Mazz Murray, a celebrated West End theatre star known for her role as Donna in Mamma Mia from 2019 to 2025, is returning to EastEnders after more than two decades. She will appear alongside her real-life nephew, Max Murray, who plays the returning villain Joel Marshall. The duo will feature in two episodes starting Wednesday, 15 July.
Plot Details and Character Dynamics
Mazz portrays Cleo Marshall, Joel's estranged and flighty mother. Cleo was expected to take over Joel's care after his release from prison, but she informs her ex-husband Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his new wife Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) that she can no longer do so. This revelation comes just as Ross and Vicki return from their honeymoon, following Joel's attack on Vicki, which left her hospitalized. The couple had previously agreed that Joel would not live with them, but Ross is now forced to choose between his wife and his son.
Personal Connections and Previous Appearances
Mazz expressed her delight at the role, stating: “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 stint on the soap; she previously appeared in 2004 as Miranda, a waitress involved in a brawl with Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison) and Shirley Carter (Linda Henry). In 2017, she returned as Julie, a divorced woman who hired Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) as a male escort.
Family Legacy in Entertainment
Mazz's sister and Max's mother, Gina Murray, also appeared on EastEnders in 2014 as Helen, a hair specialist who helped Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) find a wig during cancer treatment. The Murray family has deep roots in show business. Their mother, Grazina Frame, performed in stage shows like Cabaret and provided singing voices for Carole Gray in The Young Ones and Lauri Peters in Summer Holiday. In the 1960s, she recorded songs with Cliff Richard. Their father, Mitch Murray, is a renowned songwriter with two Ivor Novello Awards, penning hits such as 'I Like It' by Gerry and the Peacemakers, 'The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde' by Georgie Fame, 'Goodbye Sam, Hello Samantha' by Cliff Richard, and 'Is This the Way to Amarillo?' by Tony Christie. Tony Christie called Mitch and his collaborator Peter Callander the "star songwriters of the day." Mitch also wrote a book, How to Write a Hit Song, which inspired a 12-year-old Sting to start writing music; Sting has referred to Mitch as his "mentor."
Mazz's Career Highlights
Beyond Mamma Mia, Mazz played the Killer Queen in the Queen jukebox musical We Will Rock You. When she got married, Brian May performed at her wedding.
