Latest news with #SoapOpera
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders legend set to return after 20 years since leaving Albert Square
SHOCK RETURN 'People are still talking about her character, so it's a real coup to bring her back', claims an insider EASTENDERS legend Michelle Ryan is set to return as Zoe Slater 20 years after she left Albert Square. The shock return will see the actress, 41, back in Walford this year — delighting fans who had hoped to see her in the soap's 40th anniversary special in February. 2 2 A source said: 'Bosses have repeatedly reached out to Michelle over the years, but the timing has never been quite right. 'People are still talking about her character, so it's a real coup to bring her back. 'She feels like now is the perfect moment — and there was an exciting script on the table.' Michelle starred on the soap from 2000 to 2005, before moving to Hollywood after landing the lead role in a series called Bionic Woman. The Slater sisters took Albert Square by storm when they arrived. Young Zoe fell out with protective Kat, played by Jessie Wallace, storming off with the words: 'You can't tell me what to do. 'You ain't my mother.' Kat famously screamed back: 'Yes I am!' It became one of the most quoted lines in soap history. The plot twist revealed Zoe — who was brought up believing Kat was her sister — found out she was actually her mum. Discussing her decision to leave at the time, Michelle said: 'I've always taken chances. I think that's how you progress.' Since then Michelle has appeared in several films, including 4.3.2.1. and Cockneys vs Zombies. She has also had guest roles in BBC shows Doctor Who and Merlin.
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders fans stunned as they find out iconic character's ‘real age'
EASTENDERS fans were left stunned when they found out an iconic character's 'real age'. The actor joined the BBC soap EastEnders in 2000 and has been off an on our screens ever since. 5 5 Over the years she's become one of Walford's biggest icons and has been involved in lots of storylines during her time on the Square. 5 But much of her happenings revolved around being a con woman. Yes, we are speaking about Mo Harris, who is played by Laila Morse and is the matriarch of the Slater family. She is the grandmother of Kat Slater, Belinda Peacock, and Little Mo Slater. Over the past two decades Mo's returned for numerous stints before she departed the show in 2021 for a cruise with her fiancé Fat Elvis. And last year, Mo returned to Walford with Freddie Slater, who was arrested for the assault on Stacey's stalker. The crazed teacher had been harassing the mum for months after growing infatuated with her before things turned sinister and he tried to rape her. Now, fans have found out the Mo's real age in the soap and they are completely amazed. Posting on Redditt one said: "There's absolutely no way she's 89?? EIGHTY NINE????" Another added: "They should have made her Charlie's sister rather than his mother in law. EastEnders' Big Mo reveals she once had a fling with a woman at Eve and Suki's hen do "It's never been fully believable even in the early days of the Slaters." "Laila Morse is 79 which I still find hard to believe- she's still got plenty of go in her!" exclaimed another. A fourth explained: "They aged her up to match pat's age for the backstory, maybe it was believable back in the early 2000s but it sure as hell isn't now." " Gary Oldman is only in his 60s so I doubt she's that old. Unless there's like one hell of an age gap between them" said another. EastEnders stars who QUIT MICHELLE Collins has seen her second EastEnders stint boost her bank balance. Yet what stars have quit this year? The Sun exclusively reported how Michelle, 62, was down to £20,000 in her company accounts when she agreed to a shock back-from-the-dead return to Albert Square last year. Her character, Cindy Beale, was presumed dead off-camera in 1998. Yet what about the 2024 exits? Earlier this summer, loyal soap fans appeared to note how Stevie Mitchell had "quit" the long-running series. It came after Alan Ford enjoyed just six-months on-screen. Bobby Beale actor Clay Milner Russell also left this year after five years in Walford. Fans also feared Martin Fowler actor James Bye would "quit out of boredom" over recent storylines. Additionally, a host of stars have quit the BBC soap for Hollywood fame. One of the most successful stars to come from the BBC One soap is Rob Kazinsky. He played Stacey Slater's brother Sean Slater from 2006 to 2009, he has starred in Hollywood blockbusters Pacific Rim and Captain Marvel. Ben Hardy, who quit EastEnders as Bobby Beale almost a decade ago, went on to break Hollywood the following year, when he starred as Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then, he has played Roger Taylor in Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, and he starred in Michael Bay 's Netflix movie 6 Underground. Michelle Ryan played Zoe Slater until 2005. She starred as the lead in short-lived American series Bionic Woman from 2007 to 2008. While another soap fan said: "Mo doesn't look 90 whatsover, or acts it either." Laila actually has a super famous little brother and it is none other than Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman. They even collaborated on a film together once, as Laila starred in 1997 film Nil By Mouth, Gary's debut as a film writer and director. When some soap fans got hold of the news that the EastEnders star was the Darkest Hour star's big sis, Twitter lit up. Fans began to tweet their funny reactions to the news that Walford's Big Mo and Oscar winner Gary were in fact brother and sister. One EastEnders fan said: "If there is a better fact out there than Big Mo being Gary Oldman's sister I want to hear it" Another tweeted: "Wtf since when were Big Mo from Eastenders & Gary Oldman brother & sister?????" 5 5
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders 'is bringing back an iconic character' in shock recast after an eight-year absence from the Square
EastEnders has reportedly decided to bring back an iconic character who has not been spotted in the Square for nearly a decade. In another shocking recast, the legendary soap is said to see the return of Max Branning's son Oscar, according the Sun. But the character, who has not had a story line since 2017, will not be played by Charlee Hall but it will be recast to Pierre Moullier. A source told the publication: 'It is an exceptional bout of casting - Pierre looks more like a younger Jake 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.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. This will be Pierre's soap debut as he has previously appeared in as a 'boy in the street' during one episode of Cast Offs. MailOnline has contacted representatives for the show for a comment. Actor Jake Wood is also set to reprise his role as Max Branning later this year, in a return much-anticipated by fans following a four-year absence. Jake's return comes a year after he celebrated being sober for over 20 years. The actor, 51, opened up about his past struggles with alcohol as he filmed himself from his hot tub while reflecting on life. The soap star wore a woolly hat as he enjoyed a cigar while sending an inspirational message to his followers. Posting on Twitter, he said: 'So I'm sat here in a hot tub, having a cigar, it's pretty cool. 'And just reflecting on how grateful I am for all the amazing things I've got in my life. I've got an amazing family, beautiful family, fantastic friends. Everyone is happy and healthy. The soap star played Max Branning in the BBC soap from 2006 to 2021 'Also, and I don't really talk about this often, I just want to say that tonight I'm 20 years sober. [I] stopped drinking 20 years ago tonight and that changed my life in so many ways. 'It's immeasurable. So anyone on the same journey, I send you love and support, and if anyone's struggling there's help out there, alright?' He signed off by saying: 'You can do it. Love you guys. Happy New Year.' Jake captioned the post: 'I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey. 'If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love & strength and a happy and healthy 2024.' Jake was inundated with support from friends and fans, including some of his former co-stars. Musician Nitin Sawhney wrote: 'Congratulations and have a great new year, Jake.' Danny Robbins, writer of West End production 2:22 A Ghost Story which Jake Wood has starred in, penned: 'Well done Jake. Great achievement. Happy New Year. See you soon x'. And this is not the only exciting news for the BBC soap as they are set to battle it out against Emmerdale for the top categories at the British Soap Awards 2025 this month, with each show receiving 13 nominations. The two shows have eclipsed rivals Coronation Street and Hollyoaks, who have secured 11 nominations each ahead of the ceremony on May 31. The glitzy event will be returning to London to Hackney Empire, after previously taking place in Manchester, and will once again be hosted by Jane McDonald as it returns following a surprise hiatus last year. As always, the numerous accolades will be presented by an array of well-known faces from across the TV and showbiz world, with the TV event broadcasting a few days later in a primetime slot. The ceremony will celebrate a mammoth year in soaps looking back on 12 months of murder, mystery, make-ups, break ups, trials, tribulations and tears. An incredible year saw Gail Platt depart the cobbles after 50 years in Coronation Street and EastEnders celebrate its 40th anniversary. Lacey Turner has been nominated for Best Leading Performer for her role as Stacey Slater in EastEnders ahead of the May 31 ceremony Ned Porteous will compete for Villain of the Year at the awards thanks to his fine performances as Joe Tate in Emmerdale Meanwhile Hollyoaks leapt a year into the future and in Emmerdale a dramatic limousine crash into a frozen lake left viewers stunned. The Viewer Voted Categories include Best British Soap, Best Leading Performer, Villain of the Year and Best Comedy Performance. The nominees for Best Leading Performer are Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders), Kellie Bright (Linda Carter, EastEnders), Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale) and Beth Cordingly (Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale). And the public has a tough choice when it comes to Villain of the Year with Calum Lill (Joel Deering, Coronation Street), Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar, EastEnders), Ned Porteous (Joe Tate, Emmerdale) and Tyler Conti (Abe Fielding, Hollyoaks) to choose from. The Best Comedy Performance category includes Jack P Shepherd (David Platt, Coronation Street), Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson, EastEnders), Nicola Wheeler (Nicola King, Emmerdale) and Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra McQueen, Hollyoaks). The ceremony, which first began in 1999, was rested in 2024 but is back with Jane hosting the ceremony which will air on ITV1 and ITVX in June. Viewer Voted Categories: Best British Soap: Coronation Street EastEnders Emmerdale Hollyoaks Best Leading Performer: Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater, EastEnders) Kellie Bright (Linda Carter, EastEnders) Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale) Beth Cordingly (Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale) Villain of the Year: Calum Lill (Joel Deering, Coronation Street) Navin Chowdhry (Nish Panesar, EastEnders) Ned Porteous (Joe Tate, Emmerdale) Tyler Conti (Abe Fielding, Hollyoaks) Best Comedy Performance: Jack P Shepherd (David Platt, Coronation Street) Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson, EastEnders) Nicola Wheeler (Nicola King, Emmerdale) Nicole Barber-Lane (Myra McQueen, Hollyoaks) Panel Voted Categories: Best Family: The Platts (Coronation Street) The Slaters (EastEnders) The Dingles (Emmerdale) The Osbornes (Hollyoaks) Best Dramatic Performance: Peter Ash (Paul Foreman, Coronation Street) Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell, EastEnders) Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale) Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne, Hollyoaks) Best Single Episode: Mason's death (Coronation Street) Phil's psychosis: the Mitchells in 1985 (EastEnders) April's life on the streets (Emmerdale) Hollyoaks time jump (Hollyoaks) Best On-Screen Partnership: Alison King and Vicky Myers (Carla Connor and Lisa Swain, Coronation Street) Rudolph Walker and Angela Wynter (Patrick and Yolande Trueman, EastEnders) William Ash and Beth Cordingly (Caleb and Ruby Miligan, Emmerdale) Nathaniel Dass and Oscar Curtis (Dillon Ray and Lucas Hay, Hollyoaks) Best Newcomer: Jacob Roberts (Kit Green, Coronation Street) Laura Doddington (Nicola Mitchell, EastEnders) Shebz Miah (Kammy Hadiq, Emmerdale) Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne, Hollyoaks) Best Storyline: Paul's battle with MND (Coronation Street) Phil Mitchell: Hypermasculinity in crisis (EastEnders) Belle and Tom - Domestic Abuse (Emmerdale) Sibling sexual abuse (Hollyoaks) Best Young Performer: Will Flanagan (Joseph Winter-Brown, Coronation Street) Sonny Kendall (Tommy Moon, EastEnders) Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor, Emmerdale) Noah Holdsworth (Oscar Osborne, Hollyoaks) Scene of the Year: Mason's death (Coronation Street) Angie Watts' shock return (EastEnders) Amy's deathly plunge reveals a grisly secret (Emmerdale)
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Emmerdale fans go wild as Robert Sugden RETURNS to gatecrash ex Aaron Dingle's wedding - but will the pair rekindle their romance?
They were considered one of the soap's defining love stories. But after six long years, Emmerdale fans have rejoiced as Robert Sugden made a surprise return to the village in Wednesday's episode. Aaron had been set to tie the knot with Robert's brother John Sugden, unaware that he was a serial killer. But as the pair prepared to exchange their vows, Aaron was stunned when his ex-husband Robert walked into the venue, with actor Ryan Hawley reprising his role for a brief stint. This week, viewers have seen John struggle to hide his growing web of lies, terrorising his ex Aidan to death after he woke from his coma. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. While Aaron was originally prepared to call off the wedding, he had a change of heart and was ready to marry John, until Robert's surprise return. The episode ended on a dramatic cliffhanger, with Robert turning to Aaron to ask whether he's 'missed him.' Robert's return sent die-hard soap fans into a frenzy, with many rejoicing that he and his ex Aaron could finally be reunited. The pair's marriage came to an abrupt end in 2019 when Robert was jailed for manslaughter after attacking his sister Victoria's rapist Lee Posner. Posts on X included: 'Robron back in the year 2025 after six years I've never been f*****g happier; 'I'm sorry, but to be gone six years and turn up looking this GORGEOUS?! HIS POWER!!!' 'Robert: Miss me. Everyone: YES;' 'ROBRON IS BACK IN THE YEAR 2025 ROBRON STANS HOW WE FEELING; Robert's return sent die-hard soap fans into a frenzy, with many rejoicing that he and his ex Aaron could finally be reunited It's been a long six years but this is what #robron fans have been waiting for... Ryan Hawley returning to #emmerdale as Robert Sugden. We all hope that he returns to the show full time but so happy that he has come back. Let's hope our favourite couple get a happy ending' 'It's been a very loooong six years but we FINALLY HAVE #ROBRON.' Speaking about his return, Ryan hinted that it may not be Aaron that has led him back to the village. He told The Mirror: 'What's Robert doing there, has he got ulterior motives, does he know something about John? 'How has he even found out that this wedding was taking place? There's a lot to unpick and so much to be revealed over the next few nights. It's a great few episodes and I'm really excited to see them.' The actor did hint that Aaron will be left with a 'dilemma' over who he loves when he's reunited with his ex. He added: It's a massive dilemma for Aaron, who's found John as a new love in his life and then he's got Robert, who used to be the love of his life, turn up! 'He's got a massive decision to make. I guess all the weight is on Aaron's shoulders.' But all might not be as it seems, with it yet to be explained how Robert is out in the village and not still in prison where he's been for the last six years.' The actor remained tight-lipped on whether viewers could see Robert return again the future, but did say: 'I've been having so much fun, everyone's been lovely, and there are a lot of familiar faces and loads of really positive energy about the place. There's lots of drama, lots of conflict. 'There's the dilemma for Aaron and John and also his return affects so many other people in the village.'
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Emmerdale's Ryan Hawley breaks silence on Robert Sugden's shock return
EMMERDALE star Ryan Hawley has broken his silence on Robert Sugden's shock return. The actor has returned to the ITV soap after bowing out from the role in 2019. 4 4 4 Viewers watched on as Robert made a surprise appearance at ex-husband Aaron's wedding to John Sugden - Robert's half-brother. After the dramatic comeback aired, Ryan has addressed his future on Emmerdale. He told press: "Robert's back after six years! And a lot has happened during this time in the village and for Robert. "Two very different worlds, the village and Robert's reality in prison "And out of the blue, just in the nick of time, Robert turns up at Aaron's wedding to John." Ryan added: "It sets up a fantastic few episodes to finish off the wedding week which shows how the incident of Robert turning up will resolve itself." Continuing, the star addressed how soap bosses worked to keep his return under wraps. The actor explained he'd been given the codename "Marco", used a secret entrance to enter the building and a driver brought him from home to set. Ryan elaborated further: "There's so much effort that's gone into it. I didn't tell anyone. I didn't tell my family or friends. "Just fairly recently, I said, 'it's Ryan, I play Robert' and the security guard said 'what's your code name.' I said, 'Marco.' And then he let me in!" Emmerdale fans work out explosive twist as John Sugden arrives in the village - and they aren't happy The Sun exclusively revealed how actor Ryan Hawley had returned to the soap for a brief stint. A source speaking at the time said: 'Ryan has a lot of respect for the show and its fans and he really wanted to give them a treat so he agreed to come back for a brief stint. 'It's going to be a huge surprise for fans especially the Robron fans who have missed Robert desperately since Ryan quit. 'Nothing was seen as being too extreme to keep the secret with fake names on scripts, smuggling him in and out of the studios and keeping everything very tight.' The star - who played scheming Robert between 2014 and 2019 in the ITV soap - agreed to return as a one-off treat for fans as ex-husband Aaron Dingle prepares to marry Robert ' s killer brother John Sugden. Aaron Dingle's biggest storylines The character Aaron Dingle (formerly Livesy) made his Emmerdale debut all the way back in 2003. Current actor Danny Miller took on the role in 2008. Here are some of Aaron's biggest soap storylines over the years. McFarlane family: After Aaron returns to the village in 2008, he is arrested by Ross Kirk (Samuel Anderson) for possession of drugs. His mother Chas ' (Lucy Pargeter) family later learn he is a drug courier for the McFarlanes. Coming to terms with his homosexuality: Initially, Aaron questioned and struggled to come to terms with his homosexuality. He ultimately confided in friend and guardian Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt). Romantic advance towards Adam Barton: At one point, Aaron begins dating Holly Barton (Sophie Powles) and befriends her brother Adam (Adam Thomas). Aaron tries to kiss Adam after they are involved in a run-off road collision. Embarrassed, he tells Adam that he misunderstood the situation. Aaron sleeps with Holly, however, Adam informs his family that he thinks Aaron is gay. Aaron denies it but Holly ends the relationship. Child sexual abuse: In 2015, it was revealed Aaron had been sexually abused by his father Gordon (Gary Mavers) when he was from the age of 8 before Gordon kicked him out. Ultimately, Gordon was imprisoned years later - but took his own life while in prison. Relationship with Jackson Walsh: Aaron and Jackson Walsh (Marc Silcock) started dating after a tumultuous start to knowing each other. Their story ultimately ended in heartbreak, as Jackson died by assisted suicide. Suicide attempt: A harrowing storyline from 2010 saw a then-teenage Aaron attempt to take his own life. Relationship with Robert Sugden: Aaron and long-standing character Robert Sugden were romantically linked following the latter's return in 2014. Nicknamed "Robron", the pair married in 2018, however, Robert exited the soap in 2019. Robert arrived just as John and Aaron were about to make their vows to one another. But will which brother will Aaron choose? And what will the rest of the village think about Robert being back? ITV pulled the episode from its streaming service ITVX ahead of its usual 7am broadcast in an effort to maintain the surprise for fans. Emmerdale airs on ITV1 and ITVX. 4
