BBC Share By Helen Fear Dec 18 2019 By Helen Fear Dec 18 2019 EastEnders fans surprised by Linda Henry's early role before Shirley Carter And she looked SO different! EastEnders Share By Helen Fear Dec 18 2019 By Helen Fear Dec 18 2019 Viewers of EastEnders were left shocked this week, when they discovered that actress Linda Henry had appeared on the show BEFORE joining as Shirley Carter. Those watching old episodes of the BBC soap on the Drama Channel saw the actress from a couple of episodes she appeared in from the early 90s. Did you recognise Linda Henry in these old scenes? (Credit: BBC/Drama Channel) Read more: EastEnders viewers slam soap for showing ‘totally unacceptable violence’ as Phil assaulted Jack In 1991 and 1992, Linda starred as Mandy Salter’s mum Lorraine, a prostitute who used to beat up her daughter. Just realised Linda Henry (Shirley Carter) was in EastEnders before as a different character. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers She first appeared when Pat Butcher, trying to drink her way through problems in her marriage to Frank, decided to go to a bar where she met Lorraine. In 1992, Lorraine’s troubled daughter Mandy arrived in the Square only to be disowned by her mum. We miss you Pat Butcher! (Credit: BBC/Drama Channel) Read more: EastEnders viewers divided as Sonia admits she still loves ex-husband Martin Pat and Frank then took it upon themselves to look after Lorraine’s abandoned daughter, causing Pat and Lorraine to fall out and Lorraine to leave Walford. Lorraine returned to Walford in March 2012, played by a different actress – this time Victoria Alcock. Sadly, the character came to a tragic end when she died of pancreatitis. Lorraine Salter was a bit of a sort… Not unlike Shirley Carter! (Credit: BBC) Recognising Linda from the old repeats, one fan wrote: “Young Shirley Carter on EastEnders!” Another said: “Linda Henry making pre-Shirley Carter appearance in an EastEnders episode from 1991 on the Drama Channel today. #EastEnders.” A third added: “Just realised Linda Henry (Shirley Carter) was in EastEnders before as a different character. Have there been any other actors that have played more than one role in the show?” “Watching EastEnders and who pops up but Shirley Carter,” said one more. Linda Henry making pre Shirley Carter appearance in an Eastenders episode from 1991 on the Drama Channel today. #Eastenders pic.twitter.com/EkBbKgk2qy — Callum Mitchell (@BallumCrazy) December 17, 2019 Young Shirley Carter on eastenders !! — Lamina123 (@Bibi231) December 17, 2019 https://twitter.com/neilwilkes/status/1206942893258297346 @dramachannel watching eastenders and who pops up but shirley Carter — Mrs c (@w47carr) December 17, 2019 In fact, there are several actors who have appeared more than once in the soap as different characters. Lorraine Stanley, for example, who currently plays Karen Taylor, had previously played Thelma Bragg just a year before on the show. She played the mother of Jay Brown’s underage girlfriend Star. These days Linda, 56, is known as the no-nonsense landlady of The Queen Vic after joining the soap in 2006. Linda Henry as fan fave Shirley Carter (Credit: BBC) This month marked the 13th anniversary of her permanent stint on the show. Before joining EastEnders, Linda was probably best known for playing Yvonne Atkins in the ITV drama Bad Girls. Who is your favourite EastEnders character past or present? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think! Share Good to Know Share By Helen Fear Dec 18 2019 By Helen Fear Dec 18 2019
