Laila Morse is to reprise her iconic 'Big' Mo Harris role in 'EastEnders' this spring.
EastEnders legend Laila Morse to reprise Big Mo role
The 78-year-old actress was last regularly seen in Albert Square portraying Mo back in 2021, when the character left to go on a cruise with her on/off love interest turned fiancé, Fat Elvis, but the star has since returned to Walford for guest appearances.
Laila has started filming her return to the Square, which will come alongside great-grandson Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) this spring.
The actress said: "I’m delighted to be coming home to Walford to bring Mo back to life.
"'EastEnders' holds such a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to be reunited with my on-screen family, who are like my family, as well as old and new faces."
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, added: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome back Laila Morse to the role of Mo Harris.
"Although her time away from the Square has been short-lived, the Slater family has endured a huge amount of drama since she last appeared on screen and Mo’s return will be no different.
"We’re delighted to welcome Laila back permanently as she is thrust into the heart of the drama alongside great-grandson Freddie [played by Bobby Brazier]."
Ahead of Mo and Freddie's Walford return, an exclusive first look at Mo and Freddie’s decision to return home will premiere on the 'EastEnders' TikTok channel in a limited series, following both characters in Mo’s caravan where she has been living ever since leaving Walford.
In December 2021, Mo - who has spent 19 collective years on the show - ruled out ever returning to 'EastEnders' "full-time".
In an interview with the Metro newspaper, she said: "I left in April. If they wanted me to go back for a one-off thing or a storyline lasting a couple of weeks I would but I wouldn’t go back full-time.
"I’m a bit too old for that. I want to do other things whether that’s travelling somewhere or riding around a country on a bike.
"I wouldn’t even mind learning how to ride a motorbike if somebody wants to teach me."