Penny Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders . She was played by Mia McKenna-Bruce in 2008 and Kitty Castledine since 2024. She appears between 21 January and 1 February 2008, and returns from 15 to 18 April 2008. On 6 November 2023, it was announced that Penny would be returning to the show. She returned alongside her cousin, Lauren Branning ( Jacqueline Jossa ), on 1 January 2024. Penny is the daughter of Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen ), making her the half-sister of Amy Mitchell ( Ellie Dadd ) and Ricky Branning (Frankie Day).
186-655: Penny was a recurring character in 2008. Since her permanent return in 2024, her storylines have included a drug dealing career, working on Whitney Dean's ( Shona McGarty ) market stall, and being given a management job at Peggy's wine bar, and the aftermath of a crowd crush that happened there, which resulted in her half-sister, Amy Mitchell ( Ellie Dadd ) being put in a wheelchair. She has also developed feuds with Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Janus ), Juliette Dubois (Lily Catalifo), Chelsea Fox ( Zaraah Abrahams ), Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ), Harry Mitchell ( Elijah Holloway ) and Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington). Penny
372-501: A one night stand with Zack Hudson ( James Farrar ) and she finds out she is pregnant on her 30th birthday. She confides in Chelsea and worries about whether Zack is the right man to be in a relationship with. When he is offered a job on a cruise ship, she hides her disappointment and is pleased when he stays. Their daughter is diagnosed with Edwards syndrome and they are told that she will not survive after birth- Zack and Whitney make
558-785: A bath. Tiffany and Morgan then decide to run a bath for Bianca but leave the taps on when they go out. When they get home, the bath has overflowed and is leaking into the living room. Bianca is later caught stealing money and returns to prison, this time in Suffolk . Morgan and his family then moves to Suffolk to be near his mother, leaving his father in Walford. He returns for Janine's wedding to Michael Moon ( Steve John Shepherd ), along with Ricky, Tiffany and Ricky's sister Diane Butcher ( Sophie Lawrence ). Ricky and Ray argue over Morgan but eventually reconcile before Ricky and Morgan leave again. Morgan returns to Walford with his family for when Bianca
744-409: A club. Lauren goes back with her to her bedsit, but Whitney does not want to go, saying she and Rob are in love. Whitney has sex with a man called Chris (Richard Simons) and it is revealed that Whitney has been having sex with Rob's friends to pay off his debts to them. Rob locks her in a room so she breaks the window and escapes, stopping a car and asking for help. The following month, she sends Lauren
930-399: A complaint against him, and made legal threats. Lister then gave Stacey her stall. In April 2010, Lister was seen investigating Fatboy 's ( Ricky Norwood ) van, as Fatboy was trying to sell T-shirts from the vehicle without a market license. In May 2010, Syed Masood ( Marc Elliott ) asked Lister if he could start a market stall, and Lister suggested a mobile phone stall. While he was having
1116-471: A conversation with Sonia Fowler ( Natalie Cassidy ), the cousins manage to make up. Penny and Lauren make a plan to move in together although Peter disapproves of this due to the drugs, so therefore, Penny gets him drunk and makes him realise that she’s not a bad person. Lauren is surprised that Penny managed to change Peter’s mind. The next week, Peter assists Penny and Lauren by moving into 29A Albert Square. When her half-sister, Amy Mitchell ( Ellie Dadd )
1302-538: A council lunch and decided to use Ian and Christian Clarke 's ( John Partridge ) events business, Fit for a Queen, to organise a party. He assumed Ian was gay and asked him out for a meal, during which Ian admitted he was not totally in love with his wife, Jane Beale ( Laurie Brett ). Edward invited Ian to be his guest when he collected his MBE from the Queen , but Ian was unable to attend as his daughter Lucy Beale 's ( Melissa Suffield ) had gone missing. In January 2009,
1488-524: A crush on him, and pickpocketing. When she is caught, Rob rescues her from the situation and offers her what McGarty called a "dream life", which Whitney thinks is her chance to move up in the world as she feels lonely and has no friends. McGarty told Inside Soap that she hoped the storyline would have a positive impact, saying that she had done some research herself before filming, meeting teenage girls who had been exploited and hearing their experiences. She said she felt honoured and privileged to be given
1674-518: A detailed backstory. This was used by bringing in Penny and her mother, Selina Branning (Beaumont) as recurring characters. Mia McKenna-Bruce was cast in the role of Penny, and appeared in two separate guest stints. One from January to February, and another in April, all that year. In November 2023, it was announced Penny would be heading back to Walford with her cousin, Lauren Branning (Jossa). This time,
1860-512: A doctor's appointment in Paris. Roger "the Dodger" Grant , played by Max Gold, is a dodgy old friend of Mo Harris ( Laila Morse ). He appeared on 5 February 2008, selling some clothes to Stacey Branning ( Lacey Turner ) for her stall. Mo claimed the stock was faulty and tried to make the dye on a shirt run by pouring tea over it. When Stacey's mother Jean Slater ( Gillian Wright ) tried to wash
2046-515: A drink with Syed, Roxy Mitchell ( Rita Simons ) refused to serve Syed, which Lister interpreted as racism. In October 2010, Kat Moon ( Jessie Wallace ) squirted water at him, so he ordered Stacey to discipline or sack Kat. Stacey refused and squirted water at him as well, so he revoked Stacey's market trader's license. In March 2011, Lister offered Fatboy a month's trial on his own stall after Fatboy and Mo Harris ( Laila Morse ) argued over it. In April 2011, Lister complained to Billy that his stall
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#17327934428012232-428: A fall. In April 2008 she visits Gus out of the blue, as she has a coach ticket to use. She embarrasses him by assuming that he is dating Keisha (Suzie McGrath), and later gives him his mother's engagement ring. She was described as "the fiery aunt" by What's on TV and "the loud battle axe aunty of Gus" by BBC Birmingham . Speaking of her arrival, Lee said, "I'm absolutely over the moon to think I'm going to be in
2418-725: A fallen woman as she was previously married to Yusef Khan ( Ace Bhatti ) when she met Masood, and Imzamam made many advances toward her. Masood orders Inzamam to stand and tells him that he knows what he has done. Masood returns Inzamam's money and says he is not invited to the wedding and is not welcome in their home and he walks out of their house with his wife, Fatima ( Anu Hasan ) and children Ali ( Omar Kent ) and Jamila ( Sara Aisha Kent ). In May 2015, Fatima returns to Walford after being contacted by Shabnam, and reveals to Masood that she and Inzamam have separated and Inzamam has moved back to Pakistan. Jamila Inzamam , played by Sara Aisha Kent and Ali Inzamam played by Omar Kent , are
2604-530: A farewell meal, as Ronnie struggled to bond with her. Penny did not want to return to France but was persuaded by Jack. In March 2010, Ronnie asked Jack about Penny and he said she was doing fine without him. In October 2013, Jack moved to France to reconnect with Penny, briefly returning to Walford for a visit during Christmas 2015. After Jack's permanent return to Walford, Penny called in December 2016 to tell him she couldn't attend his wedding to Ronnie because of
2790-618: A good thing to position in a pre-watershed soap opera, or should the EastEnders storyliners stick to a less controversial brand of misery?" However, in contrast to public and media dissent, the NSPCC 's director of communications, John Grounds, praised the storyline for "helping to raise awareness of the hidden nature of sexual abuse", deeming it to be "vital in persuading people to take action to stop it and encouraging children to speak out." Episodes from Whitney's storyline were submitted to
2976-661: A half-brother, Ryan Malloy ( Neil McDermott ). Whitney tries to take back her statement against Tony but after Whitney's barrister sees her mobile phone containing the messages from Tony, he is sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment. Whitney falls in love with Connor Stanley ( Arinze Kene ), but their relationship ends when Whitney finds out that Connor has been two-timing with her and Bianca's mother Carol ( Lindsey Coulson ). She decides to move out and stays with Ricky's sister and Ryan's wife Janine Butcher ( Charlie Brooks ). After Whitney sees Janine successfully pickpocket someone, she decides to try it herself – but ends up being hit in
3162-461: A hallucination experienced by Whitney. In order to develop Whitney's sexual abuse storyline, by March 2008 EastEnders researchers Libby Duplock and Cleo Bicat were in contact with the NSPCC 's Tom Narducci, Jude Toasland, who deals with abused children, and Yvonne Traynor, CEO of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre. Duplock has stated that: "One thing that was quite difficult for me to get right
3348-457: A handbag belonging to a market trader. She was caught and, in the struggle, hit and injured Lister. He called the police, resulting in Bianca's arrest and imprisonment. It later emerged that he had taken out a restraining order against Bianca, meaning that she could no longer go to the market or Bridge Street. In September, Lister threatened to call the police on Shirley Carter ( Linda Henry ), who
3534-546: A handwritten note on their bed saying he no longer loves her. He returns the following day, apologising to Whitney for his actions and tells her of his plans to move away. Whitney grows close to new bar manager Woody Woodward ( Lee Ryan ). Lee wants a divorce and she receives a letter from Lee's solicitor, citing her unreasonable behaviour as grounds for the divorce. Whitney and Woody kiss and have sex and Mick finds them in bed together. Mick finds items that Whitney has shoplifted and she says she should never have married Lee as she
3720-542: A kiss. After they begin a relationship, she moves into the Queen Vic pub with the Carters. Lee develops depression, and when Whitney finds out, she struggles to support him. Whitney later thanks Mick for helping her with Lee, but accidentally kisses him on the lips in the process. Whitney is forced by Babe Smith ( Annette Badland ) to tell Lee about her kissing Mick, and although Nancy tells her to move out, Lee's response
3906-442: A knife on Minty Peterson ( Cliff Parisi ) after he confronted the group. Jay and Tegs fought after Jay criticized Tegs' harassment of Dot. After an apparent reconciliation, the gang asked Teg whether he was with them or Jay – Tegs then stabbed Jay in the leg, leaving him bleeding on the ground. Tegs' mum, Tina Teague (Kerry Ann White) tried to persuade Jay to drop the charges, but it went to an off-screen trial on 29 February when he
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#17327934428014092-416: A knife. Whitney tries to escape by throwing a jewellery box at him but she realises that the doors in the house are locked. She pushes him in the kitchen and he is seemingly knocked out before jumping up again and assaulting Whitney. She grabs the knife in defence and he accidentally falls on it, to his death. Whitney calls Mick for help and he tells her they are going to the boat party for an alibi. Mick washes
4278-443: A letter from Tony, asking Whitney to visit him in prison. Whitney visits but is told that he has committed suicide. Trying to come to terms with Tony's death, she goes out for lunch with Tyler, but they argue which leads to Whitney ending their engagement. Joey Branning ( David Witts ) comforts her and the pair have sex. She tells Tyler, who leaves Walford. Whitney later sets her sights on Johnny Carter ( Sam Strike ), unaware that he
4464-504: A lift to Southend-on-Sea with friends. Rob finds her and Fatboy ( Ricky Norwood ) calls Ryan to help, who fights with Rob on the pier. The pair fall in and Rob dies. Whitney and Fatboy begin a relationship, but she soon feels smothered by Fatboy's affections and falls for Tyler Moon (Tony Discipline), who she begins dating after admitting to Fatboy that she does not like him romantically. Whitney and Tyler plan to get their own home and he soon proposes to Whitney; she accepts. She receives
4650-526: A lot of herself in Britney and is disgusted to find her mother is a drug addict, that Britney has been eating from bins and hasn't attended school in years. Whitney angrily confronts Britney's mother Keeley and is hit by an oncoming car- however, Whitney and the baby are unharmed. Whitney is eager to give Britney stability and a home. Zack and Whitney argue over Britney so he leaves to go back to Walford whilst Whitney decided to foster Britney without going through
4836-403: A man and plans to make a fresh start from Walford as a single mum to Britney and Dolly. She has a heart to heart with Callum where he praises her for her strength and courage whilst also clearing the air with Zack and (to an extent) Lauren. One last curveball is thrown at Whitney when she discovers that Bianca was also aware of Zack's infidelity- initially, Whitney had agreed to live with Bianca but
5022-425: A manipulative manager to Chelsea. Some time later, Penny arranges a carnival night to prove herself as manager, but the booking is sabotaged by Chelsea and a crowd crush occurs. Penny panics when she notices Amy trapped but things escalate when the crowd stampede and Penny is knocked out of her wheelchair. Penny panics if anyone has died, but thankfully, everyone survives. Amy's condition stabilises in hospital but Penny
5208-411: A meal for the family but told him to leave when he mentioned his daughter, Sasha Dixon (Rebecca Sanneh). Morgan met Sasha but Bianca was furious when she found out. Realising that Bianca was having financial difficulties, Tiffany and Morgan went to see their step-great-grandmother Dot Branning ( June Brown ) at the launderette. She told them that when she had problems as a child, she felt better after
5394-543: A meal with Christian's sister Jane Beale ( Laurie Brett ) and her husband Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ). Ashley left the meal early after Christian revealed that he was in love with Jane's ex-husband David Collins ( Dan Milne ). He and Christian broke up, and Christian moved in with the Beales. "Tegs" Teague , played by Ben Smith , was the ringleader of a gang called the E2. He appeared between 17 and 22 January 2008 along with
5580-418: A message and meets her outside the police station, as she has been arrested for shoplifting. When Whitney starts a relationship with a man named Lee (Mitchell Hunt), it is revealed that he is a friend of Rob's, and when Whitney agrees to meet Lee by text, Rob takes control of Lee's mobile phone. She allows Rob to take her home but then tells him to wait outside while she escapes through the back door and hitches
5766-462: A mobile phone so they could call each other. Jay sneaked out and was given a knife by Tegs, which was later found by Jay's father, Jase Dyer ( Stephen Lord ) and his girlfriend Dawn Swann ( Kara Tointon ). The next day, the gang stole several packs of cigarettes from the local shop, the Minute Mart. They harassed Dot by making silent phone calls and knocked on her door and ran away. Tegs pulled
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5952-536: A month's rent paid in advance. In July, Lister issued Fatboy with a warning for kicking his own stall, but Fatboy decided to abandon his stall before he could be disciplined. He warned Eddie Moon ( David Essex ) about fly-tipping and was threatened by Eddie's son Tyler (Tony Discipline). Lister later accepted a bribe from Eddie. In November, Lister appeared following reports that someone was selling Dutch Father Christmas toys and asked Alfie Moon ( Shane Richie ) if he knew anything. Alfie denied any knowledge, although it
6138-493: A natural actress. There isn't any uncomfortable feeling at all." Having undergone a thorough characterisation session, Coghill began shooting on 30 June 2008, and first appeared on-screen on 12 September 2008. Coghill has explained that Tony began grooming Whitney as soon as he met Bianca, ingratiating himself so as to become the family's "hero figure" and "saviour". Discussing his character's relationship with Whitney, Coghill explained that: "The lie that Tony has spun to Whitney
6324-456: A new playground. While trying to make a sandwich, Morgan accidentally squirted tomato ketchup on a hoody belonging to his recently deceased uncle, Billie Jackson ( Devon Anderson ). Liam hid it and later tried to wash the stain out but their grandmother Carol Jackson ( Lindsey Coulson ) saw it and slapped him. Morgan startsed to follow Liam around, fearing he would die as well, but Ricky and Janine reassured him. He ran away from home after Bianca
6510-401: A pervert. In May, Denise Fox ( Diane Parish ) asked Lister to get involved with Patrick Trueman ( Rudolph Walker ) but Lister said he had no say over the shop, which Patrick owned. In June, Whitney and Lauren Branning ( Jacqueline Jossa ) asked Lister for a stall, but he was reluctant as Whitney had lost a stall for not paying her rent. However, he agreed as long as the arrears were paid and
6696-465: A photo of him with his trousers down, which they used to blackmail him to get their stall back. In June, Lister spoke to Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ) about his new restaurant and introduced him to Danny Pennant ( Gary Lucy ). Ian hoped that Danny would find someone to invest in his new business. After Lister lost his job, he was replaced by Aleks Shirovs ( Kristian Kiehling ). In August 2016, Lister interviewed Carmel Kazemi ( Bonnie Langford ) for
6882-511: A picture of her and said she was ugly with make-up that looked like it had been done by Edward Scissorhands . Shabnam bumped into Jalil on a night out in R&;R nightclub, where they flirted. Jalil and Shabnam later shared a kiss, but during a conversation with the Masood family, he said he thought modern Muslim women like Shabnam provided "great entertainment" but were not marriage material. Zainab
7068-533: A real pleasure this year to work together on a piece of serious drama, in the best traditions of public service, which will highlight an important issue and also, because it occurs on the night of Comic Relief, actually help raise crucial funds to help young women caught up in it." The storyline begins when Bianca is sent to prison and Whitney rejects her family, moving in with Janine and attempting to make money by stealing from The Queen Victoria, causing her to get sacked, working for Max, whom she tries to kiss as she has
7254-414: A recurring basis thereafter. His next appearance was when Tamwar Masood ( Himesh Patel ) sought approval for a new stall, which Lister accepted. In August 2008, Billy Mitchell ( Perry Fenwick ) got a job as the market cleaner but Lister sacked him when he lost his cart. In October 2008, Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Janus ) phoned him because Danielle Jones ( Lauren Crace ) was selling stolen nightwear in
7440-412: A relationship, eventually trying for a baby. Whitney and Halfway become engaged and during their respective stag and hen parties, Halfway confesses to having kissed Ben Mitchell ( Max Bowden ). Whitney insists that she loves Halfway, but jilts him at the altar and encourages him not to live a lie with his sexuality. Whitney returns from a solo honeymoon and announces that she has met another man. The man
7626-644: A result of his depression ; Lee's infidelity with Abi Branning ( Lorna Fitzgerald ), which resulted in him passing chlamydia to Whitney and consequently led her to miscarry their unborn baby; her romantic crush on Lee's father Mick ( Danny Dyer ); her wedding to Callum Highway ( Tony Clay ) that ends in disaster after she learns that he is having a romantic affair with Ben Mitchell ( Max Bowden ); being stalked by Tony's vengeful son Leo King (Tom Wells), which soon culminates with Whitney stabbing and killing him in self-defence; accidentally running over her close friend Kat Slater ( Jessie Wallace ) and then fleeing
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7812-491: A sexual advance to her, and she leaves, forcing her to consider selling her house. On the day before Syed's wedding to Amira, Masood takes Inzamam to dinner to ask if he can help with some money. Inzamam does not know who is getting married as nobody has told him about it and also does not know that Zainab is pregnant. Masood asks Zainab why she did not invite Inzamam to the wedding and she says she forgot, but he realises she did it deliberately. She tells him that Inzamam sees her as
7998-853: A sexual exploitation storyline involving Rob Grayson ( Jody Latham ). The storyline with Tony won EastEnders a Royal Television Society Programme Award in 2008. Morgan Butcher (also Jackson-King ), played by Devon Higgs, is the son of Bianca Jackson ( Patsy Palmer ) and Ray Dixon ( Chucky Venn ). He made his first appearance on 1 April 2008 but was not credited in the role until 8 September 2009. He left in 2014, along with his mother and half-sister Tiffany Butcher ( Maisie Smith ). Morgan made an unannounced return on 3 November 2016 when he and Tiffany returned for their adoptive sister Whitney Dean ( Shona McGarty ) and Lee Carter 's ( Danny-Boy Hatchard ) wedding. Morgan, his mother and siblings Tiffany Dean ( Maisie Smith ), Liam Butcher ( James Forde ) and Whitney were evicted by their landlord. After
8184-545: A shed on the allotment. Jordan tries to contact her on her mobile phone as she has promised to contact him. Jordan and Abi discover her body when they volunteer to clean the shed for Charlie Slater ( Derek Martin ). They decide to raise funds for a tree to be planted in Trina's memory in Albert Square's gardens, but unknown to everyone, Lucas murders Denise's ex-husband Owen Turner ( Lee Ross ) and buries his corpse under
8370-561: A sniffer dog smells something in Lauren's bag. A police officer finds a parcel of drugs but they are not hers but instead, Penny's. Penny then reunites with Jack and informs him on the conflict with Lauren. Jack tries to deal with it but isn’t allowed. After hearing the ‘full’ story, Jack questions Penny on if she planted the drugs in Lauren’s bag as that is usually the most likely outcome. After Peter Beale ( Thomas Law ) suspects that Penny planted
8556-538: A son, Jordan ( Michael-Joel David Stuart ), from his previous relationship with Trina Johnson ( Sharon Duncan-Brewster ). His profile on the official EastEnders website describes him as "an upstanding member of the community, a far cry from the youth he once was." His storylines include causing Trina's death and covering it up, murdering Denise's ex-husband Owen Turner ( Lee Ross ), and attempting to kill Denise. For his portrayal of Lucas, Gilet has received several award nominations, including Serial Drama Performance at
8742-549: A stall at the market to be close to Whitney and goes on a date with Dotty Cotton ( Milly Zero ), imagining that she is Whitney. Whitney starts writing down everything that Leo does as evidence. Leo is then arrested; whilst celebrating in public, she steps out onto a balcony and sees Leo. She rushes to call the police but Leo arrives on the balcony and pushes her, causing her to drop her phone. Kush Kazemi ( Davood Ghadami ) arrives and seeing Leo has got hold of Whitney, saves her and accidentally pushes Leo which causes him to fall off
8928-419: A strict set of editorial guidelines that all programs must adhere to, to ensure that the violence portrayed was suitable for pre-watershed viewing." Kris Green from Digital Spy defended the episode saying, "I have to say that it wasn't as gruesome as I'd imagined it would be. There's no screaming, no scuffling – it's all quiet and it happens in about 10 seconds." Selina Branning , played by Daisy Beaumont ,
9114-411: A wheelchair user, so I’m thrilled to be playing a character as feisty and cool as Penny." Executive producer, Chris Clenshaw said on the casting announcement, "It’s been a long time since Penny Branning was in Walford, and she’s a very different person from the one our viewers might remember." About her characters representation of wheelchair users, Castledine said, "It’s really important that disability
9300-462: A witness statement. However instead, Felicity's story turns Penny against Harry. Later on, Penny and Jack see Harry being arrested in public and being taken into a police car. After Harry is released, him and his mother, Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) gun for Penny after she accidentally got him arrested. In 2008, executive producer Diederick Santer decided to explore the family of established character, Jack Branning (Maslen), to give him more of
9486-517: Is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera EastEnders , which aired in 2008 (in order of first appearance). All characters were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer , who introduced four characters in January: Mr. Lister ( Nick Wilton ), a new market inspector; Christian Clarke ( John Partridge ), the brother of Jane Beale ( Laurie Brett ); and two members of
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#17327934428019672-584: Is also described as "a troublesome and cheeky lass" with a "feisty, red-head personality, which she no doubt inherits from screenmum [ sic ] Bianca". For her portrayal of Tiffany, Smith won the 'Best Dramatic Performance for a Young Actor or Actress' award at the British Soap Awards in 2009. Lucas Johnson , played by Don Gilet , is the estranged father of established character Chelsea Fox ( Tiana Benjamin ) and ex-husband of Denise Fox ( Diane Parish ), who he later remarries. He has
9858-546: Is back on and that they will move away together. It is then revealed that Tony is a paedophile who has been sexually abusing Whitney by grooming her since she was 12. When Bianca harangues him about the prospect of marriage, he gives her Whitney's money to put a down-payment on a flat. When Whitney and her classmate Peter Beale ( Thomas Law ) are cast in a school play, Tony is secretly envious of them rehearsing in private and punches Peter out of jealously. Whitney convinces Peter and his sister Lucy ( Melissa Suffield ) not to report
10044-508: Is damaged and only good for sex. When Whitney is depressed and vulnerable, Mick kisses her, to which she responds. When Shirley Carter ( Linda Henry ) finds out about the kiss, she orders Whitney to leave. Whitney returns two months later. She moves back into the Queen Vic and takes back her barmaid job. Whitney reveals that she is engaged to Woody and asks Mick to give her away at their wedding. Linda throws her out after she realises that she
10230-527: Is dangerous, telling her that the police believe Harry may have killed his ex-girlfriend, Shireen Bashar, who went missing a few months ago. Penny doesn't care and continues seeing Harry. Jack, thinking that Penny and Harry aren't seeing each other anymore, tells her that he's going to meet a witness that knew Harry and Shireen back in Dartford , Felicity Hall (Rose Shalloo). Penny convinces Jack to let her meet Felicity instead, hoping to convince her not to make
10416-478: Is discovered under the tree, Jordan gets upset every time the tree is mentioned and reveals he had a dream where a hand came out of the ground. Lucas promises to get the council to replace the tree. Jordan and Abi argue when he feels she does not care and their friendship ends. He wonders if it is his fault that the people around him are dying. When the truth emerges that Lucas allowed Trina to die, killed Owen and kidnapped Denise, Jordan tries to stick by his father when
10602-615: Is found by Phil and taken to hospital where he is left in a coma with a fractured skull. Wracked with guilt, Ben confesses to the police that he attacked Jordan, while Jordan is brought out of his medically induced coma. When he is discharged, his family throw him a party. In Jordan's police statement, he says that Ben attacked him for no reason. However, after Denise is visited by Jane Beale ( Laurie Brett ), who doesn't believe Ben would attack Jordan for no reason, she talks to Jordan and gets him to reveal that he had been bullying Ben. Jordan then decides to change his statement. When Owen's corpse
10788-600: Is gay. Johnny's parents, Mick ( Danny Dyer ) and Linda Carter ( Kellie Bright ), hope that Johnny and Whitney will become an item, but his sister Nancy Carter ( Maddy Hill ) reveals to them that he is gay. A few weeks later, Johnny comes out to Whitney, which hurts her as she feels that Johnny has been using her. They later become good friends and Whitney forgives Johnny. When Johnny's elder brother, Lee Carter ( Danny-Boy Hatchard ), returns from serving in Afghanistan, Whitney takes an instant liking to him and they share
10974-585: Is happy at his aunt's house, so Denise reluctantly lets him stay there. Almost five years later, Denise receives a visit from the police, who say someone in custody has been arrested and given her address as theirs. Eventually, Denise discovers that it is Jordan, and he has been involved in a knife attack and has been released on bail. After learning from Gloria that she hasn't seen Jordan in years and after visiting Lucas in prison following her concerns, Denise decides to track Jordan down. After she gets into contact with him, Jordan arrives in Walford and confronts her in
11160-554: Is happy that they agree to remain friends. Jordan then says goodbye to his sister Chelsea and Libby, who are moving away after their ordeal in Walford. On his birthday, Jordan receives a card from his father, but asks Ricky Butcher ( Sid Owen ) to throw it away, and says he has to now look after Denise. However, Jordan is unable to speak to Denise about Lucas, so stays in contact with his aunt Gloria MacDonald ( Michele Austin ). Denise discovers they have been in contact for several months and allows Jordan to spend Christmas with her. Jordan
11346-549: Is in Karachi visiting their sick father. He is rude and sexist towards Masood's wife Zainab Masood ( Nina Wadia ) and daughter Shabnam Masood ( Zahra Ahmadi ), but praises his son Tamwar Masood 's ( Himesh Patel ) achievements. He is shocked to see that Jay Brown ( Jamie Borthwick ) has graffitied "Shabnam is a hore [ sic ]" on the Masoods' wall. He later meets up with Zainab, and she asks him for money. He makes
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#173279344280111532-414: Is just like Lucas, so Jordan leaves. He is then kicked and beaten by a gang. The next day, Denise hears from police that Jordan is in trouble again, so tracks him down to his squat, where he reveals that it was his girlfriend, Amelle Ellington (Sophia Brown), who took drugs but died from an overdose, and now he has inherited her debt. When Denise returns to Walford, she has brought Jordan back as well and it
11718-449: Is kidnapped at knife point by Michaela and taken to a locked room. Michaela is still convinced that Whitney is to blame for Leo's death and wants her to confess. Whitney's secret phone ring and she is quickly able to cry for help as Max Branning ( Jake Wood ) listens on the other line. Whitney is eventually found to be not guilty. Whitney takes time to recover from her ordeal and an unexpected kiss with Kush on Valentine's Day 2021 leads to
11904-501: Is later taken in for questioning after CCTV proves illegal tickets were distributed. Penny tries to prove her innocence to Jack but fails to do so, and he admits his favouritism for Amy. When Penny comes under fire for being accused of causing the crush at Peggy's, Harry is there for her and the two become closer. Upon finding out that Chelsea was responsible and that Jack essentially chose Chelsea over Penny, Penny asks Harry for his help in getting revenge on Jack. Harry comes across Jack on
12090-443: Is left alone and vulnerable, and falls for a man, Rob Grayson , played by Jody Latham , who exploits her for financial gain. EastEnders worked alongside charity Comic Relief on the storyline, which started planning in 2010. The storyline culminated during Red Nose Day 2011 on 19 March 2011, in a special ten-minute episode. Gilly Green, Head of UK Grants at Comic Relief, said: "It is vital that we continue to alert young people to
12276-586: Is left devestated by Kush's death and blames the Mitchell family, believing that they are to blame for Kush's death. On the day that Callum marries Ben, a bereaved Whitney gets into a car and tries to run over Ben and his father Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ) but accidentally hits her friend Kat Slater ( Jessie Wallace ) instead who is hospitalised. Later in the year, Whitney begins to suspect that Gray has killed his wife Chantelle Atkins ( Jessica Plummer ) to whom Whitney had befriended. She grows concerned for
12462-662: Is moved away. Not long after, Whitney discovers that she is pregnant again and decides to keep this from her adoptive aunt Sonia Fowler ( Natalie Cassidy ) who is also trying for a baby but had not been unsuccessful. Although Sonia is hurt that Whitney bud her pregnancy from her, they soon make amends. Whitney and Zack visit Bianca in Milton Keynes in early 2024 when she splits up from Terry Spraggan ( Terry Alderton ) and leaves Penny Branning ( Kitty Castledine ) in charge of her stall. Whilst there, she bonds with twelve year old Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell). Whitney sees
12648-406: Is no longer addicted to drugs, and he says he is going to marry Denise. Eventually, Jordan and Trina bond, but he is unhappy that Trina is excluded from a family holiday. He tells Trina about the holiday and she arrives to try to stop it. Jordan becomes friends with Ben Mitchell (Charlie Jones) and Abi Branning ( Lorna Fitzgerald ). Trina is killed while trying to seduce Lucas, and he leaves her in
12834-442: Is not welcome. Unlike Inzamam and Ali, Jamila and Fatima are not credited in this appearance. In May 2015, Fatima returns to Walford and reveals that she and Inzamam have separated and Inzamam has moved back to Pakistan, so only Ali is living with her. It is implied that Jamila went to live with either her father or another relative. Jordan Johnson , played by Michael-Joel David Stuart from 2008 to 2010 and Joivan Wade in 2016,
13020-610: Is released from prison but is saddened when his father moves away. He is also not pleased when Bianca returns from a trip to Manchester announces that her new boyfriend, Terry Spraggan ( Terry Alderton ), and his children, TJ Spraggan (George Sargeant) and Rosie Spraggan (Jerzey Swingler), are moving in. The couple split up but later reunite and decide to move to Milton Keynes, taking Tiffany, Morgan, TJ and Rosie with them. Morgan and Tiffany return in November 2016 for Whitney's wedding to Lee. They tell her that Bianca cannot make it to
13206-405: Is revealed that he has a son, JJ Johnson (Zayden Kareem). Vincent pays off the drug debt and Jordan decides to enrol on a carpenter course at college. Jordan visits Lucas in prison when he finds a torn up visiting order and again with Denise, where Lucas tells Jordan he has a plan to get a job in the kitchens and then escaping. They persuade Denise to put in a good word so Lucas can get a job and on
13392-452: Is revealed to be Leo (Tom Wells), who, unbeknownst to Whitney, is the son of Tony. Leo takes Whitney to a hotel and Tiffany asks Bianca who Leo is. Once she finds out he is Tony's son, she calls Whitney to tell her, and she and Halfway rush to the hotel to find her. Whitney tries to leave the hotel room but Leo does not let her, yelling at her to admit that she and Bianca had made up the story that Tony had abused Whitney. She agrees to tell him
13578-409: Is seen by Denise Fox ( Diane Parish ). Whitney decides to organise a night out and pawns her wedding ring for cash. Lee discovers what she has done and they start arguing. When Whitney says he doesn't deserve her, Lee slaps her in the face. She decides to give Lee another chance on the condition that he will never assault her again, and he agrees; however, on Valentine's Day, Lee leaves Whitney, leaving
13764-500: Is struggling with her relationship, Penny visits her and Amy reveals that she wants to sleep with her boyfriend, Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega). Penny is a bit concerned at first but shows support to Amy and doesn’t stop her. When Whitney Dean ( Shona McGarty ) leaves Walford in late May, Penny temporarily becomes the owner of her clothing stall. When she returns from France after visiting her mother, she meets Harry Mitchell ( Elijah Holloway ), and things quickly become flirtatious between
13950-421: Is that as soon as she's 16 they'll run away together and start a new life. But Tony's the type of paedophile who preys on younger children. Whitney is beginning to pass her sell-by date with him. [...] He feels like he's losing his little girl but needs to keep Whitney under his control and not speak out." Coghill stated that: "This is the most challenging role I have had to play. But I hope by EastEnders tackling
14136-748: Is the market inspector at Bridge Street market. He is the successor of Marie Matthews (Susan Cruse). He first appeared on 3 January 2008, but his first name was not revealed until 7 June 2013, which would be his last appearance for three years. Wilton reprised the role in 2016 for one episode broadcast on 15 August. The character was reintroduced for a story with Robbie Jackson ( Dean Gaffney ) in July 2017, and again in December 2017. He then appeared in one episode broadcast in July 2018. The character made further appearances on 7 January 2020 and 28 December 2021. In his first appearance, Lister sacked his assistant, Bradley Branning ( Charlie Clements ). He appeared on
14322-514: Is the person Mick kissed. When Woody is offered a job in Spain as a bar manager, he asks Whitney to come with him and she accepts. However, at the last minute, Whitney discovers a note outside the tube station from Woody saying that she is better to remain in Walford. Tiffany arranges a date between Whitney and Callum "Halfway" Highway ( Tony Clay ), but Whitney leaves the date after being put off by his behaviour. However, she warms to him and they begin
14508-441: Is the result of a one-night stand between Bianca and a man who is unknown to viewers. The man his family thinks is his father, Tony King is serving a prison sentence for assaulting a teenager who had allegedly threatened Morgan's stepsister, Whitney Dean ( Shona McGarty ), though it is found out that Tony is not his biological father. Morgan along with Bianca, Liam, Whitney and Tiffany, have been called 'The Jackson Five' In 2011,
14694-421: Is the son of Lucas Johnson ( Don Gilet ) and the half-brother of Chelsea Fox ( Tiana Benjamin ), who arrives on Chelsea's birthday with his father. He is described on the EastEnders website as a "cheeky chap" who "lights up the room with his winning smile". He is also described as a "talented boy who works hard at school". He first appears on 23 May 2008, and leaves on 21 December 2010. On 9 January 2016, it
14880-533: Is there but eventually enjoys his company. Jordan leaves with his father after locals blame him for Tony King ( Chris Coghill ) being allowed to work with children. Jordan and Lucas return a month later and stay at the B&;B before preparing to leave for Leeds. After Denise proposes to Lucas, Jordan reveals that Lucas is still married to Trina. Unknown to Jordan and Denise, Trina had been looking for Lucas and he knows her whereabouts. She asks about Jordan and says she
15066-416: Is to propose marriage. When they are both diagnosed with chlamydia, Abi Branning ( Lorna Fitzgerald ) confesses that she and Lee had sex, which is how it got transmitted to them. Whitney initially ends their relationship and considers leaving Walford, but later decides to give him another chance. Whitney learns that she is pregnant but suffers spotting and is taken to hospital with Lee, Linda and Mick, where
15252-444: Is tricky when you're in Walford and everyone relies on friends and family. It doesn't really win her any friends, which is a shame, because Penny is so fun to be around." Penny was Chelsea Fox's (Abrahams) step-sister and due to this, Penny persuades Chelsea to give her a trial shift at Peggy's wine bar. Penny convinces Chelsea to have a drink while working and she is demoted by Phil Mitchell (McFadden). Out of spite, Chelsea messes with
15438-485: Is visible on screen, because there hasn’t been a lot of representation, and I’m proud to be someone representing disability." On her casting announcement, Castledine said, "Penny is great. She’s so cool, and she’s got this dry humour that I love." When describing Penny to The Mirror , Castledine said, "Penny is a firecracker, 100%. [Penny and Lauren] kick up a storm from the outset and bring some of that classic Branning drama back to Walford. [...] Her morals are all over
15624-417: The BBC soap opera EastEnders , played by Shona McGarty . The character is the ward of long-running character Bianca Jackson ( Patsy Palmer ) and was introduced on 1 April 2008 when Palmer returned to the series after a nine-year absence. Whitney is described by executive producer Diederick Santer as both an equal to, and younger version of Bianca, and is the oldest of Bianca's four children. Whitney
15810-623: The Branning family, Selina ( Daisy Beaumont ) and Penny ( Mia McKenna-Bruce ). In March, he introduced Jalil Iqbal ( Jan Uddin ), a new love interest for Shabnam Masood ( Zahra Ahmadi ). In April, he introduced Ricky Butcher 's ( Sid Owen ) fiancée, Melinda ( Siobhan Hayes ), as well as Bianca Jackson 's ( Patsy Palmer ) children, Whitney ( Shona McGarty ), Morgan (Devon Higgs) and Tiffany ( Maisie Smith ). In April, he also introduced Denise Fox 's ( Diane Parish ) ex-husband, Lucas Johnson ( Don Gilet ), and Opal Smith ( Rustie Lee ),
15996-608: The Royal Television Society Programme Awards 2008 for a panel to judge in the category Soap and Continuing Drama. EastEnders was presented with the award in March 2009, beating Coronation Street and The Bill . Members of the judging panel described the submitted episodes as "the culmination of a particularly challenging and controversial storyline which the production team, writers and cast pulled off triumphantly." In August 2017, McGarty
16182-549: The 2011 National Television Awards . He appeared from 3 April 2008 to 30 July 2010 and again from 1 January to 10 March 2016. Opal Smith , played by Rustie Lee , is the aunt of Gus Smith ( Mohammed George ) and Juley Smith ( Joseph Kpobie ). She was introduced in February 2008 for two episodes, on 8 and 10 April 2008. Opal is first mentioned on screen in May 2007, when Gus has to go to Wolverhampton to look after her following
16368-508: The BBC's claims that the storyline had educational value as "totally bogus", observing that "At 7.30 or 8pm, the "action" has to be so coded as to be pointless". Deborah Orr, writing for The Independent , similarly disagreed with the BBC's statement that the storyline was part of EastEnders' "rich heritage of tackling difficult social issues", writing that: The Guardian 's Julie Raeside questioned: "Is this latest sexual abuse storyline
16554-493: The DI, she then tries to make a deal linked to her and Lauren being released but is caught in the act as the DI reveals there’s 2 cameras. The DI then asks Penny to confess everything about Juliette to get her and Lauren set free. Lauren is released although after a conversation with Peter, Lauren questions if Penny was behind the drug incident, Penny confesses and Lauren is angry and immediately plans to leave Walford with Louie, but after
16740-946: The NSPCC praised the storyline for "helping to raise awareness of the hidden nature of sexual abuse". The storyline also gained EastEnders a Royal Television Society Programme Award in 2009 in the Soap and Continuing Drama category. Whitney makes her first appearance as the adopted daughter of her legal guardian Bianca Jackson ( Patsy Palmer ) alongside Bianca's young biological daughter Tiffany Dean ( Maisie Smith ) and her two brothers Liam Butcher (James Forde) and Morgan Jackson-King (Devon Higgs). As Whitney settles herself in Walford with her family, they get reacquainted with Bianca's boyfriend Tony King ( Chris Coghill ) following his release from prison. When Whitney and Tony reunite in her bedroom, they kiss and Tony tells Whitney their relationship
16926-499: The NSPCC stated that importance was placed on making children viewing the show "feel comfortable about asking for help if they felt they needed it [and] for the wider community – to recognise the signs and let them know that they can do something about it. [...] We're not trying to cause a national panic. This is a responsible effort to try to get over an important story." It had initially been decided that, alongside Tony's sexual abuse, Whitney would be seen to self-harm . This aspect of
17112-451: The Queen Vic and he accepts. Bianca, who is visiting her family in Walford, finds out that Zack cheated on Whitney and pressures him to tell the truth but he is unable to go through with it. On Whitney's hen night, Lauren and Whitney are locked in a van and she nearly tells Whitney herself but Whitney then goes into labour. Bianca rescues the pair and Whitney calls Bianca 'mum' for the first time. Whitney gives birth to Dolly Dean-Hudson but at
17298-431: The Queen Vic, where he forces her to announce to everyone that she has been lying about Tony abusing her and that she has made it up as a teen for attention. Everyone stands up for Whitney, knowing she is just being forced to tell them that, and Leo leaves. Whitney thinks he is gone but unbeknownst to her, he hides in her bedroom attic and is spying on her through a hole in the ceiling of her room. Leo appears in her room with
17484-502: The Square and teases him, which ends up with Jack punching him in the face. Harry finds out that Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) recorded this altercation and pays him £50 to get the video. Harry then confirms that he will aid Penny in taking down Jack. They create a plan to pretend to have ended their relationship in their plan to destroy Jack. Jack then contacts one of his co-workers in the police and tells Penny that he has found out that Harry
17670-632: The Square for his dad Frank's funeral and turns up with Melinda – but is it true love or just a fling between them?" Whitney Dean , played by Shona McGarty , was the adopted daughter of long-running character Bianca Jackson ( Patsy Palmer ), and was introduced on 1 April 2008 when Palmer returned to the series after a six-year absence. Whitney was described as "a teenage drama queen, unable to engage brain before mouth and constantly finding herself in and out of trouble". Her storylines have revolved around her fractured family life, including her sexual abuse by Bianca's partner Tony King ( Chris Coghill ), and
17856-539: The Square. I can't wait." She said the opportunity was tremendous and brilliant as she had always wanted to appear in EastEnders . Inzamam Ahmed , played by Paul Bhattacharjee , is the brother of Masood Ahmed ( Nitin Ganatra ). He first appears on 13 May 2008, and returns on 1 January 2010 for the wedding of Masood's son Syed Masood ( Marc Elliott ) and Amira Shah ( Preeya Kalidas ). Inzamam first visits Walford to check up on his brother's family while Masood
18042-520: The Walford Gazette reported that Tunstall was involved in a scandal with a young man, and he stepped down as councillor. Jalil Iqbal , played by Jan Uddin , was a friend of the Masood family who appeared between 17 and 28 March 2008. Jalil was described as a "hunk" and it was said that he and Shabnam Masood ( Zahra Ahmadi ) would embark on "an affair of the heart". Family matriarch Zainab Masood ( Nina Wadia ) invited Jalil to stay with
18228-444: The amount of tickets at an event at Peggy's, which causes a crowd crush. On her relationship with Chelsea, Castledine said to Inside Soap, "I think in that moment she lets her ego get the better of her, Penny does love her family, but sometimes in the heat of the moment she forgets that. It does end up prompting some bad blood between Penny and Chelsea, which is a shame." Before her return aired, EastEnders fans seemed to think that
18414-474: The argument and snatches Asher's wallet when he says he does not give refunds, but he snatches it back. Jane tells two police officers he is a thief and they chase after him. The episode aired on 30 September 2010. The BBC and television regulatory body Ofcom received upward of 90 complaints after Whitney's first scenes with Tony aired. However, they ruled that the scenes were not in breach of broadcasting rules. The Guardian 's Aida Edemariam said of
18600-500: The attack in revenge. Jack took Penny and Selina out for Penny's birthday, and afterwards they kissed in Selina's flat. Selina revealed the next day how upset Penny was that Jack was not there when she woke up. Selina decided to move to France where her parents lived, taking Penny with her. Penny visited Jack in April 2008 and was cold towards Ronnie, preferring to go shopping with her aunt Tanya Branning ( Jo Joyner ). Tanya cooked Penny
18786-469: The attack in revenge. Jack took Penny and Selina out for Penny's birthday, and afterwards they kissed in Selina's flat. Selina revealed the next day how upset Penny was that Jack was not there when she woke up. Selina decided to move to France where her parents lived, taking Penny with her. Penny visited Jack in April 2008 and was cold towards Ronnie, preferring to go shopping with her aunt Tanya Branning ( Jo Joyner ). Penny did not want to return to France but
18972-670: The attack to the police, but Tony blames her for the incident and ends their affair. Devastated when Tony accepts Bianca's marriage proposal, Whitney locks herself in her bedroom. Bianca takes her away on holiday, attempting to mend their relationship. When they return, Tony and Whitney share a passionate kiss, and Tony informs Whitney that their relationship is back on. When Tony begins grooming Whitney's friend Lauren Branning ( Madeline Duggan ) into harbouring romantic feelings for him, Whitney becomes jealous and demands Tony to focus on her rather than Lauren. Tony loses interest in Whitney but on
19158-599: The aunt of Gus ( Mohammed George ) and Juley Smith ( Joseph Kpobie ). In May, he extended the Johnson family and introduced Lucas's son, Jordan ( Michael-Joel David Stuart ), as well as introducing Brenda Boyle ( Carmel Cryan ), a new love interest for Charlie Slater ( Derek Martin ). In July, he introduced two members of the Mitchell family : Archie Mitchell ( Larry Lamb ) and Danielle Jones ( Lauren Crace ). In August, he introduced Callum Monks ( Elliott Jordan ),
19344-406: The balcony. Leo survives and Kush gets arrested, so Whitney pretends to want to get back together with Leo so that he will drop the charges against Kush. Leo agrees to not press charges, but he finds her evidence notebook in her bag which he takes. Whitney agrees to meet with Leo and he takes her to Tony's grave where he pushes her into the ground, forcing her to apologise to Tony. He then takes her to
19530-479: The beginning of the storyline: "what is most disturbing, watching [Tony and Whitney's] first scenes together, is not the sexuality of the situation per se, though that is uncomfortable – it's the subtle blackmail with which he keeps her in line. As it's combined with the emotional manipulation native to soaps, the viewer starts to feel a bit bullied, too." Numbers of viewer complaints rose within days to over 200. New Statesman journalist Jeremy Sare commented on
19716-426: The bible that he did not do it, so Lucas believes him, and he tells Phil that he thinks Ben did it. This eventually turns out to be true, and Ben reveals that Jordan has been bullying him, so Phil and Lucas leave them with Minty Peterson ( Cliff Parisi ) to help them bond. After Minty leaves them alone, Jordan insults Ben, so Ben throws him to the ground and attacks him with a spanner, leaving him there. The next day he
19902-400: The bleeding gets heavier. A scan shows Whitney has miscarried her baby, devastating her and Lee. Whitney marries Lee but the pair soon begin arguing over money. She finds his wage slip showing how little he earns. A bus crashes into the market and Whitney is trapped underneath it. She is rescued, and in hospital she talks to Mick about her marriage. He comforts her and she kisses him again, which
20088-594: The character of Ray Dixon was announced, played by Chucky Venn , who was to play Morgan's biological father. In April 2014, Palmer announced she was leaving EastEnders and in July 2014, the departure of Higgs and Smith was announced. Show bosses said that whilst they are "sad" about them leaving after six years, the decision "was right for the Butcher family as Bianca would never leave her youngest children behind." Vicky Prior from Metro commented that Morgan "recently proved an excellent comedy partner for Tiffany" and
20274-407: The character was made a regular character. It was decided that the character would be recast and the role was given to Kitty Castledine. Castledine expressed she was thrilled to be joining the show, due to watching it while growing up. "My whole family are EastEnders fans, and I remember sitting on my Nanny Kay’s lap to tune in, [...] The inclusion of disabled talent on screen is so important to me as
20460-446: The character was someone "quite spiky, quite gobby , a bit of an equal to Bianca, and in a way a version of Bianca at that age". Shona McGarty was cast in the role. Considering the character's role in the wider context of the show as a whole, it was decided that Whitney would be involved in a sexual relationship with Bianca's partner Tony King. BBC News described the plot as an ongoing "predatory paedophile storyline", noting that this
20646-726: The children of Inzamam Ahmed ( Paul Bhattacharjee ) and Fatima Inzamam , and nephew and niece of Inzamam's brother Masood Ahmed ( Nitin Ganatra ). They make their first appearance on 13 May 2008, when they and their father attend a meal with Masood's wife Zainab Masood ( Nina Wadia ) and her children, Shabnam Masood ( Zahra Ahmadi ) and Tamwar Masood ( Himesh Patel ), as their father wants to check up on his brother's family. They return on 1 January 2010 for Syed Masood ( Marc Elliott ) and Amira Shah 's ( Preeya Kalidas ) wedding. along with their father and mother Fatima Inzamam , when they are due to attend Syed and Amira's wedding, but they leave with their parents after Masood tells Inzamam he
20832-497: The clothes stall. In May 2009, Lister closed down Stacey Slater 's ( Lacey Turner ) stall and in September of that year, he closed it again and gave it to Ryan Malloy ( Neil McDermott ). In February 2010, Stacey and her friend Becca Swanson (Simone James) decided to set up a stall but Lister turned them down as he did not like Stacey. Becca dressed up and pretended to be from Walford Council. She told Lister that Stacey had lodged
21018-535: The dangers if we are to stop them being exploited and the opportunity to work with EastEnders will make a huge audience aware of this issue. We have been working with the EastEnders script writers and some of the young women from projects we support to ensure the story reflects the reality of young people caught up in sexual exploitation." Kevin Cahill, Chief Executive of Comic Relief, added "We have worked over many years with EastEnders in all kinds of ways. It's been
21204-462: The day she turns sixteen, Whitney confesses her relationship with Tony to Bianca. Horrified, she confronts Tony and realises that he has been abusing Whitney all along. She calls the police and Tony is arrested, to Whitney's dismay and outrage. In the build-up to Tony's trial, Whitney contacts her biological mother Debra Dean ( Ruth Gemmell ) and tries to discuss the past; however, Debra is not interested and rejects her. Debra later tells Whitney she has
21390-464: The day they plan to escape, Jordan takes Paul Coker 's ( Jonny Labey ) car and tries to get Denise to come. Denise tells Jordan that Lucas is poisoning him and she wants to protect him as he is her child like Chelsea and Libby. Jordan gets angry when he finds out the police have been called and Denise persuades him to tell them about Lucas. Jordan is then arrested and held on remand. Denise visits Jordan in prison, having discovered that JJ's mother, Amelle,
21576-535: The days leading up to her bail hearing, during which she is denied bail. She decides to go on a hunger strike and hallucinates, hearing Tony's voice, seeing herself as a child and warning herself about Tony. She then collapses and is taken to hospital, where Gray later informs her that he found evidence that Leo had been hiding in her house and spying on her for weeks. She is then given bail. Leo's mother, Michaela ( Fiona Allen ), confronts her and turns on Whitney, blaming her and getting people to harass her online. Whitney
21762-423: The drugs on Lauren, Penny hands herself in to the police. At the police station, Jack quickly visits her to find out that Penny had denied a lawyer. Jack then instructs her to take any deal she’s offered. Peter and Jack talk in the square and Peter mentions Juliette, Jack then relays this to the police investigating with Penny. In an attempt of blackmail, Penny pushes herself out of her wheelchair but then blames it on
21948-408: The evidence and although Chelsea hesitates, she goes through with the wedding. A few months later, Gray is finally exposed and Chelsea sees his true colours. Whitney and Chelsea become housemates and good friends. They are later joined by Felix Baker (Matthew Morrison) and his brother Finlay Baker (Ashley Byam). Although initially attracted to Finlay, he rejects her attempt to kiss him. Whitney has
22134-599: The face. Whitney is approached by Rob Grayson ( Jody Latham ), who helps her and buys her food before returns her to Albert Square; he also gives Whitney his phone number before she returns home. Whitney contacts Rob and asks to stay with him – to which he accepts. She throws her phone away and tells nobody that she is going. Janine lies about Whitney's whereabouts but when she admits she does not know where Whitney is, Lauren (now played by Jacqueline Jossa ) and Janine attempt to find her, and Lauren sees her in Dartford going into
22320-404: The family and work in their post office for a while, trying to set him up with her daughter, Shabnam. Shabnam was initially against this, as she remembered Jalil as a "geek" from her childhood, but was attracted to him when she saw him again. Zainab set them up with a romantic meal, listening in on their conversation using a baby monitor. Shabnam discovered that Jalil had a girlfriend, but Zainab saw
22506-419: The family slept at a bus shelter and Bianca assaulted a police officer, Morgan and his siblings spent a week in care before the family moved to Walford , where they moved in with his great-grandmother Pat Evans ( Pam St Clement ). A family party was held where Morgan and his half-siblings met their extended family. Bianca entered Morgan into a Beautiful Baby Competition at The Queen Victoria public house but
22692-450: The forefront of media – and celebrate them." When Jack, sees her leaving her flat with Harry Mitchell (Holloway), after the pair slept together, fans described the scene as 'cringey' and 'awkward' with mixed reviews. Similarly, MyLondon said these scenes were 'dirty'. In October, Ash Percival, also from the Metro , described Penny as a 'major' character, after only 9 months since returning to
22878-414: The gardens, warning her to leave him alone. Denise's sister Kim Fox-Hubbard ( Tameka Empson ) sees Jordan and hits him with her bag, cutting him, so Denise takes him home to clean his wound. Kim, Patrick and Kim's husband Vincent Hubbard ( Richard Blackwood ) are against him staying even though he owes money to people who want to hurt him. Angry, Jordan pushes Denise but then apologies, but Patrick says he
23064-480: The heartbreaking decision to end her pregnancy on 2 March 2023. As they hadn't decided on a name for the baby, they call her Peach as she was the size of a peach at the time of termination. Zack and Whitney begin a legitimate relationship in their grief, plant a tree in the allotments in Peach's memory, and later decide to become foster parents. They foster a young boy named Ashton over Christmas 2023 and struggle when he
23250-665: The hospital, Britney overhears Zack and Lauren talking about their one night stand. Whitney's wedding day soon arrives and whilst Whitney is saying her vows, Britney reveals the truth about Zack and Lauren and a raging Whitney attacks Lauren with her bouquet. Whitney is aware that she is being gossiped about and Zack tries to win her round. She refuses to reconcile with Zack and ends her long-standing friendship with Lauren. Sonia encourages Whitney to make peace with Lauren whilst Zack's sister Sharon Watts ( Letitia Dean ) also tries to encourage Zack to win Whitney back to no avail. Whitney then realises that she has wasted her whole life relying on
23436-484: The job and recommended Stacey. Stacey's pride was bruised when she discovered that Martin was the first choice, and she resigned. Martin told Lister he would like to accept the job, but Lister had already appointed Honey Mitchell ( Emma Barton ). In April 2013, when Bianca and Kat put a note on Lister's back saying "prat", Heat said, "we know Lister is a prat, and a pompous one at that, but you were never going to get away with it." Wilton confirmed his departure from
23622-457: The knife and Whitney puts it in her purse. When the boat crashes, Whitney confesses to murdering Leo and tells the police she killed someone, showing them the knife in her bag. She is later brought to the police station. Gray Atkins ( Toby-Alexander Smith ) offers to represent Whitney and she is questioned by police who are doubtful as to why she would have gone to the boat party if she had killed Leo in self-defence. Whitney struggles in prison in
23808-463: The loss of trust between them results in Whitney reaffirming her desire to raise her daughters on her own. The residents throw a big farewell party for Whitney in the pub where there is a slide show showing photos of Whitney and her friends and family over the last sixteen years. Whitney bids a final farewell to Sonia, Stacey, Chelsea and Felix before she boards a bus with Britney and Dolly as they head to Wakefield to live with Ryan. In October 2007, it
23994-539: The market inspector position. In July 2017, he had a meeting with new market inspector Robbie Jackson ( Dean Gaffney ) to discuss 'big changes' to the market and told Robbie that he had until Christmas to eject Donna Yates ( Lisa Hammond ) from the market. In December 2021, Stacey and her ex-husband Martin Fowler ( James Bye ) both applied for the role of market inspector. Lister gave the job to Martin, after discovering that Stacey lied on her CV. However, Martin declined
24180-665: The matter was researched and developed with advice and approval from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). The inappropriate nature of Whitney's relationship with Tony resulted in over 200 complaints being made to the BBC and television regulatory body Ofcom by members of the public, and was described by the Daily Mirror 's Beth Neil as "one of the darkest and most disturbing storylines EastEnders has ever attempted". However,
24366-485: The pair beginning a relationship. The pair quickly become engaged and have an unofficial ceremony in the square. Gray becomes jealous and when Whitney and Kush plan to leave Walford with Kush's son Arthur Fowler Jnr , he takes advantage of Whitney taking Arthur to the toilet to confront Kush. Kush discovers that Gray is a murderer and the pair have a physical fight which results in Kush being killed by an oncoming train. Whitney
24552-452: The place, [...] She has a real sense of destiny, she knows what she wants and she’ll get it – she doesn’t really care who is in the way." Castledine later opened up about her character's issues with familial relationships and friendships. She said in an interview with Inside Soap , "I don't think she's used to having people around her who want to be with her and care for her. She has a coping mechanism where she tends to push people away, which
24738-471: The public outrage and defended EastEnders decision to air the storyline, writing: Sare quoted a BBC spokeswoman as saying: "we appreciate that for some viewers this storyline will have particular resonance and significance. In running it, it's certainly not our intention to cause distress or upset, either to those who've suffered from sexual abuse or their families. Our aim is instead to raise awareness of this very sensitive issue", concluding his article with
24924-587: The rest of the family run out, but then leaves in fear when he discovers that, rather than outright killing Trina, Lucas could have saved her but chose not to. Lucas is then arrested. When Jordan visits Denise with the rest of the family, he does not speak and just clutches his Bible. Finding it hard to come to terms with what has happened, Jordan eventually opens up to Patrick Trueman ( Rudolph Walker ), crying on his shoulder. The next day he worries that no one will want to be friends with him because they all know about Lucas. However, after he ends his romance with Abi, he
25110-420: The rest of the gang. The gang harassed Dot Branning ( June Brown ) by wolf-whistling at her and calling her a zombie, prompting Shirley Carter ( Linda Henry ) to tell them to leave Dot alone. The gang, including Tegs' friend Ziggy (Ashley Horne), stole DVDs from Winston 's ( Ulric Browne ) market stall, with the help of Jay Brown ( Jamie Borthwick ). Tegs asked Jay if he wanted to join the gang and gave him
25296-642: The run up to Bianca and Ricky's wedding. The DVD was released 8 February 2010. In the DVD, Whitney also features in dancing to Girls Aloud 's " Love Machine " alongside other characters. Angie Quinn from MyLondon called the dance "iconic". Whitney makes a cameo appearance in episode eight of the second series of the Internet spin-off series EastEnders: E20 , in which she buys some trainers from Asher Levi ( Heshima Thompson ) but later returns them as they are of different sizes. Jane Beale ( Laurie Brett ) joins
25482-407: The scene; being impregnated by Zack Hudson ( James Farrar ); discovering that her baby has Edwards syndrome and omphalocele , which ultimately leads to her deciding to terminate her pregnancy; and illegally fostering Britney Wainwright ( Lola Campbell ). The child sexual abuse storyline between Whitney and Tony marked the first time that the subject matter has been broached in a UK soap opera;
25668-481: The sensitive issue of child abuse it can raise awareness." When asked how she felt about the abuse storyline, Palmer commented: "It would be brilliant if it helped somebody. If one person out there who's been abused saw [the legal system] go out of their way to make it easier on the victim – Whitney's evidence is given by video link – it will be worth it." In January 2011, it was announced that Whitney would be part of an upcoming storyline on sexual exploitation. Whitney
25854-491: The show couldn't get any more miserable, the writers come up trumps and produce a new way of making us depressed – a paedophile storyline. Thanks for that! I realise now this is what the family meal has been missing three nights a week: gathering the telly to watch a grubby, greasyhaired thug drooling over a 15-year-old girl who (as luck would have it) spends her entire life in her school uniform even when she's not at school. And they say family entertainment's dead." Shelley refuted
26040-490: The show, Whitney became known for often being involved in tragic storylines, including the fracturing of her family life; her sexual abuse by Bianca's fiancé Tony King ( Chris Coghill ); her sexual exploitation by local pimp Rob Grayson ( Jody Latham ); her one-night stand with Joey Branning ( David Witts ) in the midst of being engaged to her first fiancé Tyler Moon ( Tony Discipline ); her marriage with Lee Carter ( Danny-Boy Hatchard ) that ultimately breaks down as
26226-435: The show, played by Kitty Castledine . She returned alongside her cousin, Lauren Branning ( Jacqueline Jossa ), on 1 January 2024. Jack's girlfriend Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Janus ) finds tickets for a ballet, which Jack says are for Penny as it is her birthday and she loves dancing. Ronnie answered the phone to Selina and later met her. Penny entered the room in a wheelchair, and Selina asked Ronnie if she knew why Penny
26412-475: The show. I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure." Prior to Whitney's departure, a special episode aired on 4 March 2024, where Whitney and Zack visit Bianca in Milton Keynes , which prompted future storylines for the couple. Whitney appears in the spin-off DVD, Last Tango in Walford , which focuses on Tiffany and Liam in
26598-461: The soap on his website, adding that he was unable to film Lister's departure scenes as planned due to pantomime commitments. Wilton said: "I originally went into the soap for three episodes that went out in January 2008, but ended up staying for six years, during which time I met some lovely people, had a lot of fun and a few really good story lines." Christian Clarke , played by John Partridge ,
26784-443: The soap. BBC Head of Drama John Yorke explained that the idea when presented "drew a sharp intake of breath. Most EastEnders stories that have been good and successful have been the ones that caused the sharp intake of breath, so they're always the kind of stories you look for." The idea that McGarty play a child groomed for sex was put to the actress on 9 January 2008. Santer has stated that, had McGarty or her parents objected to
26970-424: The soap. When it seemed possible that Penny might be leaving the soap, viewers expressed their sadness over this on social media. In May 2024, Chloe Timms from Inside Soap wrote that Penny should be on seen onscreen more, commenting that the character had "made a big impact" and joking that Penny "has the best hair on the Square". Whitney Dean Whitney Dean (also Carter ) is a fictional character from
27156-614: The son of Vinnie ( Bobby Davro ), and in September Tony King ( Chris Coghill ) was introduced as the partner of Bianca. Poppy Merritt (Amy Darcy) was also introduced as the new GP of Walford. November saw the only birth of the year, Amy Mitchell , the child of Roxy Mitchell ( Rita Simons ) and Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen ). The final introduction of the year was Dotty ( Molly Conlin ), Nick Cotton 's ( John Altman ) daughter, in December. Robert Lister , usually referred to as Mr. Lister and played by Nick Wilton ,
27342-419: The stain out, the top was ruined. Gold also played Dougie Briggs in 1994, and his casting as Roger was criticised by entertainment website Digital Spy 's television critic Dek Hogan who said it was "an insult to the audience" as Briggs was such an iconic role. Edward Tunstall , played by Miles Anderson , was a councillor who appeared between 7 and 29 February 2008. He met Ian Beale ( Adam Woodyatt ) at
27528-520: The storyline was discarded, after the NSPCC suggested that it may distract from the main issue of her abuse. Final approval for the storyline was sought from BBC Head of Fiction Jane Tranter on 2 June 2008. Tranter explained: Chris Coghill was cast as Whitney's abuser Tony on 20 June 2008. Upon accepting the role, he commented: "Shona doesn't act, or look, like a little child. Which helps." He has added of their off-screen relationship: "Shona's fantastic to work with. She's very natural, very instinctive and
27714-454: The storyline, they would not have gone ahead with it. In the event, McGarty's parents merely requested that their daughter not be asked to publicise the role, and the actress began filming her first scenes on 14 January 2008. McGarty filmed her 1000th episode as Whitney in June 2018, over ten years after she joined the soap. In 2020, Phoebe Farnham portrayed a younger version of the character in
27900-411: The storyline. McGarty was suspended from the show in July 2012 across four weeks for "persistent lateness to arrive on set". A show insider described her lateness as a big problem because it "regularly held up the filming of vital scenes." McGarty apologised for her lateness. In 2016, she discussed her suspension with The Sun magazine Fabulous and said her actions were "lazy and irresponsible" and
28086-514: The summation: "The producers' dilemma is instructive to children's charities and Ministers alike on how to confront the issue in a digestible manner which can stimulate an objective debate." The Daily Mirror 's Beth Neil branded the plot strand "one of the darkest and most disturbing storylines EastEnders has ever attempted", with critic Jim Shelley deeming it a "new low" for EastEnders . Shelley wrote of Whitney's abuse: "You've really got to hand it to EastEnders . Just when you thought
28272-412: The suspension made her realise the consequences of her actions. McGarty promised fans that she was now punctual for work. On 29 July 2023, it was announced that Whitney would be leaving the show in early 2024, after McGarty chose to quit her role after over 15 years. Speaking of her decision to leave, McGarty said: "I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in
28458-444: The system. Instead, she pays Keeley several thousand pounds to take care of Britney herself but keeps this from Zack. She initially tells him that she fostered her legally and when he finds out, the pair have a blazing row in which Whitney fiercely tells him that she will always put Britney over Zack. Heartbroken, Zack sleeps with Lauren who had not long returned to Walford. Out of guilt for how she treated Zack, Whitney proposes to him in
28644-425: The timing of Penny's return seemed strange, and speculated that her and Lauren could be returning for Jack's funeral, and he could be the victim of The Six storyline. In January 2024, Metro journalist, Melissa Parker, stated, "I feel I know Penny; I know disabled women like her. We will only have achieved enough for and in disability representation when we bring these disabled women and their well-hidden stories to
28830-410: The tree. Ben dares Jordan to drink alcohol that Ben stole from his family's pub. Lucas catches him and threatens to get Ben's father Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ) involved but Jordan insists it was his idea and nothing to do with Ben. Jordan is annoyed when he sees Ben's sister Louise kicking Trina's tree and she later blames him for locking her in a shed when it was actually Ben. Jordan swears on
29016-477: The truth and goes on to explain what really happened – that Tony did abuse her as a child and that she has finally accepted that it was not her fault. They fight, but she is able to leave. Leo starts stalking Whitney, telling her he believes her about Tony and that he loves her because of their both having a connection to Tony. Whitney agrees to speak with him and he tells her he wants to continue their relationship. Whitney tells him that will never happen. He then opens
29202-501: The two and they later sleep together, though Penny hides this from Jack. Penny then arranges a promo night at Peggy's wine bar with Chelsea Fox ( Zaraah Abrahams ). Penny manipulates Chelsea into drinking on the job, and is caught by Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden ), her boss. Chelsea is then sacked and Penny spitefully takes the job, insulting Chelsea and belittling her. Chelsea attempts to tell Phil about Penny's true ways but Phil doesn't listen, and employs Penny. Penny continues to be
29388-405: The wedding because she is ill. Morgan offends Babe Smith ( Annette Badland ) by heaving over her food. Morgan attends the wedding and leaves again with Tiffany after the reception. Morgan is described by the Daily Mirror as "the most spoilt out of all of the [Jackson] kids. He's a boisterous, adventurous lad and can hold his own among Bianca's rabble. Morgan only eats chicken nuggets". Morgan
29574-422: The well-being of Gray's second wife Chelsea Atkins ( Zaraah Abrahams ) and warns her off marrying Gray. Chelsea is pregnant with their son Jordan Atkins and fears being a single mum. She works with Kheerat Panesar and eventually finds evidence on an online forum that Chantelle has been using which proves that Gray had abused her. On Christmas Day 2021, the day of Gray and Chelsea's wedding, Whitney shows Chelsea
29760-488: Was "looking forward to seeing these two grow in character and also as actors." Tiffany Butcher (also Dean ), played by Maisie Smith , is the daughter of long-running character Bianca Jackson ( Patsy Palmer ), introduced on 1 April 2008 when Palmer returned to the series after a six-year absence. Tiffany is described as having a "cute, butter-wouldn't-melt exterior", which "masks her somewhat mature understanding of adult matters. She sees all, hears all and knows all". She
29946-431: Was absent from the soap across four weeks in 2012 when McGarty was suspended for repeated lateness. McGarty took a short break in 2017 and Whitney departed on 29 May and returned on 31 July of that year. On 1 June 2018, McGarty filmed her 1,000th episode as Whitney. On 29 July 2023, it was announced that McGarty had resigned from her role after fifteen years, and Whitney departed from the soap on 23 May 2024. From debut on
30132-464: Was announced Jordan would be returning with Joivan Wade taking over the role, and he made his first appearance on 8 February 2016. He appeared until 10 March 2016 when he was arrested for trying to help Lucas escape from prison. He made a further guest appearance on 1 April 2016. When Lucas arrives in Walford , he tells Chelsea's mother Denise Fox ( Diane Parish ) that Jordan's mother Trina ( Sharon Duncan Brewster ) abandoned him shortly after he
30318-503: Was announced that the character Bianca Jackson was returning to EastEnders after an absence of six years. Whitney was created as part of her new family; the daughter of Bianca's deceased partner Nathan Dean. She was described as "a teenage drama queen, unable to engage brain before mouth and constantly finding herself in and out of trouble". Bianca sees Whitney as one of her own, and also as "a friend and confidante". EastEnders' executive producer Diederick Santer said that his vision for
30504-416: Was born. He was in an incubator, addicted to heroin, as Trina was a drug addict. When Yolande Trueman ( Angela Wynter ) tries to get Chelsea to bond with Jordan, he finds cocaine in her handbag. Chelsea claims it is sherbet but Jordan is not deceived and tells her that their father helps drug addicts. When Jordan forgets his key to Lucas's flat, Yolande takes him to her B&B. Denise is not pleased that he
30690-498: Was diagnosed by Dr. Poppy Merritt (Amy Darcy) with chicken pox . Pat had to move out briefly, as she had never had the illness. When Tony was arrested for having a sexual relationship with Whitney, Morgan started asking for his dad. The family made up an excuse as he was too young to understand what Tony had done. Janine Butcher ( Charlie Brooks ) and Ryan Malloy ( Neil McDermott ) used Morgan to raise money for their rent, pretending they were his parents and were collecting money for
30876-515: Was dismissive when Ricky mentioned his ex-wife Bianca Jackson 's ( Patsy Palmer ) absence. At Frank's wake, it became clear that Melinda was only interested in what Frank had left to Ricky in his will. There was no financial gain, so Melinda quickly left in a bad mood. Later, Ricky announced that he and Melinda had split up, and Bianca told Pat that Melinda was responsible for Ricky's lack of contact with their son Liam Butcher ( James Forde ). An EastEnders source told Digital Spy : "Ricky returns to
31062-438: Was engaged, and it was revealed on 2 March 2009 that Selina had married a man named James. Jack did not attend. Penny Branning , played by Mia McKenna-Bruce , is the daughter of Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen ) and his first wife Selina Branning ( Daisy Beaumont ). She appears between 21 January and 1 February 2008, and returns from 15 to 18 April 2008. On 6 November 2023, it was announced that Penny would be returning to
31248-530: Was first heard leaving a message for Jack with Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Womack ). Ronnie later visited Selina to discuss Jack not being allowed to see their daughter, Penny, a wheelchair user who was paralyzed from the waist down. Jack slept with Selina in his club's office, witnessed by Ronnie's sister Roxy Mitchell ( Rita Simons ). A week later, Selina phoned Jack to say she and Penny were leaving to live in France. On 1 December 2008, Jack told Ronnie that Selina
31434-462: Was forced to withdraw him due to his age. A few days later he celebrated his third birthday at a restaurant with his family. It was initially thought that Morgan was the son of Bianca's partner, Tony King ( Chris Coghill ), but his ethnicity made it clear that this was not the case after Tony was released from prison. Bianca said Morgan was the result of a one-night stand with an unknown man, but had always seen Tony as his father. Morgan became ill and
31620-456: Was getting married, and he thought he would feel left out at the wedding. Lister agreed to have the restraining order dropped and gave Bianca a £5 tip. He accidentally left £20 behind and later accused Bianca of stealing it, but apologized and gave her the money after it was found. In April 2013, Lister temporarily banned Bianca and Kat from trading on the market after they played various pranks on him. Kat pretended to seduce Lister and Bianca took
31806-408: Was having an affair with Muslim character Syed Masood ( Marc Elliott ), while Syed was engaged to Amira Shah ( Preeya Kalidas ). Ashley Jennings, played by Tony Boncza , was the fiancé of Christian Clarke ( John Partridge ), and appeared in the episode broadcast on 17 January 2008. He was described by Soaplife as Christian's rich " sugar daddy ". In the episode, Ashley and Christian had
31992-498: Was his relatives Tyler and Anthony Moon ( Matt Lapinskas ) who were involved. Anthony asked Fatboy to change them, so they no longer spoke Dutch , but Lister later saw one that played a jingle in Fatboy's voice. In April 2012, Lister complained to Bianca Butcher ( Patsy Palmer ) that rubbish from the café was overspilling into the market, so she angrily emptied the rubbish into the street. A few days later, Bianca attempted to steal
32178-532: Was in the wrong position, but Billy said nobody cared. Whitney Dean ( Shona McGarty ) asked for her stall back, and they got chatting. He moaned about his life as he got abused by stallholders regularly, and his wife had left him so he rarely saw his two children. He invited Whitney for a drink and comforted her, saying that her stepfather, Ricky Butcher ( Sid Owen ), was doing what was best for her. As Lister got up to leave, he fell onto Whitney, prompting Janine Butcher ( Charlie Brooks ) to threaten him and call him
32364-500: Was introduced to the show as a new gay character and the brother of Jane Beale ( Laurie Brett ), after show bosses saw how popular Antony Cotton 's character Sean Tully was in Coronation Street . Partridge's character was not as camp as Cotton's, and was described as "very suave and a real charmer" and a "savvy, bright character [who is] very fun." He made his first appearance on 17 January 2008. His main story line
32550-609: Was jailed but was found. Morgan started asking questions about his father so Bianca told him his father was Barack Obama . Knowing the truth, Whitney secretly took Morgan to see Ray Dixon ( Chucky Venn ), his real father. Ray did not know about Morgan's existence and was delighted to meet his son. Whitney begged Morgan not to tell Bianca that he had met his father. Ray came to Walford to see Morgan but Bianca tried to hide him, before realising they had already met. She did not want Ray to have contact with Morgan until Whitney convinced her, and they spent time together. Bianca allowed Ray to cook
32736-470: Was longlisted for Best Actress and Sexiest Female at the Inside Soap Awards . She did not progress to the viewer-voted shortlist. In 2020, Sara Wallis and Ian Hyland from The Daily Mirror placed Whitney 52nd on their ranked list of the best EastEnders characters of all time, calling her "Gobby" and writing that she "has been through it". Amy Mitchell The following
32922-457: Was lying drunk in the street. Later that month, he reprimanded Syed for not selling his usual stock. In November, Lister accused Cora Cross ( Ann Mitchell ) of stealing a bag that he donated to the charity shop she managed, which led to Cora being fired. When Lister went to the salon for a haircut, Bianca washed his hair. While it was awkward at first, the pair started to bond during conversations about their children. Lister told Bianca his daughter
33108-474: Was offended and sent him away. Melinda , played by Siobhan Hayes , was the fiancée of Ricky Butcher ( Sid Owen ). She appeared between 1 and 4 April 2008. Melinda came to Walford with Ricky for the funeral of his father, Frank Butcher ( Mike Reid ). She spent most of the time on the telephone to her father asking for £25,000 as a property deposit, which he failed to provide. She made several attempts to introduce herself to Pat Evans ( Pam St Clement ) and
33294-410: Was paralyzed from the waist down. Jack later claimed that when he was a police officer, he caught a drug dealer who deliberately hit Penny with his car when she and Selina were waiting at a bus stop. It was later revealed that Jack was a corrupt officer taking payment from a drugs baron in return for tip-offs. When Jack was unable to tip off the baron and he was arrested, one of his associates carried out
33480-409: Was paralyzed from the waist down. Jack later claimed that when he was a police officer, he caught a drug dealer who deliberately hit Penny with his car when she and Selina were waiting at a bus stop. It was later revealed that Jack was a corrupt officer taking payment from a drugs baron in return for tip-offs. When Jack was unable to tip off the baron and he was arrested, one of his associates carried out
33666-497: Was persuaded by Jack. After 15 years, Penny returns with her cousin, Lauren Branning ( Jacqueline Jossa ) and Lauren’s son, Louie Beale (Jake McNally). They are seen in France in January 2024 at a party that they are hosting. It is revealed that Penny has a connection to a woman named Juliette Dubois (Lily Catalifo) and Juliette reveals that Penny is keeping secrets. The next morning, Penny, Lauren and Louie arrive in England and
33852-425: Was previously mentioned to be the daughter of Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen ). Jack's girlfriend Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Janus ) finds tickets for a ballet, which Jack says are for Penny as it is her birthday and she loves dancing. Ronnie answered the phone to Penny's mother, Selina Branning ( Daisy Beaumont ) and later met her. Penny entered the room in a wheelchair, and Selina asked Ronnie if she knew why Penny
34038-415: Was sentenced to two years in a Young Offenders Institution . The storyline in which Tegs stabbed Jay was the first teenage gang-related attack featured in EastEnders . Kris Green from Digital Spy described him as 'out of control'. Ofcom received seven complaints about the stabbing episode. A BBC spokesperson responded to the complaints about the scenes being shown before the watershed: "The BBC has
34224-479: Was the ex-wife of Jack Branning ( Scott Maslen ), and mother of Penny Branning ( Mia McKenna-Bruce ). This was Beaumont's second role in EastEnders as she previously played Helen Graham in 2000. She was listed by Digital Spy as a suspect in Max Branning 's ( Jake Wood ) hit-and-run, but Lauren Branning ( Madeline Duggan ) was the culprit. She appeared between 21 January and 1 February 2008. Selina
34410-426: Was the first time this subject matter had been tackled by a UK soap opera. The storyline was conceived when EastEnders series consultant Simon Ashdown viewed a documentary about homelessness, featuring a mother and child at a bus stop with nowhere to go. Ashdown questioned what might happen if a paedophile were to befriend the mother in order to grow closer to the child, and related the scenario to Bianca's return to
34596-472: Was the idea that she didn't want sex. It's Whitney's way of keeping Tony happy. If she lets him do it, then he's nicer to her and he makes her feel special." Research highlighted the fact that 12% of abused children go on to become abusers in turn, however Duplock explained: "We felt that to imply on TV that someone who has been abused is going to go on to abuse other people is not a message you want to give out. Those people have been through enough." Narducci for
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