Janet Dibley reprises Lorna Cartwright role in EastEnders

Actress Janet Dibley has reprised her role of Lorna Cartwright in EastEnders.

The character previously featured in plots back in 1997-1998 with alcoholic down and out Lorna attending the same AA meeting as Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), leading to them having an affair and the end of Phil’s marriage to Kathy (Gillian Taylforth).

Lorna was given a place in a refuge centre in Albert Square run by local vicar Alex Healy (Richard Driscoll) and Kathy proved an unlikely ally when her situation worsened. The character was later admitted into a detox programme with the help of Rev. Healy after attempting to take her own life.

Of the new storyline The Sun reports that history repeats itself when Phil encounters his former flame at an AA meeting after he decides to get help for his drinking and that fellow recovering alcoholic Lorna will once more prove a shoulder to cry on.

“Lorna was a great character and viewers loved her, especially her chemistry with Phil. No one wanted Janet to leave in 1998 and now the chance to get her back full-time will not be missed.” – EastEnders source

Dibley starred in sitcom The Two of Us in the 1980s opposite Nicholas Lyndhurst and has featured in dramas including Fat Friends and The Chase since leaving EastEnders. In 2010 she joined the cast of Doctors as series regular Elaine Cassidy.

Speaking to the BBC in 2006, she said of her time on EastEnders: “It was a great part…[Lorna] wreaked havoc and left.”

EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8.00pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One, with repeat screenings on UKTV’s W at 10.00pm. Viewers can also catch up online via BBC iPlayer.