Former Casualty star Jason Durr is set to join the cast of EastEnders as a local councilman who catches the eye of Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright. Durr, best known for playing David Hide on the BBC One medical drama between 2016 and 2023, will arrive in Walford as Clive Masters in upcoming scenes following sad news about the community centre.
Community Centre at Risk Sparks New Alliance
With the beloved building at risk of redevelopment, Clive soon appears as the residents of the Square rally together to make a stand. Much like she did with the market when it faced a shaky future in 2014, Linda is front and centre of the mission to save the Community Centre, leading the charge. Clive shows his support for their cause and sparks a friendship with Linda, and it is not long before the former Queen Vic landlady realises that there might be more to their budding friendship than meets the eye.
Jason Durr's Excitement About the Role
Former Heartbeat star Jason has already started filming for his guest stint in Walford, with his scenes set to air this summer. 'Few shows command their place in the national conversation quite like EastEnders, so I’m delighted to be joining the cast as Clive Masters,' he said of his casting. 'Working with the wonderful Kellie Bright has been an absolute joy and pleasure from day one. All the cast, crew and production staff have been incredibly generous, welcoming and good humoured. I’m excited for audiences to meet Clive and see what’s in store.'
Linda's Troubled Past and Potential Happiness
Linda has been through a lot in the past couple of years, from losing beloved husband and lifelong soulmate Mick (Danny Dyer) to battling her alcoholism, not to mention struggling with guilt after she murdered Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) to save her best friend, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), who helped her cover up the crime. After so much trauma, will Clive provide Linda with some long overdue happiness? If so, just how will ex Max Branning (Jake Wood) react? The car salesman, despite being engaged to Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and having an affair with Priya Nandra-Hart (Sophie Khan Levy), was jealous of Linda's relationship with Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) earlier this year, so it is safe to assume that he will have something to say about Clive.
Fan Reactions to the Casting
Fans have reacted all over social media to the announcement of Jason's casting. Kim Davenport said: 'Loved him in Heartbeat and Casualty, lovely that he is coming back to prime time TV, might start watching EastEnders again.' Gina Wooding added: 'Loved Jason Durr in Heartbeat and more recently Casualty.' Kim Thomas wrote: 'Lovely to see Linda with someone nice, Jason Durr is a brilliant actor, loved him in Casualty as David, he was in Heartbeat as well.' Anne Witherington agreed: 'Love Linda’s character, meeting a nice man, will give her the life she deserves hopefully. Such a brilliant actress!!' Malinda Johnson said: 'Jason Durr, he’s been on Casualty & Heartbeat. Brilliant actor.' Sharon Simmons-Petts added: 'Be lovely to see him back on our screens again.' Liz Hicks concurred: 'Jason Durr who was in Casualty and Heartbeat. Good actor so I love this. Linda needs a bit of happiness.'
EastEnders Airs on BBC One
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
