logo
Coronation Street fans stunned as they realise EastEnders star had forgotten role in the ITV soap – do you remember her?

Coronation Street fans stunned as they realise EastEnders star had forgotten role in the ITV soap – do you remember her?

The Sun28-04-2025

CORONATION Street fans have been left gobsmacked after discovering an EastEnders' star's forgotten role in the soap.
Only a few actors over the years have played regular characters in both shows.
4
4
Zaraah Abrahams, 38, is currently starring as Chelsea Fox in the BBC soap.
But viewers have been stunned after learning of Zaraah's past role in Corrie.
She played Joanne Jackson from 2005 until ultimately departing in 2007.
Taking to X, a fan wrote: "Just flicked onto #ClassicCorrie. OMG I didn't know Zaraah Abrahams ( Chelsea Fox in #EastEnders) was on Classic Corrie."
A third shared: "I cannot believe you did not know. Surely!
"She also starred in Waterloo Road after she left Weatherfield."
Joanne was introduced to Corrie alongside "twin sister" Jessie (Nailah Cumberbatch) - later revealed to be her cousin.
She had relationships with Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson), Jamie Baldwin (Rupert Hill) and Liam Connor (Robert-James Collier).
The character left having been paid £5,000 by Carla Connor (Alison King) for her silence amid a legal dispute.
Zaraah joined the cast of EastEnders in 2020, becoming the second actress to play Chelsea.
She succeeded Tiana Benjamin, who originated the role from 2006 to 2010.
Speaking at the time of her casting, Zaraah said: "I am so excited to be joining such an iconic show and I am really looking forward to taking on the role of Chelsea Fox."
It's not the first time fans have spotted the actress pop up in another show.
Fans were floored after spotting a pre-famous Zaraah in legendary CITV kids' show, Jungle Run.
A fan shared a TikTok clip from the kids programme on a Facebook EastEnders fan page.
In the video, Zaraah participates in Jungle Run alongside two friends.
The fan captioned the post: "Just saw this. It's Chelsea playing Jungle Run back in 2005,' along with a laughing face emoji.
Soap characters who've been recast
Soap operas are staple viewing for many people, but even some of the most famous characters have been played by different actors. Here are some examples from over the years.
Coronation Street
Tracy Barlow: Kate Ford took on the role of Corrie legend Tracy Barlow in 2002. Before Kate, three other actresses had played Tracy - most notably Dawn Acton from 1988 to 1999.
Nick Tilsley: Ben Price has been playing Gail's oldest child in 2009, but the former Footballers' Wives star is the third actor to take on the part.
Sarah Platt: Although Tina O'Brien debuted as Sarah Platt in 1999, she is the third actress who has played the iconic role of Sarah Platt.
David Platt: Completing the line-up of Gail's children, David was initially played by Thomas Ormson for a decade before Jack P. Shepherd took over.
Daniel Osbourne: For almost a decade, the role of Ken Barlow's son Daniel has been portrayed by actor Rob Mallard. Before Rob joined, two other actors had previously played Daniel.
Bethany Platt: Fans know Lucy Fallon as Bethany nowadays but before her, three other actresses had stepped into the character's shoes.
Kirk Sutherland: Before Andy Whyment took on the role of Kirk, he played by an uncredited actor in his very first appearance.
Todd Grimshaw: Gareth Pierce stepped into the role of Todd back in 2020, becoming the second performer to play this part.
Summer Spellman: Harriet Bibby became the second actress to play Summer, taking over the role from Matilda Freeman in 2020.
Ryan Connor: Ryan Prescott currently plays the long-running character, but Ben Thompson and Sol Heras had earlier portrayed the role.
EastEnders
Martin Fowler: Although Martin was the first baby born on-screen in EastEnders, he hasn't always been played by the same person. His current portrayer, James Bye, is the third actor to star as the character.
Peter Beale: Seven actors have portrayed Ian Beale's elder son, with the current actor, Thomas Law, in his second stint as the character.
Ben Mitchell: Ben has been played by a total of six actors - with Max Bowden bowing out of the role in March 2024.
Bobby Beale: Before Clay Milner Russell, Ian's younger son had been played by four other actors.
Freddie Slater: Bobby's best mate, Freddie Slater, had been previously played by twins Alex and Tom Kilby before Bobby Brazier took over in 2022.
Chelsea Fox: Former Coronation Street actress Zaraah Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea in 2020. The character had been first played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010.
Lauren Branning: Jacqueline Jossa took on the role of Lauren in 2010, succeeding Madeline Duggan who'd played her from 2006 to 2010.
Johnny Carter: Johnny has been played by three actors since debuting in 2013 - most recently, Charlie Suff has taken on the role.
Fans were stunned and took to the comments section to share their disbelief.
One wrote: "Is that not zaraah Abraham's from Eastenders who plays Denise daughter Chelsea???'
A second added: "Yep!!! The voice is literally her.'
EastEnders continues on BBC One and iPlayer.
4

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Premier League legend is 'latest star to join Strictly Come Dancing 2025'
Premier League legend is 'latest star to join Strictly Come Dancing 2025'

Daily Mirror

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mirror

Premier League legend is 'latest star to join Strictly Come Dancing 2025'

Football fans could see a familiar face on the Strictly Come Dancing dancefloor this year - as former Leeds player Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has reportedly been signed to compete on the BBC show With the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing just weeks away from launching, more stars are being linked to the show - with a premiere league icon the latest to be tipped to star. Former Leeds United star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is said to be swapping soccer for sequins as a contestant on the long-running BBC show. The 53-year-old Dutch sportsman stands to be the latest in a long line of football legends to take to the Strictly dancefloor. He would follow the likes of Robbie Savage, Alex Scott and Tony Adams to bid for Glitterball Trophy victory. ‌ The former striker was hired as a coach for the England national team in 2023, but stepped away from responsibilities in August last year following manager Gareth Southgate's exit last August. With time on his hands, it is suggested Jimmy could be among the celebrities taking part in Strictly this year. ‌ A source told The Sun: 'Jimmy has a huge fanbase from his years playing in the Premier League and is a very likeable character. Show producers are always keen to book a retired footballer as it gets footie fans tuning into the series and becoming unlikely fans of the show. "Jimmy has a competitive edge and is going to get his head in the game.' The Mirror has contacted representatives of Jimmy and the BBC for comment. Olympian Sir Mo Farah, Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey - better known as Nitro - and former Big Brother contestant Yinrun Huang are among stars tipped to appear in the upcoming new season. Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke are all set to return for the 2025 season - which will be the 23rd in the long history of the show. But after the past two years, bosses are said to be worried about fresh scandal hitting the show. Stirctly has been dragged into disrepute in recent years amid accusations that professional dancers have been physically abusive to their celebrity dance partners. While the celebs have also been accused of offensive behaviour. ‌ Earlier this year, it was reported BBC bosses are practically paralyzed by a "terrible, terrible fear" that more scandal will hit the show - and there have been attempts to clean up the image of the series - and this could also impact star signings. It has been suggested the BBC are taking steps to go risk free and leaving no stone unturned to make sure the line-up is as safe as possible for the 2025 season. Blue Peter presenters Joel Mawhinney and Shini Muthukrishnan are said to be under consideration - as is Tom Parker Bowles, the son of Queen Camilla. Georgia Toffolo - the I'm a Celebrity Jungle Queen - is reportedly being lined up, as is Girls Aloud singer Nicola Roberts. Newly married former Love Island star Dani Dyer is being considered, it has been reported, with former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan another name high up on bosses' list. ‌ "There is a terrible, terrible fear among those high up that these awful things are going to keep happening and the show will be brought into disrepute again and again," one well-place BBC insider has told MailOnline. "With that in mind, they are taking no chances. "There will be stringent checks, and asking around, and digging into potential stars' backgrounds to make sure that they're not choosing anyone who might damage the show. For years, there was the whole Strictly 'curse' where the contestants and professionals kept having affairs. But that stopped. "Changes were made to the partnerships and it worked. There have been other issues in the past couple of years, though. What's been even more embarrassing for the BBC is that Wynne and Jamie have been from their own stable of stars. Going forward, those at the top want a wholesome image to shine through. No more scandal – just joy." The report came after 2024 contestant Jamie Borthwick, who is known for playing Jay Brown in the BBC soap EastEnders, was forced to issue a groveling apology after footage was reportedly uncovered showing him making derogatory comments about the people of Blackpool.

EastEnders' CONFIRM fan favourite returning to BBC soap after eight-years away from Albert Square
EastEnders' CONFIRM fan favourite returning to BBC soap after eight-years away from Albert Square

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

EastEnders' CONFIRM fan favourite returning to BBC soap after eight-years away from Albert Square

Oscar Branning is heading back to Albert Square after eight years away from EastEnders. The character, who hasn't featured in a storyline since 2017, is being recast with newcomer Pierre Moullier stepping into the role previously played by Charlee Hall. Oscar is the son of Tanya Branning, who left Walford years ago to escape her volatile marriage, taking a young Oscar with her. His last on-screen appearance was a fleeting one nearly a decade ago, when he returned briefly to celebrate Father's Day with Max at the Queen Vic. Now 17, Oscar has mostly stayed out of the family chaos in the past, unlike his sisters Lauren and Abi. But with his return next month, it looks like drama is on the horizon - and this time, Oscar may be stepping into the spotlight himself. Sharing his excitement about joining the soaps cast, Pierre told The Mirror: 'It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders - it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square. 'Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy!' Meanwhile executive producer Ben Wadey gushed: 'I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up.' Ben promised plenty of drama as he brings Oscar's character back to life for viewers. But Oscar's character is not the only one to be making a comeback, actor Jake Wood is also set to reprise his role as Max Branning later this year. His return comes a year after he celebrated being sober for over 20 years in December 2023. The actor, 52, opened up about his past struggles with alcohol as he filmed himself from his hot tub while reflecting on life. The soap star wore a woolly hat as he enjoyed a cigar while sending an inspirational message to his followers. Posting on Twitter, he said: 'So I'm sat here in a hot tub, having a cigar, it's pretty cool. 'And just reflecting on how grateful I am for all the amazing things I've got in my life. I've got an amazing family, beautiful family, fantastic friends. Everyone is happy and healthy. 'Also, and I don't really talk about this often, I just want to say that tonight I'm 20 years sober. [I] stopped drinking 20 years ago tonight and that changed my life in so many ways. 'It's immeasurable. So anyone on the same journey, I send you love and support, and if anyone's struggling there's help out there, alright?' He signed off by saying: 'You can do it. Love you guys. Happy New Year.' Jake captioned the post: 'I am 20 years sober tonight. So proud of myself and for anyone out there on a similar journey. 'If you are struggling there is help out there, please reach out and believe me if I did it you can too. Sending you all love & strength and a happy and healthy 2024.' Jake was inundated with support from friends and fans, including some of his former co-stars. Musician Nitin Sawhney wrote: 'Congratulations and have a great new year, Jake.' Danny Robbins, writer of West End production 2:22 A Ghost Story which Jake Wood has starred in, penned: 'Well done Jake. Great achievement. Happy New Year. See you soon x'.

Oscar Branning to return to EastEnders after eight years
Oscar Branning to return to EastEnders after eight years

Glasgow Times

time2 hours ago

  • Glasgow Times

Oscar Branning to return to EastEnders after eight years

Oscar Branning, the son of Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Tanya Cross (Jo Joyner), will be played by Pierre Moullier. The now 17-year-old Oscar was previously portrayed by Gabriel Miller-Williams, Neo Hall and Charlee Hall. Moullier's debut comes as on-screen father Max, played by Jake Wood, is also rumoured to return later in 2025. Moullier said: 'It's pretty surreal to join EastEnders – it keeps hitting me that I'm actually on Albert Square. 'When I found out I was joining the Brannings, it was so exciting as they are such an iconic family, and I love that there are so many skeletons in the closet. 'Oscar is so much fun to play, and the audience should be prepared for the unexpected as he's a complex guy.' Producers have kept the reason for his return secret, but say it will be revealed when his older sister, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), receives a mysterious call, with Oscar's return set to 'turn her life upside down'. EastEnders new executive producer Ben Wadey, said: 'I'm very excited to bring Oscar Branning back to Walford and introduce viewers to him now that he's all grown up. 'Oscar is very much a Branning which means there's going to be plenty of drama in store this summer. 'We're delighted to welcome Pierre as he takes on the role and can't wait for viewers to see him bring Oscar to life.' Oscar last appeared in the show when he visited Max on Father's Day in 2017, before returning to Exeter, where he lived with his mother. The character is expected to return to Albert Square next month, with Moullier already filming scenes for the show. Recommended reading: Jake Wood - EastEnders return Jake Wood will make his return as Max Branning later this year. (Image: BBC) Jake Wood, who plays the role of Max Branning, will reportedly be arriving back on the BBC soap later this year too, as he has 'loads of unfinished business'. The 52-year-old was last seen in Walford in 2021, when he departed the programme after 15 years. Since The Sun announced the news about Jake's return to EastEnders back in May, many fans have took to social media to share their excitement, with some saying his upcoming Watford arrival is 'going to be epic'.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store