Laila Morse is returning to ‘EastEnders’.
The 71-year-old actress is "really excited" to be reprising her role as Slater family matriarch Big Mo Harris, a part she first played in 2000, and will be returning to Walford next spring alongside Jean Slater, who is played by Gillian Wright, and granddaughter Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace).
Laila said: "I’m really excited to be coming back.
"It’s the one question I’m constantly asked. I can’t wait to see everyone and get stuck back into life in Walford."
And Jean – who plays Stacey Slater’s mother – is "delighted" to be back in Albert Square again, after leaving in 2013, though she’s made a string of guest appearances since then.
She said: "I am delighted the Slater women are to be reunited once more.
"I have always adored working alongside Lacey, Jessie and Laila and I am looking forward to being reacquainted with everyone at EastEnders again."
Meanwhile, Jessie, 46, is "thrilled" to be able to confirm reports she’s returning to ‘EastEnders’, despite fans fearing her beloved alter ego was dead following a boat accident in spin-off show ‘Redwater’.
She said: "I am thrilled to be returning to ‘EastEnders’ next year and knowing what John Yorke has in store for the Slaters is incredibly exciting.
"I love Kat and Walford dearly and I cannot wait to get started – watch out Walford, Kat’s coming home."
Executive producer John Yorke – who created the Slater family during his previous stint on the show – is overjoyed to be bringing his favourite characters back together.
He said: "The Slaters are one of the all-time great families in EastEnders and Albert Square has never felt quite the same since they scattered to different ends of the country, and in some cases beyond.
"It has been a real joy to find a way to bring them back together and we’re incredibly excited about where we are taking them next.
"It won’t just be familiar Slaters either as there are a couple of twists and characters to add fresh spice to an iconic creation."
Laila Morse returning to EastEnders
