Latest news with #TheQueenVic
Metro
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders star Molly Rainford has a famous dad - do you recognise him?
EastEnders star Molly Rainford is best known for pulling pints in The Queen Vic alongside her family in Walford. But appearing as Anna Knight in the long-running BBC soap opera isn't Mollie's first rodeo – she auditioned for Britain's Got Talent in 2012, at the age of only 11. From there, she made it through to the final, finishing in sixth place, behind eventual winners Ashleigh Butler and performing dog Pudsey. After attending theatre school, she went on to appear as a presenter on the CBBC's entertainment series Friday Download from 2014 to 2016. Starring as Nova Jones in the comedy-drama series of the same name, she went on to appear as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, before being cast as EastEnders' Anna Knight a year later. At 24 years old, Molly has already had a remarkable career. And she's not the only star in her family either – being the daughter of former football legend Dave Rainford. 46-year-old Dave began his career in 1997, playing for Colchester United. From there, he went on to play for Slough Town, Heybridge Swift, Bishop's Stortford and AFC Hornchurch. In 2008, he signed on as a midfielder for Chelmsford City, becoming their Captain and later assistant manager in 2012. Dave hung up his boots in 2014, and now serves as head of education and academy player care with the Premier League. This fact has been rediscovered by viewers on Reddit, while others were suprised to learn how long former child star Molly has been in the industry. 'Wow I had no idea she did that before surprising and cool,' said JazzlikeTea7432. More Trending 'i used to watch her in friday download as a kid! she was part of the recast which went on for a while :)' exclaimed MARN-E. Since joining EastEnders, Molly has been at the heart of a number of recent storylines – including being spiked while on a night out last year. The resulting anguish led to her split from boyfriend Bobby Beale (Clay Milner Russell) as she took comfort in the arms of pal Feddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) – although their relationship wasn't to last either, once she learned he'd cheated on her with her own sister (Francesca Henry). View More » In real life, Molly also has a famous partner – Kiss FM presenter Tyler West, 29, who she met on the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing. 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. MORE: EastEnders confirms unexpected news about show's biggest legend – just weeks after return
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders' Lacey Turner's 'guilt' as she quits soap after 21 years
She's an icon of Walford, but as Lacey Turner reveals she is leaving EastEnders, the actress opens up about the pull between work and motherhood - and why we must stop 'judging' each other Actress Lacey Turner was a fresh-out-of-school 16-year-old when she joined the cast of EastEnders, playing the role of Albert Square's sassy teenager Stacey Slater. She's become an undeniable fan favourite over the years but – just as her character knows all too well – life moves on, and after 21 years, Lacey has decided she's ready for a break. Now 37, the London-born mum-of-three is waving farewell to Walford – for now, at least – in order to focus on other projects and life at home with her barber husband Matt Kay, and their three young children. ''Break' is a funny word, I don't think I've ever had one!' she tells us as we sit down for an exclusive OK! chat, just days ahead of the official announcement of her EastEnders hiatus. It's clearly a decision she's made with mixed feelings, which isn't surprising given she's spent more than half her life working at the BBC Elstree Centre in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. Over those years she's become one of the most decorated soap stars of her generation, winning more than 30 gongs, including four National Television Awards and six British Soap Awards. But things for Lacey off-screen have changed so much in that time that a sabbatical seems well-deserved. At home, Lacey is mum to daughter Dusty, five, son Trilby, four, and their newest daughter Gipsy Olive, who was born in January this year. The family live in a stunning house in Hertfordshire, which they bought in 2020. After returning to work just weeks after Gipsy's birth to film the special 40th anniversary scenes – in which Stacey's ex-husband Martin Fowler died in The Queen Vic explosion – Lacey is keen to make the most of her extended time off. 'Time flies,' she says, laughing as she adds that her kids are both 'lovely and challenging' in equal measures. 'The older they get, the more you realise how quickly the little years pass. It's bonkers. So I take it day by day, week by week. 'You feel guilty leaving them, but also guilty for not earning. It's just never-ending. But we've got to stop judging and start supporting each other.' Viewers of the BBC soap are currently watching Stacey dealing with the heart-breaking aftermath of the death of Martin Fowler (played by James Bye), who declared his love for his former wife before tragedy struck. Shortly after our chat with Lacey, she confirms publicly that the time has come for herself and Stacey 'to take a rest'. Even temporarily stepping away is a brave move for a soap actor, given the rapid pace of the storylines, but EastEnders bosses have promised already that there's 'plenty more drama' to come for her – and made it clear that the door will always be open for her return. But for now, at least, Lacey's focus is her family. She and her childhood sweetheart Matt, 36, will be celebrating their eighth wedding anniversary in September after tying the knot in a stunning ceremony in Ibiza, watched by soap legends such as Jake Wood and the late Dame Barbara Windsor. The couple's wedding was exclusively covered by OK!, and when we asked a then 29-year-old Lacey about her thoughts on expanding their family, she told us, 'I want four children! When you have four you need to start thinking about a minivan to put them all in, whereas with three you just need a car. I don't care, though, I'll have a minivan.' Seven years on, Lacey laughs as she remembers her approach to motherhood for the first time, when she was pregnant with Dusty Violet. 'Before I even had my first child, the list of stuff I was told I needed was ridiculous,' she smiles. 'My nan always said, 'All they need is a full belly, clean clothes, and you.' And she was right. Sometimes, I just look at Matt and go, 'Are we doing this right?' But the kids are happy, healthy and (mostly) dressed, so we must be doing OK.' Dusty was born in July 2019, following two devastating miscarriages. Her younger brother Trilby Fox then came along in February 2021, when the world was still reeling from the Covid pandemic, and he arrived early and was taken into the baby special care baby unit for two days before Lacey was able to hold him in her arms. The actress has been incredibly open over the years about her experiences – the good and bad – of becoming a mum, and her latest efforts to get rid of the stigma around formula feeding. 'There's so much pressure out there,' Lacey says. 'So many products, so much advice. You feel like a rabbit in the headlights. But really, we need to get back to basics. And we have to reduce the stigma around formula use – just like other things we've learned to talk about over the years. Talking opens the door for others. It makes the conversation normal, and that helps reduce the stigma.' Part of the campaign is spreading the message that spending more doesn't automatically equate to higher quality, and this is something Lacey's particularly passionate about. 'I want us to get rid of the judgment. No more comparing. No more pressure to have the 'best' of everything. "I want people to stop thinking they have to be rich to be good parents. 'I'd love to get rid of the judgment. The world is mad enough without people being judged for how they parent. I want this campaign to shift the stigma. You don't need to have the most expensive formula or toys or pram. 'I overheard a couple saving up to have a baby. That shouldn't be the case. Parenting isn't about money. It's about love, time, and doing your best.' Lacey can appreciate she's in a fortunate position, and she, Matt and the kids enjoy a wholesome life. A few years ago they moved into what Lacey calls 'a little farm' in Hertfordshire. Lacey says the mature garden was one of the main reasons they fell in love with the house. 'I love being outside, that is where I feel happiest and calmest,' she has said. 'I spend a lot of time outside and I've got animals, and that's now my happy place, my self-care.' This year she also launched her We Started Here podcast, in which she chats to soap stars (including Anita Dobson and Jessie Wallace) about how their careers began. So, when it comes to her and Matt, is it difficult to carve out alone time? 'Well, you just grab the little pockets that you get, don't you?' she says. 'We're all just trying our best. And whatever your best looks like, that is enough. Right now, I'm just soaking up the baby cuddles and focusing on family life. But I do miss the chaos of the Square and my work family!'
Metro
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Devastation as Harvey makes his final choice in EastEnders iPlayer release
This article contains spoilers for tonight's episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be streamed now on iPlayer. Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) has made a decision between Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth). As viewers saw earlier this week, Harvey's affair with Kath' was exposed for all to hear in front of The Queen Vic's punters. A vengeful Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) had recorded them kissing, and after taking ownership of The Prince Albert bar, charged into the pub to play the video. We delved straight back into the action in today's episode, with nobody wanting to believe that the footage was real. Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) claimed it was AI technology, and Jean was inclined to believe him. However, Harvey's silence was deafening, confirming her worst fears. A horrified Jean then darted out, with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) ordering Harvey to stay away. He wanted to explain his part of the story, and the two sat down for a difficult conversation. Laying his cards on the table, he admitted that he felt incapable of helping the Slater family in the wake of Martin Fowler's death and became increasingly isolated in his own grief. He also noted that despite the house being so full, he's never felt so lonely. Jean was furious that his constant mentions of Martin seemed like some form of competition. She then opened up about her late husband Brian, and how he had a second family and other children on the other side of the country. Both he and Harvey had decided she wasn't enough for them. Amid their argument, Harvey began to wonder whether she was showing symptoms of her bipolar disorder. Jean was – understandably – furious and began to smash plates on the floor. The commotion had alerted her daughter, Stacey (Lacey Turner), who came downstairs for a heart-to-heart with her mum while he packed his bags. Stace admitted that love is a complicated thing, and that you can still love someone and show affection towards someone else. After all, she slept with Max Branning when she was in committed relationships with both his son Bradley and Martin. The conversation gave Jean food for thought, wondering whether he still did care deep down. When Stacey noted that the kids won't cope without the 'cement that holds the bricks together', Jean headed to speak with Kath. The women didn't get off to a good start. Jean slapped Kathy around the chops and then sat down, asking for a glass of whiskey. She wanted her side of the story and to know whether she'd be prepared to abandon her relationship with Harvey. 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! Kath' said that it wasn't her decision, and she wouldn't turn him away if he turned up on her doorstep. Jean seemed satisfied with her answer and headed back home to catch Harvey before he left. More Trending There, he confessed that Jean and the Slaters gave him life again following son Aaron's imprisonment and daughter Dana's exit. She then gave an impassioned speech – telling him that the Slaters are where he belongs, and he's the one who holds them all together. But who will he eventually settle with? Jean, or Kathy? Metro are choosing to keep this one under our hats until the episode goes out on TV. View More » As the episode ended, Cindy smirked in the distance. Is she pleased to see Harvey turn his back on Kathy, or overjoyed to see her destroy someone else's life? MORE: Harvey gobsmacked by unexpected EastEnders twist in early iPlayer release MORE: Jean 'lonely and scared' after devastating EastEnders twist MORE: Harvey explodes in EastEnders family crisis but it gets so much worse
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders' Danny Dyer 'off his nut' while filming as bosses took drastic steps
Danny Dyer has confessed to downing booze and taking prescription pills before filming scenes on EastEnders during his nine-year run as Mick Carter on the hit soap Danny Dyer has confessed that he was "off his nut" while filming for EastEnders, forcing show bosses to take drastic action. The actor made bombshell claims about his time on the BBC soap as he slammed it for being "s*** now." Talking at a charity event on Friday Danny - who has suffered from drink and drug abuse in the past - opened up about how he struggled after joining the soap and found himself drunk on set and taking prescription pills. Danny starred on EastEnders for nine years from 2013 - 2022 and during that time went to rehab in 2017 to address his addiction problems. He described how the production team took action when he was drunk on set to stop him from downing beers while he worked. He said: "When I first arrived the pints were reaI. I was slipping and sliding around having a few lagers and they found out, so they started to put TCP in the f***ing beer!" Danny then admitted that he was also taking pills but still managed to act his scenes as loveable landlord of The Queen Vic, Mick Carter. He said: "I was off my nut for a lot of that job, I've got to say. I was on a lot of valium and diazepam, that is why. Still got that f***ing job done somehow." Danny didn't hold back as he was asked what he thought of the show since he left in traumatic scenes that saw Mick lost at sea saving the lives of ex Linda Carter and evil new wife Janine Butcher at Christmas in 2022. He said: "S*** now though, ain't it," adding, "Serves them right." Talking at the Paul Strank Charitable Trust event in Wimbledon, south London - where he donated thousands of pounds of his own money - Danny opened up about the emotional rollercoaster and how he struggled with the lack of downtime from draining scenes, saying there wasn't enough "duty of care". "In a film you properly cry and go to a dark place," he said. "You have time to recover. But on soap, you ain't. On a soap, it f**** a lot of people's heads up. I tell you most people in soaps are off their nut. You meet them on the street and they're f***ing lunatics, I'm telling you. "If someone dies in your family, they won't even let you go to a f***ing funeral because it is such a machine there wasn't much duty of care there." A spokesperson for the show has rebuked Danny's claims. In statement, they said: "We would never discuss an individual's private matters however, we do not recognise these claims. EastEnders has extremely robust and well established procedures in place to safeguard the welfare of everyone who works on the show." He took the part of Mick Carter at a low point in his career after his Human Traffic and The Football Factory success had waned and with bailiffs at his door, having previously sworn he would never star in the soap. Danny, 47, claims he didn't get a warm welcome on Albert Square. "I will be honest, it is a very clicky place to work," he said. "We took the pub over from Jessie Wallace and Shane Ritchie. Kat and Alfie had an 11 year run and then they want to get rid of them. "So they brought us in and they had the hump. That was getting tricky. I was like 'What's the matter with these people, I've not made this call'. So there was a lot of people blanking us when we turned up." Whilst he looks back fondly on the first three years of working on the show, he said it went downhill from there. "I really cherish those first three years," he recalled, "Then a new producer came in and sacked every f***er. It is a very ruthless job. I learned a lot. Nine years was enough for me."
Metro
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders confirms special episode - as The Queen Vic reopens its doors
EastEnders will broadcast a special episode next week, which will mark 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe. The edition, which airs on 8th May, will see the residents of Walford come together to honour and remember those who fought during the war. This will coincide with a number of real life events across the UK – including a procession attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Royal Family in London – to commemorate the occasion. Nods to wartime Britain will take place throughout the ep, including archive footage and music from the time. Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw told us: 'Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history, we wanted to honour and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day.' Viewers of the BBC soap will also see Nigel Bates' (Paul Bradley) young-onset dementia worsen. The much-loved character returned at Christmas, with him later confiding in Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) about his devastating diagnosis. With his condition worsening, he has mistaken two Albert Square youngsters for his stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), and walked into the pharmacy believing it to be his old video shop. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) has agreed to be his full time carer after he learnt that Nige was planning to take his own life. Unfortunately, as his neighbours gather for the celebrations, he becomes convinced that it is 1995 – and confuses the event for one organised thirty years ago. 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! Long-term fans will remember that Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher) organised a get together in Bridge Street. More Trending Ethel Skinner (Gretchen Franklin) and Dr Legg (Leonard Fenton) reflected on those they had lost, with the show's infamous theme tune replaced with Jack Payne's It's A Lovely Day Tomorrow. There is some joy in next week's instalment though – as Phil and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) convince Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) to throw open the doors to The Queen Vic. View More » Having been closed for two months following a catastrophic explosion that took the life of Martin Fowler (James Bye), it's bound to be an emotional occasion for everyone. 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. MORE: Strictly fans scared legendary pro 'is going to quit' after major news MORE: Natalie Cassidy 'really cross' after key scene cut from Sonia's EastEnders exit MORE: Doctor Who's shocking new episode could've been stellar without this major mistake
