EastEnders' Harriet Thorpe reveals famous sister who also starred in BBC soap
EastEnders star Harriet Thorpe has been a familiar face on British TV screens for decades and she has opened up about her famous sister who is also an actress
EastEnders' Harriet Thorpe has become a familiar face on the BBC One soap since her arrival in 2023.
The actress, 67, known for her portrayal of Fleur in Absolutely Fabulous, plays feisty Elaine Peacock in Albert Square, who is fiercely protective of her on-screen daughter Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright.
Appearing on Loose Women recently, Harriet discussed all things EastEnders, where she also revealed that she has a famous sister who is also an actress.
Talking about her childhood, where her family relocated to Los Angeles, Harriet said: "My sister and I, who is also an actress, Matilda Thorpe, we were little children at a normal state primary school. Do you remember the food? It was all sort of grey? Memories!
"Suddenly I was in Beverly Hills and we went to school and they had an ice cream machine. They had pizza and chocolate milk!", reports the Manchester Evening News.
Harriet's sister, Matilda Thorpe, has certainly followed in her sibling's footsteps and also has an impressive acting career.
Matilda is best known for her role as Mandy Mosgrove in Desmond's from 1989 to 1994. More recent roles include Claire Glass in Sick Note, Nina in One Life and Auntie Melody in Back to Black.
Interestingly, Matilda had her own stint on EastEnders way before Harriet, portraying Rachel Ford in the BBC One soap back in 1998.
It comes as Harriet stepped into the role of Elaine last year, taking over from Maria Friedman who originally brought the character to life from 2014 to 2017.
The actress said last year of joining the BBC One soap: "It’s a dream come true! My family originally came from the East End, two generations back, so it’s like coming home. Everyone has been so warm and wonderful, it’s been so fun and creative so far. With all the drama and the laughs of the show too, I really couldn’t ask for anything more."
She added: "I felt so honoured. It’s a wonderful story of another strong woman who takes no nonsense, is fearless and forthright but who has a big heart. Again, it’s a very fulfilling role."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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