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Irish EastEnders star Melanie Clark Pullen dies after cancer fight

Melanie Clark Pullen, an Irish actress, died at the age of 46 after a long battle with illness. After receiving radiation treatment, the EastEnders actress who played Pauline Fowler’s niece Mary Flaherty died on March 29. Melanie, a native of Bray, Co Wicklow, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2019. She leaves behind her …

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Melanie Clark Pullen, an Irish actress, died at the age of 46 after a long battle with illness.

After receiving radiation treatment, the EastEnders actress who played Pauline Fowler’s niece Mary Flaherty died on March 29.

Melanie, a native of Bray, Co Wicklow, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2019. She leaves behind her spouse Simon and three children.

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The following year, she was given the all-clear, telling The Irish News, “I’m cancer-free, which is amazing, so now it’s all about rehabilitation.”

However, she was sadly diagnosed with a brain tumor in June and kept her fans updated on her cancer struggle via social media.

She said after her second diagnosis: ‘I was only given the all-clear from cancer 18 months ago and it’s a cruel blow to think that I will now be starting into some kind of treatment again and that this time it will be long term and a permanent fixture of my life.’

Melanie played Mary Flaherty, Pauline Fowler’s long-lost great-niece, in EastEnders from 1997 to 1999. (Wendy Richard).

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‘We’re terribly saddened to hear that Melanie Clark Pullen has gone away,’ the official EastEnders Twitter account said. Melanie’s family and friends remain in our hearts and minds.’

‘How sad to hear we’ve lost one of the gang,’ tweeted Andrew Lynford, who portrayed Tiffany Mitchell’s brother Simon Raymond on the show. Melanie, rest in peace. ‘Reminiscing on happier times.’

‘This is horrifying news,’ Shaun Williamson, who played Barry Evans, wrote. Melanie, rest in peace.’

Johnny Vegas’ wife, Maia Dunphy, also paid homage to the ‘kind’ and ‘talented’ entertainer.

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‘Our funny, gorgeous, crazy, creative Goddess Melanie Clark Pullen is gone,’ the broadcaster wrote. What a natural force, and most importantly, what a mother. Your babies and your words will live on. Simon is in our hearts and minds.’

Melanie made her first appearance on EastEnders in a series of episodes set in Ireland, where she befriended her cousin Mark Fowler before relocating to Walford.

Melanie has also been in the mystery thriller Inspector George Gently and the period drama A Dinner Full of Herbs on ITV. Ordinary Love stars Liam Neeson and Lesley Manville as a married couple Joan and Tom, whose lives are turned upside down when Joan is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Melanie previously told The Irish Times that she was forced to tell Lesley’s character Joan that she had breast cancer just days after receiving her own diagnosis in real life. ‘It could’ve been the same chat I’d just had with the physicians a few days prior,’ she said. I was definitely still stunned, but I was able to jump right into performance mode.’

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“EastEnders Spoilers: Phil Uncovers Shocking Truth About Nigel as Nicola Spirals”

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This article includes discussion of suicide that some readers may find distressing.

Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) is left shocked by a distressing discovery about unwell Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) next week.

Meanwhile, Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) is reeling when her secret edges closer to exposure.

Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) feels isolated after her recent association with drugs.

Also, Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) is determined to be his own man.

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Read on for all your EastEnders spoilers for 21st -24th April 2025.

4 EastEnders spoilers next week

1. Phil Mitchell makes a distressing discovery about Nigel Bates

There’s an Easter egg hunt under way in Albert Square, and it spurs Nigel on to escape from Phil’s overprotectiveness and prove himself at the same time.

When Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) asks Nigel to dress up as the Easter Bunny, all goes well until Nigel ends up in a row with Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman), after Nigel confuses young Hope Fowler (Isabelle Smith) for Clare (Gemma Bissix).

The altercation leads Harvey, Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) to question Phil on Nigel’s wellbeing, and he finally reveals all about his dementia diagnosis.

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Then, at the house, Phil accidentally discovers that Nigel intends to end his own life if his memory continues to deteriorate. Nigel tries to explain his reasoning to Phil, but Phil refuses to listen and leaves.

Jean and Nigel have a heart-to-heart about his illness, but Nigel keeps quiet about what Phil has discovered.

Phil goes to see Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), who encourages him to support Nigel through his diagnosis. Phil is buoyed by their chat, and heads home to make amends with Nigel.

But Phil is worried to find Nigel’s goodbye letter, as Nigel makes to leave Walford. Phil goes in search of his vulnerable friend, but he’s fearful when Yolande and Jean tell him they haven’t seen Nigel.

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Linda helps in the search, and she tries to reason with Phil as Nigel is eventually found. Phil and Nigel make up, and Nigel reluctantly agrees to return home.

But he breaks down, adamant that he wants to end his life before his dementia takes hold.

Phil’s efforts to dissuade Nigel fail, but then Yolande gives Phil food for thought and he comes up with a plan.

As the week comes to an end, Nigel is overwhelmed by Phil’s overzealous, caring approach, and Phil tells Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) that Nigel is no longer capable of working at the café.

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But will Nigel change his mind about his plans?

If you need help and support on issues raised within this article, please visit Samaritans, CALM, Rethink Mental Illness and Mind for guidance.

Dementia UK provides a helpline staffed by specialist admiral nurses who can advise on all aspects of caring for someone with dementia. To speak to someone, phone: 0800 888 6678.

2. Nicola Mitchell panics as murder secret risks exposure


Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) tries to take a clandestine call from Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) about their project, but Nicola overhears and Teddy is forced to reveal all.

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Nicola pleads with Teddy to pull out of the business deal, but he refuses, later hiring Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) to join the build.

Nicola is soon shocked to hear the location of the site – the place where Shireen, who Nicola is responsible for killing, is buried!

Nicola panics as Teddy tells her that construction will begin this week, and she summons hitman Benji to Harry’s Barn. Out of options, Nicola tells Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) she has a job for him.

The next day, Teddy, Harry (Elijah Holloway) and Barney (Lewis Bridgeman) pull out all the stops for Nicola’s birthday, but she’s distracted, summoning Ravi to Walford East and offering him £10k for a job.

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At The Arches, Nicola lies to Harry and manages to secure a customer’s van for the job.

But can Nicola protect her secret?

3. Avani Nandra-Hart feels isolated and Barney Mitchell rejects Zack Hudson’s help

Priya (Sophie Khan Levy) encourages Avani to spend time with her friends, but it’s clear they are avoiding her when Avani’s texts go unanswered.

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At McKlunky’s, Priya persuades Avani to have lunch with Barney, and the teens eventually make amends.

Meanwhile, Barney leaves Zack Hudson (James Farrar) deflated when he refuses his help with Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) and Joel Marshall (Max Murray), and things soon go from bad to worse for Zack.

With Zack still keeping quiet over the fact that he’s Barney’s biological father, what happens next?

Later, Barney frets when Avani accepts his invite to Nicola’s birthday party. Will all go well?

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4. Kojo Asare seeks independence

Teddy gives the Knights an update on The Vic rebuild.

But it’s clear that Kojo isn’t thrilled at the prospect of moving back there, and he later expresses his wish to live alone.

George (Colin Salmon) isn’t convinced, despite persuasion from daughter Gina (Francesca Henry).

Kojo is determined to prove himself, and soon lands himself a trial shift at The Arches with Harry.

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Kojo is excited for his first day at The Arches, and happily, things go well.

Kojo bags a permanent job and an invite to Nicola’s birthday bash, but will George be able to accept that Kojo wants to be independent?

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Natalie Cassidy Drops Big Hint About Sonia Fowler’s EastEnders Comeback

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EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has hinted that it may not be the end for her iconic character Sonia Fowler, despite her recent exit announcement

EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy said she’s “never going to say goodbye” to Sonia Fowler following 32 on-off years on Albert Square.

The 41-year-old actress is set to make her imminent on-screen exit, though has hinted that Sonia could make a return when the time is right.

Following a dramatic time on the soap which has included Sonia’s live birth during the soap’s 40th anniversary week, chaos caused by her late fiancé Reiss Colwell (played by Jonny Freeman), and the surprise appearance of her father, Natalie insists Sonia is keen for a new beginning.

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Reflecting on her final scenes, she said she was happy to have her “sister” Patsy Palmer by her side, amid the continuous drama between Sonia and Patsy’s character Bianca Jackson.

In an interview with Best Magazine, Natalie said: “I get on so well with Patsy and it was just lovely to be with her and have such a laugh. We’ve known each other for such a long time and we are like sisters.”

Looking ahead, she speculated about future plots, adding: “You never know what’s going to happen with Sonia and Bianca, maybe they’ll turn up in the Square in 10 years time dripping in diamonds.”

Natalie also remarked that she can’t say goodbye to Sonia for good as the character is “ingrained in me”.

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“So, while I’m saying goodbye on screen for now, Sonia is always there, knocking about,” she continued.

Natalie’s decision to leave the show comes as she explores new opportunities, including a fresh presenting role on Channel 4.

As part of the four-part series What’s the Big Deal?, she investigates the latest internet crazes from lion’s mane mushrooms to LED masks.

Speaking about her venture, she said: “I get sucked into things, which happens a lot around Christmas. What’s The Big Deal? is designed to prevent these purchases.

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“And also make people think a bit harder before they buy in a cost of living crisis, and when it’s so easy to click and buy these days, we think it’s an important programme.”

Recently asked about potentially joining the cast of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, Natalie admitted that while it wasn’t on her radar, she could change her mind should financial pressures ever occur.

She said on This Morning: “I would rather not at the moment, but you never know do you? If a big tax bill comes in, I might get in there!”.

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Patsy Palmer Teases Major New Role Following Celebrity Big Brother Exit

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EastEnders star Patsy Palmer has been a part of the BBC soap for over 30 years, but it seems she’s eyeing up a move to rival soap Coronation Street after a chat with Jack P Shepherd

EastEnders legend Patsy Palmer has teased the possibility of an unexpected soap switch during her time in the Celebrity Big Brother house chatting with Jack P Shepherd.

The much-loved actress, known for portraying the fiery Bianca Jackson on the BBC show, suggested she could see herself strolling down Coronation Street.

In a heart-to-heart with the actor behind Corrie’s David Platt, the 52-year-old star playfully entertained the idea of changing teams and joining Jack on the famous cobbles.

While bantering in the kitchen, Patsy joked about swapping sides and acting alongside Jack’s character.

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She even asked her fellow housemate for some coaching on getting the northern twang right, cheekily asking how to say: “Let’s have a bit of cake and some tea.”

Jack appeared tickled by her attempt as he made himself a cuppa.

Patsy has been gracing our screens as Bianca since her debut on EastEnders back in 1993, and her character has had quite the journey within Walford over the years.

Before entering the well-known reality TV house, Patsy openly reflected on being forever tied to Bianca’s image, expressing disappointment that many people can’t detach her from her role.

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She shared: “I think fans might think I’m quite feisty because of Bianca but I’m not really, I’m quite a calm person,” adding that “Even at work at EastEnders, people always say that I bring quite a nice sort of vibe.”, reports the Mirror.

She expressed her eagerness to demonstrate the contrast between herself and her on-screen persona, chuckling as she said, “I’ve got my life together!”

In contrast to her character, she noted, “[Bianca] can’t get her life together. She’s in fight or flight. “I’m not in fight or flight. I’m not really zen, but I do like to try my best to follow that way of life, which is so different from the drama in her life!”

As housemates entered the diary room on Monday to cast their votes for the upcoming eviction, the process followed the recent removal of Mickey Rourke from the show due to his misconduct.

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The renowned actor is reportedly facing a significant cut to his earnings after his premature departure. On Saturday night, it was disclosed that Rourke had been expelled from the house after a particularly intense first week.

It is now believed that he will receive far less than his original salary. Sitting in the Diary Room post-eviction, the 72-year-old star of The Wrestler didn’t resist his dismissal and implied that the desire for his exit was mutual. “I went over the line, you know, I did wrong,” he admitted.

“I guess, like they say, I’m a work in progress. I just wanna pack my bags and leave, you know. I wanted to leave yesterday actually but I wasn’t chosen.”

He had initially joined the show as its highest-paid celebrity with an impressive £500,000 fee.

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The Sun reports that he will now only get a small portion of that amount. It is speculated that he will take home £50,000.

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