EastEnders fans are in for a dramatic treat as a brand-new character arrives in Walford, poised to turn Linda Carter's world upside down. In tonight's episode, viewers will meet Bea Pollard, an old school acquaintance of Linda's, whose unexpected appearance at a school reunion sparks major tension and reveals a troubling past.
A Reunion Plan Backfires Spectacularly
The episode focuses on Linda, who is filled with anxiety about attending her school reunion. Recently returned to the Square, she is reluctant to revisit her past and even considers cancelling. Her mother, Elaine, however, persuades her to go, while Honey Mitchell enthusiastically offers moral support and joins her for the night out.
Upon arrival, Linda and Honey discover that names are being checked at the door. In a moment of panic, Linda improvises a risky plan. She hands Honey a name tag and instructs her to pretend to be 'Bea Pollard', an old schoolmate Linda is sure won't show up. The deception is short-lived.
The real Bea Pollard arrives soon after, immediately exposing the lie and setting up a deeply uncomfortable confrontation. As Bea strikes up a conversation with Honey, she begins to share her version of their school days, alleging that Linda was a bully who made her life miserable. This shocking claim leaves Honey stunned and Linda visibly shaken, forcing her to confront a version of her younger self she'd rather forget.
An Iconic Star Makes Her Albert Square Debut
The character of Bea is brought to life by none other than iconic British TV star Ronni Ancona. Best known for her sharp comedy and uncanny impressions on shows like 'The Big Impression', Ancona is also recognised for roles in 'Still Game' and 'Skins'. Her casting was announced in early December 2025 for a short stint on the soap.
Speaking about the role at the time, Ronni said: 'I am honoured to have been invited to join the iconic institution that is EastEnders, and to go on this whirlwind of a journey with such an unpredictable, nuanced and complex character as Bea.'
Ronni revealed that filming her first scenes on the actual Albert Square set was a surreal experience, particularly as her debut scene was filmed on the famous bench where she once parodied the soap in a sketch called 'The Bench of Tears'. She also shared a funny moment recalling her impression of the late Barbara Windsor's Peggy Mitchell while filming in The Queen Vic.
Bea's Stay in Walford is Just Beginning
While the school reunion is the setting for Bea's introduction, BBC teasers confirm she will not be leaving Walford anytime soon. Bea is set to stick around, becoming entangled in the Square's ongoing dramas. Spoilers indicate the tension between her and Linda is far from resolved.
Ronni Ancona has teased that Bea's arrival will lead to 'lots of twists and turns and lots of unexpected developments'. She explained that although Bea was in a senior year at school compared to Linda, she still felt intimidated by her, and their perspectives on the past clash dramatically. 'Initially, Bea is very upset and slighted by that,' Ronni stated.
This marks Ronni's first official appearance on EastEnders, though she is a veteran of parodying it. The current cast have warmly welcomed her, with Jessie Wallace even performing Ronni's own impression of Kat Slater back to her on set. With Bea set to make a lasting impression, Linda Carter's past has well and truly come back to haunt her.
