BBC/Channel 4/Composite: EI Share By Joel Harley Aug 27 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 27 2025 Fans shocked as EastEnders star swaps Walford for the courtroom in major Channel 4 series Viewers spotted a familiar face Julie Bates Share By Joel Harley Aug 27 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 27 2025 Fans of EastEnders registered their shock and surprise as the Channel 4 series The Jury: Murder Trial returned to TV last night – bringing with it Julie Bates star Karen Henthorn. The experimental show utilises actors to re-enact the transcript of real-life courtroom cases. Meanwhile, a new jury of 12 ordinary people comes together to decide whether or not they agree with the outcome of the original case. The show returned for its second series last night (Tuesday, August 26), with the case of a young mother who stabbed her boyfriend in the chest with a kitchen knife. Karen played defendant Sophie’s grandmother, taking to the stand to share her account of what had happened. A far cry from her life in Walford, where she currently lives with Phil Mitchell and and her husband, Nigel Bates. Karen played the defendant’s grandmother (Credit: Channel 4) EastEnders fans shocked as Karen Henthorn appears in The Jury As the show aired, fans took to social media to share their own thoughts. While most gave the serious subject matter its due, many were distracted by the EastEnders and former Coronation Street actress’s presence. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “Who’s looking after David Peckham?” asked one fan, in reference to Julie’s chickens. “That’s not Sophie’s grandmother, she’s Nigel’s wife,” said another. “Hang on, she’s on Eastenders,” pointed out a third. “Shouldn’t she be taking care of Nigel?” asked a fourth. “She was in corrie,” a firth said, recalling her Coronation Street character, Teresa Bryant. Did you catch Karen on The Jury last night? And did you agree with the jury’s verdict? Veteran actress Karen stars as Nigel’s wife, Julie (Credit: BBC) What’s Julie hiding? Karen returns to the screen as Julie in EastEnders tonight (Wednesday, August 27), as Nigel grows suspicious when her phone rings with a suspicious call. Julie’s caginess around the phone call soon piques Nigel’s suspicions, and he and Phil are left wondering what she’s been up to. And, as the story continues tomorrow, Phil and Nigel learn exactly why Julie’s been so secretive recently. But what is Julie hiding, exactly? Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Aug 27 2025 By Joel Harley Aug 27 2025
