EastEnders' tragic Mitchell funeral photos tease Hollywood icon's appearance

20 November 2023 , 18:05

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EastEnders' tragic Mitchell funeral photos tease Hollywood icon's appearance

EastEnders bosses have managed to get a Hollywood legend best known for playing a gangster in blockbuster films, to star in upcoming episodes.

Alan Ford, 85, has starred in films including Snatch and Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, alongside actor Brad Pitt, and will now appear in a new storyline for the BBC soap. He is seen for the first time attending the funeral of Peggy Mitchell's sister Aunt Sal, dressed in a sophisticated black suit under a black coat. Alan is seen surrounded by Phil Mitchell, Sam Mitchell and other well-known characters as they stand by the graveside.

In another picture released by the broadcaster, Sam is seen hugging Alan in an emotional embrace as Phil, played by Steve McFadden looked on. A source told The Sun that Alan's character has a long-standing connection to the Mitchell family. He first starred in the soap in 1986 as Sam Sangers.

Alan Ford stars in upcoming scenes in EastEnders

They added: "Aunt Sal was a stalwart of the soap and she’ll be done proud with the scenes.” Sam had tried to swindle Debbie Wilkins out of her dead boyfriend's belongings but found himself forced out of Albert Square after going up against Pauline Fowler. As yet it is not known if Alan will reprise his role of Sam or will play a completely different character. The upcoming scenes will air in the new year as the soap films two months in advance.

Aunt Sal was last seen by viewers as she attended the funeral of Ronnie and Roxy's funeral in 2017 where she locked horns with their mother Glenda for abandoning them as children. Last year, Aunt Sal played by Anna Karen passed away following a house fire at her home in Ilford, London. Firemen rushed to the incident shortly after 10.30pm and firemen managed to get the fire under control in less than an hour - but the actress sadly died.

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In a statement soap bosses paid a heartfelt tribute to the star that read: "We are deeply saddened to hear that Anna Karen has passed away.Anna created a sharp, quick witted and extremely popular character in Aunt Sal that the audience will never forget, just as those who worked with her at EastEnders will never forget her warmth, kindness fun and good humour. Our love and thoughts are with Anna’s family and friends."

Soon after her death, it was reported that the bulk of her £427,000 fortune was left to EastEnders co-star Sophie Lawrence. Anna starred in the soap between 1996 and 2017 where she met Sophie, who played Diane Butcher. She was a regular between 1988 to 1991 and she still makes a cameo and pops up in Albert Square from time to time, most recently in 2012. Following Anna's tragic death, it was reported that Sophie received 65 per cent of Anna's estate once funeral and legal costs were taken care of.

Lucretia Munro