BBC EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy shows off very lavish Christmas decorations

An EastEnders star has told how he was 'mortified' by having to do nude scenes in a role before achieving fame on the BBC soap. Ben Hardy, who celebrates his 33rd birthday today, Tuesday 2 January, played Peter Beale from 2013 to 2015, before actor Thomas Law's return to the role. But prior to his soap career, the star of Bohemian Rhapsody took on one of his most challenging roles.

EastEnders star Michelle Collins has been left stranded in Spain after jetting off to celebrate the New Year.The actress, 61, who recently returned to the role of Cindy Beale, was left asking for help after she lost her passport while abroad.Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Michelle reached out to EasyJet as she tried to work out a way back to the UK. She wrote: "Please @easyJet can you help me I have lost my passport at Malaga airport the police (I have been there ) say it is up to the airline to let me fly home, my flight is at 8:30 pm tonight I am heading to the airport having just left the police station .Thank you Michele x" Returning to social media, Michelle then followed this with: "Nobody is very helpful @easyJet this is awful" She later shared that she had not be allowed to fly, writing: "Thank you most of you for your helpful comments.

EastEnders star Brian Conley has finally spoken out after his character, Rocky Cotton, was arrested and said an emotional farewell in Friday's episode. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the 62 year old actor had decided to leave the popular BBC One soap, two years after joining in 2021.

Jacqueline Jossa, who shot to fame playing troubled teen Lauren Branning on EastEnders in 2010, has become one of the nation's favourite celebs. With her loving husband Dan Osborne and their two daughters, the former Queen of the Jungle often gives her 3.4 million Instagram followers a peek into her lovely life as she prepares to return to the soap over the festive season, with scenes in Paris, France being shown on New Year's Day 2024. We look at all the hurdles the star has jumped over on her way to becoming the nation's darling.

EastEnders star Max Bowden has spoken out after news of his emotional exit from the BBC soap following four years playing fan favourite Ben Mitchell.

Loose Women star Carol McGiffin has been living it up, showing off her timeless figure in a skimpy white bikini. After leaving the popular ITV daytime show, the 63 year old TV star has been enjoying life at a French villa, celebrating her 15th wedding anniversary with her younger hubby, Mark Cassidy, who's 41. Carol shared snaps of her sun-kissed body in a tiny white bikini and showed off her toned legs in a stylish shirt dress on Instagram.

Former EastEnders actress Shana Swash has announced that she welcomed her first child just days before Christmas. Announcing the new arrival, Shana, 33, shared a black-and-white photo of the newborn on her Instagram page, where she shared the tot's name, simply captioning the snap: "Kitty Frances Swash Jones [white heart emoji] 18.12.2023." Fans were quick to share messages of congratulations, with one writing: "Beautiful name for a perfect little girl congratulations." While another added: "She’s beautiful, huge congratulations to you all! Love her name xx" "ohh congrats! So delighted for you! Biggest hugs and love" penned a third, while a fourth said: "Massive Congrats @shana_swash She's divine! Sx" Over the summer, Shana who is the younger sister of Joe Swash announced she and fiancé Nick Jones were expecting their first child.

EastEnders star Scott Maslen, who plays the iconic Jack Branning in the BBC soap, took to Instagram to share some sweet moments from his Christmas, along with a rarely seen snap where he packed on the PDA with his DJ wife, Estelle Rubio. The couple, who exchanged vows in a gorgeous ceremony in 2008, looked happier than ever as they cuddled up for a kiss in front of a Christmas tree. Scott looked cosy in a beige knitted jumper, while he wife looked stylish in a white vest with silver detailing.

Following the drama over New Year, Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) finally arrives back in Albert Square in latest EastEnders spoilers. Lauren is desperate to be reunited with her little son Louie Beale and then leave as soon as possible to see her mum Tanya in Exeter. However, when Peter Beale (Thomas Law) sees Lauren again, he manages to convince to stay for a little longer so he can spend more time with his son.

For the past 30 years, Natalie Cassidy has been delighting audiences on EastEnders as Sonia Fowler, one of the most beloved, even if often lovelorn characters on the soap. Yet while Sonia has had a rocky run of love over the years, including the tragic death of her first love Jamie Mitchell, a failed marriage to Martin Fowler and a baffling pass at Phil Mitchell, thankfully actress Natalie has had a far less chaotic love life.

It appears Countess Luann won’t be joining her former Real Housewives of New York City co-star Bethenny Frankel in her “reality reckoning!”

Damn, Bethenny Frankel just picking fights for no reason now! Forget Elf on a Shelf, she’s a troll on a roll!

EastEnders star Kellie Bright has been a soap favourite since arriving in Walford as Linda Carter 10 years ago.The Queen Vic landlady has had quite a stressful year as she deals with grief following Mick Carter's (Danny Dyer) presumed death. Linda has also been at of heart of harrowing torment from Dean Wicks (Matt di Angelo) after the rapist made an unwanted return to Walford in October. But Linda is also caught up in the epic Christmas 'whodunnit' storyline that's lasted much of 2023.

Kathy Beale is one of Walford's leading ladies after appearing on the first-ever EastEnders episode in February 1985. During earlier episodes of the much-loved BBC One soap, Kathy was married to Pete Beale (Peter Dean), the twin brother to Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard), who was famed for selling his fruit and veg on Bridge Street Market - now owned by Martin Fowler (James Bye).

Lacey Turner is one of EastEnders' most-loved actresses, having portrayed Stacey Slater since 2004 and tackled some huge storylines over the years. Lacey, 35, will once again take centre stage at Christmas on the BBC One soap this year, with Stacey being one of The Six and linked to the mystery murder on Christmas Day.There's a possibility she could even be the murderer, as it wouldn't be out of character for Stacey, who previously killed villainous Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) on Christmas Day in 2008. Lacey's life away from Albert Square is worlds away from Stacey's, especially her love life.

Scottish Love Island star Camilla Thurlow has shared a sweet snap of her pregnancy to social media.

Kristina Rhianoff was a well known face on Strictly Come Dancing between the years 2008 and 2015.The 46 year old dancer joined the BBC show for the sixth series and competed every year until the thirteenth run - even making it to the final in 2012 with Blue singer, Simon Webbe. Despite leaving Strictly eight years ago, Kristina has still maintained an active social media presence, plus continued her work as a professional dancer away from the bright lights of the show.

The Royal Family's Christmas is full of traditions which are enjoyed every year - from opening their presents on Christmas Eve to going to a festive morning service near to Sandringham House in Norfolk. But as the late Queen’s grandchildren have grown older and started families of their own, there have been times where they have opted to spend the big day with their in-laws instead of with the rest of the Royal Family.

EastEnders' Christmas murder storyline has had fans gripped throughout most of 2023, with the soap first teasing the plot twist back in February in a shock flashforward episode. Fans have been eagerly searching for clues and hints ever since, with it having been confirmed that one Walford man will lose his life at Christmas in the iconic Queen Victoria pub.The storyline sees six of Albert Square's iconic matriarchs team up, but it's not yet been revealed what exactly draws them to one another.

Clara Amfo, who danced her way into our hearts on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, has decided to say goodbye to her BBC Radio 1's Future Sounds show after two years.The DJ announced that she'll be leaving the show in 2024 to take on new exciting projects. Jack Saunders, known for presenting Future Artists and The Official Chart shows, will be stepping into Clara's shoes from April 15. Clara shared a heartfelt message saying how proud she was of her work on the station and how grateful she was for her listeners.The show has seen some big names like Zane Lowe, Annie Mac and Steve Lamacq at the helm before.