In a revelation that bridges the worlds of Westminster and Walford, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper has shared her astonishing discovery of a hidden family connection to one of Britain's most beloved television institutions.
The MP for St Albans made the unexpected find during lockdown, when like many Britons she found herself watching classic episodes of EastEnders. Little did she know that her casual viewing would uncover a remarkable piece of family history.
The Moment of Realisation
"I was absolutely gobsmacked," Cooper confessed when describing the moment she recognised her own relative on screen. The discovery came while watching vintage episodes of the long-running BBC soap that first aired decades before she entered politics.
The MP revealed that the family member in question had a significant role during the show's early years, though she's chosen to keep their identity private out of respect for their privacy.
From Albert Square to the Commons
This unexpected family link adds a colourful thread to Cooper's political tapestry. The 44-year-old politician, who has served as MP for St Albans since 2019, now finds herself with a unique connection to British cultural history.
"It just shows you never know what family secrets might be waiting to be discovered," she mused, reflecting on how ordinary activities during the pandemic led to this extraordinary personal revelation.
A Shared British Experience
Cooper's story resonates with many who used lockdown to explore family histories or reconnect with cultural touchstones. EastEnders, which has been broadcasting since 1985, forms part of the collective memory for generations of British viewers.
The MP's discovery highlights how even public figures can stumble upon surprising personal connections to the entertainment that has shaped national conversation for nearly four decades.
While Cooper continues her work in Westminster, she now carries with her this unexpected link to Albert Square - proving that sometimes truth really is stranger, and more entertaining, than fiction.
