We finally get to meet troubled Joel Marshall’s mum in EastEnders tomorrow (15 July).
Cleo – the ex-wife of Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) – was often spoken about last year when the father and son arrived in Walford.
At the time, Joel told classmate Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) that his mother had abandoned him as a child, and on one occasion, branded her a “slapper”.
Now he’s been left with no choice but to reunite with her, after being released from a stretch in a young offender’s institute.
Ross’s new wife Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) expressed no desire to welcome him back to Albert Square, after he knocked her unconscious in sickening scenes that aired in October.
She bravely faced him in the courtroom, and although her ordeal seemed to be over when he was handed a sentence, she knew that one day she’d have to deal with his inevitable return.
The couple arrive back from their honeymoon to a huge shock – it’s Cleo, with Joel in tow, revealing that she no longer wants her son to live with her.
Ross is then faced with an impossible decision, as he’s forced to choose between his new wife, and his only son.
The BBC One soap has now confirmed that Mazz Murray – the aunt of Joel actor Max Murray – will take on the guest role of Cleo.
Speaking of her new role, the actress said: “It was so wonderful to be part of these EastEnders episodes as we delve into Joel’s familial past, and my experience was made all the better working alongside my talented, gorgeous nephew Max.
“And also, my childhood school friend Alex Walkinshaw playing my ex-husband!”
Mazz is best known for her stage credits, having played Donna Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia: The Musical for six years. For two years prior to that, she played Tanya in the same show.
Other parts include Mama Morton in Chicago, Killer Queen in We Will Rock You and Maureen in Rent.
Long term EastEnders viewers may also recognise her as Julie, a woman who booked Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) through an escort agency in 2017. 13 years earlier, she played Miranda in two episodes.
She also played a shop assistant in Ben Elton sitcom Blessed, and earlier in her career, had a guest role in The Bill.
Read more:
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- EastEnders legend teases “dangerous” dynamic between Max Branning and Cindy Beale
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