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Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders' Mary the Punk star unrecognisable 37 years since quitting soap
Mary 'the Punk' Smith was a big part of the original EastEnders line-up when it first aired in 1985, with viewers fondly remembering the character who left just three years later EastEnders legend Mary 'the Punk' was part of the original cast of 23 who first arrived on our TV screens back in 1985. Other now-familiar faces first setting foot in Albert Square back then included Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard), Ali Osman (Nejdet Adamson/Salih) and Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean). Mary was a young, single mother who ended up in all manner of scrapes, largely due to her irresponsible nature and lack of willingness to heed good advice. She was unable to read or write and hid herself under punk make-up – a northern girl all alone in a southern city. For Canadian-British actress Linda Davidson, a role in the brand-new BBC One soap was the big acting break she needed, having just finished learning her craft at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy in London. During her time on the soap she became romantically involved with co-star Nejdet Salih, who played Ali Osman and ran the café and his own taxi firm. Meanwhile, Mary's three years in Albert Square, saw herself in a number of difficult situations, with storylines focusing on unemployment and drugs, as well as one where she dabbled with prostitution – that drew controversy for linking it with single mums. However, Linda quit the soap for pastures new in 1988 when she was offered a part in a play. She went on to appear in TV shows including First of the Summer Wine, Casualty, The House of Eliott and The Bill, and also starred in a revival of The Rocky Horror Show in London's West End. After that, she secured a role looking after the BBC's drama websites and became editor of E4 interactive in the 2000s. Viewers assumed they'd seen the last of Mary in EastEnders, never to return. But Linda has reprised the role twice since 1988, firstly in 2019 for the funeral of the soap's beloved character, Dr Harold Legg, alongside actor Tom Watt who played Lofty Holloway, leaving fans 'in awe'. Reflecting on her EastEnders homecoming at the time, Linda said: "EastEnders was my first proper family. It gave me stability and a fantastic foundation from which to build an incredible life. "The people of EastEnders have been a consistent thread throughout the intervening years. I am so thrilled, and very proud to be returning to that family 35 years later. It's going to be a blast!" She returned again in 2022 for the funeral of Dot Branning after the actress who played her, June Brown, sadly died aged 95.
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders legend 'died virtually penniless' after blowing £1m fortune
Leslie Grantham was a jewel in the crown of EastEnders as 'Dirty' Den Watts – but the actor sadly died with virtually no money to his name after an incredible downfall EastEnders continues to bathe in the glory of it 40th anniversary celebrations back in February. Viewers were delighted by an epic live episode that saw the harrowing death of Martin Fowler (James Bye), although viewers couldn't help spotting 'blunders' with Sonia and Linda during the special programme. For many months, the soap has also been indulging in a bit of nostalgia, welcoming back several familiar faces from the past, including from David Wicks (Michael French), Tracy-Ann Oberman (Chrissie Watts), Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) and Linda Carter (Kellie Bright). Yet, these comebacks are dwarfed by the programme's most dramatic 'return' plotline, which unfolded back in 2003. The decision to bring back 'Dirty' Den Watts from the dead – despite the character being 'killed off' in 1988 – made headlines and sent the show's ratings skyrocketing. Regrettably, for Leslie Grantham, the actor who portrayed Den, this comeback was to be his last hurrah. His second tenure on the show ended amidst scandal, causing his career to stumble. In 2004, a newspaper revealed then-57 year old Leslie had been exposing himself online, using a webcam in his EastEnders dressing room. Consequently, Den was written out of the show in early 2005, meeting his end for the second time after his wife Chrissie hit him on the head with an iron doorstop – and this time, there would be no miraculous resurrection. Following his departure from the limelight, Leslie did snag a part in The Bill, yet post-2005, his professional life was largely made up of panto and theatre gigs. Reports suggest that by 2018, when cancer claimed his life, Leslie was nearly destitute, having spent some of his last years in a friend's spare room after his long marriage to Jane Laurie ended. Daily Mail coverage indicated that the financially-stricken actor took measures to organise and pay for a 'no frills funeral', worried his family might otherwise be burdened with the cost. Possessing only scant shares in a business worth below £23,000 and a modest Bulgarian property, legal complexities meant his survivors – including his three sons with ex-wife Jane – wouldn't inherit much. A confidant revealed: "Leslie suffered from really bad money troubles the past several years, and worrying about it did his health no good. In fact, the stress of his financial situation probably speeded up his death as he was so frail." Detailing Leslie's funeral preparations, the informant shared: "He paid for the whole event and left specific instructions about what he wanted. An average funeral costs £4,000 and he made sure it was all sorted." On a brighter note, Leslie's son, Daniel Laurie, is keeping the acting legacy alive with his regular appearance as Reggie Jackson in the BBC series Call The Midwife.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley reunites with soap legend sparking hopes of a comeback
Fans flooded Lisa's comments section with hopes of her former co-star returning soap reunion Emmerdale star Lisa Riley reunites with soap legend sparking hopes of a comeback Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EMMERDALE star Lisa Riley reunited with a soap legend - sparking hopes of a comeback. Lisa, 48, originally played Mandy Dingle from 1995 to 2000 before returning from 2019 onwards. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Emmerdale's Lisa Riley - aka Mandy Dingle - shared a reunion snap with a former co-star Credit: Emmerdale/ITV 4 She shared a snap with former Emmerdale co-star Adele Silva Credit: Instagram 4 Adele played feisty Kelly Windsor on and off from 1993 to 2011 Credit: Rex Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a snap with former Emmerdale co-star Adele Silva. Adele, 44, portrayed the feisty Kelly Silva on and off from 1993 to 2011. Lisa captioned the photo: "After work at @emmerdale today I had the most wonderful afternoon with this beauty @silvaliningx . "Thanks so much for such a lovely day-friends for life. Gorgeous late lunch at @sancarlorestaurants #leeds 'Flying Pizza' lots and lots and lots to chat about- still smiling." One of Lisa's followers commented: "Such a natural beauty she is too bring Kelly back really miss all the oldies." Another added: "Awe wow, would love to see you both on Emmerdale. Hope Adele comes back - causes some trouble for Jimmy. "I think we need to marry her with a Dingle - Kelly Dingle sounds much better." A third wrote: "Kelly was my absolute favourite back in the day. She looks just the same. She has no business not aging." While a fourth simply remarked: "Bring back our Kelly." Mandy Dingle shouts out for Vinny as she's about to get married Kelly arrived alongside dad Vic (Alun Lewis), adoptive mother Viv (Deena Payne) and stepbrother Scott (Ben Freeman). During her time in the village, Kelly had a relationship with Jimmy King (Nick Miles), which originally began as a fling. Her other notable storylines include sleeping with her stepbrother Scott and an affair with her teacher, Tom Bainbridge (Jeremy Turner-Welch). She left in 2011 alongside her and Jimmy's son Elliot - although the latter returned to the soap in 2016. Aside from Emmerdale, Adele has also appeared in programmes such as Hollyoaks, EastEnders and The Bill. Adele co-created and teaches drama workshops for children with Youth Screen Collective. The star also works in casting and has taught at the National Film and Television School. Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley reunites with soap legend sparking hopes of a comeback
EMMERDALE star Lisa Riley reunited with a soap legend - sparking hopes of a comeback. Lisa, 48, originally played Mandy Dingle from 1995 to 2000 4 Emmerdale's Lisa Riley - aka Mandy Dingle - shared a reunion snap with a former co-star Credit: Emmerdale/ITV 4 She shared a snap with former Emmerdale co-star Adele Silva Credit: Instagram 4 Adele played feisty Kelly Windsor on and off from 1993 to 2011 Credit: Rex Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a snap with former Emmerdale co-star Adele Silva. Adele , 44, portrayed Lisa captioned the photo: " After work at @emmerdale today I had the most wonderful afternoon with this beauty @silvaliningx . "Thanks so much for such a lovely day-friends for life. Gorgeous late lunch at @sancarlorestaurants #leeds Read more on Emmerdale 'Flying Pizza' lots and lots and lots to chat about- still smiling ." One of Lisa's followers commented: "Such a natural beauty she is too bring Kelly back really miss all the oldies." Another added: "Awe wow, would love to see you both on Emmerdale . Hope Adele comes back - causes some trouble for Jimmy. "I think we need to marry her with a Dingle - Kelly Dingle sounds much better." Most read in Soaps A third wrote: "Kelly was my absolute favourite back in the day. She looks just the same. She has no business not aging." While a fourth simply remarked: "Bring back our Kelly." Mandy Dingle shouts out for Vinny as she's about to get married Kelly arrived alongside dad Vic (Alun Lewis), adoptive mother Viv (Deena Payne) and stepbrother Scott (Ben Freeman). During her time in the village, Kelly had a relationship with Jimmy King (Nick Miles), which originally began as a fling. Her other notable storylines include sleeping with her stepbrother Scott and an affair with her teacher, Tom Bainbridge (Jeremy Turner-Welch). She left in 2011 alongside her and Jimmy's son Elliot - although the latter returned to the soap in 2016. EMMERDALE NEWS Everything you need to know about Emmerdale All the Emmerdale spoilers Our The history of Aside from Emmerdale , Adele has also appeared in programmes such as Hollyoaks, EastEnders and The Bill. Adele co-created and teaches drama workshops for children with Youth Screen Collective. The star also works in casting and has taught at the National Film and Television School. Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX. 4 Adele has pursued other ventures since leaving the soap - including working in casting Credit: Instagram
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Emmerdale villains pave way for deadly twists, classic feuds and high drama
Emmerdale is about to introduce two new faces to the ITV soap with Ray confirmed as a dangerous villain, while farmer Celia could also feature in dramatic scenes We have two new faces joining Emmerdale next week, and the potential for both is huge. Not only will the ITV soap be welcoming some brilliant new cast members and TV favourites, but the characters themselves are almost blank canvases. Just minimal details have been revealed so far about new villain Ray and possible second villain Celia, a farmer no doubt set to be a rival to Moira Dingle. Poor Moira could be caught up in both storylines and the drama that follows the new arrivals in the village. Ray will be played by Joe Absolom, whose top credentials include EastEnders, Doc Martin, The Bay and more recently Code Of Silence. As for Celia, the mystery farmer is portrayed by Casualty and The Bill favourite Jaye Griffiths. It's safe to say the castings of both TV stars have created a buzz on set, with stars thrilled to be working alongside them. Fans have been equally excited to see what the two new cast additions will bring to the village, praising both of them and eager to find out what their characters will get up to. The jury is out for now on whether Celia will be a baddie or not, with so much more to be revealed about the newcomer - while Ray appears to be very much confirmed as the latest village bad guy. What we can reveal for now is that Celia's entrance next week leaves one life on the line, while there's possible drama in the works for her and Moira. Vet Paddy Kirk spots a sheep trapped in the fence of Celia's land and goes to help it, only to be attacked by a dog. The brutal attack leaves him in a life-threatening condition and he's soon rushed to hospital. When Paddy is later advised to confront the farmer it doesn't end well, and soon Paddy is left furious with Celia no doubt causing havoc. At some point we'll see Moira and Celia come face-to-face too amid Moira's troubles on the farm, which are set to continue. Actress Natalie J Robb recently told The Mirror in an exclusive interview that Celia and Moira "will be rivals" as she hinted at some big drama there. Bringing the show back to the farming roots, we could well see some classic soap feuding going on - or perhaps the pair might even unite. Expect tension and possible clashes though, as Celia will be keen on the land surrounding Moira's farm amid her financial woes. It's said the newcomer "clearly means business" and will go to whatever lengths to get her own way, while she no doubt has a past with so much mystery surrounding her when she arrives. Sooner rather than later Celia's intentions will be clear. Soap producer Laura Shaw recently shared: "While Celia has a tough edge with an air of respectability, the audience, and our villagers, will soon start to see what this woman is truly capable of.' It's one of her guard dogs that attacks Paddy too, and her reaction to the incident will show her "true colours". It's been a while since we had a character like Celia on the show, and not just a standard villain but someone who causes chaos, upheaval while also harbouring secrets of their own. A proper rivalry, and someone to give Moira a reason to fight back, is just what we need and hopefully Celia will bring all the carnage. As for Ray, fans will no doubt be fearing "another villain" and "another dark character" isn't what the show needs, amid complaints over dark storylines in soaps. But if Ray is anything like what cast members have described, we are certainly in for some huge scenes ahead, and possibly one of the best villainous villagers we've had for a long time. Joe's performance has been described as "scary" and "menacing", with Mike Parr teasing the stuff so far is "really good". Fans will obviously make their own minds up on the character, but with him set to unsettle the lives of more than one resident, and possibly trigger the return of a character confirmed to be heading back to the show, it is all to play for. There will be a dangerous outsider in the village in Ray, with it said some of fans' most loved characters will face danger along the way. We already know that Mackenzie Boyd and Aaron Dingle feature in massive episodes this September, with "life-changing" twists ahead, so could this involve Ray? We also know that some of the teens will be dragged into his drug dealing world, so Ray's actions are set to no doubt impact the entire village. He's capable of anything, so we're willing to assume a villager or two, maybe more, will want him out of the way, and may find themselves up against him. Expect angst, danger, twists and turns and tense scenes. To have two troubling characters with so much to be revealed arrive at the same time, and amid all the recent twists including John Sugden turning killer, Robert Sugden's return and Joe Tate's whodunnit and the rest, it's an epic time to be tuning into the soap, with it no doubt set to get stronger and more gripping as the weeks and months go on.
