Recognise Joel's mum Cleo? Acclaimed actress and co-star's real-life relative Mazz Murray joins the EastEnders cast
Joel returned to the Square with his mum by his side
EastEnders scenes tonight (Thursday, July 16), showed Joel Marshall return to Walford, but this time he had his mum by his side.
Joel’s mum Cleo is played by acclaimed actress Mazz Murray, and you might just recognise her.
And, not only is she well-known in the acting world, she’s also the real-life aunt of her EastEnders co-star.
Joel’s mum Cleo arrives in Walford
Vicki Fowler was in for a shock tonight when she answered the door to Joel and his mum Cleo.
With Joel being released, Walford residents had been anxiously waiting to come face to face with him.
His mum Cleo recently contacted Vicki to inform her that she didn’t want Joel living with her. This, of course, put Vicki in quite the difficult position.
Tonight, Cleo turned up at the doorstep with Joel in tow, seemingly ready to drop her son off and leave him there.
Who plays Cleo in EastEnders?
The character of Cleo is played by the actress Mazz Murray,
She is both a singer and an actress, having an impressive three octave range. She’s also somewhat of a West End icon.
She is 51 years old, and is originally from London.
What else has Mazz Murray been in?
This isn’t the first time that Mazz has appeared in EastEnders. She’s actually played multiple characters in the BBC soap before, under the names of Miranda and Julie. These appearances were in 2004 and 2017.
Mazz has also starred in the film Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! as an ensemble performer, as well as shows such as Strike, The Bill, and Ben Elton: The Man From Auntie.
Her stage credits include Donna Sheridan in the West End musical Mamma Mia, Mama Morton in Chicago, Killer Queen in We Will Rock You, and Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.
She’s also appeared in the musicals Rent, A Girl Called Dusty, and Fame.
Mazz Murray’s real-life relation to Joel co-star
Mazz Murray is actually the real-life aunt of her on-screen son. She’s proud to be involved in her nephew Max Murray‘s storyline as they both portray Cleo and Joel on the BBC soap.
Speaking about working alongside her nephew, Mazz 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!”
What’s next for Cleo and Joel in EastEnders?
Mazz’s stint as Cleo will be a short one, with the character only set to appear in two episodes of the soap.
Cleo reveals that Joel can no longer live with her, despite what they’d previously agreed with Vicki.
With Vicki being adamant that Joel cannot stay or her relationship with Ross would suffer, Ross is left to choose between Vicki and Joel. Which side will he choose?
Read more: Who’s leaving and who is returning to EastEnders this year?
