Latest news with #BenWadey
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders legend returns to soap after 27 years off screens for 'awful surprise' - as star admits 'it's scary how fast the time has gone'
EastEnders legend Karen Henthorn is set to return to the BBC soap after 27 years off screens for an 'awful surprise'. The actress, 62, played Julie Bates on the show between 1997 and 1998. Karen did make a voice cameo in Walford again this year, but now she's back for good. Her alter-ego was last seen in Walford 27 years ago when she moved to Scotland with her husband Nigel (Paul Bradley). But as viewers will know, Nigel returned to the Square in 2024, and told everyone that they had split... but it was actually he wanted to deal with his dementia by himself. The cafe worker felt as if he was weighing his wife down. However she's about to make it clear that she's around to help - by returning to the Square. Karen said of reprising her role: 'It's very surreal to be back in Albert Square after 27 years and working with the delightful Paul Bradley again - it's scary how fast the time has gone! 'Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive. 'It's been great to film with Paul and Steve (McFadden), who are such lovely actors, as Julie discovers Nigel's dementia diagnosis and why he chose to hide it from her.' Executive Producer Ben Wadey added: 'We are delighted to have Karen Henthorn returning to reprise her role as Julie, who arrives looking for Nigel. 'Julie hasn't seen Nigel in almost two years and is unaware of his diagnosis and reasons for leaving, so her arrival will pose questions for the pair of them.' EastEnders isn't the only role that Karen has held on a soap over the years - she also played Teresa Bryant on Coronation Street between 2007 and 2009. She's also been in Doctors, Heartbeat and Trollied. The star also played the school inspector in Young Dracula. More recently she took on the role of Emily in The Listeners.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Shock exit for EastEnders star after two years as new boss makes sweeping changes
EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is leaving the show after two years as new boss Ben Wadey makes sweeping changes. The actress plays Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight and arrived in 2023 as part of the new family taking over the iconic boozer. Advertisement 3 Molly Rainford is to leave EastEnders after two years Credit: Getty 3 The actress has played Anna Knight since 2023 Credit: BBC 3 She joined the soap after becoming runner up on Strictly in 2022 Credit: BBC/Ray Burmiston But just two years later discussions with bosses led to Strictly star Molly deciding to leave the show to pursue new opportunities. A source said: 'New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges. 'She's hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.' The BBC have confirmed Molly's exit saying: 'We can confirm that future .' Advertisement Read more on EastEnders An insider added: 'Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines. 'It's just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.' Molly found fame aged 11 on Britain's Got Talent before becoming a TV presenter and actress on CBBC. In 2022 she was the runner up on Strictly Come Dancing, losing out to wildlife cameraman Advertisement Most read in Soaps Molly is the fourth star to leave under Ben Wadey's new tenure. Bernie Winter star Huge EastEnders star to QUIT soap after four years 'to look for other opportunities' And her on-screen cousin, next month. Advertisement
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Shock exit for EastEnders star after two years as new boss makes sweeping changes
EASTENDERS star Molly Rainford is leaving the show after two years as new boss Ben Wadey makes sweeping changes. The actress plays Queen Vic barmaid Anna Knight and arrived in 2023 as part of the new family taking over the iconic boozer. 3 3 3 But just two years later discussions with bosses led to Strictly star Molly deciding to leave the show to pursue new opportunities. A source said: 'New boss Ben Wadey is making sweeping changes on the show and his decision coincided with Mollie deciding she wanted to pursue other challenges. 'She's hugely talented and wants to spread her wings and see what else is out there for her.' The BBC have confirmed Molly's exit saying: 'We can confirm that Molly Rainford will be leaving EastEnders later this year, and we wish her all the best for the future.' An insider added: 'Molly came into the show two years ago, and in that time has been trusted with some great storylines. 'It's just so happened that when Molly was considering other options in her career, a meeting was held to discuss the future of the character, and both parties were in mutual agreement that it was the right time for Anna Knight to wave goodbye to Walford.' Molly found fame aged 11 on Britain's Got Talent before becoming a TV presenter and actress on CBBC. In 2022 she was the runner up on Strictly Come Dancing, losing out to wildlife cameraman Hamza Yassin. Molly is the fourth star to leave under Ben Wadey's new tenure. Bernie Winter star Clair Norris was left upset by her axing earlier this year. And her on-screen cousin, Matthew James Morrison, who plays Felix Baker, is to leave alongside her next month.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders' CONFIRM fan favourite returning to BBC soap after eight-years away from Albert Square
Oscar Branning is heading back to Albert Square after eight years away from EastEnders. The character, who hasn't featured in a storyline since 2017, is being recast with newcomer Pierre Moullier stepping into the role previously played by Charlee Hall. Oscar is the son of Tanya Branning, who left Walford years ago to escape her volatile marriage, taking a young Oscar with her. His last on-screen appearance was a fleeting one nearly a decade ago, when he returned briefly to celebrate Father's Day with Max at the Queen Vic. Now 17, Oscar has mostly stayed out of the family chaos in the past, unlike his sisters Lauren and Abi. But with his return next month, it looks like drama is on the horizon - and this time, Oscar may be stepping into the spotlight himself. Sharing his excitement about joining the soaps cast, Pierre told The Mirror: 'It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square. 'Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!' Meanwhile executive producer Ben Wadey gushed: 'I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up.' Ben promised plenty of drama as he brings Oscar's character back to life for viewers. But Oscar's character is not the only one to be making a comeback, actor Jake Wood is also set to reprise his role as Max Branning later this year. His return comes a year after he celebrated being sober for over 20 years in December 2023. The actor, 52, opened up about his past struggles with alcohol as he filmed himself from his hot tub while reflecting on life. The soap star wore a woolly hat as he enjoyed a cigar while sending an inspirational message to his followers. Posting on Twitter, he said: 'So I'm sat here in a hot tub, having a cigar, it's pretty cool. 'And just reflecting on how grateful I am for all the amazing things I've got in my life. I've got an amazing family, beautiful family, fantastic friends. Everyone is happy and healthy. 'Also, and I don't really talk about this often, I just want to say that tonight I'm 20 years sober. [I] stopped drinking 20 years ago tonight and that changed my life in so many ways. 'It's immeasurable. So anyone on the same journey, I send you love and support, and if anyone's struggling there's help out there, alright?' He signed off by saying: 'You can do it. Love you guys. Happy New Year.' Jake captioned the post: 'I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey. 'If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love & strength and a happy and healthy 2024.' Jake was inundated with support from friends and fans, including some of his former co-stars. Musician Nitin Sawhney wrote: 'Congratulations and have a great new year, Jake.' Danny Robbins, writer of West End production 2:22 A Ghost Story which Jake Wood has starred in, penned: 'Well done Jake. Great achievement. Happy New Year. See you soon x'.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders reveals another shock return as Albert Square legend's son makes Walford comeback
EASTENDERS have revealed another shock return as an Albert Square legend's son makes a Walford comeback. Gorgeous Zoe Slater, best known for her explosive 'You ain't my mother!' showdown with Kat Slater, hit the square last week and now someone else is following in her footsteps. 6 6 6 Zoe was back as Kat married Alfie for the third time and prepares to take over the Queen Victoria pub. But now there's another shock return for the drama filled square. Oscar Branning is on his way home to Albert Square this summer, and where Oscar goes, trouble is not far behind. Oscar was last seen on screen in 2017 (played by twins Neo & Charlee Hall) when he made a brief visit to Max on Father's Day. However, just why he is returning and where he's been is set to be revealed when Lauren receives a mysterious call. Newcomer Pierre Moullier will play Oscar, who is now 17, as he arrives and turns Lauren's life upside down. EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: 'I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up. "Oscar is very much a Branning which means there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. "We're delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can't wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life.' Pierre Moullier added: 'It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square! Blackmail horror for EastEnders teenager as sexual predator Joel targets another victim "When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet. "Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!' Pierre has already started filming, and Oscar will return to our screens next month. EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year. Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had "quit" the long-running series. It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford. Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would "quit out of boredom" over recent storylines. Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame. One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel. Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay 's Netflix movie 6 Underground. Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. The actor, 52, will reprise his role as love rat Max Branning later this year in dramatic scenes. Jake quit the BBC One soap in 2021 after 15 years to focus on other acting projects. A telly source said: 'Jake's return is huge news for EastEnders fans as his character made a massive mark on the show. 'It'll raise some eyebrows after he was absent from the 40th anniversary earlier this year. Bosses are excited about what his character's reappearance means for spicing up the plots. 'There is plenty to go at. Max has loads of unfinished business in the Square and is set to ruffle some feathers.' Speaking earlier this year Jake admitted he missed being part of the soap — except for the busy filming regime. He said: 'I don't miss the schedules. Anyone will tell you how hard they are and sort of all-consuming, but obviously I miss a lot of the people. 'When you're at the centre of a big storyline like EastEnders Christmas, something like that — it's a real thrill as an actor to be a part of that, big storylines, big characters." 6 6 6
