Mazz Murray, a 51-year-old singer and actress best known for her West End roles, has joined the cast of BBC One's EastEnders as Cleo, the mother of incel teen Joel Marshall (Max Murray). Her first scenes aired on July 15, 2026, and are available on BBC iPlayer.
Mazz Murray's theatrical background
Mazz has performed in productions including Fame, Rent, and Chicago. In 2015, she joined the cast of Mamma Mia! as Tanya, departing in 2017. She returned in 2019 as Donna Sheridan and left the West End cast in 2025. She also sang in the girl group Woman alongside her sister Gina, Anna-Jane Casey, and Emma Kershaw, debuting with the single 'I'm A Woman'.
Cleo's arrival in Walford
Cleo arrives with her son Joel, revealing that despite a previous arrangement, her criminal son can no longer live with her. This shocks ex-husband Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and his new wife Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), especially since Joel previously attacked Vicki. Ross faces an impossible choice between his wife and his son. Cleo appears in two episodes.
Mazz, who is Max Murray's real-life aunt, 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!'
Fan reactions
Fans expressed excitement on social media. Kat wrote: 'Aww I love that Mazz Murray is playing Cleo.' Martin said: 'This is going to be so good! The wonderful Mazz Murray, playing her real life nephew's mum in EastEnders tonight & tomorrow.' Jo added: 'Amazing, Mazz is fab.' Michelle called it 'a west end legend omgggg brilliant casting xx.' Char exclaimed: 'THIS IS FOR ME AND NO ONE ELSE!!!!'
Joel's return sparks teen revenge
Joel's return causes trouble at school. Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James), Nugget Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), and Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) confront him. Joel later books a one-way train ticket but is offered an olive branch by Lily Slater (Lillia Turner) after helping Janet Mitchell (Grace). He opens up to Lily about his struggles in young offenders, but the moment is interrupted by Jean Slater (Gillian Wright), Amy, and Avani.
Ross finds Joel at the tube station and pleads for him to stay. Joel agrees, but Amy and Avani concoct a plan. They invite Joel to a park celebration for the end of the school year, believing he wants to build bridges. However, when he arrives, Avani, Lily, Amy, Nugget, Denzel Danes (Jaden Luke Ladega), Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman), and Ricky Branning (Frankie Day) lock Joel to a fence and soak him in beer while filming his humiliation. Later, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) receives a call that Joel has been attacked, leaving the teens to face consequences.
