Coronation Street fans stunned as they realise EastEnders star had forgotten role in the ITV soap – do you remember her?
Only a few actors over the years have played regular characters in both shows.
4
EastEnders' Zaraah Abrahams used to star in Corrie
Credit: ITV
4
She portrayed Joanne Jackson from 2005 to 2007
Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
4
Zaraah began playing Chelsea Fox in EastEnders in 2020
Credit: BBC
Zaraah Abrahams, 38, is currently starring as
Chelsea
Fox in the BBC soap.
But viewers have been stunned after learning of Zaraah's past role in Corrie.
She played Joanne Jackson from 2005 until ultimately departing in 2007.
Taking to X, a fan wrote:
"Just flicked onto #ClassicCorrie. OMG I didn't know Zaraah Abrahams (
Chelsea
Fox in #EastEnders) was on Classic Corrie."
Read more on EastEnders
Another replied: "Yes has been for a while. Just a small part though..."
A third shared: "I cannot believe you did not know. Surely!
"She also starred in Waterloo Road after she left Weatherfield."
Joanne was introduced to Corrie alongside "twin sister" Jessie
(Nailah Cumberbatch)
- later revealed to be her cousin.
Most read in Soaps
She had
relationships
with Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), Jamie Baldwin (Rupert Hill) and Liam Connor (Robert-James Collier).
The character left having been paid £5,000 by Carla Connor (Alison King) for her silence amid a legal dispute.
EastEnders' Chelsea Fox 'is in danger' as she falls for another murderer
Zaraah joined the cast of EastEnders in 2020, becoming the second actress to play
Chelsea
.
She succeeded Tiana Benjamin, who originated the role from 2006 to 2010.
Speaking at the time of her casting, Zaraah said: "I am so excited to be joining such an iconic show and I am really looking forward to taking on the role of
Chelsea
Fox."
It's not the first time fans have spotted
Fans were floored after spotting a pre-famous Zaraah in legendary CITV kids' show, Jungle Run.
A fan shared a TikTok clip from the kids programme on a Facebook
EastEnders
fan page.
In the video, Zaraah participates in Jungle Run alongside two friends.
The fan captioned the post: "Just saw this. It's
Chelsea
playing Jungle Run back in 2005,' along with a laughing face emoji.
Soap characters who've been recast
Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years.
Coronation Street
Tracy Barlow
: Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999.
Nick Tilsley:
Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part.
Sarah Platt:
Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt.
David Platt:
Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over.
Daniel Osbourne:
For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel.
Bethany Platt:
Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes.
Kirk Sutherland:
Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance.
Todd Grimshaw:
Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part.
Summer Spellman:
Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020.
Ryan Connor:
Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role.
EastEnders
Martin Fowler:
Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character.
Peter Beale:
Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character.
Ben Mitchell:
Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024.
Bobby Beale:
Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors.
Freddie Slater
: Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022.
Chelsea Fox:
Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010.
Lauren Branning:
Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010.
Johnny Carter:
Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role.
Fans were stunned and took to the comments section to share their disbelief.
One wrote: "Is that not zaraah Abraham's from
Eastenders
who plays Denise daughter Chelsea???'
A second added: "Yep!!!
The voice
is literally her.'
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
4
Zaraah Abrahams is the second actress to play Chelsea
Credit: BBC
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
3 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Meet the class of Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Cue the music and don the sequins as this year's Strictly Come Dancing class has been announced and it's full of familiar faces. From Irish stars of Game of Thrones to Australian icons from Neighbours to fan-favourite Love Island winners, there's someone for everyone this season. Check out the full list of the 15 celebraties who are about to be put through their paces on Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Pic: BBC Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators who appeared in the Strictly Christmas Special in 2024. Speaking on his return to the dance floor, he said: 'After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! 'I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got. I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. 'Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.' Dani Dyer. Pic: BBC Dani Dyer is a TV personality known for her appearance on Love Island, az well as a broadcaster, author and mother of three. Speaking of her new role, she shared: 'Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I've done this year! 'I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.' Alex Kingston. Pic: BBC Alex Kingston is an award-winning actor and star of stage and screen who's probably most well known for her roles in Doctor Who and ER. All she had to say about joining the Strictly Come Dancing class of 2025 was: 'Aaaaagghhh!!!!!' Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. Pic: BBC Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is a former professional footballer and football manager who is looking forward to tackling the Strictly Ballroom. He said: 'Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I've done before but I'm looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! 'Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.' Balvinder Sopal. Pic: BBC Balvinder Sopal is an actor whose most recent role is likely her most known one: She plays the infamous Suki Kaur Panesar (now Unwin) on EastEnders. She shared: 'Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. 'Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. 'I'm far too excited to put into words how I feel, but I'm incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!' George Clarke. Pic: BBC George Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, is a British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star who is shocked he's joining the dance competition. He said: 'Never thought I'd say this… but I'm doing Strictly! 'Honestly, I've got no idea what I'm doing but I'm excited to get stuck in… and potentially fall over a fair bit.' La Voix. Pic: BBC The iconic drag performer, La Voix, was already known in the gay community before they appeared on RuPaul's Drag Race UK and as she finished 2nd, she's aiming for the trophy this time. La Voix shared: 'I've performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV. 'Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.' Chris Robshaw. Pic: BBC Chris Robshaw is a former England rugby union player and captain who said he's 'about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets!' 'I'm hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can't wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let's see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.' Ellie Goldstein. Pic: BBC Ellie is a trailblazing model, actor and influencer, who in 2023 made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of British Vogue. Speaking on her newest achievement, she shared: 'I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. 'It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream. 'I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!' Thomas Skinner. Pic: BBC Thomas Skinner is a TV personality, social media star and businessman who appeared as a contestant on The Apprentice. He shared: 'I'm beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff! 'I've never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!' Vicky Pattison. Pic: BBC Vicky Pattison is a TV presenter, author, podcast and radio host, and former Queen of the Jungle. Speaking on the news she's joining Strictly Come Dancing, she shared: 'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing lineup… but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified. 'I am a not a natural dancer! However, it's such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don't make too much of a fool of myself!' Stefan Dennis. Pic: BBC Stefan Dennis is an actor, known to millions as Paul Robinson from Neighbours, which just finished up with its series finale. 'This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky,' he said. Ross King. Pic: BBC Ross King is a presenter and writer, who has appearwd on ITV's Good Morning Britain and Lorraine as their Los Angeles Correspondent. He said: 'From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom — it's a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show. 'I can't wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes! 'Let's give this the best that I can! As my mum always said: 'You'll never know till you give it a go!' Karen Carney. Pic: BBC Karen Carney is a former footballer who played for Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City and England, and is now the lead female pundit for both men's and women's football. She said: 'It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line up. 'I'm such a huge fan of the show and I can't believe I'm finally getting the chance to take part. I'm so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!' Kristian Nairn. Pic: BBC Known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones, Kristian Nairn has turned his hand to DJ-ing in recent years, and released an autobiography. Speaking on his casting, he shared: 'This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I'm ready to rise to it! 'It's a surreal and wonderful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!'
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Lorraine Stanley looks slimmer than ever as she shows off incredible 5st weight loss in bikini on holiday
LORRAINE Stanley showed off her 5st weight loss in a black bikini while on holiday with her family in Spain. The EastEnders star, best known for playing Karen Taylor in the BBC soap, was seen running along a sandy beach with her daughter Nancy and her fiance Mark Perez. 6 Lorraine Stanley showed off her 5st weight loss in a black bikini Credit: Instagram 6 The former EastEnders star is holidaying with her family in Spain Credit: Instagram 6 The actress played Karen Taylor on the BBC soap before her character was axed Credit: BBC Lorraine put her slim figure on display in a matching bikini top and bottoms. She looked in good spirits as she enjoyed some quality time with her daughter and partner. Lorraine has been visiting Sitges, a vibrant coastal town in Catalonia, Spain. Just last week Lorraine stunned in a white minidress during her hen do - as she gears up to marry Mark. The couple are tying the knot in a much-anticipated ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. She got engaged to Mark, a property developer, after she popped the question to him on his birthday in 2023. Lorraine and Mark first met through mutual friends and said their connection was instant. WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY In a desperate bid to change her appearance and feel healthier, the star embarked on an epic weight loss journey courtesy of fat jabs and surgery. Lorraine has admitted that using weight-loss injections wasn't for her after becoming "immune" to them. In a new interview, she confessed to using Wegovy, a weight-loss jab similar to Ozempic and Mounjaro, but she failed to find her desired figure on the medication. EastEnders' Lorraine Stanley looks slimmer than ever after dramatic five stone weight loss Lorraine told the Mirror: "I'd tried Wegovy. I have friends on different weight-loss jabs and they work for them. "I'm not against them, but for whatever reason I feel like I got immune to them. "It got to the point where I was injecting myself and eating at the same time. "I was thinking, 'What the hell are you doing?' So I decided that was it, time to get this surgery booked." Lorraine revealed that she opted to shell out "thousands" to undergo weight-loss surgery at a top Harley Street clinic in London. The actress confessed: "I'm not going to lie, nor am I promoting it, but I had weight-loss surgery two years ago. "I had a gastric sleeve. I went to Harley Street. I didn't go to a clinic in Turkey or anything. "In saying that, I've had friends who've gone to Turkey and had great experiences, but I didn't trust that process. "So, yeah, I went to a London clinic, paid an awful lot of money and had it done. It's hands-down the best thing I've ever done – both for me and for my family." She continued to the publication: "I was at home watching an episode of EastEnders I was in and I could barely look at myself. "The person on screen was unrecognisable to me. "I know TV puts a stone on you, but… so yes, there was an element of vanity, but it was also me wanting to change things for my daughter and our future." Lorraine has now been shy of showing off her svelte figure following her six and a half stone weight loss. She said: "I weigh 8st now. If you look at my little wrists and ankles, this is the weight I should have been. "I should be a thin person. And I always was, until I hit my late twenties." 6 The soap star is set to marry her long-term partner later this year Credit: Instagram 6 Lorraine admitted that using weight-loss injections wasn't for her Credit: Splash
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
MasterChef in another bizarre editing blunder as BBC uses same ‘nightmarish' shot of Gregg Wallace three times
MASTERCHEF viewers were quick to call out an editing blunder as the BBC used the same "nightmarish" shot of Gregg Wallace THREE times. The latest series of MasterChef was hit with controversy in the weeks leading up to its launch, with hosts Gregg Wallace and John Torode being axed from presenting future series. 2 MasterChef fans spotted another bizarre editing blunder this week Credit: BBC 2 The BBC uses the same 'nightmarish' shot of Gregg Wallace THREE times Credit: BBC However, the BBC ultimately decided to air series 21, which had already been filmed. Earlier this week, a new group of amateur chefs battled it out in the second week of heats to secure a place in the quarter-final. Full-time mum Hazel talked Gregg and John through her dish and said she was making Moroccan spice rack of lamb with a parsnip puree and a fig and red wine sauce. While discussing what spices she would be using, Gregg flashed Hazel a big grin. The exact same clip of Gregg's over-the-top smiley expression was then shown a further two more times during the same segment. Eagle-eyed viewers were quick to pick up on the blunder. One fan shared the clip on their X account and said: "I still don't understand why they had to keep the presenters in but that's what they've done. They have reused the same bit of Gregg three times, watch." The person then pointed out the three times they reused the same clip of Gregg giving the contestant a huge grin. Many fans were quick to take to the comment section with their own theories on the mistake. One wrote: "He's just on pause incase they can get his career back on track while the series airs." Bizarre moment MasterChef contestant nods at empty room in awkward BBC edit - after chef demanded to be removed from show A second said: "It does honestly seems like the producer and editor were opting to use the exact same shot when they were doing the edit, or Greg kept THAT facial expression for THAT long." A third posted: "By the final episode, Torode and Wallace gonna be the only two people not edited out." This viewer quipped: "Weren't they supposed to *remove* the creepy bits...?," while another said: "I am fully convinced the editors hate him, they always cut to his bizarre faces." Earlier this week, fans spotted another bizarre moment when a MasterChef contestant nodded to an empty space after a chef demanded to be removed from the show. It was previously revealed that following John and Gregg's shock exits from the show, one contestant had asked to be edited out of the series. A report had revealed more than 40 historic complaints against Gregg had been upheld, along with a claim that John once used a racist term. Sarah Shafi, from Leeds, argued that airing the series sent the wrong message after the BBC sacked the presenters. Ms Shafi, 57, claimed MasterChef producer Banijay had offered to edit her out of the episode she featured in. But the participant dismissed the proposal and called for the whole series to be scrapped. Once the corporation confirmed the season was going ahead, Ms Sharif agreed to be edited out. A spokesperson for Banijay previously said: "As we said when we announced the show would be aired, this was not an easy decision in the circumstances and we appreciate not everyone would agree with it. "Banijay consulted with all the contestants before that decision was made and there was widespread support for it going ahead. "The focus of the series is the contestants, as it always is. "The edit has been looked at in light of the upheld findings."
