EastEnders fans are set to meet Joel Marshall's mother Cleo this week, played by theatre legend Mazz Murray. The character, who has been absent from Walford, will finally appear in two episodes starting Wednesday, July 15 on BBC iPlayer.
Plot Details
Cleo contacted Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) last August to inform him of her marriage to someone else. Since then, Ross has been a single parent, but the former couple reunite this week. Cleo arrives with son Joel (Max Murray) and reveals that Joel can no longer live with her, contrary to a previous agreement.
This bombshell comes as Ross and his new wife Vicki (Alice Haig) return from their honeymoon. Joel previously faced prosecution for an assault that left Vicki in hospital. Vicki had insisted Joel should not remain in Walford for the good of their marriage, leaving Ross with an agonizing choice between his new wife and his son.
Real-Life Connections
Mazz Murray is the real-life aunt of Max Murray, who plays Joel. She also attended school with Alex Walkinshaw (Ross). Discussing her role, Mazz 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."
This is not Mazz's first appearance in EastEnders. She played Miranda, a waitress involved in a fight with Heather Trott and Shirley Carter in 2004. Thirteen years later, she returned as Julie, a divorcee who hired Keanu Taylor as a male escort. In 2014, Mazz's sister Gina Murray (Max's real-life mother) appeared as Helen, a hair specialist helping Carol Jackson choose a wig during cancer treatment.
Career Highlights
Mazz is best known for her role as Donna Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia! and as Killer Queen in the Queen musical We Will Rock You. Her television credits include Footballers' Wives, Blessed, Fimbles, and a guest judging stint on BBC Three's RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am.
