EastEnders’ new arrival stuns fans as they only just realise where they’ve seen her before

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Fans of EastEnders have been shocked to discover where they had previously seen actress Nichola McAuliffe, who plays Debbie’s mother Brenda Collins, and it’s not only soap opera land.

EastEnders' Brenda
EastEnders welcomed Debbie’s mum to the soap this week (Image: BBC)

Fans of EastEnders were shocked to see the woman who plays Brenda, Debbie’s mother.

This week, after Debbie’s death, the character—played by Nichola McAuliffe—made her debut on the soap opera. As fans will recall, years ago Debbie (Jenny Meier) had a stroke in the bathtub, which left her in a coma.

But in the middle of his money problems, husband Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) killed Debbie. In order to pay off his mounting debts before having a kid with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), the accountant turned killer.

Additionally, Debbie’s parents, Brenda and Hugh Collins (Michael Bertenshaw), arrived in Walford during this week’s episodes. After their daughter passed away, the bereaved parents bombarded Reiss with inquiries.

Fans have been stunned after realising what the actress has starred in (Image: BBC)

When Reiss saw Debbie’s parents, she became frightened since Brenda wasn’t certain that Debbie died naturally. Brenda didn’t hold back during a heated exchange, telling Reiss that she has never trusted him and that his entire demeanor is an act.

It’s safe to say, though, that when viewers learn about the previous roles actor Nichola McAuliffe has had, they are shocked.

Nichola is no stranger to the television; she has acted in hit series including My Family and Doctor Who. Her voice was also used in Tomorrow Never Dies as James Bond’s BMW.

Fans of soap operas recognized her right away due to her significant part in Surgical Spirit. In the popular ITV sitcom, Sheila Sabatini, portrayed by Nichola McAuliffe, captivated viewers from 1989 until 1995.

Nichola starred in the ITV hospital sitcom Surgical Spirit (Image: ITV)

One fan said in a Facebook group, “The woman who played Debbie’s mum looks familiar I’m sure I’ve seen her somewhere else, what has she been in,” demonstrating how quickly EastEnders watchers recognized a familiar face.

In response, an astute observer pointed out: “Nicola from Surgical Spirit.”

One admirer complimented the other, saying, “Loved that series,” while another added, “Yeah, I was just thinking she looked familiar too!”

Another fan of EastEnders echoed the emotions expressed by acknowledging the actress, saying, “I remember Nichola McAuliffe, who’s playing dead Debbie’s Mum, the most for playing Sheila Sabatini in the sitcom Surgical Spirit.”

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