Latest news with #Walford
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders star set to make surprise return to the soap three years after leaving Albert Square
An EastEnders star is reportedly set to make surprise return to the soap three years after leaving Albert Square. The character, who first set foot in Albert Square back in 2018 had a spell of intense storylines over the years. Stuart Highway will make an appearance in Walford for a 'limited period,' but is set to cause some drama, according to The Sun. Played by Ricky Champ, 45, he left the soap in 2022 alongside his on-screen wife Rainie Cross (played by Tanya Franks). Stuarts major stories included confessing to accidentally killing DI Steve Thompson (Philip Wright) - who later turned out be alive. He also admitted to being a vigilante paedophile hunter which stemmed from being sexually abused as a child. Stuart was at the centre of a father's post-natal depression storyline, with the character struggling to bond with his baby Roland. He had struggled with his mental health after his diagnosis with breast cancer and had trouble adjusting to parenthood after he and wife Rainie (Tanya Franks) tried for a child for a long time. 'In EastEnders I went from villain to hero to dad,' he told Digital Spy at the time of his exit. 'It was amazing, doing that for five years with a character's arc. It felt weird leaving him,' he admitted. At the time Ricky didn't rule out a return to the soap someday, as he claimed that anything was possible. 'He didn't die. He rode off into the sunset. I think he's somewhere in the North Circular living with Rainie,' he said of his character. Outside of EastEnders, Ricky's additional ventures include his role as Paul Parker in the BBC Three sitcom Him & Her and a Games Of Thrones appearance as Gatins. Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment. 'In EastEnders I went from villain to hero to dad,' he told Digital Spy at the time of his exit in 2022 but he will be back for a 'limited period' Elsewhere, an EastEnders legend is facing the sack after a whopping 40 years in job - and fans of the BBC soap aren't happy about it. Beloved character Tracey, who is played by actress Jane Slaughter, has been on the show since 1985. Over the years the barmaid, who rarely has any speaking lines, has become a huge fan favourite while serving many punters at the Queen Vic. But a recent episode of EastEnders raised a few alarm bells with viewers after Kat Slater's (Jessie Wallace) nephew Freddie (Bobby Brazier) put forward the idea of working for her and take over from Tracey. Kat and Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) became the new owners of the pub earlier this month, after taking over from Linda Carter (Kellie Bright). During Tuesday's instalment of the BBC show, Freddie asked for a job, but was told that they didn't have enough money for him to join the team behind the bar. Freddie went on to tell Alfie and Kat that he would be able to work for half of what Tracey is currently paid. It's no wonder that the bartender is such a popular character on the show, having been on EastEnders since the very beginning. Tracey appeared on the very first episode back in 1985. She is the longest-serving character to ever take part in the popular programme having no breaks or exits. Although the character rarely says a word on the show, back in 2022 she made a shocking revelation about Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). She confessed that Phil was the 'best sex she's ever had'
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge EastEnders character set to make spectacular return to Albert Square after quitting three years ago
HERE'S a familiar face who's returning to EastEnders - larger than life character Stuart Highway. I can reveal he's heading back to Albert Square for a limited period, albeit long enough to ruffle a few feathers on the BBC One soap. 2 It's been seven years since Stuart - played by Ricky Champ - arrived in Walford and in that time went from villain turned funnyman. Stuart arrived in Walford in 2018 and went from villain to funnyman over the years. He's brother to Callum Highway, who is married to the currently incarcerated Ben Mitchell. Stuart also ended up working in the local funeral parlour, Coker & Mitchell, and then turned his hand to taxidermy before departing EastEnders in 2023. Bosses clearly didn't tell him to get stuffed when he left, otherwise he wouldn't be returning. for the first time since 1998. The soap star returns as Nigel Bates' wife Julie amid his dementia battle. However, Nigel walked out on her over a year ago without being honest about his diagnosis. She went up against Nigel's best pal Phil Mitchell as they rowed over his care. Karen said: "Even with the Phil situation, Julie knows that as long as she's with Nigel – and he knows how much she loves him – that's what matters. "They are facing a hard road ahead, but they've got each other now. "Julie loves Nigel more than anyone else, and she'll go above and beyond to help him. Phil can be as difficult as he wants to Julie, she's not going anywhere."
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Patrick's EastEnders wedding in jeopardy as worried Yolande issues warning
Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) has launched a furious rant at fiancé Patrick (Rudolph Walker) in EastEnders. The couple were engaged last month and have set the date for their wedding – September 1st. It comes after a particularly traumatic year, following church-leader Pastor Clayton (Howard Saddler) sexually assaulting Yolande in a store room at the community centre. She bravely spoke up about her ordeal to friend Elaine Knight (Harriet Thorpe), and then found the courage to report his crime to the police. Unfortunately, due to a lack of evidence, there was little that they could do. However, soon after, a second survivor of his abuse came forward, with the CPS charging him with two counts of sexual assault. Before he could face justice, Clayton took his own life. Patrick and Yolande struggled with intimacy in the wake of a horrific incident, with him later admitting that he didn't want her to draw any comparisons to her abuser. After some words of wisdom from Denise Fox (Diane Parish), the pair reconciled and Patrick popped the question. In tonight's episode, Yolande began to prepare invitations for the celebration, and was eyeing up tiaras and dresses in a flashy magazine. Patrick noticed the whopping price tag attached, but promised his love that he would ensure she had the wedding of her dreams. More Trending However, shortly afterwards, Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) warned Yolande that she'd seen Patrick placing bets on the horse racing in order to afford the day. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! While she initially dismissed the concerns, she later headed to the pub and saw her husband-to-be browsing the sports section of the news paper with Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman). She told him that she didn't want him falling into a gambling addiction, and if she found out that he was splashing the cash again, she'd call the wedding off. View More » Will Patrick heed her advice? MORE: Major EastEnders legend rushed to hospital after devastating fall – and a fan-favourite is to blame MORE: All 24 EastEnders pictures for next week as crime is 'set to be exposed' MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as unexpected attack rocks Walford
Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Alfie commits a national atrocity by trying to get rid of an EastEnders legend
Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) has tried to do something truly, truly awful in EastEnders – and failed miserably. Wanting to make his mark on The Queen Vic, he prepared to get rid of Walford icon Tracey the barmaid (Jane Slaughter). Silent Tracey has graced the BBC soap since the very first episode – becoming quite the fan-favourite during that time. The character is, of course, one of the many named supporting characters that help cement Albert Square as a real life area in East London. Originally operating a flower stall on the Bridge Street Market, she was taken on as barmaid by Frank Butcher (Mike Reid) in 1989. Her presence in the pub often helps explain other characters' absence from work, allowing them to be at the centre of the drama elsewhere. On a number of occasions that position has been threatened, though without fail, our Trace' always worms her way back into the fold. In tonight's episode, just 24 hours after learning he was the new landlord of the new pub, Alfie decided that he was going to have to make some staffing cuts to be able to afford their new venture. Waltzing into Walford East, he told Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) that he was resigning from his role at the Minute Mart. In disbelief, Ravi told him that he actually didn't have a job to resign from after doing a disappearing act some weeks ago. As viewers know, he headed to Barcelona to track down estranged step-daughter Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), to no avail. Alfie tried to sweeten the deal, saying he had a perfect replacement. …Tracey! Ravi was furious that he was prepared to ditch such a valued member of staff, who has given decades of her life to the boozer. Nevertheless, Alf' continued with his decision to ditch her and headed back to the pub to break the difficult news. Tracey brushed him off, saying that she'd turned down Ravi's job offer and was more than happy to stay at The Vic. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Enter Alfie's wife Kat (Jessie Wallace), who said she'd grab a bottle of wine and take Tracey upstairs so that they could discuss it properly. Alfie was sure that this would do the trick. More Trending How wrong he was! Trace wandered downstairs with a huge smile on her face, picking up her bag and waving goodbye. Had she really left without kicking up a fuss? Not at all. Kat had caved, felt bad, and offered a pay rise and an early finish. View More » Long live Tracey the barmaid! MORE: Joel's mum gets in touch in EastEnders as Ross pales in shock over her big news MORE: EastEnders legends reunite for night out ahead of major character's return after 20 years MORE: Who is Hayley in EastEnders and what happened to her?
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders legend rushed to hospital as he's found unconscious after fall
AN EastEnders legend is rushed to hospital after being found unconscious after a fall. A relative newcomer makes an unwise decision at the cost of a much-loved Walford resident. 5 5 5 In upcoming scenes, Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) has been betting alongside Howie Danes (Delroy Atkinson). Patrick is delighted when he and Howie win big with an incredible £6,000. However, his fiancee Yolande (Angela Wynter) very much disapproves of the situation. She has warned Patrick that she would call off their upcoming nuptials if he was found gambling again. While the family are in the Queen Vic, Oscar Branning (Pierre Mouiller) breaks into their home - intending to steal the winnings. Unfortunately for the troublesome youngster, Patrick catches him in the act. In a desperate bid to escape, Oscar pushes the Albert Square veteran to the floor - leaving Patrick unconscious. Howie returns as Oscar flees - but ultimately doesn't see the intruder's face. Denise (Diane Parish) and Kim (Tameka Empson) are both shocked upon discovering what happened. Patrick is rushed to hospital, while concerns soon grow - and Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) is suspicious over Oscar's worrying. EastEnders legend makes a shock return just days after quitting Walford Lauren realises he plans to leave Walford and confronts her brother with the stolen winnings. And as the police start making enquiries, Oscar knows his new life is in jeopardy. In May, The Sun revealed Oscar's return to EastEnders after eight years, with Pierre Mouiller taking over the role. A source said at the time: 'It is an exceptional bout of casting - Pierre looks more like a younger Jake [Wood, who plays Max Branning] than Jake did himself. It's uncanny. 'He's going to bring something new to Oscar and the character will definitely set the cat amongst the pigeons in the Square.' Since returning, Oscar has been trying to hide from dangerous associate Fat Mike. But what consequences will Patrick's situation bring him? EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 5 5
