New EastEnders star is a nepo baby as famous family members who have also starred in BBC soap are revealed

Daily Mail​

27-07-2025

Max Murray has landed a role in EastEnders alongside legendary stars but it has now been revealed he comes from a long-line of actors and singers in his family.
The youngster has been portraying character Joel Marshall since February this year but it turns out he is actually following in his famous mum's footsteps.
Max is the son of actress Gina Murray, who has starred in a number of well known programmes including The Bill, Doctors and The Hunt for Raoul Moat and appeared in the BBC soap back in 2014 playing Helen.
Gina's character Helen arrived in Albert Square as a hair specialist to help Carol Jackson, who was struggling with losing her hair as she fought off cancer. It was Helen's role to help Carol find a wig.
Max is also the nephew of Mazz Murray, who is a successful TV and theatre actress, starring in Sunset Boulevard, Mamma Mia and Chicago to name but a few.
In 2004, Mazz also starred on EastEnders as a waitress called Miranda who had a brawl with Heather Trott and Shirley Carter.
The youngster has been portraying character Joel Marshall since February this year but turns out he is actually following in his famous mum's footsteps
In 2017, Mazz returned to Walford but this time was playing a character called Julie, who was a divorced woman who hired Keanu Taylor as a male escort for a night of fun and frolics.
Max's character Joel is the step-son of Vicky Fowler, who returned to the square for the funeral of her uncle Martin Fowler. Her new boyfriend Ross is played by Alex Walkinshaw.
At the time when Max's role was announced, he told the Mirror: 'It's an absolute privilege and honour to be joining such a wonderful production full of a lovely cast and crew.
'I'm really looking forward to introducing Joel to EastEnders viewers and telling his story.'
It comes as EastEnders favourite Nicholas Bailey will make a shock return as Dr. Anthony Trueman to the soap, more than a decade since he was last seen in Walford.
The character – son of Patrick Trueman (played by Rudolph Walker) – will be back on screens in scenes to air in the summer.
Anthony first arrived on the Square in 2000 and quickly made waves, thanks in part to a steamy romance with Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace).
Now, 11 years on from his last stint, the GP is set for a dramatic reunion with his dad this summer as Patrick and Yolande prepare to tie the knot.
Anthony last appeared in EastEnders in 2014 when he rushed to his father's side when Patrick suffered a stroke.
Since then, he has led a life away from Walford but in upcoming scenes viewers will see he is invited to his father's impending nuptials and decides to return for the occasion.
In a post on the official Eastenders Instagram account, the long running soap teased the visit to Walford comes at a significant moment for Patrick, which means Anthony stays longer than he originally intended.
In a statement, executive producer Ben Wadey said: 'It's great to welcome Nicholas back to the EastEnders family to reunite Patrick with his son.
'But Anthony's plan for a brief return to surprise his father ends up with him staying longer than he expected when he uncovers what has been going on in the Trueman household.'
Nicholas who will reprise the iconic role added: 'It is an unexpected treat to return to EastEnders and I'm full of gratitude to get the opportunity to revisit the character of Anthony.
'It's wonderful to work with Rudolph Walker again - he's such a big part of my journey as an actor and I loved filming my first scenes with him after so long.