Former soap star Judi Shekoni bowed out of Walford in 2002 following her character’s love affair with Paul Trueman
Ex-EastEnders star Judi Shekoni looked a world away from her days on Albert Square as she recently attended a movie premiere in London, 23 years since her explosive soap exit.
The 43-year-old shot to fame in 2002 as Marjorie ‘Precious’ Hudson in EastEnders and became an instant hit with viewers. Precious was the very glamorous wife of gangster Angel Hudson, played by DJ and actor Goldie, but her home life was far less dazzling.
Angel roped Paul Trueman (Gary Beadle) into watching over Precious after using her as an alibi in a murder investigation. But Paul and Precious soon had a fling, and she found herself in love with the Walford resident despite being married to gangster Angel.
Precious eventually told the police about Angel’s criminal antics. In a bid to protect Paul from Angel, Precious fled Walford in July 2002, leaving Paul heartbroken.
More than two decades on from her breakout role, Judi looked like unrecognisable from her days on the BBC soap while posing for photographers at a screening for The Bad Guys 2 at VUE West End, London.
The actress showed off her long legs in a checked mini-skirt teamed with stylish boots. She also donned flawless makeup and beamed at the camera.
Since her time in EastEnders, Judi has starred in movies such as The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 and Garfield 2.
Most recently, Judi starred in the series Virdee playing the role of Dr. Wendy Smith.
However, she previously confessed to having therapy to cope with the fame that came with appearing in the BBC One soap.
Speaking to The Mirror in 2019, she said: “Nothing can prepare you for the attention you get. I was getting the Thameslink to work and I remember Goldie turning up in his Ferrari with GOLDIE license plates.
“I was like ‘Ok act cool – hide my train ticket’. He was really lovely though and so were all of the other cast members.”
Judi has spent time in LA and in the UK in recent years, and while across the pond, she started having therapy.
She explained: “I have therapy most weeks and I really enjoy it. In LA I learned it was OK to care of myself and then moving back to England four years ago was me doing just that.
“I believe therapy can be a benefit to most people in helping them process and digest what happens in life however big or small.
“And with a career in entertainment – you have to find the balance.”
