EastEnders has secured a major new addition to its cast with the signing of Holby City star Dawn Steele, who will take on a pivotal role in Albert Square that promises to create significant drama for established character Zoe Slater.
Dawn Steele's Exciting Move to Walford
Scottish actress Dawn Steele, aged 50, is set to join the long-running BBC soap opera as Sandra Goodwin. Steele is best known for her portrayal of Ange Godard in the medical drama Holby City, a role she played until the series concluded in 2022. She will appear alongside her on-screen adopted son, Joshua Vaughan, played by another actor.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun this week, Dawn expressed her enthusiasm about joining the iconic show. 'I was thrilled to be asked to play the role of Sandra who arrives and throws a spanner or two into the Square!' she revealed. 'It was so great to go back to Elstree after the end of Holby City. Lots of the same crew (and a few cast!) are still there so it was joyful to see them all again.'
Adapting to Soap Filming and a Warm Welcome
The actress added that she received a warm welcome upon her return to the studios and enjoyed adapting to the distinct filming style of a soap opera. However, she emphasized that it was ultimately Sandra's compelling and dramatic storyline that convinced her to sign on for the role.
'But it was Sandra’s storyline and character that really made me want to do it and I’m sure viewers will be thrilled with another piece of the puzzle ahead of the trial, Sandra’s timing couldn’t be better, or worse,' Steele continued, hinting at the turbulent narrative ahead.
Dramatic Plot Developments for Zoe Slater
According to reports from The Sun, Zoe Slater, portrayed by Michelle Ryan, will be left stunned later this month when her long-lost son Josh arrives in Walford with his adopted mother Sandra. Sandra heads to Albert Square seeking answers about Jasmine, Josh's twin sister, who is currently awaiting trial for killing her father Anthony Trueman during the Christmas period.
Sandra is also set to expose shocking new details about her daughter's past, adding further layers to the unfolding drama. Meanwhile, Josh secretly follows Sandra to Walford while searching for her, unaware that his biological family are living nearby, setting the stage for emotional confrontations and revelations.
Clare Bates Returns After 18-Year Absence
In another significant casting development, Clare Bates is set to return to EastEnders after a remarkable 18-year absence. The BBC has teased the upcoming drama with shock first-look images, building anticipation among fans.
Played by Gemma Bissix, now 42, Clare will briefly return to the square as part of her on-screen father Albert's heartbreaking battle with dementia. The character originally left the soap in 1993 at age 14 to train as an electrician, leaving the door open for a return, which happened briefly in 2008 when she had seemingly transformed into a maneater.
Gemma Bissix Reflects on Emotional Return
Gemma Bissix shared her thoughts on returning to the show after such a long hiatus. 'It's been an absolute pleasure to be back, and a privilege to be involved in Nigel's poignant dementia storyline,' she said. 'I think it's a storyline that sadly resonates with so many people and it's been a real full circle moment for me, as EastEnders is where I learnt my craft, as I was on the show from the age of 9.'
Clare was a prominent character on the show between 1993 and 1998, involved in various hard-hitting storylines tackling issues like domestic violence and custody battles. Bissix explained that the reunion provided a unique opportunity to reconnect with one of her oldest colleagues, Paul Bradley, who plays Nigel Bates.
'It was a long time coming, and I was just so chuffed because I haven’t seen Paul Bradley in over 20 years, and so to be able to reconnect with him and work with him again felt like time had stood still,' she said. 'It was like no time had passed at all, and Paul is exactly the same lovely person he was before.'
Legacy and Nostalgia on Set
Bissix added that it was also 'lovely' to work with Steve McFadden again and reflected on her close relationship with the late Barbara Windsor. 'I was also really close to Barbara Windsor when I worked there before, and she got me my agent when I left, and I’m still with that agency to this day, so there’s such a legacy for me there,' she shared.
'The funniest thing is the people who really haven’t changed to me are Jane Slaughter who plays Tracy, Ulric who plays Winston, and some of the actors in the market as they've been there for the best part of 20 years,' Bissix noted, highlighting the enduring nature of the show's community.
Upcoming Drama and Storyline Teasers
Gemma's return will see Clare open up about her long absence from Albert Square, with plenty of drama expected as she realises how unwell her father is. This subplot adds to the rich tapestry of narratives unfolding in Walford, complementing the new turmoil brought by Dawn Steele's character Sandra Goodwin.
EastEnders continues to air on BBC One and is available for streaming on iPlayer, offering fans ongoing access to these compelling storylines and character developments.
