Maggie Steed and Christopher Timothy will play a husband and wife who move to Albert Square, but their characters have a past that will catch up with them…
EastEnders is set to welcome two icons of British stage and screen when Maggie Steed and Christopher Timothy join the cast to play Joyce and Ted Murray.
Joyce and Ted have been married for nearly 60 years and have lived in Walford all their life, but they’re moved to Albert Square when they are rehoused from a nearby estate.
The move is a big upheaval for them but the Murrays are not complete strangers to those in the Square as they already know Dot Branning (June Brown).
EastEnders’ executive producer Sean O’Connor said: “I’m delighted to welcome Maggie and Christopher to Albert Square. They’re both already much-loved by audiences and it’s wonderful to have attracted such esteemed and acclaimed actors to the EastEnders cast. The Murrays are a breath of fresh air to Walford, having achieved a long–standing marriage. But it’s not long before echoes of the past catch up with them. I’m very excited to see what these wonderful performers - and these fascinating characters - bring to Albert Square.”
Speaking of joining EastEnders Maggie said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining what is such a well-established show. And I am very much looking forward to having Christopher as my on-screen husband, he is a terrific actor. We’re going to have lots of fun.”
Maggie has appeared in many television, theatre and film productions including Pie In The Sky, Shine on Harvey Moon, Born and Bred and the recent TV series Chewing Gum, plus plays at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. She is currently appearing in On The Town at the Regents Park Open Air Theatre.
Christopher added: “The most exciting thing about joining EastEnders is not only that I’ll be back on the television, but also I’ll also be working with Maggie. She is one of my favourite actresses. Filming our first episode together will be like first night in the theatre – very exciting indeed. And of course, I’m looking forward to meeting all the cast who I’ve been used to seeing on TV over the years.”
Best known for his role in All Creatures Great and Small and Doctors, Christopher Timothy has a long list of television, theatre and film credits to his name. Recent West End theatre productions include The Living Room, The Hot House and Hobson’s Choice.
Joyce and Ted Murray will appear on screen later this spring.
EastEnders, BBC1
