EastEnders fans will meet Joel Murray's mother, Cleo, this week, portrayed by theatre legend Mazz Murray. Cleo, who previously contacted Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) in August last year to announce her remarriage, arrives in Walford on Wednesday, July 15, on BBC iPlayer for a two-episode cameo.
Cleo arrives with son Joel (Max Murray), revealing he can no longer live with her despite earlier arrangements. This shocks ex-husband Ross and his new wife Vicki (Alice Haig), especially after Joel's past attack left Vicki hospitalised. Ross faces an impossible choice between his wife and his son.
Real-Life Connections on Set
Mazz Murray is the real-life aunt of Max Murray, who plays Joel. She also attended school with Alex Walkinshaw, who plays Ross. 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."
Previous EastEnders Appearances
This is not Mazz's first time in Albert Square. She appeared in 2004 as Miranda, a waitress who brawled with Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison) and Shirley Carter (Linda Henry). In 2017, she played Julie, a divorced woman who hired Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) as a male escort. Additionally, in 2014, her sister Gina Murray (Max's mother) played Helen, a hair specialist helping Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) with a wig during cancer treatment.
Career Highlights
Mazz is best known for playing Donna Sheridan in the West End production Mamma Mia! and Killer Queen in We Will Rock You. Her TV credits include Footballers' Wives, Blessed, Fimbles, and a guest judge role on BBC Three's RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer from 6am.
