A beloved axed soap star has made a shock appearance in ’s . Actress Joanna Bending is best known for playing Dr Michelle Walton on the medical soap Doctors. Joanna joined the cast earlier this year, ahead of its final episode airing next month.
The series, about the doctors and staff at a busy Midlands GP practice, launched in 2000. And for 24 years, it has been a staple on screens and a firm favourite with fans. But last year, it was confirmed that the Beeb had axed the beloved soap - with its final episode airing in December 2024.
According to bosses they put the blame on the show’s “increased expenses”. And on Thursday (October 24) Doctors star Joanna made a surprise appearance on the rival soap EastEnders. She played social worker Jackie Fairhurst who visited Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace).
As fans will recall, Kat is at the heart of a child-to-parent abuse storyline, that has seen her son Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) lash out and attack not just her, but other his young brothers too. During the latest instalment, social services arrived at Kat’s to talk about Tommy, following Jean reporting him. They spoke to Alfie (Shane Richie), the twins and Tommy as well and came to the conclusion that his brothers were not safe with Tommy in the house.
Adamant that Tommy was not getting sent to care, Kat enlisted the help of Zack (James Faraar), who lives next door. Due to him being a registered foster parent, he could take Tommy in. Actress Joanna couldn’t share her excitem.
