Latest news with #Walford
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Ross Kemp says he owes EastEnders ‘a great debt' and refuses to rule out return
Ross Kemp says he owes EastEnders 'a great debt' and refuses to rule out return The 60-year-old returned to EastEnders as Grant Mitchell after almost 10 years away during its 40th anniversary celebrations earlier this year Ross Kemp EastEnders actor Ross Kemp has said he owes the BBC soap "a great debt" for giving him a career in television and has refused to rule out a return to the show. The 60-year-old returned to EastEnders as Grant Mitchell after almost 10 years away during its 40th anniversary celebrations earlier this year, as his character returned to Albert Square to help his brother Phil with his mental health problems. Grant recently left Walford again for his home in Portugal. Asked on ITV's Loose Women whether he would return to the role again, Kemp said: "You just don't know, do you? You don't know what's in the minds of the people who work on it. "I've also (always) known that without it, I wouldn't have had the career that I've had, I've always owed it a great debt and it was very good to me, and hopefully I was good to it, and why not keep it that way? "I've always believed that you should leave doors swinging rather than shut them." Article continues below Kemp, who went on to produce a number of documentaries since first leaving EastEnders in 1999 including Ross Kemp On Gangs, Ross Kemp In Afghanistan and Ross Kemp: Extreme World, said he enjoyed returning to the soap. He explained: "It was so wonderful to jump into Grant's leather jacket again, which I can still get in. "It's a family, it's an ongoing thing, and I'm talking about the past, and they're really busy doing their own thing, I just parachute in, and I exit generally by the tube station. "But they've got to be welcoming, because it's like a high-speed train, you've got to jump on it at the right time or you miss it. "So luckily, Steve McFadden (who plays Phil), and Paul Bradley (who plays Nigel Bates), and Letitia (Dean, who plays Sharon Watts) opened the door for me, and it was like going back home, and it was great." Kemp began on the soap in 1990, and his previous appearance prior to his 2025 return, in 2016, marked his on-screen mother Dame Barbara Windsor's final episode as Peggy Mitchell. Article continues below The actor currently hosts the BBC gameshow Bridge Of Lies, which challenges contestants to cross a digital bridge by choosing a true statement over a set of wrong ones.
RTÉ News
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Ross Kemp keeping EastEnders door open, owes show 'a great debt'
EastEnders star Ross Kemp has said he owes the BBC soap "a great debt" for giving him a career in television and has refused to rule out a return to the show. After almost 10 years away from Walford, the 60-year-old reprised his role as Grant Mitchell during EastEnders ' 40th anniversary celebrations earlier this year. Kemp's character returned to Albert Square to help his brother Phil with his mental health problems. Grant recently left Walford again for his home in Portugal. Asked on ITV's Loose Women whether he would return to the role again, Kemp said: "You just don't know, do you? You don't know what's in the minds of the people who work on it. "I've also [always] known that without it, I wouldn't have had the career that I've had. I've always owed it a great debt, and it was very good to me, and hopefully I was good to it. And why not keep it that way? "I've always believed that you should leave doors swinging rather than shut them." Kemp, who went on to produce a number of documentaries since first leaving EastEnders in 1999 including Ross Kemp on Gangs, Ross Kemp in Afghanistan, and Ross Kemp: Extreme World, said he enjoyed returning to the soap. He explained: "It was so wonderful to jump into Grant's leather jacket again, which I can still get in. "It's a family; it's an ongoing thing. And I'm talking about the past, and they're really busy doing their own thing. I just parachute in, and I exit generally by the Tube station. "But they've got to be welcoming, because it's like a high-speed train, you've got to jump on it at the right time or you miss it. "So luckily, Steve McFadden (who plays Phil), and Paul Bradley (who plays Nigel Bates), and Letitia (Dean, who plays Sharon Watts) opened the door for me, and it was like going back home, and it was great." Kemp began on the soap in 1990. His previous appearance prior to his 2025 return, in 2016, marked his on-screen mother Barbara Windsor's final episode as Peggy Mitchell. The actor currently hosts the BBC gameshow Bridge of Lies, which challenges contestants to cross a digital bridge by choosing a true statement over a set of wrong ones.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Four clues Michelle Ryan was returning to EastEnders – as Zoe Slater is back after 20 years offscreen
EASTENDERS star Michelle Ryan is returning to the soap - but did you spot these four clues hinting at her comeback. The Sun revealed Michelle, 41, will be reprising her role as Zoe Slater this year - after two decades away. 8 8 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 in the BBC soap from 2000 until eventually bowing out in 2005. Listed below are some clues pointing to the star's Albert Square return. On-screen 'cameo' 8 Zoe may have left Walford two decades ago, but many of her family members still live in the area. Earlier this year, fans began speculating a possible comeback after the soap featured a shot focusing on a photo frame shot of the Slater sisters on Kat's mantlepiece. Speaking on Reddit, one viewer wrote: "Tonight was a dead giveaway -- the way the camera focused directly on Michelle Ryan in that framed Slater photo, that's no accident. "She's totally coming back this week. That was a deliberate teaser." They added: "I suppose a red herring is possible, but for the love of God EE, please don't let us down on this one as well and not do it after all this." "It's way overdue. We haven't had Little Mo back, we haven't had Carol back, we've got to have Zoe." Co-star reunions 8 Michelle has previously caught up with ex-EastEnders castmates - although they no longer work together on the BBC soap. One example was her reunion with Kacey Ainsworth, who played Zoe's aunt Little Mo. Sharing a snap of the two, Michelle penned, in part: "Just got back from a lovely dog walk with my friend Kacey. "We worked together many moons ago (no pun intended) on Eastenders as sisters. Part of the Slater family. "Our boss John Yorke took a real risk putting a family of women in the show and it paid off as on one week when Zoe found out that Kat was her mother viewers tuned into the BBC for 19, 18, 20 and 21 million per episode plus the omnibus." One fan commented: "I'd love to see Zoe back on The Square, even if it was just a short time. I wonder if she'd actually get on with Stacey now." Another remarked: "Would you not just come back? It would be epic!" While a third wrote: "Enjoyed seeing Zoe again in Classic Eastenders episodes recently, be nice to see you back in show someday." Meanwhile, Michelle also caught up with actress Kim Medcalf, who has played Sam Mitchell across two stints. 8 Michelle posted their comeback selfie onto her Instagram grid page as she sent soap fans into a frenzy. She captioned the snap: "Kim and I on a pre Christmas catch up. We hadn't seen each other in five years. As easy company as ever." 40th Anniversary celebration 8 Although Zoe didn't return on-screen for the soap's 40th anniversary, Michelle paid homage to her time in EastEnders. She made a rare post on Instagram celebrating her time on Eastenders, reposting shots from her official photoshoot when joining the series. "I was just sent these two photos from the square that were taken when I was 17/18, that's early 2000's!" she wrote. "They were actually never used for cards to be signed (although I'm being told that some people have them, I didn't realise)." "Wishing everyone on the square a very Happy 40th Birthday! What an achievement for a show to run for that long!," she said. "Many great memories. Congratulations to everyone (Don't read into the song chosen, it's playing in the cafe)." Co-stars discuss return on podcast 8 Fans aren't the only ones who wanted Zoe to return - some of Michelle's former co-stars voiced their interest in this happening. Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, welcomed Jessie Wallace, aka Kat Slater, to her podcast We Started Here. Speaking in the episode, Lacey said: "The Kat and Zoe [storyline]… I'd love it if she came back. Would you?" To which Jessie replied: "I think it'd be great. I think it would be lovely. "Can we make that happen? Wouldn't it be great?" Fans made reference to these comments under Michelle's post, as she wrote: "It came up on a feed, very proud of Lacey having her own podcast. Lovely of Jessie to say." Kat Moon's EastEnders Timeline Kat Slater burst onto the Square in 2000 as feisty Kat Slater, played by Jessie Wallace. She is the eldest sister of the Slater family. She soon makes a big name for herself. She is a loud and brash character who is renowned for her leopard print skimpy outfits and loads of red lipstick. She has played the 'tart with a heart' character but has also had an epic love story with Alfie. Here is a rundown of her greatest soap storylines. Kat arrives in Walford as part of the Slater clan, She soon begins a fling with Steve Owen (Martin Kemp) behind the back of his girlfriend Mel Healey. Kat's sister Zoe (played by Michelle Ryan) was revealed to be her sister after shocked viewers learned she was raped by her uncle Harry Slater as a child and Kat being only 13, was known as her sister. Kat and Zoe's relationship was turbulent. They both vied for the attentions of Anthony Trueman. Kat and Anthony were together but broke up and Zoe then seduced him. Kat later learns she was pregnant but then has to have an abortion. She is comforted by her boss Alfie Moon but then he realises he is in love with her. Kat, becomes briefly engaged to Andy Hunter a local crime boss (Michael Briggs) but she jilts him on her wedding day for the true love her life Alfie. Kat sparks a romance with Alfie Moon and it is the love story of the square. She finally marries Alfie Moon on Christmas day in the Vic. Alfie takes a loan from Andy which he is unable to repay and then threatens to kill him unless Kat sleeps with him. Their relationship becomes cold and distant. One of Kat's biggest storylines was helping her daughter cover up the murder of Dirty Den Watts. She left the soap in 2005 sailing into the sunset with Alfie for a new life in America. Kat returned to the soap in 2010 on the run from a man who she and Alfie conned for money. While Alfie was serving time, she had an affair with Michael Moon who happened to be Alfies cousin and she is now pregnant with his child. Another Kat storyline focused on the breakdown of her and Alfie's marriage and her separation from Tommy and their twin sons Bert and Ernie. Kat's union with Phil Mitchell began after months of feuding. She then sleeps with him marries him beginning a war with his ex Sharon Mitchell over the Mitchell empire. The latest storyline has focused on her son Tommy who idolised Phil and is trying to get back at Kat for breaking up the marriage. Kat meanwhile is back with the love of her life Alfie who is suffering from cancer.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders give first look at Kat and Alfie's wedding ahead of major drama
EastEnders favourites Kat and Alfie, played by Jessie Wallace and Shane Ritchie, are heading for their third wedding, but will they end up making it down the aisle? Iconic EastEnders duo, Kat Slater and Alfie Moon, have been seen in some jaw-dropping first-look snaps released by the soap, wearing their wedding outfits. The fan favourites played by Jessie Wallace and Shane Ritchie are heading for their third marriage after Alfie pops the question in a romantic proposal in next week's episode. The calamitous couple, who have been married twice before, are hoping this marriage will be built to last. However, a series of dramatic events threatens to derail their happy day in classic Walford style. Seen with a pensive look on her face in Albert Square, sporting a gorgeous cream silk wedding dress with a matching cape strewn with flowers and a bejewelled headband, Kat looks like she's got the weight of the world on her shoulders as Alfie reaches out with a reassuring arm. However, in another snap, Mr Moon clambers into a cab as his bride-to-be watches on with a face like thunder as the rest of the Square, including Bobby Brazier, who plays Kat's nephew, Freddie Slater, cross their arms in annoyance. Kat and Afiie, who have been married twice before, first tied the knot on Christmas Day in 2003. The plucky publican made his bride's dream of a white wedding come true by hiring a snow machine for the big day. However, marital harmony was short-lived, and they later divorced before deciding to give their relationship another whirl in 2014 and remarried. Later, weighed down by financial struggles and after welcoming twins Bert and Ernie Moon, the couple hit the jackpot and left Walford in 2016. They subsequently appeared in the Ireland-based spin-off show, Kat and Alfie: Redwater. However, Kat ended things with Alfie off-screen and returned to Walford in 2018, before Alfie followed her back to Albert Square. Alfie actor Shane recently shared a big story line was in the offing for the Slater family. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror at The British Soap Awards 2025, the Walford legend revealed there were huge scenes on the way. He promised an explosive new storyline that would top the soap's 40th anniversary. Not only that, but he revealed the storyline would run for months, continuing into next year. He remained tight-lipped over what and who would be involved, but teased "fireworks". He hinted it would involve Alfie and Kat, amid reports Kat's daughter Zoe will finally make her return to the show after decades. Michelle Ryan is tipped to reprise her role for the first time since 2005, so perhaps this is what Shane was referring to. Lifting the lid just a tad on the rumours, Shane revealed new producer Ben Wadey had huge things planned for the show. The actor told us: "He has told me some things. I said let me sit down. "There's fireworks, there's Kat and Alfie. There is a story that is about to kick in, which will carry on through to after C hristmas. Honestly it's a big story. If you thought the 40th was big wait until you see this story. That's all I'm saying."
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EastEnders leaves its rivals in the dust as show takes home 8 gongs at the British Soap Awards (and another series only receives one)
It was a good night for the residents of Walford as EastEnders emerged as the victor of this year's British Soap Awards with eight gongs. Stars of the country's favourite soaps descended on Hackney Empire in London on Saturday for the annual bash which was hosted by Jane McDonald. But it was the BBC 's EastEnders that cleaned up on the night with eight awards while Hollyoaks received three, Emmerdale two and Coronation Street only one. They kicked off their wins with Best Episode which went to Phil's Psychosis: The Mitchells In 1985. EastEnders also won Scene of the Year for Angie Watts' Shock Return while Navin Chowdhry won Best Villain for his role of Nish Panesar. 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. Steve McFadden, who plays fan favourite Phil Mitchell, won the Best Dramatic Performance award while Patsy Palmer won Best Comedic Performance for her role as Bianca Jackson. Rudolph Walker & Angela Wynter (Patrick & Yolande Trueman) delivered another win for EastEnders as they won Best On-Screen Partnership. Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Slater, won the Best Leading Performer Award and EastEnders also won the most coveted award of all: Best British Soap. Hollyoaks' three awards started with Isabelle Smith who won Best Newcomer for her role as Frankie Osborne. The Osbornes then won the Best Family award while Hollyoaks' sibling sexual abuse storyline received the Best Storyline award. Emmerdale's Amelia Flanagan won Best Young Performer for playing April Windsor while camera operator Mike Plant took home the Tony Warren Award which is given to employees working behind the scenes. Coronation Street's sole gong of the night was the Outstanding Achievement Award which went to David Neilson who has played Roy Cropper for 30 years. Last year's show was suddenly cancelled with no explanation after the nominees had been announced. The June 2023 edition reached 5.7 million viewers in total with just under one million streams on ITVX and a peak of 3.2m viewers via its linear overnight broadcast. Singer and self-confessed soaps lover Jane, 61, stepped in as a last-minute replacement for Phillip Schofield two years ago after he quit ITV after admitting to an affair with a young male This Morning colleague. Host Jane said: 'I'm beyond excited to be hosting The British Soap Awards again as I had such a ball hosting the awards last time. 'You all know I love my soaps, so to be in a room giving recognition to all these wonderful actors and their fantastic hard work is simply joyous. I can't wait to get my glittery frock on and celebrate with everyone.' Meanwhile, Gemma John-Lewis, Entertainment Commissioner ITV said: 'The British Soaps Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and shine a light on the incredible actors and production teams that deliver gripping drama and captivating stories throughout the year. 'We're delighted Jane McDonald, a self proclaimed number one soap fan, is returning to host the awards.' The British Soap Awards airs this Thursday at 8pm on ITV1 & ITVX.
