Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley)

EastEnders casts a brand new family as the Taylors arrive with "explosive" storylines
FIVE new characters will be descending on the Square soon.

EastEnders is introducing a brand new family who'll be arriving on Albert Square with a bang this summer.

Show bosses have cast the five-strong Taylor clan – headed up by actress Lorraine Stanley in her role as "loudmouth" single mum Karen.

Benidorm actor Danny Walters and TV newcomer Clair Norris have been cast as Karen's older children Keanu and Bernadette, while real-life siblings Tom and Alfie Jacobs will play younger brothers Riley and Chatham.

The family will also be bringing two pets to the Square with them – their dog Bronson and bearded dragon Rooney.

Announcing his new creations, EastEnders' executive producer Sean O'Connor commented: "I'm hugely excited at the arrival of Karen and her family in Albert Square. They're noisy, brash and not to be messed with.

"Karen is a twenty-a-day lioness, bringing up her kids with no support, no money and a very loud mouth. But though they may lack cash, the Taylors have love and warmth in spades.

"This summer is going to be explosive as the Taylors settle in Walford. The Square will never be quite the same again."

Newcomer Karen comes across as a fierce woman who won't hear a bad word said about her family, but those close to her know that she's also kind-hearted and loyal.

Life with so many kids in the house can often be a challenge for her – especially when it comes to her sons Riley and Chatham, who both have learning difficulties.

Eldest son Keanu is billed as a "charming and happy-go-lucky lad" who sees himself as the man of the family and tries to protect his siblings wherever possible.

Bernadette, meanwhile, has little interest in anything other than sitting around the house and dreaming of being famous.

EastEnders have also revealed that the siblings also have an older sister – an off-screen character called Chantelle, who lives nearby with her boyfriend and two children.

Adding some intrigue into the mix, there's a secret associated with the family, but producers are keeping tight-lipped about who it belongs to and when it comes out.

Speaking about joining EastEnders, Lorraine commented: "I'm chuffed to be cast in such an iconic show that I've grown up watching. Working with my new family is really quite special, and I'm proud to play their mum."

Danny enthused: "Having only been filming EastEnders for a few weeks, I feel so privileged to already feel a part of the team. Everyone has been so friendly and kind and gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome and supported.

"There has been a huge buzz surrounding the new family and I am so excited to see what the future holds for The Taylors. Keanu is very grateful to live at Number 3 Albert Square and will try his very best not to disturb the peace in the Square."

Clair added: "I'm so excited to go on a journey with my character Bernadette, and to be a part of the Taylor family. I never in a million years thought my first TV role would be in EastEnders.

"It's surreal but I'm ever so grateful to be given the opportunity and I can't wait to see the audience's reaction to us."

sounds like carol jackson and her clan, no. 2

How many other loud brash families with a secret have we had arrive in the Square? Hardly original!

no. 3 albert square is that the slater house?

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Originally Posted by lizann

no. 3 albert square is that the slater house?

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You mean that loud brash family that had a secret?

Why do we need a loud brash family. I remember when the Jacksons first appeared. I think I may need the Annadin extra when watching EastEnders.

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Originally Posted by parkerman

How many other loud brash families with a secret have we had arrive in the Square? Hardly original!

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the millers too

This is what they look like :)

https://fb-s-d-a.akamaihd.net/h-ak-f...b67d8c7c8d9687

this is england :p

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Originally Posted by Perdita

This is what they look like :)

https://fb-s-d-a.akamaihd.net/h-ak-f...b67d8c7c8d9687

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Thanks, I copied and pasted in a rush last night.

is that star brag's mother

There's no avoiding it, EastEnders' Taylor family are coming.

It's not long now before the new additions arrive in Albert Square – Thursday, June 15 to be precise – and EastEnders' new trailer gives us a first look at them in action:

https://youtu.be/6q7Bl0i-fuI


The five-strong family is headed up by actress Lorraine Stanley in her role as "loudmouth" single mum Karen. She's shown in the trailer asking (seemingly to anyone who'll listen): "Don't suppose one of you fancies putting the kettle on, do you?"

The people of Walford do not look impressed.

We later see Karen clashing with Sharon, then Stacey, who shouts: "Go on, have a go at me! I'll hit you so hard you won't be able to get up!"

http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/17/22/...-taylors-1.jpg
Taylor family make their entrance on EastEnders
© BBC

Along with mum Karen, there is "charming, happy-go-lucky" Keanu (Benidorm actor Danny Walters), who's described as protective of his siblings, as well as day-dreamer Bernadette (Clair Norris), and younger children Riley and Chatham (played by real-life brothers Tom and Alfie Jacobs), who both have learning difficulties.

They'll also be bringing family pets Bronson the dog, and Rooney the bearded dragon to the Square.

EastEnders' Jack just made a huge decision over Matthew
The family has an air of mystery about it too – firstly in the form of another sister, an off-screen character called Chantelle, who lives nearby with her boyfriend and two children.

Secondly, EastEnders has revealed that there's a secret associated with the family... :ninja:


Digital Spy

With the promise of big storylines ahead for this rowdy new clan, Digital Spy and other media recently visited the EastEnders set to get some early gossip from Lorraine Stanley, who plays Karen.

http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/east...family-gossip/

Don't they just seem like a charming bunch.

Was Lorraine Stanley in the show before?

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Originally Posted by tammyy2j

Was Lorraine Stanley in the show before?

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Yes, she played Thelma Bragg before, mum of Linzi and apparently she played young Mo Harris in a 2004 spin-off, which explored the history of Mo and Pat Butcher.

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Originally Posted by Perdita

Yes, she played Thelma Bragg before, mum of Linzi and apparently she played young Mo Harris in a 2004 spin-off, which explored the history of Mo and Pat Butcher.

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That was very recent

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Originally Posted by tammyy2j

That was very recent

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Yes, last year if I remember rightly from the few episodes I managed to watch

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Perdita

With the promise of big storylines ahead for this rowdy new clan, Digital Spy and other media recently visited the EastEnders set to get some early gossip from Lorraine Stanley, who plays Karen.

http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/east...family-gossip/

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EastEnders introduces the show's bold and brash new family next week, as the Taylors descend on Albert Square and make their presence felt from the start.

The newcomers are headed up by no-nonsense single mum Karen, who's joining the Square with four of her children.

With the promise of big storylines ahead for this rowdy new clan, Digital Spy and other media recently visited the EastEnders set to get some early gossip from Lorraine Stanley, who plays Karen.

What brings the Taylors to Walford and where have they been beforehand?

"Beforehand they're from an estate. It's the same estate where Ted and Joyce lived, so that's how the Taylors know them. There's a bit of history there. Everyone who lives there is kicked out because it's being knocked down, so the Taylors are moving into social housing on the Square."

What's their arrival like?

"Full-on, loud, messy and chaotic!"

From the way they've been described, it sounds like the Taylors aren't bothered about making friends and are happy to annoy the neighbours! Is that right?

"I don't know – I suppose I wouldn't say it like that as Karen, because I think she's a friendly and loving person. But she's also got a mouth on her, and if people don't like her, then they don't like her.

"Karen is a people person and she really tries to get to know her neighbours. She stands outside her door, having a fag and she comments on what's going on. She's introducing herself to all of the people that pass by, so I think she's friendly and outgoing, but whether people like her is another matter!

"She does make friends, though. A lot of our stuff is the family getting in and bedding in. But I can see her and Denise getting on."

Who are they going to clash with on the Square?

"I think at the beginning they're going to generally clash with everyone. Karen is protective of her family, so if anyone's got a bad word to say about them, they're going to get it from her. It's not that they're going round the Square looking for trouble, but if Karen's kids are started on, she's in there!"

How did the part come about? Were you cherry-picked, or did you have to audition?

"I had to audition, so I came in and read. Afterwards I got a call and read with Danny [Walters, who plays Keanu] and I got the part."

It wasn't that long ago you were in the show as Linzi's mum Thelma. Did you think EastEnders perhaps wouldn't want you because of that?

"Yeah, part of me did. But then part of me thought if they were bringing me in, they must have been serious about it, because it'd be silly to waste my time.

"I had a really good audition and I love the show's casting director, Julia Crampsie, because she's always had my back. So I was chuffed to bits when I got the role. Part of me was like: 'It's too soon, it's too soon'. But this is the right character for me."

So what's Karen like?

"She's a lioness! She smokes 20 fags a day and she's a strong woman who loves her family. She's got a heart of gold, she would do anything for anyone and she would do time for her kids. That's the attitude she has."

Are all of the kids from the same dad?

"You'll have to find out!"

Has Karen got a job?

"No, she hasn't got a job. She's got two sons with learning difficulties and that takes up a lot of her time. That's a big part of our family. You'll see that people might initially think Karen is lazy and doesn't do anything.

"But actually when you dig deep, she's really looking after her kids and does everything for them. She's a strong woman, but she's not to be messed with. She doesn't take nothing off anyone!"

How much are you like her?

"I'm really, really... similar! (Laughs.) No, I'm joking. I'm a strong woman, but no, I'm not like her."

What else can you tell us about the family?

"Keanu is the man of the house and Karen has done really well, actually, to raise such a good son. She's a really good mum. There's a lot of unluckiness with the family. They are trying.

"I think it's quite political, actually. It's the divide between the rich and the poor and the underclass that you don't see, or people sort of brush under the carpet. I think that in society at the moment, that divide between rich and poor is so much wider than it's ever been. Or that's what it feels like. I think this is an example of a family where you can actually see why they're not getting on, because they keep just coming up against hurdles."

Is that what's made them so hard?

"Yeah, that toughens people – when you get knockbacks all the time. And I know it. I've grown up around it. I've got friends like it and it's tough. You're just literally stuck in a rut and it's a full circle. You just can't get out of it. I think that's where they're at. I think EastEnders are doing it well and I think it needs to be done."

Some people are already comparing the new family to the Millers...

"Well, I think the difference here with this family is that we can all be lazy but they're trying. They're triers, they're doing their best. We want to do better for ourselves. We're trying and trying, but we're hitting walls.

"We're not stereotyping – we're making them real people. They're real honest people that are just trying to get by in life. They haven't got a lot, but a lot of rich people and a lot of middle class people would love to have what our family has got, which is that family love.

"Hopefully a lot of people will watch and go: 'Do you know what? They haven't got nothing, but they've got that love'. A lot of people would envy that."

Do you hope they rub viewers up the wrong way at first, before we see a different side to them?

"Of course, yeah. That makes it more dramatic, doesn't it? Come in all 'roar' and then actually they're really nice. (Laughs.) I think that's what's gonna happen. We come in with a bang, and then you break us down. Everything we do is for a reason and it's not malicious. It's honest."

What can you tell us about Karen's two younger sons Riley and Chatham (played by real-life brothers Tom and Alfie Jacobs)?

"They go to a special school as they have learning difficulties. The actors have the same learning difficulties and it's quite personal to them, so at the moment we don't want to say too much, as they're just finding their way in it. It will be revealed in time, but it's a very specific condition and they're great to work with. It's quite brave of EastEnders as well to take on."

What is the family's pet dog like to work with?

"I've been brought up with staffys and I just love them. They've had bad press. And this dog is so beautiful. I think he's a cross between a staff and bullmastiff and he's just gorgeous. And they've chosen a specific dog to work with the young boys."

There's also another daughter called Chantelle, isn't there?

"Yeah, we don't know if she's even been cast yet, but she's mentioned."

What was your first day like on set like?

"I can't remember things like that! That was seven weeks ago, I've got a baby! (Laughs.) We were all very excited and nervous, and there was lots of adrenaline.

"I remember thinking: 'C'mon let's do this, lets 'av it! Let's go in there and just smash it'. I'd been here before, so it wasn't as daunting being on Albert Square."

Did you rehearse much beforehand?

"We didn't rehearse. The director specifically said not to rehearse, because he wanted it a bit messy. I think that works for us. I know that if I rehearse my lines too much, it becomes a bit too 'done'."

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

"I'm 40, nearly 41. I had a baby the year before. When I did the previous character in EastEnders, the baby was only six weeks old and she's 19 months old now, so the timing is so much better now.

"I think EastEnders is the perfect job for a mum, because I've got her in her little nursery and her nan has her after nursery. Also, you're not in every day. It gets to a point where you're like: 'I need to do something for myself'. I was at home with her every day for 18 months, so it's nice to go out. So far it's been fine."

Where are you from?

"Originally I'm from Portsmouth, but I've lived in London for 20 years. I've lived all over London, I'm a gypsy like that."

Have you got a mentor from the cast?

"Yes, mine is Emma Barton, who I actually knew years ago. I did a BTEC from the age of 16 to 19 and we were in the same drama group, so it was nice to catch up with her."

Who is Karen based on?

"She's based on people that I've sort of grown up with – family. I daren't say it as my sister's called Karen, and she's not like her at all! But it's family, friends, and I grew up on an estate. I'm from that world, but I got out, grew up, moved out, went to drama school and did alright for myself, but that's where my roots are.

"It's not difficult to tap into that underclass. I remember that struggle well and I can tap into that when I want. So it's just people you meet along the way."

Why did you get into acting?

"Because I was always a joker, the class clown. I was always up on stage when we went to Butlins and stuff like that. When I first went to do my BTEC, they said: 'What do you want to do when you're older?' I was like: 'I wanna be a Redcoat'. I didn't think that being an actor was accessible for the likes of a working class estate girl.

"Then I did it more and more and I started to learn Shakespeare. Then I met some middle class friends and it took me to London and I learned Ibsen and Shakespeare, Chekhov and all that and really got into that. I took it more seriously and then I got into drama school."

Prior to this, what has been your career highlight?

"My career highlight is probably a film I did ten years ago, London to Brighton. I got a nomination for that. That was a big part of me getting lots of other work. If ever I go to a casting, if they've seen London to Brighton, I'm halfway there!

"But then other movies like Made In Dagenham and Suffragette. They're little parts, but they're big stories about women changing the world and quite political. Working with Tom Hardy in Legend was hard, it was difficult! (Laughs.)

"But I've managed to do lots of brilliant work – theatre, film and TV – but I've never had a series. It's always been one ep here and little stints here, I've never done any long-running stuff, so it's nice to have a bit of security now that I've got my baby."

Have you ever had to do other jobs that weren't acting?

"Oh God, yeah, I was waitressing right up until I found out. Even when I'd got the part on EastEnders, I was still waitressing. I freelance waitress so I work for lots of private chefs and we go to Knightsbridge and very well-to-do houses. I served royalty, lords and ladies. I've served Prince Charles, I've served lots of politicians, all sorts."

Can you give us a hint of what the Taylors' secret is?

"We can't tell you that! But there are secrets, of course, it's a soap. It's a good secret."

Is it connected to the Murrays and the gun?

"No!"

Can you tell us a bit about Karen's wardrobe?

"Do you know what? I chose everything that was too tight for her, because she thinks she's a size 12 and she's actually a size 16 – I'll be kind, 18 sometimes! So I chose that and I wanted it to be real, because there are women that you look at and they've got rolls of fat.

"I wear kaftans and I cover it, but she doesn't. She's one of those where it's all hanging out and she don't care. I've got no make-up on whatsoever, not even powder, not mascara. That's how I wanted it. No jewellery, I didn't want anything, as I wanted it to be as real as it could be. And then I looked at myself and went: 'What have I done? My fella's gonna leave me!' (Laughs.) Honestly, I look awful."

Do you think EastEnders works best when it concentrates on social issues?

"For me, it was always about real people... and drama. It's about finding the truth for people, and maybe sometimes along the way, it has lost the truth. Coronation Street is more theatrical, isn't it? But EastEnders for me is about being real and I hope that this family brings a slice of that back."

she lands a job at reopened laundrette

where is karen's other kids, the younger twins?

so keanu's father is in prison for nearly killing her

They go to there fathers.

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Originally Posted by kaz21

They go to there fathers.

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have they one father as twins?

Yes one dad.

karen takes a shine to lucas

EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley to be written out of Karen Taylor role
Actress Lorraine Stanley is to leave the BBC One soap following a decision to write out the character.

Actress Lorraine Stanley is to leave her role as Karen Taylor in EastEnders.


The BBC One soap will write out the character after executive producer Chris Clenshaw and others decided it was the end of the road for the character.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: "It?s always a tough call for bosses when deciding which characters will leave the soap, but it has to be done to keep storylines fresh and create new arcs for characters.


"Lorraine had a great run on the soap and was a real scene stealer with her comic timing and she has certainly made her mark with fans."

RadioTimes.com understands that it was the decision of the production team to write out Karen and her final scenes will air later this year.

The news comes alongside the story that actress Shona McGarty has quit her long-running role as Whitney Dean.

Karen Taylor was introduced as the matriarch of the all-new Taylor family in EastEnders in 2017, arriving during the controversial era under executive producer Sean O'Connor.

As the mother of popular characters including Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), Keegan Baker (Zack Morris), Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris), and Chantelle Atkins (Jessica Plummer), Karen has been at the centre of many of their storylines.


Karen has been a staple in Walford since her arrival, with a job at the launderette and regularly raiding the buffet table at events in the Queen Vic pub.

Among her storylines outside of clashing with Keanu's lover Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and mourning the loss of her daughter Chantelle, Karen enjoyed romances with her ex-partner Mitch Baker (Roger Griffiths) and Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).

The role of Karen was not the first EastEnders character to be played by Lorraine Stanley, with the actress having portrayed a younger version of Mo Harris (Laila Morse) in the spin-off special EastEnders: Pat & Mo in 2004 and then playing Linda's rival pub landlady Thelma Bragg in 2016.

It is currently unknown how Karen will depart from the soap, but fans can rest assured it will be dramatic.

is there an axe clean out, she is a good character and actress

Feels like it.

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Originally Posted by kaz21

Feels like it.

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linda keanu and elaine hopefully goners

I hope she leaves and is not killed off. That way the door can be left open for her. Should be interesting to see what'll happen to Bernie.

speculation by metro duncan that karen killed off

fire death?

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/23645455...e-kathys-cafe/

karen is returning

totally ridiculous if she is not back again ready to tear into sharon (as shirley calls her geriatric barbie) and the others of the six and phil for her dead son keanu

She's back! EastEnders has revealed Karen Taylor will return once again to Albert Square for a short stint after discovering the truth about her son, Keanu.