EastEnders fans have been left gobsmacked after noticing a “secret” recast of Louie Beale.
The character returned to screens last week along with mum Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa). The pair were seen to be living in France along with cousin Penny (Kitty Castledine).
In the episode, Lauren and Penny attended a New Year’s Eve party. However, the pair decided to head home to Walford, with Lauren keen for Louie to see his dad Peter Beale (Thomas Law).
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In typical soap fashion though, things took a dramatic turn when Lauren, Penny and Louie landed at the airport. Unbeknownst to Lauren, Penny had planted drugs in her bag in a bid to smuggle them.
(Image: BBC)
Lauren was eventually caught though and arrested at the airport. Sniffer dogs walked past her and were alerted to the package.
Penny and Louie then headed to Walford to break the news to their family. While Peter reunited with his son, Lauren’s uncle Jack (Scott Maslen) attempted to do whatever he could to get Lauren out of custody.
(Image: BBC)
The last time Louie was seen on screen was in June last year. The boy and Lauren made a shock appearance amid the comeback storyline of Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).
At the time, Louie was played by Freddie Harrington. But now the character is back in Walford full-time, bosses have recast the role.
Jake McNally has taken over the part – and it hasn’t taken long for fans to notice the change. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one person said: “Have they recasted louie again lol.”Someone else clocked the recast too, and replied: “Yup.”
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Speaking about her return to the soap, Lauren star Jacqueline revealed: “It’s strange because being back at EastEnders feels exactly the same and really different all at once! It’s amazing to be back, and personally, it’s been the perfect time for me to return.
“I’ve loved every minute so far, and it feels like coming home. What’s different is that there’s a whole new Square set, as it’s been rebuilt since I worked here before, and there are a bunch of new people to get to know. I feel like I’ve bonded with them already, and it’s only been a little while, but it’s amazing how quickly you feel like family with people here.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7.30pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
