The iconic BBC One soap opera EastEnders is set to welcome a famous new face to Albert Square in the New Year, with the announcement that acclaimed comedian and actress Ronni Ancona is joining the cast. The 57-year-old performer will take on the role of Bea, a mysterious acquaintance from Linda Carter's school days, in a storyline producers promise will be packed with twists and turns.
A Mysterious Arrival in Walford
Ronni Ancona's character, Bea, is slated to make her first appearance in early 2024. The drama will kick off when Linda, played by Kellie Bright, comes face-to-face with Bea at their high school reunion. However, it quickly becomes clear that the two women have very different memories of their shared past, setting the stage for immediate conflict and intrigue.
As Bea settles into the community, she is drawn into the heart of Walford's drama. While details of her backstory are being kept under wraps, show executives hint she will make a significant impact on the Square's residents. EastEnders Executive Producer Ben Wadey expressed his delight at the casting, describing Ancona as "immensely talented" and perfect for the enigmatic role of Bea.
From Peggy Mitchell Impersonator to Walford Resident
For Ronni Ancona, the move to EastEnders marks a full-circle moment in her career. She is no stranger to the soap's iconic characters, having previously impersonated legends like Peggy Mitchell, Sharon Watts, and Kat Slater on the hit BBC One sketch show The Big Impression.
Ancona rose to national fame co-starring with Alistair McGowan on that BAFTA-winning programme, which launched in 2000 and drew audiences of up to 15 million. The show cemented her status as one of television's top impressionists and comedians. Speaking about her new role, Ancona said she was "honoured" to join the "iconic institution" and teased the "whirlwind journey" ahead playing the "unpredictable, nuanced and complex" Bea.
New Arrival Follows Emotional Character Exits
The announcement of Ancona's casting comes on the heels of a major double exit from the soap. In emotional scenes that aired recently, characters Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) and Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) left Walford for a new life in Australia.
The pair, who became a couple last year, were waved off by friends and family including Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) and Anna's father George Knight (Colin Salmon). Their departure marks a significant shift in the show's dynamic, paving the way for new characters like Bea to enter the fray and stir up fresh drama in Albert Square as the New Year begins.
