Carli Norris joins EastEnders as Belinda Peacock is recast
Carli Norris has joined the cast of EastEnders for a special guest stint in the role of Belinda Peacock.
The little-seen Slater sister will appear in Walford early next year after Kat (Jessie Wallace) and Alfie’s (Shane Richie) Christmas return to the soap brings family drama. Holby City star Carli Norris takes over the role from Leanne Lakey.
Related News: EastEnders’ Kat and Alfie to return to Walford this Christmas
“Becoming one of the Slater’s is an absolute dream, especially to be part of such a big and important storyline. It’s brilliant to be working with Shane and Jessie!” – Carli Norris
Kat and Alfie were last seen in May 2015 when they departed for a new life in Spain following a scratch card win. Prior to their departure, viewers learnt that Kat had unknowingly given birth to a son when she was 13, while Alfie was concealing the fact he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. As they head back to Walford it seems these secrets are about to explode and there will be further heartache for Kat when her father Charlie (Derek Martin) suffers a fatal heart attack.
The earth-shattering revelations set the scene for a new BBC One drama featuring Kat and Alfie – a project announced by the BBC in April – which will follow the couple as they seek answers in Ireland.
Related News: EastEnders favourites Kat and Alfie Moon to feature in spin-off show
Belinda is the Slater sister who married into money and who considers herself a cut above her family, despite not being as classy as she likes to make out. The character was planned from the Slater’s inception in 2000, but writer Tony Jordan decided against a fulltime introduction with Belinda instead popping up occasionally for family events, the first of which was sister Lynne’s hen night in October 2001 which led to Kat revealing to Zoe that she is her mum.
Belinda’s storylines include seducing her brother-in-law Garry Hobbs and baby-faced mechanic Jamie Mitchell. She made a brief cameo in the 2003 spin-off DVD Slaters in Detention and was last seen at Kat and Alfie’s wedding that Christmas.
“Belinda and Kat have always had a fiery relationship. They both have big personalities and aren’t afraid to say what they think so their re-union is unlikely to run smooth. But sisters being sisters, will they see past each other’s faults and manage to get their relationship back on track for the sake of the family?” – BBC
EastEnders airs Monday and Friday at 8.00pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One, with repeat screenings on BBC Three at 10.00pm. Viewers can also catch up online via BBC iPlayer.
