Carly Wicks

[Perdita]

Digital Spy can today (August 3) reveal the first pictures of Kellie Shirley back on set at EastEnders.

The actress recently reprised her role as Shirley Carter's daughter Carly Wicks for two episodes, which are expected to air in September.

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Although exact details of Carly's return storyline are currently being kept under wraps, it is understood that viewers will see her back in Walford to visit Shirley (Linda Henry) after the truth is finally revealed about Heather Trott's murder.

Speaking of her return appearance, Kellie Shirley commented: "Having left EastEnders in 2008, it's flattering to be asked to return as Carly for this particular storyline.

"Carly is coming back slightly older, wiser and independent, although she still needs and loves her mum. The Shirley/Carly dynamic is fun to play and is as volatile as ever."

She added: "I loved working with Linda, as well as Diane Parish and Steve McFadden again."

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Carly has recently been mentioned on screen with the news that she has given birth. Although Shirley has tried to reach out to her daughter, she was rejected by her over the phone last month.

Further heartache lies ahead for Shirley in the coming days as she discovers that Ben Mitchell was responsible for Heather's death, leaving her with a big decision to make.

EastEnders is currently airing on BBC Two due to the Olympics, but is back on BBC One from August 13 in time for Sharon Watts's return and the dramatic conclusion to the Heather story.

[Perdita]

EastEnders airs Carly Wicks's brief return next week as she heads back to Albert Square to visit mum Shirley Carter.

As Phil Mitchell remains concerned about Shirley's erratic behaviour, he gets in contact with Carly (Kellie Shirley) and asks her to come back to Walford - convinced that she may be able to help.

When Shirley and Carly are reunited, the atmosphere is tense as they argue about the past - but it's also clear that they both care about each other.

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Soon afterwards, Phil (Steve McFadden) tells Carly that he feels like he can't help his ex-fiancée after everything that's happened recently - so he resorts to offering her money to let Shirley live with her!

Although a disgusted Carly turns down the cash, she soon realises that bonding with Shirley may not be such a bad idea.

After introducing her baby son Jimmy to his grandmother, Carly suggests that Shirley should leave Albert Square and move in with them.

A sceptical Shirley insists that they'll be at each other's throats within a fortnight, but ultimately agrees to give the idea a try, realising that she needs time away from the Mitchells to sort herself out.

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Before leaving Walford, Shirley accepts a heartfelt apology from Jay. But she's not so forgiving towards Phil, warning him to watch out as she'll be back…

Linda Henry, who plays Shirley, will only be off screen for a short period.

EastEnders airs these scenes on Friday, September 7 at 8pm on BBC One.

[tammyy2j]

I hope Shirley wont be gone for long

[alan45]

EastEnders welcomes Carly Wicks back to Walford for two episodes later this week as she pays a visit to her troubled mum Shirley Carter.

Shirley (Linda Henry) has recently hit rock bottom after discovering the devastating truth about Heather's murder. As her life continues to spiral out of control in the coming days, Phil Mitchell makes contact with Carly in the hope that she can help.

When Shirley and Carly come face-to-face again, their relationship is initially as volatile as ever, but as the ice between them begins to melt, it's also clear how much they care about each other. Could this be the fresh start they needed?

Digital Spy recently caught up with Kellie Shirley, who plays Carly, for her first interview about her EastEnders return. Read on to find out what she had to say!

When were you first approached over your EastEnders return, and how did you feel about being asked back?
"It's always been spoken about, because when Matt Di Angelo and I left the show a few years back, the executive producer at the time said, 'Look, we really want you to be what's known as hidden treasure'. He said they always wanted to explore that avenue more in the future, because obviously Shirley is such a popular character and they wanted to have her kids around so we could see more stories for her.

"When the new executive producer Lorraine Newman officially took on the job, she got in touch and said, 'We'd really love you to come back'. They had this storyline in mind where Shirley would reconcile with Carly, so I was really pleased to be asked back."

How long were you back on set for?
"Even though Carly is only back for two episodes, it's quite a meaty storyline, so we had loads and loads of scenes to do. The Friday episode that I'm in is pretty much focused on Carly, Shirley, Phil and Denise, so it's pretty full-on!

"We filmed it over two weeks in July. I was filming on my birthday, actually, so it was really weird to be back there on my birthday - but it was obviously really nice as well."

Had the show changed much during your time away?
"Well, there seems to be a really lovely atmosphere now that Lorraine's in charge. But I was just working with the same people who I've worked with before and absolutely adore, so it was familiar territory. Although I did feel like the new girl again, I suppose!"

Was it easy or difficult to get back into the role of Carly?
"I suppose it's like putting on a pair of shoes, isn't it? When you put the clothes back on and you're in the Square again, it just comes naturally, I think. The scripts were really brilliant, too, so it wasn't hard at all because the writing was so good."

Had you stayed in touch with any of the cast after leaving?
"Yeah, they can't get rid of me! I've kept in touch with Linda [Henry] as she lives just around the corner from me, and with Matt who played Deano. I also see Charlie Brooks every now and again, because we both enjoy running so I see her at events and festivals, and she's a lovely girl. It's one of those things where your paths keep crossing, and we all get on really well."

What can we expect from the Carly and Shirley scenes that are coming up?
"Well, obviously it's quite a painful relationship between the two of them. When Carly left, her dad had just passed away, so it was high emotion. After being away for four years, she hasn't heard from Shirley very much, so she feels that their relationship isn't really in a good state. Things are quite volatile between them, and Carly has got real mixed emotions about seeing her mum again.

"Essentially, Carly absolutely loves her mum, but Shirley hasn't always been around for her, and so Carly sometimes feels a bit bitter towards her. But she does love her mum, and when she sees the poor state she's in after Heather's murder, she wants to help by sorting it out."

We'll see Shirley deciding to go away and live with Carly for a while. Do you think this is a good idea, or will it all end in tears?
"I think it's a good thing, because it's important for them to have a go at their relationship. I presume it will still be slightly volatile, but it's a shame that the viewers won't get to see it!

"But who knows what they've got in store for both of the characters in the future? I think it's good that they're both trying."

Carly recently gave birth to a son. Did you enjoy working with a baby on set?
"Yeah, but I was so worried about dropping him! He was so small! The baby was called Ryan, but in the show he's called Jimmy, so he's named after Carly's brother who passed away. Working with a baby was a really nice experience, especially as he was a really good baby.

"His mum was on set so that he wasn't frightened or confused. It meant that we finished the scenes really quickly, because you can only film with a baby for a certain amount of time. So that was good - we all got home early!"

You've kept busy since leaving EastEnders with a variety of different projects. Which ones stand out as your favourites?
"It's hard to choose, but since I've left, there's been a couple of things at the National Theatre that I've loved. I'm really looking forward to being part of the play One Man, Two Guvnors, as I've got that coming up and I'll be working on that with Rufus Hound and Jodie Prenger.

"I've also got two films coming out this month, including one called GBH, which is out in cinemas from September 28. I've got the lead part in that, so that's a nice career highlight. I've done loads of things that I'm really proud of, but it's difficult to single them out."

Is there a dream role that you'd love to play?
"I really would love to play Eliza Doolittle. I know that Kara Tointon has gone on to do that, and Martine McCutcheon played her as well, but that is the part that I absolutely love - a real rags to riches story. I'd also love to play Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Do you still watch EastEnders?
"I try to catch it whenever I can. If I know that Linda or Di Parish have a big storyline coming up, then I'll be glued. But if you're doing a play, you're not home at 7.30pm when EastEnders is on! I definitely dip in and out of it, though, as I really like watching my friends."

Would you be interested in a more long-term return to EastEnders?
"Well, I think there's lots of scope for a really meaty storyline between Carly and Shirley, and I love working with Linda and Di so much. The dynamic is really exciting to play, and because Linda is such a fierce actress, of course I'd love to go back. It's a lovely place to work.

"I wish I could go into the scripwriters' office secretly and put it on their computers! (Laughs.) There's some brilliant actors on EastEnders, and I love playing my part. I'm quite busy anyway at the moment as I've got a few bits and bobs coming up, but we'll see."

[alan45]

EastEnders welcomes Carly Wicks back to Walford for two episodes later this week as she pays a visit to her troubled mum Shirley Carter.

Shirley (Linda Henry) has recently hit rock bottom after discovering the devastating truth about Heather's murder. As her life continues to spiral out of control in the coming days, Phil Mitchell makes contact with Carly in the hope that she can help.

When Shirley and Carly come face-to-face again, their relationship is initially as volatile as ever, but as the ice between them begins to melt, it's also clear how much they care about each other. Could this be the fresh start they needed?

Digital Spy recently caught up with Kellie Shirley, who plays Carly, for her first interview about her EastEnders return. Read on to find out what she had to say!

When were you first approached over your EastEnders return, and how did you feel about being asked back?
"It's always been spoken about, because when Matt Di Angelo and I left the show a few years back, the executive producer at the time said, 'Look, we really want you to be what's known as hidden treasure'. He said they always wanted to explore that avenue more in the future, because obviously Shirley is such a popular character and they wanted to have her kids around so we could see more stories for her.

"When the new executive producer Lorraine Newman officially took on the job, she got in touch and said, 'We'd really love you to come back'. They had this storyline in mind where Shirley would reconcile with Carly, so I was really pleased to be asked back."

How long were you back on set for?
"Even though Carly is only back for two episodes, it's quite a meaty storyline, so we had loads and loads of scenes to do. The Friday episode that I'm in is pretty much focused on Carly, Shirley, Phil and Denise, so it's pretty full-on!

"We filmed it over two weeks in July. I was filming on my birthday, actually, so it was really weird to be back there on my birthday - but it was obviously really nice as well."

Had the show changed much during your time away?
"Well, there seems to be a really lovely atmosphere now that Lorraine's in charge. But I was just working with the same people who I've worked with before and absolutely adore, so it was familiar territory. Although I did feel like the new girl again, I suppose!"

Was it easy or difficult to get back into the role of Carly?
"I suppose it's like putting on a pair of shoes, isn't it? When you put the clothes back on and you're in the Square again, it just comes naturally, I think. The scripts were really brilliant, too, so it wasn't hard at all because the writing was so good."

Had you stayed in touch with any of the cast after leaving?
"Yeah, they can't get rid of me! I've kept in touch with Linda [Henry] as she lives just around the corner from me, and with Matt who played Deano. I also see Charlie Brooks every now and again, because we both enjoy running so I see her at events and festivals, and she's a lovely girl. It's one of those things where your paths keep crossing, and we all get on really well."

What can we expect from the Carly and Shirley scenes that are coming up?
"Well, obviously it's quite a painful relationship between the two of them. When Carly left, her dad had just passed away, so it was high emotion. After being away for four years, she hasn't heard from Shirley very much, so she feels that their relationship isn't really in a good state. Things are quite volatile between them, and Carly has got real mixed emotions about seeing her mum again.

"Essentially, Carly absolutely loves her mum, but Shirley hasn't always been around for her, and so Carly sometimes feels a bit bitter towards her. But she does love her mum, and when she sees the poor state she's in after Heather's murder, she wants to help by sorting it out."

We'll see Shirley deciding to go away and live with Carly for a while. Do you think this is a good idea, or will it all end in tears?
"I think it's a good thing, because it's important for them to have a go at their relationship. I presume it will still be slightly volatile, but it's a shame that the viewers won't get to see it!

"But who knows what they've got in store for both of the characters in the future? I think it's good that they're both trying."

Carly recently gave birth to a son. Did you enjoy working with a baby on set?
"Yeah, but I was so worried about dropping him! He was so small! The baby was called Ryan, but in the show he's called Jimmy, so he's named after Carly's brother who passed away. Working with a baby was a really nice experience, especially as he was a really good baby.

"His mum was on set so that he wasn't frightened or confused. It meant that we finished the scenes really quickly, because you can only film with a baby for a certain amount of time. So that was good - we all got home early!"

You've kept busy since leaving EastEnders with a variety of different projects. Which ones stand out as your favourites?
"It's hard to choose, but since I've left, there's been a couple of things at the National Theatre that I've loved. I'm really looking forward to being part of the play One Man, Two Guvnors, as I've got that coming up and I'll be working on that with Rufus Hound and Jodie Prenger.

"I've also got two films coming out this month, including one called GBH, which is out in cinemas from September 28. I've got the lead part in that, so that's a nice career highlight. I've done loads of things that I'm really proud of, but it's difficult to single them out."

Is there a dream role that you'd love to play?
"I really would love to play Eliza Doolittle. I know that Kara Tointon has gone on to do that, and Martine McCutcheon played her as well, but that is the part that I absolutely love - a real rags to riches story. I'd also love to play Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Do you still watch EastEnders?
"I try to catch it whenever I can. If I know that Linda or Di Parish have a big storyline coming up, then I'll be glued. But if you're doing a play, you're not home at 7.30pm when EastEnders is on! I definitely dip in and out of it, though, as I really like watching my friends."

Would you be interested in a more long-term return to EastEnders?
"Well, I think there's lots of scope for a really meaty storyline between Carly and Shirley, and I love working with Linda and Di so much. The dynamic is really exciting to play, and because Linda is such a fierce actress, of course I'd love to go back. It's a lovely place to work.

"I wish I could go into the scripwriters' office secretly and put it on their computers! (Laughs.) There's some brilliant actors on EastEnders, and I love playing my part. I'm quite busy anyway at the moment as I've got a few bits and bobs coming up, but we'll see."

[Perdita]

Returning EastEnders star Kellie Shirley has claimed that she nearly blew up the Albert Square set while filming her first scene.

The Carly Wicks actress, who returns on Thursday (September 6) to help off-the-rails mother Shirley (Linda Henry), revealed that she accidentally lost control of a truck and ran over electrical wires.

Speaking to The Sun, she explained: "When I read the script and it said Carly would drive around Albert Square in a big truck, I thought, 'How am I going to do that?'

"The Square is tiny so it's not easy to manoeuvre a great big truck around it, especially when you are as small as I am.

"I put on Carly's 5-inch heels and got in the truck but as I started the engine and tried to drive in the heels I couldn't control it and ran over a load of electrical wires and almost blew the Square up.

"Everyone was waving at me like crazy to stop the truck because I'd cut off all the cameras and lighting equipment."

The 29-year-old admitted that producers ultimately hired a stunt double to record the scene, fearful that her driving would lead to further damage to the show's set.

She added: "It's just a good job I didn't crash into The Queen Vic. We had to shoot the scene again but they were so nervous about letting me back in the driving seat, they had to get a double to do it instead.

"Nobody is supposed to know - but when you see the high heels first step out of the truck onto Albert Square, it isn't actually me. I think everyone on set was quite relieved for their own safety after I got out."

Kellie Shirley, who is only making a brief comeback, recently told Digital Spy that she is keen to sign a long-term contract with the soap.

[Perdita]

Kellie Shirley has said that she would be happy to return to EastEnders.

The One Man, Two Guvnors actress played Carly Wicks on the soap from 2006 to 2008, and briefly returned last year for two episodes.

Asked if she was open to another comeback, Shirley told Digital Spy: "Yeah, of course! I loved working on EastEnders and it's really nice that they've left it open.

"I really like Dom [Dominic Treadwell-Collins], who's taken over as executive. I worked with him when I was at EastEnders the first time.

"I think he's been really good for the show. But who knows? That's what's so exciting, things change in a heartbeat."

Shirley suggested that the introduction of Tina (Luisa Bradshaw-White), Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda (Kellie Bright) would give Linda Henry's character Shirley Carter more to do on screen.

"I think they're going to be focussing on Linda [Henry]," she said.

"I love watching Linda on screen, I think she's a phenomenal actress, so I think it'll be interesting to see what they do with her character now - a new chapter.

"I presume that's what they're aiming for if they've brought in this new character."

Asked how the every-changing soap scripts were different from performing the same play every night, Shirley said: "I was taking to Angela about this - Angela Griffin's just taken over as Dolly [in One Man, Two Guvnors] and she's brilliant.

"We were saying that if you're doing a soap you can kind of get the lines down ish and you can be a bit vague.

"Whereas with this we get notes all the time like, 'You put in an and there when actually it's an an or, 'You put in an exclamation mark on the end there when actually it's a full stop'.

"You really have to honour the script more, it's a play text, whereas obviously with things like EasEnders it's so fast and they have to change things all the time because continuity changes.

"If you're sitting next to somebody at the Vic who you spat at the night before they have to change the lines slightly. You have to really honour the text in theatre - you can't make Shakespeare up!"

[Perdita]

Kellie Shirley has said that she has "unfinished work" with EastEnders.

The Great Britain actress played Carly Wicks from 2006 to 2008 before returning for two episodes in 2012 and previously admitted she would like to come back one day.
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Shirley refuses Phil and Carly's help.
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Carly Wicks on her last EastEnders return

Asked if she had been watching the major Carter and Wicks storylines in recent months, Shirley told Digital Spy: "I definitely dip in and dip out of it - obviously I'm interested in what my family are up to!

"The stuff that Matt D'Angelo's [Dean Wicks] been doing is really strong, and Kellie Bright [Linda Carter]. They're issues where really EastEnders takes the bull by the horns.

"They're great for examining things like that - domestic abuse and rape - and bravo to them."

Of whether it is important for soaps to raise such issues for public discussion, she added: "Absolutely. It's a really important thing that they're doing.

"It's part of our society, these awful things, and I know that it's had a lot of complaints to Ofcom... it's difficult, but I'm sure they would have been conscious."

Shirley added: "I know this is really crass, but from an actor's point of view, these are things you really want to get your teeth into.

"They're important subjects and that's what acting should be about. Like with Great Britain, they're important, massive subjects.

"That's what theatre and television should be. It should be powerful stuff. If it was all like The Archers all the time it would be really boring, wouldn't it?"
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Stella Stone (Kellie Shirley) in Great Britain.
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Kellie Shirley (right) in phone hacking play Great Britain

Asked if she wanted to be part of the major Wicks and Carter storylines when she watched them on TV, Shirley replied: "Oh yeah, of course. I do get pangs.

"I really miss them, it's such a lovely place to work, and when you do have big juicy storylines like that, of course as an actor you're like 'I wish I was there!'.

"They're really cracking actors like Linda Henry. I think there's unfinished work with Carly and stuff - with and her mum and maybe Dean at the moment.

"I don't know! Of course I'd like to see them all again. But who knows, at the same time I'm doing other stuff as well."

She added: "I've definitely got my eye on lots of things that are coming up in the New Year.

"I've pretty much done two and half years straight at the National now, so as much as I love working there, it's a brilliant place. I would like to do some telly again."

Asked about Danny Dyer's performance as Mick Carter, Shirey said: "He's brilliant, he's so good. I love him.

"I worked with him before on Run For Your Wife and I think he's brilliant. He so much fun, he takes his work seriously and he's a great actor.

"I just think he's a really classy actor and he's a serious actor and he's an East End boy so of course he's going to work well in a show like EastEnders.

"That's where he's from and that's what the show needs. You need Londoners, innit!"

Great Britain is on at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until January 10, 2015. Tickets and further information are available from Great Britain Onstage.

[lizann]

she should return now storyline there for her with dean conflict meet brother mick

[Perdita]

Congratulations to actress Kellie Shirley, who has given birth to twins.

The actress, who played Carly Wicks on EastEnders, welcomed a girl and boy named Pearl and Louie at King's College Hospital.

The actress told Hello! that the babies were delivered through C-section after she developed an infection.

"I was completely out of it, partly down to the medication and temperature and partly because I'd had no sleep," she said of the birth.

"I heard a cry and I came around. I said, 'What is it?' [Husband] Phil [Davies] said, 'It's a girl', and I was really emotional.

"Then I heard another cry and asked, 'What is it?' He said it was a boy. It was amazing."

Shirley previously revealed that she would be donating the cord blood to stem cell register Anthony Nolan.

The actress recently starred in One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Congratulations to them :)