West End star Mazz Murray has joined the cast of BBC One soap EastEnders in the role of Cleo, the mother of incel teen Joel Marshall, played by her real-life nephew Max Murray. Her first scenes air in the episode released July 15, 2026, on BBC iPlayer.
Mazz Murray's theatre and music career
Mazz, aged 51, is best known for her extensive theatre work, including productions such as Fame, Rent and Chicago. In 2015, she joined the cast of Mamma Mia! as Tanya, departing in 2017. She returned in 2019 as Donna Sheridan and left the West End production in 2025. She also performed in the girl group Woman alongside her sister Gina, Anna-Jane Casey and Emma Kershaw, debuting with the single 'I'm A Woman'.
Cleo's arrival in Walford
Cleo arrives in Walford with her son Joel, revealing that despite a previous arrangement, her criminal son can no longer live with her. This news shocks ex-husband Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and his new wife Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), who had previously made it clear that Joel could not live in Walford. Ross faces an impossible choice between his new wife and his son.
Mazz, who is Max Murray's aunt, 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!'
Fan reactions to Mazz's casting
Fans expressed excitement on social media. Kat wrote: 'Aww I love that Mazz Murray is playing Cleo'. Martin said: 'This is going to be so good! The wonderful Mazz Murray, playing her real life nephew’s mum in EastEnders tonight & tomorrow'. Jo added: 'Amazing, Mazz is fab'. Michelle wrote: 'A west end legend omgggg brilliant casting xx'. Char said: 'THIS IS FOR ME AND NO ONE ELSE!!!!'
Joel's return sparks teen revenge plot
Joel's return causes tension at school, where Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), Nugget Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury) and Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) confront him. Realising no one wants him around, Joel books a one-way train ticket but is offered an olive branch by Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) after he helps Janet Mitchell (Grace). Ross finds Joel at the tube station and persuades him to stay, but Amy and Avani, upon learning he is not leaving, plot revenge. They invite him to a park celebration for the end of the school year, but when he arrives, Avani, Lily, Amy, Nugget, Denzel Danes (Jaden Luke Ladega), Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman) and Ricky Branning (Frankie Day) lock him to a fence and soak him in beer while filming his humiliation. Later, police officer Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) receives a call that Joel has been attacked. The teens' prank may have serious consequences.
