Mazz Murray to make a cameo in EastEnders

She'll appear in two episodes this week as Cleo.

After much speculation, EastEnders has confirmed that we will be seeing Joel's mother, Cleo, for the first time. And taking on the role for a two-episode cameo is theatre legend Mazz Murray, who'll be seen alongside her nephew Max who plays Joel.

She'll first appear on BBC iPlayer on Wednesday (15th July), with the episode airing on BBC One the following day (16th July).

Arriving in Albert Square with son Joel in tow, Cleo is set to reveal that despite a previous arrangement, Joel is no longer able to live with her.

With ex-husband Ross and his new wife Vicki recently back from their honeymoon, and with Joel previously prosecuted for an attack which left Vicki hospitalised, the news will come as a shock to the newlyweds.

With Vicki previously adamant that Joel couldn’t live in Walford for the sake of their relationship, Ross is faced with an impossible decision as he’s forced to choose between his new wife and his only son…

On making a cameo in EastEnders, Mazz Murray said "It was so wonderful to be part of these EastEnders episodes as we delve into Joel’s familial past, and my experience was made all the better working alongside my talented, gorgeous nephew Max. And also, my childhood school friend Alex Walkinshaw playing my ex-husband!"

EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer