EastEnders Casts Joel Marshall's Mum Cleo As Mazz Murray Joins Walford

EastEnders is set to introduce a brand new face to Walford as Joel Marshall's mum Cleo arrives on Albert Square, bringing fresh drama for Ross and Vicki Marshall.

The character will be played by acclaimed theatre star Mazz Murray, whose casting comes with an interesting real-life connection. Mazz is the aunt of Max Murray, who plays Joel, meaning the pair will be portraying mother and son on screen as well as sharing a family connection off screen.

Cleo's arrival comes at a difficult time for the Marshall family. Ross and Vicki have only just returned from their honeymoon when Cleo turns up with Joel and reveals that, despite previous arrangements, she can no longer have him living with her.

The news leaves Ross facing an immediate dilemma. He wants to support his son following his release from a Young Offenders Institution, but Vicki has understandable concerns after Joel previously attacked her and left her needing hospital treatment.

Speaking about joining the soap, Mazz Murray said: "It was so wonderful to be part of these EastEnders episodes as we delve into Joel's familial past, and my experience was made all the better working alongside my talented, gorgeous nephew Max. And also, my childhood school friend Alex Walkinshaw playing my ex-husband."

The casting is particularly notable because Mazz is already well known to theatre audiences. She spent six years playing Donna Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia! and also appeared as Killer Queen in We Will Rock You.

Television viewers may recognise her from Footballers' Wives, Blessed and RuPaul's Drag Race UK, while long-time EastEnders fans may remember that this is not her first visit to Walford.

Mazz previously appeared as Miranda in 2004 before returning in 2017 as Julie, a divorcee who hired Keanu Taylor as a male escort. Her family also has further links to the soap, with her sister Gina Murray appearing in 2014 as hair specialist Helen during Carol Jackson's cancer storyline.

While Cleo's stint is only expected to last a couple of episodes, her arrival immediately raises questions about Joel's future. Why can she no longer care for him? Will Ross be able to support his son while protecting his marriage? And how will Vicki react to finding herself under the same roof as the teenager who attacked her?

Those questions are likely to dominate the Marshall family's story as Joel attempts to rebuild his life following his release.

With tensions already running high, Cleo's arrival could have consequences that continue long after she leaves Albert Square.