Latest news with #JackBarnes
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Major EastEnders star almost quit acting until she landed role in BBC soap
Laura Doddington has revealed she considered a career change (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) EastEnders star Laura Doddington is already making quite the impact on Albert Square as her troubled character Nicola Mitchell. Across the last month we've seen her try and conceal the fact she murdered son Harry's (Elijah Holloway) ex-girlfriend Shireen. He subsequently learnt the truth in episodes that aired this week, and on the very same day it was revealed to husband Teddy (Roland Manookian) that he isn't the father of their youngest son Barney (Lewis Bridgeman). After an explosive argument in front of their neighbours, the family returned home and resumed normality. But something tells us it won't be long for things to kick off again! The actress, 44, has appeared in Doctors, Casualty and Holby City, as well as in one episode of the BBC's flagship soap in 2009. It wasn't until November when she stepped into Walford as a regular, and now the star has revealed she almost gave up the acting profession had she not landed the part. Speaking to The Mirror, Laura explained that she considered retraining as a hairdresser. She joined the cast as Nicola Mitchell in November (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Laura has already plunged into some huge storylines for her character (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) 'The industry is hard at the moment' she said. 'Before this audition came through, I'd been looking at retraining to do something else, I've got a young kid. And that makes you think about their future and stability for them. 'I cut my son's hair and I'm sort of reasonably good at it, so I thought that might be an option. 'I was in Prime Suspect when I was in my 20s and The Midwich Cuckoos, but they weren't massive parts. I was beginning to think it might not be possible to have that lead role.' She continued: 'Unfortunately in this industry when you get to over the age of about 35 and you haven't made a name for yourself, the interesting roles sort of start drying up. It's just the way that it is and the way the world is a little bit. Follow Metro Soaps on WhatsApp and get all the latest spoilers first! 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! 'That's why I love soaps and continuing dramas as they champion individuals of all ages and put characters at the heart of storytelling.' This weekend she faces competition from Coronation Street's Jacob Roberts, Emmerdale star Shebz Miah and Isabelle Smith, better known as Hollyoaks' Frankie Osborne in the Best Newcomer category at the British Soap Awards. Metro will be heading down to the red carpet for the event, so keep an eye out for chats with your favourite soap stars. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: TV legend renews Coronation Street contract to stay on into next year Arrow MORE: EastEnders star Kara Tointon, 41, undergoes double mastectomy Arrow MORE: Hollyoaks star Paul Danan's death at 46 ruled misadventure
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Popular EastEnders star announces secret cancer battle and says 'I'm forever changed'
Popular EastEnders star announces secret cancer battle and says 'I'm forever changed' An EastEnders star has revealed they have secretly been battling cancer The EastEnders star say they are "forever changed" following their diagnosis (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron ) One EastEnders star has taken to social media to reveal they have secretly been battling cancer. Heather Peace, who plays Eve Panesar-Unwin in the BBC One flagship soap, has announced she has breast cancer. In an emotive and lengthy post on Instagram, posting a video of her getting a wig fitted, Heather explained she had been undergoing treatment for the cancer. She said: "This video is an important part of my recent journey, which I wanted to share with you. "It's been about the #TeamEffort here @bbceastenders I needed a wig fitting. I've been on quite a road for many months now. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the beginning of October. Since then I've undergone surgery and recovery over the Christmas period and today my chemotherapy journey ended. "I woke up this morning and it was like the end of the London Marathon; I'd turned onto The Mall and could see the giant clock & the finish line. To conclude - I've just picked up my medal "But I'm forever changed. During this time I've narrowed my world. I've had the most precious time with my wife Ellie and our 3 girls; Annie, Jessie & Lola. Article continues below "Just trying to appreciate every moment of them. I've stayed still. I've found joy in the simplest of things. "Interactions with others have felt honest and real because I've had no capacity for small talk. It has felt like such a personal shift. There have been so many positives." Content cannot be displayed without consent Heather went on to thank the cast and crew at EastEnders, her family and friends and the NHS for supporting her during this time. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . She finished by saying: "Life feels very different now and it's wonderful. I will continue to cherish and be grateful for all I am blessed with. I feel very lucky." Many of Heather's fellow EastEnders cast members commented on the post. Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, said: "My superhero !! Love you always mate" followed by three red love heart emojis. Navin Chowdhry said: "All the love in the world Heather. You are glowing!! And what a magical team to have by your side." Kellie Bright said: "I've said it before and I'll say it again.... WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you" followed by a red love heart emoji. Article continues below
Metro
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
New EastEnders dead body twist that could finally scupper killer Nicola
Nicola Mitchell has had a disastrous run-in with associate Benji (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) The scales have dropped from Nicola Mitchell's (Laura Doddington) eyes in EastEnders after realising she could be caught for the murder of Shireen Bashar. Mitchell Matriarch Nic has found herself in quite the predicament, ever since she threatened to expose Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) affair with ex-husband Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp). While waiting to drop the bombshell, youngest son Barney (Lewis Bridgeman) revealed the jaw-dropping truth – and she was then forced to attempt damage control on her other huge secret. Rushing off to meet Sharon's brother Zack Hudson (James Farrar), she wanted to ensure that he didn't speak out about being Barney's birth father. She was left with no choice but to confess one of her most classified stories – several years ago, her husband Teddy (Roland Manookian) murdered their eldest son Harry's (Elijah Holloway) girlfriend Shireen. Nicola murdered her son Harry's girlfriend (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) She told Benji to move the body (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) If Zack didn't back away, Teddy would come after him next. However, it soon transpired that she was the killer, and with her associate Benji (Carl Prekopp), they buried the girl's body on some land in Dartford. That land is set to be redeveloped this week, and Teddy is the one leading the project. Yikes. She's tried everything to stop him progressing with the build, but in tonight's episode, reached desperate measures. Nic was left furious after learning he'd framed her (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) Teddy had been down to the site with the Mayor for a photoshoot, and seeing him so close to discovering the truth was too much to bare. She ordered Benji to the bar and told him that the time had come for them to disturb Shireen's grave and move it somewhere else. To Nicola's surprise, he told her that it wasn't his problem. As insurance, he'd placed Nic's diamond bracelet with the body and if it's found, the murder will be traced back to her. Ravi didn't seem interested in the job (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes) Follow Metro Soaps on WhatsApp and get all the latest spoilers first! 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! She threatened to take Benji down with her, but he said there would be no sign that he was ever there. Later, she pulled Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) to one side and offered him some work to pay for a holiday with his children. He assumed that it was a drug dealing job again, and even though she insisted otherwise, he left. Is Ravi about to land himself in hot water? EastEnders continues tomorrow at 7.30pm on BBC One. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Nicola and Teddy's EastEnders reckoning as they execute shock plan over Shireen's murder Arrow MORE: Two EastEnders unite to destroy killer Nicola as her ending is 'confirmed' Arrow MORE: EastEnders shifted for major film in BBC Easter schedule shake-up
