EastEnders fans were left stunned after spotting iconic character Elaine Peacock in a repeat episode of ITV's Midsomer Murders. Harriet Thorpe, 68, who plays the feisty Queen Vic landlady, appeared in the 2021 episode titled 'The Stitcher Society'.
Eagle-eyed viewers took to Reddit to share their surprise, with one posting a screenshot of Thorpe in a floral kaftan and colourful necklace, similar to her EastEnders style. Another joked: 'It seems she has a consistent costume department.'
Thorpe joined EastEnders in 2023, but is no stranger to television, having previously starred in Absolutely Fabulous, Calendar Girls, and The Brittas Empire. This marks her second appearance in Midsomer Murders, having first appeared in a 2006 episode.
She is not the only EastEnders star to appear in other dramas. Lacey Turner (Stacey Slater) appeared in Bedlam, while Shaun Dooley (Tom Stuart) has been in Silent Witness and Broadchurch. Jake Wood (Max Branning) once appeared in The Bill, and Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) had a long stint in the same show.
Back in Albert Square, Elaine is at the centre of a dramatic storyline. She recently broke off her marriage to George after admitting to sleeping with another man, following a confrontation with his ex-wife Cindy Beale. Elaine subsequently collapsed twice and suffered a heart attack, leading her to agree to sell the pub with Linda.
