We love a soap newcomer, especially one who immediately feels like they have been around forever – and EastEnders’ latest character sure fits that bill.
A mysterious woman called Hayley began watching Martin Fowler recently before taking a phone call about him.
Answering a call from a private number in the cafe, Hayley said: “Took your time, didn’t you? Yeah, I’m here. You never told me this place was so friendly.”
And there was undeniably something very familiar about her… the jet-black hair… the hard-faced glare… the exaggerated accessories.
Frankly, she had SLATER written all over her – so many thought! Lots of viewers were convinced that was her connection…
One wrote: “Hayley is definitely a Slater.
“The attitude, the looks, the connection to Stacey. John Yorke confirmed a new Slater was joining with Kat, Mo and Jean. #Eastenders.”
Another added: “This new Hayley bird has to be a Slater… #EastEnders”
Read more: EastEnders viewers predict a hot new romance between Honey Mitchell and Jack Branning
Hmmm, the plot has since thickened… she been trying to seduce Martin well and proper… although all was not as it seemed.
At the end of tonight’s episode, she revealed herself to be Stacey’s cousin! Called it!
We have a bit of detail about the actress, too: the newcomer is played by Kate Jarvis, who has one very notable acting credit to her name – as troubled teen, Mia, in acclaimed Brit flick Fish Tank – a film that the term “Gritty Bafta” could have been invented for.
And she starred alongside actress Kierston Wareing, who also enjoyed a stint in Easties as another hard-bitten female, and arrived in Walford shrouded in mystery.
She played Max Branning’s ex, Kirsty. We wonder if she offered Kate some tips on how to navigate Albert Square – and its men!
What do you think Hayley is plotting now? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!