Ricky Champ’s EastEnders co-star sends thoughtful handmade gifts to newborn

On The Buses star Anna Karen reportedly left the majority of her fortune to her former EastEnders co-star Sophie Lawrence, following her death earlier this year.The actor tragically passed away in a house fire at her home in Ilford in February. She was best known for playing Aunt Sal – sister of Peggy Mitchell - on EastEnders, as well as the role of Olive on the sitcom On The Buses between 1969 and 1973. Her East London home caught fire unexpectedly, with neighbours believing the actress may have fallen asleep while smoking .

After recently announcing her departure from EastEnders, actress Rose Ayling-Ellis has shared a secret from behind-the-scenes at the BBC One soap. Revealing an insight into the show, the Strictly Come Dancing champion exclusively told OK! how the washing machines in the programme’s famous laundrette aren’t real. She told us: “You know the washing machines in the laundrette? Well, they have a man behind them who winds them up to make them look like they’re real washing machines.

EastEnders icon Natalie Cassidy celebrated her daughter Joanie’s sixth birthday earlier this week by throwing her a fun-filled rainbow themed party. The 39 year old, who is best known for playing Sonia Fowler on the popular BBC One soap, took to Instagram to document her little one’s big day and gushed over the party, which went down a treat with the youngster.

Samantha Womack is back home after confirming she's had breast cancer surgery and is now being looked after by her Coronation Street actor boyfriend, Oliver Farnworth, 40. The actress has undergone an operation, just days after announcing her diagnosis and taking to Instagram on Thursday (August 18), Samantha, 49, shared a photo of her delicious healthy dinner – a bowl of homemade soup – and wrote: "Recuperating after breast cancer op. "My love makes me turmeric and ginger in the morning and homemade butternut squash soup in the evening…….

EastEnders fans were left in tears on Thursday as Ben Mitchell, played by Max Bowden, finally told estranged husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay) about Lewis Butler (Aidan O'Callaghan). During the latest episode of the BBC One soap, Ben, who was sexually assaulted by Lewis in harrowing scenes on the BBC One soap earlier this year, headed to the police station to report the rapist. However, he got more than he bargained for when his estranged husband Callum arrived to which he immediately questioned why Ben was there, saying: "If someone's hurt you, I need to know...

EastEnders star Aidan O'Callaghan has teased his character Lewis Butler's potential return to the BBC One soap in the future, pointing out that the door hasn't been "fully shut". Earlier this year, Ben Mitchell, played by Max Bowden, was sexually assaulted by Lewis in harrowing scenes. And during this week Ben's father Phil Mitchell and aunty Sam Mitchell got revenge on the rapist by holding him at gunpoint at an abandoned warehouse.

EastEnders spoiler photos show the emotional moment Ben Mitchell, played by Max Bowden, heads to the police station to report Lewis Butler (Aidan O'Callaghan). Ben was sexually assaulted by Lewis in harrowing scenes on the BBC One soap earlier this year and on Thursday's episode, Ben heads to the police station to report his rapist. However, he gets more than he bargains for when his estranged husband Callum Highway (Tony Clay) arrives to which he immediately questions why Ben is there.

Albert Square is set for another dramatic week as EastEnders fans will see Amy Mitchell rushed to hospital after taking drugs.The drugs are bought by a desperate Stuart (played by Ricky Champ). But with Linda's words still ringing in his ears, he decides against taking them and ends up giving them to Jada. He heads to the GP but after failing to get an appointment he snaps and creates a situation in the surgery.

EastEnders star Barbara Smith looked stylish as she took to the red carpet at a showbiz event in London.The 24 year old actress, who is best known for playing Dana Monroe in the BBC One soap, put on a chic display whilst posing for cameras at the bash. Pulling a serious expression in a snap, Barbara sported a black dress with a low-cut back and thin straps.The soap star completed the red carpet look with a pair of platform Converse shoes, as well as bronzed eyeshadow. Barbara looked completely different from her soap character as she made her way into the Sejuiced Brunch event at Kibele restaurant in Fitzrovia.

EastEnders star Max Bowden has left his Instagram followers in suspense after posting a speculative story following rumours with co-star Shona McGarty. The 27 year old actor, who plays Ben Mitchell in Britain's much loved soap, has released a statement on his social media, teasing a reveal all. Opening up on the situation for the first time, Max posted: "One day I will comment on all of the stuff that's been written over the last few months.

EastEnders co-stars Shona McGarty and Max Bowden have been at the centre of plenty of romance rumours recently. Shona, 30, who plays Whitney Dean in the soap and 27 year old Max, who plays Ben Mitchell, were reportedly “inseparable” earlier this year and since then there’s been reports the pair are “smitten”. Over the weekend the duo fuelled romance rumours further when they joined pals to attend House & Classics Festival in Hertfordshire, with actress Shona sharing a series of photos and videos from the day.The pictures included the pair posing for a photo, with Max hooking his arm around Shona's shoulders as he held a cigarette while she cheekily stuck her tongue out.

Fans of primetime soap EastEnders will remember loveable mechanic Ricky Butcher.The character has been absent from Albert Square for quite some time but after ten long years, he’s making a dramatic comeback.The Sun reports that 50-year-old actor Sid Owen, who plays Ricky, will begin filming on set next month with Charlie Brooks, Ricky’s on-screen sister Janine. He’ll also reunite with Kim Medcalf, who plays Ricky’s ex-wife Sam Mitchell. A source revealed: “Bosses have an exciting storyline planned for his return, involving lots of key players.

Jade Goody's son Bobby Brazier was spotted looking very cheery with his co-star Ellie Dadd on Tuesday 9 August. Bobby, 19, is the son of presenter Jeff Brazier and the late TV personality Jade Goody, who died in 2009 from cervical cancer. Heading to film their EastEnders scenes, Bobby and Ellie were all smiles as they looked back at the cameras with Bobby putting the thumbs up.

Sam Womack has shared the devastating news that she's battling breast cancer.The former EastEnders star, who starred as Ronnie Mitchell on the popular BBC soap, took to Twitter to share the news alongside of photograph of her next to the late Olivia Newton-John.The Grease actress had been diagnosed with cancer 30 years ago, and passed away yesterday, Monday 8 August. Sam wrote: "This was the most magical of evenings.

EastEnders viewers have been teased with the arrival of Albert Square's latest hunk Ravi Gulati, played by Aaron Thiara. First seen alongside Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) in prison, Ravi headed straight to Walford after being released, where it soon unfolded that he is the son of Ranveer Gulati (Anil Goutam), the business partner of the Panesars.

Eastenders legend Gillian Taylforth looked positively glowing as she stepped out with her twin grandchildren for the first time on a family outing this week.The 66 year old appeared ageless as she made an appearance with her baby grandchildren for their first day out with their grandma. Gillian was also joined by her two children Harrison and Jess, as they enjoyed al fresco drinks at an eating establishment. The Eastenders star looked worlds away from her character Kathy Beale on the BBC soap, as she dressed up glamorously for the outing in a black and white printed summer dress.

Next week on EastEnders sees Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) finding her money worries overwhelming as she takes desperate measures. After failing to win a lower deal on the Minute Mart lease, Suki turns to Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and tries to manipulate her into providing a loan, but it doesn't go her way. Out of options, Suki agrees to meet Ranveer Gulati (Anil Goutam) and strike a deal.