworth Kacey Ainsworth (born 19 October 1968) is an English actress, known for her roles as Little Mo Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Cathy Keating in the ITV1, ITV drama series ''Grantchester (TV series), Grantchester''. Early life ...
from 18 September 2000 to 26 May 2006. Little Mo originally appears in a turbulent marriage with her abusive husband Trevor Morgan (
Alex Ferns Alexander Ferns (born 13 October 1968) is a Scottish actor and television personality. His role in ''EastEnders'' as Trevor Morgan from 2000 to 2002 was described as "Britain's most-hated soap villain". He also played the role of Rick Harper ...
), but she fights back at Trevor, leading to her arrest in 2002; she is later released and Trevor's campaign against her ends with his comeuppance death. Following Trevor's death, Little Mo proceeds to marry his sworn enemy
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 ...
), who had grown to care and bond with Little Mo during her ordeal. However, their marriage ends after she is raped by her friend Graham Foster (
Alex McSweeney Alexander Nicholas Peter McSweeney (born 20 December 1966) is an English actor, writer and director, best known for playing Graham Foster in ''EastEnders'' from 2003 to 2005, and again in 2023. Other programmes he has appeared in include ''Silen ...
) and then discovers she is pregnant by him. The storyline that signals the end of Little Mo's marriage with Billy contributed to Ainsworth's maternity leave in 2004. The character soon reappears with her baby son, Freddie (Alex and Tom Kilby), and later embarks on an affair with her brother-in-law
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 ...
) – which is discovered by her sister 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 ...
), Alfie's wife. Later on, Little Mo develops a relationship with doctor Oliver Cousins ( Tom Ellis), though they soon break up after she is accused of hurting Freddie. However, while her family and friends suspect Little Mo to have hurt her son, the real culprit is revealed to be Billy's little cousin Ben Mitchell (Charlie Jones). After breaking up with Oliver and finding herself subject to accusations from her local community, Little Mo leaves
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 ...
in May 2006. For her portrayal as Little Mo, Ainsworth won several awards including Best Actress at
The British Soap Awards The British Soap Awards (BSAs) are an annual awards ceremony in the United Kingdom which honours the best moments in British soap operas. The ceremony is televised on ITV. The trophies given to the winners are made from metal and glass and hav ...
in 2002 and 2003.


Creation and development

In January 2000, Ainsworth was one of thirty actresses who auditioned for the role of Little Mo. The character was created as part of the new
Slater family The Slater family is an American philanthropic, political, and manufacturing family from England, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut whose members include the "Father of the American Industrial Revolution," Samuel Slater, a prominent t ...
. In 2004 Ainsworth took extended leave from the serial. In 2006 Ainsworth announced her decision to leave the serial after six years in order to pursue other projects, she spoke about how much she loved playing Little Mo, but knew there was life outside of the serial. In 2010 Ainsworth revealed she would return to ''EastEnders'' if asked.
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 ...
publicity describe Little Mo as being "timid" and the complete opposite of the loud wheeler-dealer grandmother for whom she was named. They also state: "With a big heart, she was also one of Walford's most legendary victims."
Virgin Media Virgin Media Limited is a British telecommunications company which provides telephone, television and internet services in the United Kingdom. Its headquarters are at Green Park in Reading, England. It is owned by Virgin Media O2, a 50:50 ...
describe her as a "shy and retiring" type. Ainsworth later stated she was grateful for the support the character had received. She revealed that people still associate her with the character, adding that she was not embarrassed; it meant that she had made Little Mo memorable. She branded Little Mo "a lovely character" who was "a labour of love created over a long period of time.".


Storylines

Little Mo first arrived 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 18 September 2000, along with her family: father Charlie (
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 ...
), grandmother Big Mo (
Laila Morse Maureen Lesley Bass (' Oldman; born 1 August 1945), better known by her stage name Laila Morse, is an English actress. After making her acting debut as Janet in the drama film '' Nil by Mouth'' (1997), she went on to join the BBC soap opera ' ...
) and sisters Lynne (
Elaine Lordan Elaine Bernadette Lordan (born 8 August 1966) is an English retired actress, best known for her role as 'Sugar Walls' in the comedy series ''Gimme Gimme Gimme'' and playing Lynne Hobbs in ''EastEnders'' (2000–2004). Following several tragedi ...
), 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 Zoe (
Michelle Ryan Michelle Claire Ryan (born 22 April 1984) is an English actress, best known for portraying the role of Zoe Slater in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2000–2005, 2025–present). In 2007, she starred in the short-lived American television s ...
), although Zoe is later revealed to be Kat's secret daughter following a family argument. They are also accompanied by Lynne's boyfriend
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 ...
) and later joined by Little Mo's estranged husband Trevor Morgan (
Alex Ferns Alexander Ferns (born 13 October 1968) is a Scottish actor and television personality. His role in ''EastEnders'' as Trevor Morgan from 2000 to 2002 was described as "Britain's most-hated soap villain". He also played the role of Rick Harper ...
), a handyman who surprises Little Mo with his arrival just days before they celebrate Christmas that year. It soon becomes clear that their marriage was previously troubled, due to Trevor being physically and mentally abusive towards her as a result of his servere mood swings and violent temper. This is further evident when Little Mo tries to leave her husband, but he deceives her into staying with him and proceeds to isolates his wife from her family – who despise Trevor due to his abusive nature. She always forgives him and even agrees to start a family. However, when he rapes her after she buys a hat to wear to Lynne's wedding which he has forbidden her from attending, she realizes she cannot bring a child into such an environment and goes back on the contraceptive pill. She finally leaves Trevor when she discovers he had deleted a message from Zoe, who has run away from home. Eventually, Little Mo attacks Trevor, hitting him with an iron when he attacks her. She goes home thinking he is dead, but when she and her sisters return to the scene, he is gone. Little Mo is prosecuted and found guilty of attempted murder but is released after Trevor does a deal with the Slaters: he will not give evidence against Little Mo, if Kat does not press charges against him for assaulting her. After Little Mo moves out and has to divorce Trevor, he terrorises her and takes her and
Sean Sean, also spelled Seán or Séan in Hiberno-English, is a male given name of Irish origin. It comes from the Irish versions of the Biblical Hebrew name '' Yohanan'' (), Seán ( anglicized as '' Shaun/ Shawn/ Shon'') and Séan (Ulster variant; a ...
, his son with Donna Andrews (Paula Jennings), hostage in the Slater home, which catches fire. Fireman Tom Banks (
Colm Ó Maonlaí Colm Ó Maonlaí (born 10 December 1966) is an Irish actor, best known for playing Tom Banks in ''EastEnders'' from April to November 2002. He has also played roles in ''The Bill ''The Bill'' is a British police procedural television seri ...
) saves Little Mo and Sean. He goes back for Trevor but the fire explodes a can of petrol. Tom and Trevor die in the explosion, ending his reign of terror.
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 Little Mo bond over their respective abusive pasts. They become friends while Little Mo is married to Trevor and start dating after she is released from prison. Billy reveals his feelings during Trevor's trial when Mo admits that part of her reason for staying with Trevor was that he was the only man who ever noticed her that way. Trevor does his best to wreck things but Billy proposes by spelling out "MARRY ME" in alphabet macaroni and she accepts. After Trevor's comeuppance demise, the pair marry on Christmas Day 2002. Late one night shortly before their first wedding anniversary, Little Mo is raped by her crossword buddy, Graham Foster (
Alex McSweeney Alexander Nicholas Peter McSweeney (born 20 December 1966) is an English actor, writer and director, best known for playing Graham Foster in ''EastEnders'' from 2003 to 2005, and again in 2023. Other programmes he has appeared in include ''Silen ...
), 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 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 ...
. When she tells her family, Charlie attacks Graham. Little Mo is tested for STIs after reporting him to the police. All the tests come back negative except one: she is pregnant. The Slaters and Billy are shocked and disgusted when she refuses to have a termination, claiming the baby is innocent of its father's crimes, so she and Billy separate. She leaves the Square, returning for Graham's trial. She tells Billy she named her son Frederick William Mitchell, wanting to name him after good men. She and Billy reconcile after Graham's conviction, but later leaves him again after he tells her that he cannot accept Freddie as his son, because he is Graham's. Little Mo and Freddie move back in with her family. She and brother-in-law
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 ...
) become much closer following their respective separations but they end things when Mo learns Alfie is dating Kat behind her back. Alfie and Kat reconcile and leave the Square. Around February 2006, Little Mo is seen struggling to cope with Freddie's constant crying but refuses to medicate him for his teething, so she has trouble getting him to sleep. Freddie gets a head injury in a fight with Bobby Beale (Kevin Curran) so a health visitor visits the Slaters. Little Mo is extremely hostile, seeing this as a questioning of her parenting ability. She constantly takes Freddie to see
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 ...
, Oliver Cousins ( Tom Ellis), who moves her to another GP's patient list because he is interested in her romantically. They start dating in April 2006. Following her divorce, Little Mo and Oliver plan a night away 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 after a car crash caused by 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
Carly Wicks Carly Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kellie Shirley, and by Michaela Stephen in a home movie the Wicks family watched on 23 April 2007. She made her first appearance on 17 February 2006. Carly wa ...
(
Kellie Shirley Kelly Jane Shirley (born 11 July 1981) is an English actress who works in film, television, theatre and radio. She is known for her roles as Kirsty De La Croix in Sky One comedy series ''In the Long Run'' and Carly Wicks in the BBC soap opera ' ...
), she gets cold feet, telling Oliver that she cannot leave Freddie. On her return, she finds him unconscious. Freddie is rushed to hospital, where doctors find another head injury, and
Social Services Social services are a range of public services intended to provide support and assistance towards particular groups, which commonly include the disadvantaged. Also available amachine-converted HTML They may be provided by individuals, private and i ...
suspect Little Mo. Thinking back, Little Mo realises Ben Mitchell (Charlie Jones) is responsible. She confronts him and shakes him violently when he denies hurting him. Little Mo tries telling people that Ben caused Freddie's injury but no one believes her, not even her own father. Charlie soon realises his mistake and begs her forgiveness for doubting her. After extensive tests, the doctors discover Freddie has a low platelet count due to an infection, meaning that any minor injury can cause serious complications as his blood does not clot properly. Little Mo is cleared by the authorities, but local residents think she is responsible. Knowing she will always be suspected, Little Mo decides to leave. Feeling guilty, Ben finally tells his father
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 ...
) that he had hit Freddie, as Freddie pulled at his hearing aid. Little Mo is not sure what to do, but decides not to tell the authorities. Phil threatens Little Mo but she tells him she is quite capable of deciding for herself. Oliver suggests she report Ben but she refuses, leading to a nasty scene in the pub 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''.
) calls Little Mo a child beater. Oliver defends Little Mo and tells everyone that Ben confessed to Phil and Little Mo, but Little Mo is angry that he did not respect her decision. When Little Mo's cousin Stacey (
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 ...
) spots a romantic spark between Oliver and resident
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 ...
), she tells Little Mo, resulting in a showdown between Little Mo and Oliver in the square. During a scuffle, Little Mo pushes Oliver to the ground, and in response, he ends their relationship. As Little Mo prepares to leave for
Barnstaple Barnstaple ( or ) is a river-port town and civil parish in the North Devon district of Devon, England. The town lies at the River Taw's lowest crossing point before the Bristol Channel. From the 14th century, it was licensed to export wool from ...
, Oliver realises that he still loves her, and decides to ask her to go with him to
Leeds Leeds is a city in West Yorkshire, England. It is the largest settlement in Yorkshire and the administrative centre of the City of Leeds Metropolitan Borough, which is the second most populous district in the United Kingdom. It is built aro ...
instead. He runs to the tube station and tries to convince her to join him. However, Little Mo rejects him, saying that all her life she had done just what she was told by somebody else and now she finally wants to break away from being "Little Mo." She gives him one last kiss, telling him she will keep in touch and visit him in Leeds. She leaves with Freddie on 26 May 2006, and Oliver leaves for Leeds the same day. In January 2016, Little Mo attends her father Charlie's funeral off-screen, and avoids Kat, along with their other sisters. In September 2022, a grown-up Freddie (now played by
Bobby Brazier Bobby Jack Brazier (born 2 June 2003) is an English actor and model. Present in the public eye from birth due to the popularity of his mother, Jade Goody, he was frequently featured in the media throughout the formative years of his life until ...
), returns to Walford believing that Billy is his father. Billy goes along with Freddie's assumptions to spare him from heartache, until Billy's ex-wife 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 ...
) phones Little Mo and urges her to tell Freddie the truth. Freddie is upset when Phil tells him that Billy is not his father. In August 2023, Freddie visits Little Mo off-screen after learning the truth about Graham and how the incident with her led to his birth. He confronts her for not telling him, resulting in a row between them. Little Mo is left devastated by the revelation that Freddie knows the truth about his father. Kat and
Jean Slater Jean Slater (also Walters) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Gillian Wright. Her first appearance is in the episode first broadcast in the United Kingdom on 16 December 2004. Having only been introduced f ...
(
Gillian Wright Gillian Wright (born 7 December 1959) is an English actress, known for portraying the role of Jean Slater on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2004, for which she has won numerous awards. She previously worked as a drama teacher and a th ...
) later visit her in Barnstaple to comfort her.


Reception

In 2002 readers of
OK! ''OK!'' is a British weekly magazine that primarily specialises in royal and celebrity news. Originally launched as a monthly magazine, its first issue was published in April 1993. In September 2004, ''OK''! launched in Australia as a monthly ...
magazine voted Little Mo as their "top TV character" of the year. For her portrayal of Little Mo, Ainsworth was nominated in the "Best Actress" category at the 2002
British Soap Awards The British Soap Awards (BSAs) are an annual awards ceremony in the United Kingdom which honours the best moments in British soap operas. The ceremony is televised on ITV (TV network), ITV. The trophies given to the winners are made from metal a ...
. Ainsworth won two "Best Actress" awards at the ''Inside Soap'' Awards and
TV Quick ''TV Quick'' was a British weekly television listing magazine published by H Bauer Publishing, the UK subsidiary of family-run German company Bauer Media Group. It featured weekly television listings running from Saturday to Friday, and began pu ...
Awards. She won the "Most Popular Actress" award at the
National Television Awards The National Television Awards (often shortened to NTAs) is a British television awards ceremony, broadcast by the ITV network and begun in 1995. The National Television Awards are the most prominent ceremony for which the results are voted o ...
. While in 2005 she received another nomination for "Best Actress" at the British Soap Awards. Further, Little Mo is featured on Virgin Media's compilation of the all-time 'catfights' and praised for daring to take on her volatile sister Kat. When the website compiled a list of the best-ever EastEnders moments, they chose Little Mo attacking Trevor with the iron, stating: "After years of abuse from her evil husband, viewers cheered when Little Mo finally put an end to their marriage." Entertainment website
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 ...
also chose the moment Mo hit Trevor with the iron as one of their best ever Eastenders moments. Little Mo was profiled in Karen Boyle's book "Media and violence: gendering the debates", which discussed her rape ordeal and her abuse by Trevor.Preview.
/ref> Upon watching Little Mo's early appearances, a columnist for ''
Soaplife ''Soaplife'' was a soap opera magazine published in the United Kingdom by TI Media (formerly IPC Media and Time Inc. UK). The magazine was first published in 1999 and focused on British and Australian soap operas. It was originally published mont ...
'' said that she had "Kath's Cafe written all over her. Either that or she could share a market stall – and maybe more – with Mark." In 2008, ''
All About Soap ''All About Soap'' was a fortnightly UK magazine founded in October 1999. It was released on Tuesdays. Storylines of the shows it covered were from soap operas shown in the United Kingdom and from Australia, including ''EastEnders'', ''Coronat ...
'' included Little Mo and Trevor's domestic abuse plot in their list of "top ten taboo" storylines of all time. Their writer described it as one of the "taboos which have bravely been broken by soaps."


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Mitchell, Little Mo EastEnders characters Television characters introduced in 2000 Fictional bartenders in soap operas Fictional victims of domestic abuse Fictional victims of sexual assault British female characters in soap operas English female characters in television Slater family (EastEnders) Mitchell family (EastEnders)