Shetland’s Series 7 return is a bittersweet one for fans of the Scottish BBC crime drama. The six-episode run will be actor Douglas Henshall’s last in the lead role of Di Jimmy Perez. Henshall’s departure though, doesn’t mean the end for Shetland, which has been renewed for an eighth series due to arrive in 2023. A new, as-yet-unannounced, lead actor will be joining the returning cast for that run.
Series 7, which starts on BBC One on Wednesday the 10th of August at 9pm, promises to tie up Perez’s loose ends and follow up on last series’ will-they-won’t-they frisson with Irish carer Meg. Before Perez says his final goodbye to the evidence board though, there’s a missing person case to solve, and a host of new characters to interrogate. Here’s who he’ll be meeting…
Shauna Macdonald as Rachel Cairns
Rachel Cairns is the mother of Connor and Abbey,...
Series 7, which starts on BBC One on Wednesday the 10th of August at 9pm, promises to tie up Perez’s loose ends and follow up on last series’ will-they-won’t-they frisson with Irish carer Meg. Before Perez says his final goodbye to the evidence board though, there’s a missing person case to solve, and a host of new characters to interrogate. Here’s who he’ll be meeting…
Shauna Macdonald as Rachel Cairns
Rachel Cairns is the mother of Connor and Abbey,...
- 8/10/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Line of Duty’s Martin Compston, Breaking Bad’s Laura Fraser, Cheat’s Molly Windsor and Travelers’ Jennifer Spence are to star in UKTV’s crime drama Traces.
The quartet will front the six-part series, which is written by Scott & Bailey and This Life writer Amelia Bullmore and based on an original idea from crime writer Val McDermid, whose Hill/Jordan books were turned into hit crime drama Wire in the Blood.
It marks the first original commission for UKTV’s Alibi and is produced by Happy Valley and Safe producer Red Production Company.
Laurie Brett (EastEnders), Vincent Regan (The White Princess), Michael Nardone (Shetland) and John Gordan Sinclair (Ill Behaviour) round out the cast. Directing are Rebecca Gatward (Grantchester) and Mary Nighy (Silent Witness).
Traces is set in Scotland and explores the world of Sifa, the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science. The drama follows female characters – Emma Hedges, played by Windsor,...
The quartet will front the six-part series, which is written by Scott & Bailey and This Life writer Amelia Bullmore and based on an original idea from crime writer Val McDermid, whose Hill/Jordan books were turned into hit crime drama Wire in the Blood.
It marks the first original commission for UKTV’s Alibi and is produced by Happy Valley and Safe producer Red Production Company.
Laurie Brett (EastEnders), Vincent Regan (The White Princess), Michael Nardone (Shetland) and John Gordan Sinclair (Ill Behaviour) round out the cast. Directing are Rebecca Gatward (Grantchester) and Mary Nighy (Silent Witness).
Traces is set in Scotland and explores the world of Sifa, the Scottish Institute of Forensic Science. The drama follows female characters – Emma Hedges, played by Windsor,...
- 5/1/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Jo Joyner has said she would not appear as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, as she would be "rubbish".
The EastEnders actress won't be following in the footsteps of her co-star Jake Wood, who competed in the 2014 series.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other reporters, she said: "No - I'd be rubbish - and clearly live is not my forte! They did ask - they've asked a couple of times and I would love to learn to dance, but… I'm a bit competitive and if I wasn't going to win it, what's the point in doing it?"
The actress recently made a slip-up during the live shows marking EastEnders' 30th anniversary.
During a scene with Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), she referred to the character Ian Beale using the first name of the actor (Adam Woodyatt) who plays him.
The actress spoke out after the mistake, saying she was "upset" she had made it.
The EastEnders actress won't be following in the footsteps of her co-star Jake Wood, who competed in the 2014 series.
Speaking to Digital Spy and other reporters, she said: "No - I'd be rubbish - and clearly live is not my forte! They did ask - they've asked a couple of times and I would love to learn to dance, but… I'm a bit competitive and if I wasn't going to win it, what's the point in doing it?"
The actress recently made a slip-up during the live shows marking EastEnders' 30th anniversary.
During a scene with Jane Beale (Laurie Brett), she referred to the character Ian Beale using the first name of the actor (Adam Woodyatt) who plays him.
The actress spoke out after the mistake, saying she was "upset" she had made it.
- 3/12/2015
- Digital Spy
'EastEnders' actor Eliot Carrington found out on Monday (16.02.15) that his character was Lucy Beale's killer. Bobby Beale was unveiled as his half sister's killer in last night's (19.02.15) 30th anniversary flashback episode and actor Jake Wood, who plays Max Branning in the BBC One soap, has revealed Eliot, 12, wasn't told until earlier this week that his character was responsible for the murder. Speaking about the scene in which Bobby is heard telling his adoptive mother Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) that, ''She [Lucy] started it. She made everyone unhappy'', while Lucy lay dead on the floor, Jake said: ''He was incredible...
- 2/20/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Jane and Ian Beale will walk down the aisle to a song chosen by 'EastEnders' viewers. The on-screen couple, played by Laurie Brett and Adam Woodyatt, are to tie the knot for a second time next month and it's now been revealed fans of the BBC One soap will be given the chance to vote for the music they'd like to hear played during the ceremony. The nuptials of Walford's longest running character are tied into the popular drama's 30th anniversary week of live and semi-live episodes, which will see the killer of his daughter Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) revealed, and viewers...
- 1/27/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Former 'EastEnders' actress Jo Joyner is to return for the soap's upcoming 30th anniversary. The 37-year-old star - who plays Max Branning's (Jake Wood) ex-wife Tanya Cross - will return to Albert Square for her best friend Jane Clarke's (Laurie Brett) wedding to Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). And while she's excited about her upcoming appearance, Jo has confessed she's worried she will be unveiled as Ian's daughter Lucy Beale's (Hetti Bywater) killer during the live flashback episode. She said: ''I'm thrilled to be a part of the 30 year celebrations of a show that I am proud to have been a part of.
- 1/12/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Sherlock and Downton Abbey have been nominated for this year's TV Choice Awards.
The shows both made the shortlist for Best Drama Series alongside Call the Midwife and Waterloo Road.
Downton Abbey picked up two acting nods, with Allen Leech nominated for Best Actor and Joanne Froggatt for Best Actress.
Leech will be competing with Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as David Tennant (The Escape Artist) and Bradley Walsh (Law & Order: UK).
Also up for Best Actress are Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley), Laurie Brett (Waterloo Road) and Judy Parfitt (Call the Midwife).
Happy Valley was recognised in Best New Drama with The Crimson Field, The Musketeers and The Widower.
Game of Thrones and The Big Bang Theory are up for Best International Show, while Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway will battle Celebrity Juice and Gogglebox for Best Entertainment Show.
Best Talent Show is between Britain's Got Talent, The Great British Bake Off,...
The shows both made the shortlist for Best Drama Series alongside Call the Midwife and Waterloo Road.
Downton Abbey picked up two acting nods, with Allen Leech nominated for Best Actor and Joanne Froggatt for Best Actress.
Leech will be competing with Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as David Tennant (The Escape Artist) and Bradley Walsh (Law & Order: UK).
Also up for Best Actress are Sarah Lancashire (Happy Valley), Laurie Brett (Waterloo Road) and Judy Parfitt (Call the Midwife).
Happy Valley was recognised in Best New Drama with The Crimson Field, The Musketeers and The Widower.
Game of Thrones and The Big Bang Theory are up for Best International Show, while Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway will battle Celebrity Juice and Gogglebox for Best Entertainment Show.
Best Talent Show is between Britain's Got Talent, The Great British Bake Off,...
- 7/8/2014
- Digital Spy
'EastEnders' star Nitin Ganatra enjoys Masood Ahmed's ''darker'' side. The soap star's beloved postman character will experience another downward spiral after discovering his girlfriend Jane Beale (Laurie Brett) has cheated on him with grieving ex-husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). Jane breaks up with Masood over the phone and leaves Albert Square, resulting in Masood getting into a heated confrontation with Ian - who is still coming to terms with the death of his daughter, Lucy Beale. Nitin explained: ''She finished with him for her ex, as did Carol, as did Zainab ... so we're beginning to see a pattern here. Jane and Masood...
- 5/1/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Christian Clarke will return to 'EastEnders' for Lucy Beale's funeral. Actor John Partridge has reprised his role as Jane Beale's brother for the emotional scenes, marking his return to Walford after nearly a year and a half. Christian - who initially left Albert Square in November 2012 with partner Syed Masood - will be back on screens in May to offer support to Ian Beale's ex-wife Jane, played by Laurie Brett, who was Lucy's stepmother and developed a close bond with all of Ian's children. New pictures show Christian attending Lucy's funeral with the young businesswoman's distraught father Ian (Adam Woodyatt), twin...
- 4/8/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
The stars of Waterloo Road, both past and present, have paid tribute to the show after confirmation that it will end in 2015.
The BBC announced earlier today (April 2) that the long-running school drama will conclude with its tenth series.
Cast members from the show's nine series so far have taken to Twitter to praise the show for its championing of young talent ahead of the final series, which will begin later this year.
Waterloo Road axe: Is it the right decision? - Have your say
Take a look at some of the reactions below:
Laurie Brett (plays Christine Mulgrew)
It's been an amazing few years on @WaterlooRoad love my Wr family.Cant wait to film Christine's final 10 eps. The final eps will be fab!! Xx
— Laurie Brett (@LauriebrettX) April 2, 2014
Lisa Riley (played guest/recurring character Tina Allen)
So sad @WaterlooRoad is finishing I am so proud to have been...
The BBC announced earlier today (April 2) that the long-running school drama will conclude with its tenth series.
Cast members from the show's nine series so far have taken to Twitter to praise the show for its championing of young talent ahead of the final series, which will begin later this year.
Waterloo Road axe: Is it the right decision? - Have your say
Take a look at some of the reactions below:
Laurie Brett (plays Christine Mulgrew)
It's been an amazing few years on @WaterlooRoad love my Wr family.Cant wait to film Christine's final 10 eps. The final eps will be fab!! Xx
— Laurie Brett (@LauriebrettX) April 2, 2014
Lisa Riley (played guest/recurring character Tina Allen)
So sad @WaterlooRoad is finishing I am so proud to have been...
- 4/2/2014
- Digital Spy
Laurie Brett may return to 'EastEnders' full time. The 44-year-old actress surprised viewers earlier this week with a two-episode comeback when her character Jane Beale showed up in Walford to check on her ex-husband Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). However, the blonde beauty - who left the BBC One soap in 2012 to play troubled teacher Christine Mulgrew in 'Waterloo Road' - hasn't ruled out reprising her role as Jane on a permanent basis. When asked if she would return to 'EastEnders' full-time, she said: ''I'm back filming 'Waterloo Road' in the spring so I can't really answer that because I've...
- 1/8/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Laurie Brett wants her 'Waterloo Road' character to turn to alcohol again because she loves playing a ''nutter''. The 43-year-old actress portrays recovering alcoholic Christine Mulgrew in the BBC One drama series and she insists it is ''more exciting'' when her alter-ego is drinking herself into a stupor because she is a ''vile drunk'' and becomes ''kind of weird''. She joked: ''I'd rather be Bette Davis than Marilyn Monroe. Christine is just beginning to recover from alcoholism after revealing that her son was the product of rape and she is just rebuilding her life, but I hope she falls back...
- 3/22/2013
- Virgin Media - Celebrity
Laurie Brett wants her 'Waterloo Road' character to turn to alcohol again because she loves playing a ''nutter''. The 43-year-old actress portrays recovering alcoholic Christine Mulgrew in the BBC One drama series and she insists it is ''more exciting'' when her alter-ego is drinking herself into a stupor because she is a ''vile drunk'' and becomes ''kind of weird''. She joked: ''I'd rather be Bette Davis than Marilyn Monroe. Christine is just beginning to recover from alcoholism after revealing that her son was the product of rape and she is just rebuilding her life, but I hope she falls back...
- 3/21/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
EastEnders star Laila Morse has admitted that she was "bloody petrified" with nerves when she first joined the soap. The actress has been playing the role of Mo Harris since 2000 and opens up about Albert Square life in her new autobiography Just A Mo, which is being serialised in The Mirror this week. Reflecting on her early days at EastEnders, Morse wrote: "My first scene was with Pam St Clement, who played Pat Butcher, but my stomach was flipping over like a live kipper and it passed in a haze. A couple of weeks later, a TV critic said I acted like a lump of cardboard. I daresay he was right! I was bloody petrified. "It was three years before I started to feel comfortable on set. But I made a load of new friends - Derek Martin, Gillian Wright, Laurie Brett, Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace. "June (more)...
- 1/23/2013
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Waterloo Road's Laurie Brett has admitted that watching Steve McFadden play Phil Mitchell on the set of EastEnders helped with her characterisation. The actress, who plays alcoholic English teacher Christine Mulgrew in the school drama, told The Sun that she learnt how to pretend to be drunk by observing her co-star. "I've watched the best at playing drunk - Steve McFadden," said Brett. "I observed for years how he did it in EastEnders. "I also try to remember the old adage that Michael Caine said, 'You don't play drunk, you try and play sober'." Brett, who played Walford's Jane Beale for eight years, described inebriation as "probably the most (more)...
- 8/25/2012
- by By Alison Rowley
- Digital Spy
Waterloo Road newcomer Laurie Brett has admitted that she wants her alcoholic character Christine Mulgrew to create "water cooler" moments in the coming weeks. Last night (August 23), viewers saw the former EastEnders star's first episode as Christine Mulgrew, who is a new English teacher for Waterloo Road following the school's relocation. Christine's drinking problem and how it affects her teenage son Connor (Shane O'Meara) will be an ongoing story arc for series eight. Brett, who bowed out as Walford's Jane Beale earlier this year, told The Scotsman: "I probably wouldn't have jumped into something so long-running if it hadn't been for the part. The part was just too good to pass up, really. "Christine is so different to Jane. That's what attracted me. I don't know if I'd have been so (more)...
- 8/24/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Former EastEnders star Laurie Brett has revealed that she is still not ruling out a future return to the soap. The actress's character Jane Beale last appeared on screen in January, when she departed Walford to take on a new job in Cardiff. Brett initially planned to take time out from acting following her EastEnders exit, but she has since joined the cast of Waterloo Road as English teacher Christine Mulgrew. Speaking on Lorraine today (August 22), Brett explained that the opportunity to join Waterloo Road was too good to turn down.
Pictured: Laurie Brett on Lorraine. Brett commented: "I was going to take a break and then Let's Dance asked me to do Comic Relief with Tameka [Empson]. We did that, and at the same time my agent rang and said, 'Look, this part in Waterloo Road's coming up, (more)...
Pictured: Laurie Brett on Lorraine. Brett commented: "I was going to take a break and then Let's Dance asked me to do Comic Relief with Tameka [Empson]. We did that, and at the same time my agent rang and said, 'Look, this part in Waterloo Road's coming up, (more)...
- 8/22/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Laurie Brett has laid out her desire for her former EastEnders co-star Linda Henry to join Waterloo Road. The actress, who made her on-screen exit from Albert Square as Jane Beale in January, now plays English teacher Christine Mulgrew on the school drama. The 43-year-old told Inside Soap: "I want Linda Henry to come in and play my sister - I'm sure she could get a few months off EastEnders!" Henry's Walford alter ego Shirley Carter has been at the centre of Heather's murder storyline since March, finally unmasking Ben Mitchell (more)...
- 8/16/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Laurie Brett has laid out her desire for former EastEnders co-star Linda Henry to join Waterloo Road. The actress, who made her on-screen exit from Albert Square as Jane Beale in January, now plays English teacher Christine Mulgrew on the school drama. The 43-year-old told Inside Soap: "I want Linda Henry to come in and play my sister - I'm sure she could get a few months off EastEnders!" Henry's Walford alter ego Shirley Carter has been at the centre of Heather's murder storyline since March, finally unmasking Ben Mitchell (more)...
- 8/16/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Ex-EastEnders star Laurie Brett has revealed that her new Waterloo Road character will be an alcoholic. The actress, who made her last appearance as Jane Beale in January, will play Scotland-born English teacher Christine Mulgrew on the school drama from this autumn. "Drink doesn't affect Christine's life - unless she doesn't have any," Brett told the Daily Record. "She needs to keep a certain level of drink in her system in order to get through the day." "In spite of being an alcoholic, Christine's a very good teacher. But she uses alcohol to function on a day-to-day level," Brett added. Further explaining her decision to join Waterloo Road, she said: "I've always really loved the (more)...
- 8/6/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
top row l-r, Lula, Imogen, Rhiannon, Connor. Bottom row l-r, Gus, Jade Series 8 of Waterloo Road sees the Rochdale-based school move to Greenock in Scotland when a number of current teachers and pupils move to set up a new independent school.
And there are some new faces too joining the school for the new term:
20 year old Kirstie Steele from Glasgow plays Imogen, an intelligent, self-effacing wall-flowers, who's always felt out of step with her classmates, and finds their shallow teenage concerns anathema – a feeling which is mutual, as her goth-lite appearance and solitary habits will often generate bitchy comments from her peers. Kirstie, who had to dye her blonde hair black for the role, is a member of the Scottish Youth Theatre, and recently graduated from studying Musical Theatre at Bird College.
19 year old London rapper Paige Meade (represented by United Agents) stars as 16 year old Jade Fleming, who...
And there are some new faces too joining the school for the new term:
20 year old Kirstie Steele from Glasgow plays Imogen, an intelligent, self-effacing wall-flowers, who's always felt out of step with her classmates, and finds their shallow teenage concerns anathema – a feeling which is mutual, as her goth-lite appearance and solitary habits will often generate bitchy comments from her peers. Kirstie, who had to dye her blonde hair black for the role, is a member of the Scottish Youth Theatre, and recently graduated from studying Musical Theatre at Bird College.
19 year old London rapper Paige Meade (represented by United Agents) stars as 16 year old Jade Fleming, who...
- 5/6/2012
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Let's Dance For Sport Relief winner Rowland Rivron has said that his success on the show "was like a bolt from the blue". The comedian beat EastEnders stars Laurie Brett and Tameka Empson to win the BBC's charity competition on Saturday (March 17). Rivron, who recreated Christopher Walken's routine in Fat Boy Slim video 'Weapon of Choice', commented after his victory: "It was like a bolt from the blue. Those two have their EastEnders fan base and are on TV all the time, whereas I'm on it hardly at all." Rivron previously appeared on (more)...
- 3/19/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Rowland Rivron has won Let's Dance for Sport Relief 2012. The comedian and TV presenter triumphed over rivals Laurie Brett and Tameka Empson, who reprised their routine to Lady GaGa track 'Telephone', and Tyger Drew-Honey and Dani Harmer, who performed to 'Fat Sam's Grand Slam' from Bugsy Malone. Rivron's winning dance saw him take on Christopher Walken's routine from Fatboy Slim's 'Weapon of Choice' video, which initially saw him win through in his heat last week along with Fatima Whitbread and The Cuban Brothers. Before emerging victorious in the public vote, judges Frank Skinner, Arlene Phillips and Rhod Gilbert (more)...
- 3/17/2012
- by By Amy Bell
- Digital Spy
Former EastEnders star Laurie Brett has explained her decision to bow out from the role of Jane Beale. Jane departed Walford in January after accepting a new job in Cardiff, while in real life, Brett has just signed up for a new regular part in Waterloo Road. The actress is also competing on the current series of Let's Dance for Sports Relief, recently appearing as Lady GaGa for a rendition of 'Telephone' on the show. Speaking to the Daily Record about her EastEnders career, Brett insisted that it was the right time to say goodbye to Jane for the time being. Brett commented: "It was time to leave. I loved playing Jane. I left when (more)...
- 3/16/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Arlene Phillips will head up the judging panel on this weekend's Let's Dance for Sport Relief grand final. The former Strictly Come Dancing star will join comics Frank Skinner and Rhod Gilbert to offer her verdict on the eight celebrity acts performing in the charity dance-off. "I'm thrilled to be joining the panel on the Let's Dance final this Saturday night and looking forward to the run-ins with Rhod and Frank in deciding who has danced that extra mile for Sport Relief!" said Phillips. The acts and the routines they will be performing in the grand final are: Terry Alderton - Tina Turner 'Proud Mary'
Tameka Empson and Laurie Brett - Lady GaGa and Beyoncé 'Telephone'
Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards - (more)...
Tameka Empson and Laurie Brett - Lady GaGa and Beyoncé 'Telephone'
Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards - (more)...
- 3/16/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Laurie Brett has joined the cast of 'Waterloo Road'. The former 'EastEnders' actress - who portrayed Jane Beale in the BBC One soap - will play Scottish-born English teacher Christine Mulgrew when the school drama moves north of the border next month. Hailing from Scotland originally, Laurie is pleased to have been given the opportunity to finally use her ''native accent'' now that a new school - previously based in Rochdale - has been set up by 'Waterloo Road' headmaster Michael Byrne (Michael Newman). She told the Scottish Sun newspaper: ''I am thrilled to be joining 'Waterloo Road'. I have watched...
- 3/16/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Ex-EastEnders star Laurie Brett has joined the cast of Waterloo Road. Best known for playing Jane Beale in the Albert Square soap, the actress will start filming when the school drama relocates to Scotland next month. She will play Scotland-born Christine Mulgrew, an English teacher appointed by headmaster Michael Byrne (Alec Newman) when he sets up the new school in the eighth series. "I am thrilled to be joining Waterloo Road," Brett said in a statement. "I have watched it on and off from the start as my good friend Jill Halfpenny was in the first series. "The character I will be playing is such a complex woman, with many issues, and it (more)...
- 3/15/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Laurie Brett, Tameka Empson and Terry Alderton have been voted through to the final of Let's Dance for Sport Relief. EastEnders actresses Brett and Empson were the first celebrities chosen to progress, as they received the greatest number of public votes. The pair began the show with a rendition of Lady GaGa's 'Telephone', which saw Brett wearing Coca-Cola can hair rollers and a American flag dress, and Empson in a red, white and blue outfit similar to that of Beyoncé in the song's video. Alderton was later chosen by judges Greg Davies and Keith Lemon to compete for the show crown next month. The comedian performed a routine to Tina (more)...
- 2/18/2012
- by By Amy Bell
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Jane and Tanya are heading for an almighty row in Thursday night's episode of the soap. Following the pair's recent misunderstanding, Tanya (Jo Joyner) is oblivious to the fact that her best friend is still planning to move to Cardiff - leaving Jane (Laurie Brett) guilt-stricken as she can't bring herself to tell the truth. As they spend time together at The Vic, Tanya reveals just how much it means to her that Jane will be sticking around - and from the outside, their friendship (more)...
- 1/25/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Jane Beale gets a pleasant surprise as she lands a lucrative job opportunity in tonight's episode of the soap. Jane (Laurie Brett) is thrilled this evening as her 'bangers and mash, give us your cash' event at The Vic is a roaring success - mostly thanks to a local radio interview she has done to promote the cause. However, Jane's promotional efforts also have an unexpected outcome as her old haute cuisine tutor Gethin Williams arrives at the pub, having heard (more)...
- 1/17/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders fans will see Zainab Masood's dangerous relationship with Yusef Khan reach an explosive climax on Christmas Day after she continues her attempts to escape his clutches. With Kamil's whereabouts still unknown after Yusef (Ace Bhatti) took him away from the Square, Zainab and Masood are forced to plot against the twisted doctor in secret - desperate to find any way of getting their young son back safely. As Zainab (Nina Wadia) and Masood (Nitin Ganatra) work together in their attempts to save Kamil, the old spark between them is reignited and they share a kiss - unaware that a shocked Jane Beale is watching them. Devastated that Masood has betrayed her, Jane (Laurie Brett) drunkenly tells Yusef what she saw - without realising the danger she is putting Zainab in by revealing the truth. On Christmas Day in Walford, Yusef angrily confronts (more)...
- 12/20/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Zainab tries to hurt Masood by boasting about her future with Yusef in Thursday night's episode of the soap. When Zainab spots Masood and Jane (Laurie Brett) kissing on the Square, she is hurt and feels that her ex's actions are disrespectful. Sensing her heartbreak, Yusef (Ace Bhatti) tries to reassure Zainab over their own future - promising that they can soon get married. Zainab isn't impressed by Yusef's unromantic proposal (more)...
- 11/30/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders star Laurie Brett has confirmed that the door will be left open for her character Jane at the end of her current stint on the soap. The actress is now back on screen as Jane after taking time off for maternity leave, but as announced in October, she is only back for a few months as she wants to spend as much time as possible with her baby daughter Erin. Brett told This Morning today: "It's such a hamster wheel to run on, EastEnders - it's such a massive machine and the hours are so long. So I've decided just to go back for a few months and give myself a bit of flexibility after that. "I don't want to miss the whole first year and everything that happens with the baby within that. I think that, if I've waited this long to have one, then I should enjoy it.
- 11/10/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Tanya Jessop's behaviour begins to cause concern on EastEnders next week as she has a wild night out in order to avoid thinking about her illness. The mum-of-three, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer earlier this year, decides that it's time to have some fun when Jane (Laurie Brett) turns up on her doorstep with a bottle of wine. As the pair have a catch-up, Tanya (Jo Joyner) decides not to tell her friend about her current situation, but she does agree to head out for the night with Jane. In the end, though, Jane has to change her plans so Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) suggests to Tanya that they could have a mother-daughter night out instead. Although Lauren's unsure whether her mum should be drinking while she's having treatment, Tanya makes her promise that they won't discuss her illness tonight. Later, at The Vic, Tanya gets (more)...
- 11/8/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Jane Beale's old spark with Masood Ahmed is still apparent as she makes her return to EastEnders next week. As reported at the weekend, Jane arrives back in Walford to bring Bobby home when the youngster goes looking for her unexpectedly. Following a frosty encounter with Ian, Jane (Laurie Brett) heads off to find Christian but ends up bumping into Masood. The pair soon have a catch-up over recent events and it's clear that there's still chemistry between them. Masood (Nitin Ganatra) later gets cold feet over spending time with Jane as he feels that his family and Zainab (Nina Wadia) need him at the moment. However, when Masood (more)...
- 11/1/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders welcomes back Jane Beale next month as she makes a surprise reappearance on Albert Square following her time away. The build-up to Jane's return begins when Bobby goes looking for her, leaving Ian (Adam Woodyatt) frantic with worry as he has no idea where his son has gone. Hours later, Ian arrives home after searching for the youngster and is shocked to find Bobby there. However, Bobby hasn't come back alone as Jane has brought him home and is livid with Ian for letting him run off. An EastEnders insider commented: "Ian can't believe that Jane is back on the Square. She is not impressed with Ian's parenting or his relationship with Mandy. "Jane insists that Bobby should come and live with her while Ian is going through his apparent mid-life crisis. What will Ian do?" In real life, Laurie Brett is reprising her (more)...
- 10/29/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders star Laurie Brett has revealed that she is "delighted" to be back at the soap after agreeing to reprise her role as Jane Collins for a brief stint. As previously rumoured, Jane will soon return to screens and it has now emerged that her comeback scenes will air next month after her adoptive son Bobby Beale decides to go looking for her. Once Jane has made her reappearance, she quickly realises that there are reasons she needs to stick around in Walford for a while. EastEnders bosses have teased that there could be drama in store as Jane's return will no doubt cause problems for her ex-husband Ian (Adam Woodyatt), who now has Mandy Salter (Nicola Stapleton) living under his roof. Speaking of her comeback for the first time, Brett exclusively told Digital Spy: "I am delighted to be back at EastEnders as (more)...
- 10/19/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Jane Beale will make a hasty vow to become a practising Muslim as she embarks on a relationship with Masood Ahmed in a forthcoming storyline, reports have revealed. Jane returns to Walford next month as actress Laurie Brett, who plays her, has now completed her maternity leave following the arrival of her baby daughter Erin. After making her Walford comeback, Jane will decide to make a go of things with Masood, according to the Daily Star. The pair have had feelings for each other for some time, and recently divorced their respective partners Ian (Adam Woodyatt) and Zainab (Nina Wadia). In a further twist, Jane will also make an unexpected promise to convert to Islam in order to fully commit to Masood (Nitin Ganatra). An EastEnders insider told Digital Spy: "Jane makes her vow when Ian tells her (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
The latest issue of Inside Soap has some cast and character updates which will no doubt be of interest to fans of EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale. For EastEnders, it's been confirmed that Jane Beale and Max Branning will both make their on-screen comebacks in November. As viewers will remember, Jane departed screens earlier this year as actress Laurie Brett took maternity leave. Jane left Albert Square after her marriage had crumbled - but could she be returning to find Ian already planning his next wedding as we know that he proposes to Mandy next week? Meanwhile, Max (Jake Wood) has been absent from Walford life since August, when his affair with Tanya came to light in explosive circumstances. His reappearance should see him thrown right back in the thick of things with the Brannings and the Crosses. Jo Joyner, who plays (more)...
- 10/11/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Ian Beale will reportedly claim that his wife is dead, in a bid to win the affections of a Walford newcomer. The Albert Square businessman has been married four times, with his most recent ex-wife Jane leaving after winning the café in their divorce. The plot saw actress Laurie Brett, who gave birth to a baby girl last month, exit on maternity leave. Ian (Adam Woodyatt) will realise that he can win women's sympathy with his story, after deciding to "get back on the horse" and begin dating again, the Daily Star claims. (more)...
- 7/4/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
John Partridge wants to be a "big gay uncle" to Laurie Brett's daughter. After Laurie gave birth to her first child Erin Anne Millie Brett, weighing 6lb 2oz, in May, her 'EastEnders' co-star - who plays her alter-ego Jane Beale's on-screen brother Christian Clarke in the BBC One soap - quickly assumed the role of "trendy" uncle. She said: "Johnny Partridge says he's Erin's big gay uncle and he's going to buy her really trendy clothes." Despite loving being a first-time mum at the age of 42, Laurie - who met Erin's dad, actor Johnny Milroy, 13 months ago - admitted she is...
- 6/15/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
EastEnders star Laurie Brett has confirmed that she is overjoyed following the arrival of her first child. The actress, who plays Jane Beale on the Walford soap, recently gave birth to a baby girl named Erin Anne Millie Brett in a private London hospital. Brett has now spoken publicly about being a new mum in an interview with Hello magazine, revealing that she and partner Johnny Milroy are "ecstatic" over the new arrival. The 42-year-old also confessed that she found herself listening to Milroy's favourite Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet songs throughout the birth as she was keen to hear music (more)...
- 6/14/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Masood Ahmed is to declare his love for Jane Beale in 'EastEnders'. As both character's marriages slowly disintegrate in the BBC One soap, the restaurant owner finally opens up about his true feelings. However, while spilling the beans on the matters of his heart, Maood is unaware he and Jane are being watched from afar by his love rival Yusef Khan, the ex-husband of his wife Zainab. Jane (Laurie Brett) - who is married to Walford wimp Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) - feels the same way about Masood and asks him to run away with her, but is left dejected after he tells...
- 5/4/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has explained why his character Masood Ahmed turns down the chance of a future with Jane Beale in next week's episodes. As revealed at the weekend, Masood and Jane (Laurie Brett) will soon declare their love for each other during a moment alone, but they both end up agreeing that they cannot be together. The latest twist for the pair begins after Jane gets drunk and sets her sights on Masood following a fight night at the boxing club.
Pictured: Masood and Jane declare their love for each other. Speaking to Inside Soap, Ganatra commented: "Jane is on a downward spiral after the breakdown of her marriage to Ian and asks Masood to run away with her. Masood almost contemplates it. He tells Jane that he (more)...
Pictured: Masood and Jane declare their love for each other. Speaking to Inside Soap, Ganatra commented: "Jane is on a downward spiral after the breakdown of her marriage to Ian and asks Masood to run away with her. Masood almost contemplates it. He tells Jane that he (more)...
- 5/3/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders' Ian Beale will get with a mystery woman in a bid to make his estranged wife jealous. The weedy businessman (Adam Woodyatt) is hoping for a reconciliation with Jane but his plans are dashed when he sees her kissing another man in the Queen Vic, so he embarks on a relationship with newcomer Jeanette to show Jane what she's missing. However, when he does bump into Jane (Laurie Brett), she is more interested in sorting out an amicable divorce so Ian does his best to make her more jealous. An insider said: "Jane seems cool about Ian's new love interest. So he...
- 4/28/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
EastEnders' Jane Beale is set to get her own back on love-cheat husband Ian by having a one-night stand. The downtrodden cafe manager - played by Laurie Brett - is to go on a booze-fuelled night with her friends at Walford local The Queen Vic, where she meets a hunky stranger called Martin. After a night of flirting, they head back to his house where viewers will see her slip between the sheets with the mystery man, played by Alasdair Harvey. It is not known whether Jane will come clean to Ian (Adam Woodyatt) about her antics. The character has been planning...
- 4/6/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
EastEnders' Jane Beale is set to get her own back on love-cheat husband Ian by having a one-night stand. The downtrodden cafe manager - played by Laurie Brett - is to go on a booze-fuelled night with her friends at Walford local The Queen Vic, where she meets a hunky stranger called Martin. After a night of flirting, they head back to his house where viewers will see her slip between the sheets with the mystery man, played by Alasdair Harvey. It is not known whether Jane will come clean to Ian (Adam Woodyatt) about her antics. The character has been planning...
- 4/4/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Laurie Brett has revealed that her EastEnders co-star Steve McFadden has been showering her with gifts since she confirmed the news of her pregnancy. The actress, who plays caterer Jane Beale on the Walford soap, is expecting her first child with partner Johnny Milroy. In an interview with Hello magazine, Brett explained that McFadden - better known as Albert Square hardman Phil Mitchell - has been particularly supportive in recent weeks. She said: "I keep arriving at my dressing room to find that Steve McFadden has left all sorts of gifts outside my door, including a beautiful (more)...
- 3/14/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
EastEnders actress Laurie Brett is expecting her first child, it has been revealed. The star, best known for her role as broody Jane Beale in the BBC soap, is due to give birth in early summer. Brett's pregnancy will be hidden on screen as Jane is unable to have children following a hysterectomy. A source told the News of the World: "Laurie's over the moon. Many of her plotlines centre on Jane's desire for kids. But after she (more)...
- 1/9/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Stars of EastEnders and Coronation Street have teamed up for an exclusive mini-episode for BBC's Children In Need, it had been confirmed. Residents of both Albert Square and Weatherfield will find themselves coming face-to-face with each other in the charity special. The crossover comes in the year both soaps celebrate significant anniversaries. EastEnders cast members confirmed to be involved include: John Partridge (Christian Clarke), Laurie Brett (Jane Beale), Nina Wadia (Zainab Masood), Charlie G. Hawkins (Darren Miller) and Kylie Babbington (more)...
- 11/8/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
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