Eastenders Old Cast Female

So, there I was, down the Queen Vic, nursing a pint and trying to avoid the gaze of Dot Branning. You know, the one who could stare a hole through you with those beady eyes. I was reminiscing about the good old days of EastEnders, when the ladies ruled the roost. Remember those times?

Where Are They Now?

I mean, where do I even start? The EastEnders cast has seen more changes than a Kaleidoscope. But today, let's shine a spotlight on some of the fabulous females who've graced our screens and left an indelible mark on the cobbles of Walford.

Let's Start with the OGs

Who could forget the Tanner sisters, Kathy and Rita? They were the original Walford matriarchs, dishing out sage advice and keeping the men in line. Kathy, played by the late, great Gillian Taylforth, was the voice of reason, while Rita, portrayed by Samantha Janus, was the feisty one. They were like the EastEnders version of the Golden Girls, but with more fish and chips and less Miami.

And then there was Pat Evans, the long-suffering wife of Pete. Pam St. Clement brought Pat to life with such warmth and vulnerability. She was the heart of the EastEnders community, always ready to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on. Remember when she famously said, "Get outta my pub!"? Classic Pat!

The '90s and Beyond

Fast forward to the '90s, and we had the incomparable Dot Branning, played by the brilliant June Brown. Dot was a force to be reckoned with, a devout Christian with a steely core. She'd give you a bible verse one minute and a stern talking-to the next. And let's not forget her iconic catchphrase, "You ain't no son of mine!"

‘EastEnders': From Peggy Mitchell And Kat Slater To Pauline Fowler

Then there was Cathy May, played by the wonderful Lindsey Coulson. She was the ultimate Walford wild child, always stirring up trouble. But beneath that tough exterior, there was a vulnerable soul just trying to find her place in the world.

And who could forget Natalie, the EastEnders version of Cruella de Vil? Natalie Cassidy brought this complex, troubled character to life with such skill. She was a villain we loved to hate, and a victim we couldn't help but root for.

What Happened Next?

Well, some of our favorite ladies moved on to pastures new. Gillian Taylforth reprised her role as Kathy for a brief stint in 2015, but sadly, Samantha Janus didn't return as Rita. Pam St. Clement popped up in Doctors for a bit, and June Brown left EastEnders in 2019 after an incredible 35 years. Lindsey Coulson and Natalie Cassidy have both had various TV and stage roles since leaving the show.

EastEnders original cast – then and now

But no matter where they go, they'll always be a part of the EastEnders family. And we'll always remember them as the strong, complex, and utterly compelling women who made Walford their home.

So, What's Next?

Well, EastEnders is still going strong, with a whole new cast of characters to get to know and love (or love to hate). But for me, nothing will ever beat the originals. The Tanners, Pat, Dot, Cathy, Natalie - they're the reason I fell in love with EastEnders in the first place.

Here's to the ladies of EastEnders past and present. May their fish suppers never run out, and their storylines never be dull. And remember, as Dot would say, "Keep the faith, my loves. Keep the faith."