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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders star ready to quit acting for very different job before landing role
EastEnders' Laura Doddington has revealed she planned to retrain in a very different career after giving up hopes of securing an acting role before taking on Nicola Mitchell Laura Doddington has quickly become a soap favourite after her bombshell entrance as Nicola Mitchell in EastEnders. Since then her character has been embroiled in a murder and this week an historic affair was uncovered which blew up some major drama. With the makings of a true soap matriarch - it's no surprise Laura, 44, has found herself nominated for Best Newcomer at this weekend's Soap Awards. But before bagging her dream role, the actress of 22 years admitted she mused the idea of changing careers after thinking her big break wouldn't come. 'The industry is hard at the moment,' admitted mum-of-one Laura. '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.' Having previously starred in Doctors, Holby City and Casualty as well as on the stage - the lead role Laura had hoped for just wasn't coming. 'I cut my son's hair and I'm sort of reasonably good at it, so I thought that might be an option,' she mused. '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.' But she got the breakthrough she wanted so much, landing the part of the latest fiesty Mitchell woman, Nicola, nine months ago. And Cambridge-born Laura made an immediate impression. 'I've been a jobbing actor for 22 years and over that time you deal with really amazing highs, but also lows,' explained Laura. 'Missing out on jobs, not even getting seen for jobs. So when I got the part, especially as I'd been in it before for a fleeting moment, I was ecstatic. 'I'm really lucky that Chris Clenshaw took a punt on a jobbing actor and gave me the chance. This came at the right time. It feels incredible.' She says her audition process was an emotional rollercoaster - fearing she'd missed out on the chance of a lifetime. 'I didn't hear anything for four weeks,' recalled Laura. 'I thought it had gone to someone else. 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. That's why I love soaps and continuing dramas as they champion individuals of all ages and put characters at the heart of storytelling.' Writing the opportunity off initially, eventually the call came through and Laura had got the part. 'When I found out there were a lot of tears and a lot of expletives!' she laughs. Stepping out on the Albert Square set for her first scenes as Nicola, Laura said she was full of nerves. But said soap stalwart Adam Woodyatt, who was her mentor was on hand to steady them. 'He was amazing,' smiles Laura. 'He came in, he was on set on my first day in case I had any questions. It was his day off, bless him. Everyone on the are so welcoming and kind. It was also daunting doing scenes with soap legends as colleagues. 'Seeing Steve (McFadden), Letitia (Dean) - it was just like, 'Oh my god'. But they are amazing. And the boys, Roland, Elijah and Lewis, they were awesome. We gelled so quickly.' The new Mitchells - Teddy (Roland Manookian), and his sons Harry (played by Elijah Holloway) and Barney (played by Lewis Bridgeman) - arrived in Walford in June causing shockwaves when it was revealed they were Stevie's secret family. Mum Nicola joined later, having spent time behind bars for injecting unlicensed filler. Earlier this month she confessed she'd murdered Harry's girlfriend Shireen to her son. She did it to conceal how Teddy is not Barney's real father – Zack Hudson ( James Farrar) is. The paternity bombshell was exposed this week leading to Harry kidnapping Zack to stop him telling Barney and the pair crashing into a lake. Tonight's episode sees Zack still missing and feared dead. Laura says it can be intense filming dramatic scenes and often likes to lighten the mood in between takes. 'The boys and I often burst into song between takes,' she revealed. 'It's hilarious when you belt out a tune and no one else joins in and you're like, 'That song was too random'. 'I'm high energy, a bit like a cocker spaniel most of the time. Then I realise that I have to portray the character and I'll take a minute to focus and get into Nicola's head. Although very different to her villainous character, Laura says they do share one quality. 'I relate to her protectiveness of her children." Letting her young son watch her EastEnders entrance last year - it was the first and last episode he's seen. Laura recalled: 'He turned to me and he said, 'Mummy, you're not very nice in this, are you?' 'I went, 'No I'm not, lovely' And he asked, 'Do you mind if I don't watch it?' in my head I was going, 'Thank God - I mean you were never gonna watch it!'.' One thing she will let him watch is mummy's appearance at the Soap Awards. Laura is up against Jacob Roberts as Coronation Street 's Kit Green, Shebz Miah and Emmerdale 's Kammy Hadiq and Isabelle Smith and Hollyoaks 's Frankie Osborne. 'When you've been doing something for a really long time and then suddenly someone acknowledges it… it's special,' she beams. 'I was really overwhelmed by it because I wasn't expecting it. I spent a lot of that first day bursting into tears - and I'm not a crier.' Gracing her first event red carpet, she says she's both excited and nervous. 'I'm a little bit of a clown,' admits Laura. 'I'm slightly worried that I might, in my head, think it's funny on the red carpet to pull a stupid face and then it's there for forever, isn't it? 'I'm really worried about tripping. It's probably gonna be me that falls flat on her face on the red carpet in front of everyone. But I can't wait to celebrate EastEnders and all the other amazing people and shows.' With a murder, an affair and huge family secret now exposed, is there a future for Nicola on EastEnders? 'There's always redemption,' Laura jokes. 'The knock-on effect of the secret of 16 years coming out would bring drama to anyone's life. In Nicola and the boys' case I think there's a journey to be had in that. It'll be interesting to see what she would do in a situation, how she repairs it with Barney.' Hoping to become an EastEnders favourite for years to come, Laura vowed: 'I don't want to go! But in the end that's not up to me. Everything is finite. I will just enjoy every moment that I'm here.' ITV at 8pm on June 5. To vote, visit Voting closes on Friday.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders Zack Hudson's fate teased after crash horror as actor speaks out
EastEnders viewers were left wondering who would survive a crash involving Zack Hudson and Teddy Mitchell on the BBC soap this week, but is Zack leaving in the stunt? Zack Hudson's fate remains up in the air on EastEnders after a crash with Teddy Mitchell on the BBC soap this week. Tuesday's dramatic episode saw Zack and Teddy veer off the road in the car they were in, crashing into a lake below. As the car sank it remained unknown if anyone would survive the incident and what would happen next. On Wednesday the fallout was revealed, with the episode dropping early on BBC iPlayer ahead of it airing on BBC One at 7:30PM. Viewers had big questions before tuning in, wondering if Zack was set to die and if actor James Farrar would be leaving the role. Fans who have now watched Wednesday's episode of the show know a twist has been confirmed. It's certainly sparked a reaction online with viewers sharing their thoughts and even some theories about the future. Warning, the rest of this article contains spoilers from the episode available to watch on iPlayer now. If you want to avoid details until Wednesday evening, do not continue! Tuesday's episode had ended with concern for Zack, as Teddy lost control of the car and sped off the bridge into the water. Teddy had just stopped his son Harry Mitchell from doing anything to Zack, after he kidnapped him, attacked him and put him in the boot of his car. As Wednesday night's episode unfolded we soon learned the fate of Teddy. Those also at the scene panicked as they tried to figure out what had gone down, and where Zack and Teddy were. We also learned Zack's apparent fate after it was revealed he could not be found. With that, the others left the scene and soon residents were told Zack had likely drowned and was presumed dead. Nicola Mitchell seemed happy with this after the drama with Zack over Barney's paternity. As the episode came to a sad end there was a confrontation, as someone declared Zack had been killed. But is Zack really dead and has he left the show for good? Amid speculation from fans over the character's true fate, the actor who plays him did tease a shock death could happen. Speaking on This Morning on Tuesday, Zack actor James and his co-star Laura Doddington hinted an exit could be on the way. "Are you going to get out alive?" Sharon Marshall questioned. James didn't deny it, and he then shrugged his shoulders and quietly said "We'll see." Could this mean an exit for the star? Sharon teased: "It might be your last Soap Awards! You might be up for best exit next year." Last week, eagle eyed fans noticed that the EastEnders YouTube page posted a video titled "The Dramatic Journey of Zack Hudson," and some thought it meant a bad omen for the character. "Does anyone else see this video as a bad omen for Zack?" one viewer questioned, as another agreed: "yeah I thought that too." "So is this a hint that he'll be dying in the car crash?" questioned another fan, while a fourth said: "Well this confirms Zack's death!" Meanwhile last October, James teased a big storyline to The Mirror for Zack. James could barely contain his excitement as he remained coy over the details of the mystery plot. He told us: "There is something really exciting coming up next year that nobody really knows about yet. It keeps me going into work every day going…. I'm buzzing for it to start. It is just starting around now."
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders Zack Hudson actor 'lets slip' who dies in horror car crash
This Morning were over at Albert Square this morning to speak to James Farrar and Laura Doddington about this week's ongoings - and James may have let something slip It's set to be a dramatic night in EastEnders this week - with the horror car crash taking place during tonight's episode. Spoilers a couple of weeks ago revealed that Harry will bundle Zack into a car boot after learning of his plan to leave with Barney. However, Teddy, who just found out he's not Barney's real dad, is left fearing for his son's actions. He then hitches a ride with Billy, Nigel and Honey as they head to the cinema, demanding they follow Harry's car. Fans have been speculating on the outcome for weeks, ever since the trailer was released. It was then later revealed that Teddy, Billy, Honey, Zack, Harry and Nigel would be the ones involved. Now, it looks like Zack actor James Farrar has 'let slip' whether his character will survive the ordeal or not - and it might not be good news. Earlier this morning, This Morning 's soap expert Sharon Marshall headed off to Albert Square to chat to Zack star James Farrar and Nicola Mitchell actress Laura Doddington. Of course, Sharon wanted all the goss on what happens next, and James tried not to give too much away. Or did he? "Are you going to get out alive?" Sharon questioned ahead of tonight's episode airing - and a mysterious James didn't deny it. Looking at Sharon, the actor shrugged his shoulders and quietly said "We'll see." Ahead of the British Soap Awards this weekend, Sharon teased: "It might be your last Soap Awards! You might be up for best exit next year." But will Zack get out alive? Fans don't seem to think so. Last week, eagle eyed fans noticed that the EastEnders YouTube page posted a video titled "The Dramatic Journey of Zack Hudson," and some thought it meant a bad omen for the character. "Does anyone else see this video as a bad omen for Zack?" one viewer questioned, as another agreed: "yeah I thought that too." "So is this a hint that he'll be dying in the car crash?" questioned another fan, while a fourth said: "Well this confirms zacks death!" Zack's sister Sharon recently left the Square after the devastating death of Martin Fowler. Could she be loosing her brother too? Fans will have to wait and see... EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The Herald Scotland
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals cancer battle to fans
She shared an emotional video of a wig fitting on Instagram. Fans of the show and co-stars have sent their support following the revelation. EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals cancer battle to fans The post by the 49-year-old reads: "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." The EastEnders actress went on to say she is "forever changed", and said during the chemotherapy that she has "narrowed her world", spending time with her wife and children. She said she has "found joy in the simplest of things" and "interactions with others have felt honest and real because I've had no capacity for small talk". She thanked the EastEnders team, her local community, as well as the NHS in the post. The star concluded: "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. With love, Heather." EastEnders fans and co-stars send love to Heather Peace Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC soap, said: "My superhero. Love you always mate." Have you voted yet? Make sure you vote all things #EastEnders at this year's @SoapAwards! #TheBritishSoapAwards 🏆 Link to vote here 👉 — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) May 8, 2025 Meanwhile, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, said: "I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you." Ian Beale himself, Adam Woodyatt, Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar) and Mollie Rainford (Anna Knight) were among other EastEnders stars to send well-wishes. Fans also sent their love to the EastEnders star. Recommended reading: One said: "So brave. Doing this with a smile on your face. You are an amazing human already." Another said: "Sending such love and strength your way. What a fighter." A third said: "Beautiful wishing you all the love and strength in the rest of your cancer recovery journey."
South Wales Argus
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals cancer battle to fans
Heather Peace, best known for playing Eve Panesar-Unwin in the BBC soap, took to social media to reveal the news. She shared an emotional video of a wig fitting on Instagram. Fans of the show and co-stars have sent their support following the revelation. EastEnders star Heather Peace reveals cancer battle to fans The post by the 49-year-old reads: "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." The EastEnders actress went on to say she is "forever changed", and said during the chemotherapy that she has "narrowed her world", spending time with her wife and children. She said she has "found joy in the simplest of things" and "interactions with others have felt honest and real because I've had no capacity for small talk". She thanked the EastEnders team, her local community, as well as the NHS in the post. The star concluded: "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. With love, Heather." EastEnders fans and co-stars send love to Heather Peace Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater in the BBC soap, said: "My superhero. Love you always mate." Have you voted yet? Make sure you vote all things #EastEnders at this year's @SoapAwards! #TheBritishSoapAwards 🏆 Link to vote here 👉 — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) May 8, 2025 Meanwhile, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda Carter, said: "I've said it before and I'll say it again…. WARRIOR WOMAN!!!! Love the bones of you." Ian Beale himself, Adam Woodyatt, Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar) and Mollie Rainford (Anna Knight) were among other EastEnders stars to send well-wishes. Fans also sent their love to the EastEnders star. Recommended reading: One said: "So brave. Doing this with a smile on your face. You are an amazing human already." Another said: "Sending such love and strength your way. What a fighter." A third said: "Beautiful wishing you all the love and strength in the rest of your cancer recovery journey."
