Who plays Linda's old schoolmate, Bea? All you need to know about BBC star Ronni Ancona

Bea's bound to make a big impression
Joel Harley
By Joel Harley

A new face arrives in EastEnders tonight (Wednesday, January 7), as Linda reconnects with an old schoolmate named Bea – played by actress and comedian Ronni Ancona. The ‘mercurial’ and ‘dangerous’ Bea is sure to make a big impact on Albert Square over the coming weeks, especially given her tense relationship with Linda in the past.

But what do we really know about Bea? And what else has Ronni Ancona been in?

Here’s everything you need to know about EastEnders’ latest addition.

Honey talks to Bea at Linda's school reunion
Welcome to Walford, Bea! (Credit: BBC)

Who plays Bea in EastEnders?

Actress and comedian Ronni Ancona plays Bea in the soap. Viewers will best remember Ronni for co-writing and starring in The Big Impression alongside Alistair McGowan. In appearing in this BAFTA-winning sketch show, she even stepped onto Albert Square – offering up cheeky impressions of Peggy Mitchell and Kat Slater.

Graduating from The Big Impression in 2003, Ronni went on to appear in episodes of Skins, Midsomer Murders and Death in Paradise.

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Of her latest role, Ronni said: “I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders. I hope audiences have as much fun watching her as I have had bringing her to life.”

But what can we expect from Ronni’s time on EastEnders?

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Bea doesn’t have the best memories of her time at school with Linda (Credit: BBC)

Ronni Ancona teases what’s to come from ‘dangerous’ Bea in EastEnders

In a recent interview, Ronni described Bea as ‘both tragic and funny.’ She added: “Bea is misunderstood, and there’s a touch of desperation about her. When she feels cornered, she can become rather dangerous.”

“Deep down, she just wants to be loved and to fit in. She’s the sort of person who “window-shops” other people’s lives, trying to reshape herself into whoever she thinks others want her to be. In her mind, that’s the only way to earn love and attention. Which is, unfortunately, quite misguided.”

Of what the future holds, Ronnie hinted at “lots of twists and turns and lots of unexpected developments.”

She added: “She’s a mercurial character who is witty, and charismatic, yet vulnerable as well.”

Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns.