EastEnders News & Spoilers Feed

Shane Richie to star in Radio 2 Drama!

2012-09-13T10:44:14+00:00

BBC Radio 2 is set to air an hour-long pilot for new music radio drama, Shout to the Top, starring our very own Shane Richie!

Shout to the Top, which will air on September 25 at 10pm, is the story of an 80's girl band trying to break into the tough music business. Shane plays Vince; a pub land lord (well we all know he can do that well!), passionate amateur singer and the dad of the band's lead singer, Rain.

When a record company comes knocking, Vince jumps at the chance to be the bands' manager to give the girls some credibility.

Here's what Shane has to say about the show:

"It was a great honour and a wonderful opportunity to be asked to be part of this drama for Radio 2. The script is fantastic and I was surrounded by some wonderful new talent which I am sure we will see more from in the future."

Amira pops back to Walford...

2012-09-11T16:15:00+00:00

The queen of glam is set to make a speedy visit to The Square within the next few months. We all know that Amira (Preeya Kalidas) has done her best to spilt up ex-hubby Syed and Christian in the past - is she coming back to have one more go?!

The big question is does she have something to do with Syed and Christian's impending departure? Hmm, watch this space...

Alice Branning coming to Walford

2012-04-13T23:00:01+00:00

East End crim, Derek Branning should be used to being a wanted man, but there's someone searching for him who's going to shake him up more than any member of the Old Bill could.

Say hello to Alice Branning, who is set to arrive on Derek's doorstep looking for answers from the father she's never met.

Unlike her unscrupulous father, Alice is sweet and has lived a sheltered life with her mum and older brother Joey - who is no fan of their estranged dad. But how will this ordinary girl cope when she finds out the truth about her... extraordinary father? Will she be able to cope with his shady past?

"I've been a fan of EastEnders forever and am thrilled to be cast as a Branning," says actress Jasmyn Banks . "It's such a privilege to be working alongside Jamie (Foreman) and I can't wait to find out what's in store for Alice."

EastEnders Executive Producer Lorraine Newman added: "Jasmine is a great actress and we are delighted to have her join the cast as Alice Branning. Alice will help us glimpse a softer side to Derek and, being part of the Branning clan, there's a huge amount of history for the pair to draw upon which gives us great potential for the future."

What do you think? can you see Derek winning any Dad of the Year awards in the near future? And how would you feel if you discovered he was your dad?

Rita Simons: My Daughter, Deafness and Me

2012-03-19T15:00:00+00:00

EastEnders' very own Roxy Mitchell, Rita Simons, can be seen in her own show on BBC One this Tuesday evening.

Rita has twin five-year old daughters, Maiya and Jaimee. Maiya was diagnosed with hearing loss at six-months old and Rita and husband Theo have just discovered that Maiya will probably lose her hearing completely.

The show charts Rita and her family's experiences as they consider making life-changing decisions for Maiya's future - should they embrace the deaf world, learn to sign and send her to a specialist school or try and give her hearing with technology, implants and artificial sound or a mixture of the two?

Rita Simons: My Daughter, Deafness and Me, will be shown at 10.40pm on BBC One on Tuesday 20th March. Check out two preview clips from the show below.

Plus, read about the making of the show over on the TV Blog

Has Mandy's mum come to Salter out?

2012-01-23T00:00:01+00:00

Mamma mia! Mandy's in for quite a shock when her mum Lorraine turns up in Albert Square next month.

Scheming Lucy Beale uses text messages to lure a mysterious contact of Mandy's to Walford, assuming that they are a secret lover. But things backfire for Lucy when her 'admirer' who turns up at The Vic is revealed to be Salter senior...

Brash bad girl Lorraine let young Mandy (pictured here in an upcoming saucy scene as she tries to work her charms on Ian) to run wild on the streets as a child, while she spent years 'on the game' with Pat. But while Mandy seems to have finally grown up, her mother certainly hasn't!

This isn't the first time we have seen Mandy's mum in EastEnders. Loyal fans of the show may recall that Walford's very own Linda Henry (Shirley Carter) originally played Lorraine, many years ago.

Victoria Alcock, who will play Lorraine Salter, has appeared in numerous films and TV shows over the years. You may remember her from Bad Girls, where she played Julie Saunders, Doctor Who (pictured) and, more recently, Call the Midwife on BBC One.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the cast of EastEnders and am looking forward to working with my good friends Linda Henry and Nicola Stapleton again," revealed Victoria. "I can't wait to see people's reaction when Lorraine arrives on The Square!"

Amira Masood is back!

2011-09-02T12:10:36+00:00

Update: Episodes 1 and 2 of Amira's Secret - the exclusive special scenes - will be on red button on Tues 6 September from 8pm and Thursday 8 September from 8pm i.e. after the regular episodes on BBC One. They will also be online at the same time here on bbc.co.uk/eastenders

EastEnders viewers are in for a special treat in September. As a prelude to Amira's return to Albert Square special scenes have been filmed for the Red Button that will begin to answer some of the questions posed by her dramatic exit from Walford in 2010.

As he plans his life together with Christian, Syed's frustrations begin to grow as his attempts to re-connect with Amira and seek a divorce meet with no success. It is only with help from an unexpected source that his hopes are revived and Amira's controlling father Qadim is left with the decision as to whether he brings Syed back into his daughter's life once more.

Before viewers discover the full impact of Amira's return, two mini red button episodes will disclose Amira's world away from the Square and the repercussions that these events might bring to Syed and Christian's relationship. Caged in her father's home, hidden in disgrace...what secret will she reveal?

These special scenes can be seen directly after EastEnders on the red button on the 6th and 8th September.

The biggest, baddest Branning comes to Walford

2011-08-25T22:55:49+00:00

"The fearsome Derek Branning, eldest son of Jim, has been a shadowy presence looming over the rest of the family for years..." - Bryan Kirkwood, EastEnders Executive Producer

"Out of all the Brannings, Derek is the one that most people fear. Although he can be charming he will be the one that can out alpha almost any man in Albert Square, maybe even Phil. He is going to cause a lot of disruption to his family" - An EastEnders Insider

Hmmm... sounds like Derek may not be blending in quietly to the Walford community... Jamie Foreman will play the new Branning bad boy.

On the casting, Bryan Kirkwood adds: "It's a real coup to sign Jamie Foreman to play the biggest, baddest Branning brother. Jamie has an incredible acting pedigree, having starred in some of the best British movies of recent times, and we can't wait for him to bring his unique talents to Walford."

On joining, Jamie said: "I am hugely excited to be joining such an iconic show. EastEnders is full of fantastic actors so it is a role I couldn't refuse. The Brannings are such a great family to be joining and I am extremely interested to see how Derek is going to fit in."

So are we! How will he rub up with the Square's bad boys? What will reigning-alpha Phil make of his competition in the hardman stakes? Will Michael attempt to scheme Derek into submission? Will his arrival tear the family apart or make them a force to be reckoned with?

We'll have to wait for his arrival this Winter to find out...

Pat Evans to leave EastEnders

2011-07-07T23:01:00+00:00

Later this year, EastEnders' much treasured leading lady Pam St Clement will hang up those uniquely crafted earrings for the final time when she waves a fond farewell to iconic matriarch Pat Evans.

Pam has certainly not been shy of a few dramatic storylines during her time on Albert Square. From her EastEnders debut in 1986, it was quite clear this firey female wouldn't take any prisoners. Her first duty as Pat 'Wicks' was to inform Pete Beale he wasn't the father of her son Simon.

Pat went on to marry the love of her life Frank in a big East End wedding bash and became Pat 'Butcher' in 1989 but later moved on to become Pat 'Evans' when she wed the ever dependable Roy in 1996.

It was always clear that Frank was the love of her life. Even when he married Peggy in 1999, Pat couldn't resist his masculine charms which resulted in the infamous double-slap scene behind the bar at The Queen Vic.

In between the marriages, spats with Peggy Mitchell and out living numerous husbands, Pat has also survived a heart attack, done time in prison for a drunken hit and run, become land lady of The Vic and lived to tell the tale of a vicious encounter with the Walford attacker in 1987.

Pam has said that she has "Leaving the EastEnders 'family' will be a kin to a bereavement but I'm looking forward to the other work and life opportunities that I will have the time to pursue".

Bryan Kirkwood, EastEnders Executive Producer adds: "In Pat Harris-Beale-Wicks-Butcher-Evans, Pam St Clement has created one of the most iconic and loved characters in British TV history...Although it's too early to talk about how Pat will leave the Square, we can assure viewers it will culminate in a fitting storyline, not to be missed"

What Pam's co-stars had to say about her departure...

Barbara Windsor

"Pam St Clement created a truly iconic character in Pat. I was privileged enough to be a part of her journey, as Peggy and Pat fought, laughed and cried together. Pam will be greatly missed by the company and the viewers. I personally adore Pam and I can't wait to start having all those lunches we promised each other."

Steve McFadden

"I always loved the on-screen relationship between Pam St Clement and Mike Reid especially when they worked behind the bar in the Queen Vic. This was one of the golden eras for me and I learnt a lot from both of them. Pam is full of integrity and I have always admired her. She is never one to shy away from speaking her mind about the programme as she has so much love for the show. EastEnders will be a strange place without Pam, she is a lovely woman and I will truly miss her at EastEnders as I am sure all the viewers will."

Patsy Palmer

"Pam St Clement is the most professional person I have ever worked with. She is an amazing actress who never fails to make me cry when we do scenes together. She will be missed by everyone at EastEnders but I feel really priveledged that I have had this wonderful lady playing my nan for many years."

Charlie Brooks

"I'm devastated, Pam is one of my favourite people to work with and is also a close friend, I will miss her dearly".

Sid Owen:

"I'm very sad to see Pam go, we've had a really close working relationship over the years. She's such an icon and I will miss her a great deal".

George Layton heads to Albert Square

2011-06-12T09:00:00+00:00

The drama isn't quite over for Janine as an unexpected guest turns up at Lydia's funeral.

Lydia's estranged son, Norman, is back and with the matter of a will to contest soon decides to stick around.

It isn't long before his past affections for a familiar face, Pat Evans, resurface. But will it be time for this hapless, clumsy, unlucky in love chap to finally get his girl?

Norman is played by George Layton, best known for his roles in Doctor at Large (TV comedy series, 1971) and Doctor in Charge (Comedy TV series 1972-73). He told us, "I am thrilled to be joiningÂ such aÂ wonderful cast and crew, Norman is a great part and I'm excited to play him."

How do you think Pat will react to this male attention? And what will Janine's make of his arrival? Share your comments below...

Mandy Salter is back!

2011-06-08T23:00:01+00:00

This autumn will see a certain blast from the past returning to EastEnders as Nicola Stapleton returns to play Mandy Salter.

Back when Mandy was in the Square, Phil would cheat on his partner, Ian was a slippery businessman and Pat wore some crazy earrings.

Ahh how times have changed! But will Mandy be the same chaotic wild child from the 90s? She certainly wasn't a force to be reckoned with, so it's more than likely that she'll be causing trouble for a few residents of Walford.

Nicola says: "I'm looking forward to playing Mandy again; it will be interesting to see what she's been up to all this time."

So, where do you think Mandy's been? And do you think this once troublesome teen will clash with anyone in particular? Leave your comments below...

Billy and Julie have a granddaughter?!

2011-06-07T09:00:00+00:00

Billy and Julie get quite a shock this summer when they discover they have a granddaughter!

Sharp, cocky yet loveable Lola Pearce, 15, is living in care when Billy and Julie finally track her down. Lola has been deserted by everyone in her life, a feeling that her grandparents know only too well. With an instant bond, it isn't too long before the troublesome teen follows them back to Walford.

But is Albert Square ready for the petite bombshell?

Lola will be played by 18 year old Danielle Harold. Danielle said: "I am so excited to be joining EastEnders. I have watched the show all my life and I never thought that one day I could be in Albert Square. It feels strange to be walking round Walford with people I have grown up watching, I still have to pinch myself."

How do you think Lola will affect the dynamics of the Square? Leave your comment below...

David Essex talks Eddie Moon

2011-06-02T09:10:41+00:00

Charming newbie Eddie Moon hasn't been on the square five minutes and already he's had his first run in with eldest son Michael, but this isn't the first time David Essex has been asked to star in EastEnders.

Back when Honey was still on the scene, producers approached him to play the role of her dad but it didn't seem quite right for the man who shot to fame with a string of hits in the 70s.

On joining EastEnders...

Arriving on the Square in a heroic fashion, David explained his attraction to this new member of the Moon clan: "It's a great adventure for me. It's like you don't really know what you're doing until a day before, and then you do it. You have to think on your feet."

He went on to say that working on the award-winning soap is "daunting. It's like going to a new school. But they've been tremendously respectful and very welcoming."

On his character...

"Eddie is a strong character" David explains during a break from filming his opening scenes. "He's an ex-boxer" with a "chequered past which will unfold."

It seems that romance is also on the cards for the new Moon. "There is a spark between Eddie and Carol," David reveals, but with so much happening will it end up fizzling out before it's even began?

On family...

As with most characters in Albert Square, family seems to be at the forefront of Eddie's mind: "There's a massive rift between Michael and myself. We haven't really spoken for years. But as a father I reach out and try and mend that."

It appears that Michael isn't too keen though. With plenty of "powerful" and "dramatic" scenes between father and son, it may be a case of too little, too late.

On the future...

David isn't giving too much away about his future on Albert Square but it won't be long before his character is joined by two other sons Anthony and Tyler.

Wonder whether all this drama will leave Michael howling at the...Moon?...No? *hangs head in shame*

Dot cottons on to her sister

2011-05-27T05:00:00+00:00

Oooh I say... Dot Branning tracks down her estranged sister, Rose, this Summer after years apart. Who'd have thought it?

Dot hasn't spoken to Rose since she found out about her affair - with Charlie Cotton - her own husband! *Raises eyebrow*.

It's funny what a bout of hypochondria can do though, as Dot decides to go in search for her long-lost sibling to try and heal their rift.

But all is not so rosey for the pair...

The chalk and cheese siblings don't have the best start to their reunion, as Rose is not too happy to be tracked down. Poor Dot.

The cast and crew welcome Polly with open arms! The actress adds: "I am thrilled to be joining the cast of EastEnders, the show is a real British Institution with an extraordinary creative team.

"I'm really looking forward to working with June again, who I have been friends with for over 30 years".

Polly is best known for playing Trish Valentine in Eldorado.

Charlie Brooks on the Soap Awards night

2011-05-12T13:00:00+00:00

Janine Malloy may be a manipulative madam who would rather spend her evening throwing evil stares and making catty comments to other bar locals, but that's way off the agenda for actress Charlie Brooks.

We had a brief, girly chat to the Villain of the Year nominee in this year's British Soap Awards.

Here are a few of her numptious nuggets about the BIG NIGHT in Manchester aproaching...

On the star-studded ceremony:

"They are usually really good fun because you get to see people you know from the other soaps and have quite a laugh.

"I remember them from when I was younger. There was quite a lot of younger cast members - Jack Ryder (Jamie) and Natalie Cassidy (Sonia) so we'd get all dolled up together. I think I was probably 18 at my first one."

On getting 'dolled up':

"I never spend ages getting ready - I'm a wash-up-and-go kind of girl. I'm so impatient, I just want to get it done and get out."

On 'ergh! What is she wearing?' fashion disasters:

"I've had several fashion disasters! One year I wore a dreadful black dress, awful shoes, awful make-up. The shoes were these pink flat gladiator sandals that tied up the whole of my leg. Absolutely horrendous! I've had loads."

Let's hope she has no fashion disasters this year...

On this year's fun n' frolics...

"We always mix together at the soap awards. This year we're all getting coaches up to Manchester which is going to be lots of fun."

You can bet there'll be sing songs on the M6.

If you haven't yet voted in this year's Soap Awards, then make your vote count through the British Soap Awards website.

Two new Moons to shine on Albert Square

2011-05-09T23:01:00+00:00

With David Essex set to join the cast as Eddie Moon, it won't be long before he's joined by his two on-screen sons, Anthony and Tyler.

Youngest son Tyler Moon, played by Tony Discipline, arrives in Albert Square looking for his dad with older brother Anthony Moon (Matt Lapinskas) also stepping onto the Square shortly after.

The likely lads have lots in common but at the same time they're very different. Tyler lives for the weekend, loves a good laugh with his mates and often ends up in trouble, particularly where the ladies are concerned. Whereas he's quick to use his fist to sort things out, Anthony will look for a more sensitive solution and will rely on his brains and natural wit.

Pictured above are Matt (on the left) and Tony (on the right) with David Essex. Here's what they had to say on joining the cast...

Tony: "It's really exciting to be able to work on a show that you have grown up watching and have followed your whole life, I am very grateful to be given this opportunity and am looking forward to working on the show and becoming an EastEnder!"

Matt: "I'm absolutely over the moon! It's has been my lifetime ambition to be on EastEnders, I have watched it growing up with my Nan who is a big fan. I'm so pleased to get my first TV role, I just didn't believe it would be so big. I've met some of the cast I will be working with who were very friendly and welcoming and I can't wait to start filming."

Bryan Kirkwood, Executive Producer of EastEnders adds: "Both Tony and Matt are fabulous additions to the show. Headed up by David Essex, the Moon clan are on their way to becoming an established family in the Square."