The EastEnders icon has joined the cast of a Channel 5 soap two decades after her exit from Walford.
An EastEnders legend is making a grand return to the world of soaps, but this time she’s trading Albert Square for the sun-drenched beaches of Australia.
Hannah Waterman, who won over audiences as Laura Beale in EastEnders from 2000 to 2004, has joined the cast of the long-standing Aussie soap Home and Away.
During her four-year run on EastEnders, Hannah became a household name as Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) third wife. However, her stint on the soap concluded with one of the show’s most shocking storylines when her character met a tragic end.
Laura was written out in 2004 after she answered the door, tripped over a toy, and tumbled down a flight of stairs. Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) was implicated in Laura’s murder following one of their fiery arguments and the discovery of an incriminating receipt in Laura’s flat.
The plot twist became one of the most unforgettable moments in EastEnders history, reports the Mirror.
Since bidding farewell to Walford, Hannah has continued to work as an actress, featuring in British telly favourites such as Doctors, The Bill, New Tricks, and Holby City.
Over a decade ago she decided to make a life-altering move and leave the UK for Australia. Hannah continued to forge a successful acting career there.
Hannah has made a name for herself Down Under, with one of her roles being in the drama Bali 2002, which recounts the heart-wrenching 2002 Bali bombings. She’s now set to dazzle soap fans once again as she steps into the world of Home and Away, a show that has been a cornerstone of Aussie TV since its debut on 17 January 1988.
A source claimed to The Sun: “Hannah moved to Australia years ago for a new life, but she’s still acting.
“She loved dipping her toes back into the world of soap briefly, and who knows it could mean she finds her way back more permanently.”
Home and Away regales the tales of love, loss, and drama among those living in the mythical coastal retreat, Summer Bay, and recently hit quite the milestone with its 35th anniversary celebrations.
Channel 5 snagged the rights to the beloved soap in 2000, and since then, UK viewers have avidly followed the ups and downs of Summer Bay. Aside from hitting professional peaks, Hannah’s personal life has also flourished in Oz.
She tied the knot with actor Huw Higginson, famed for portraying PC George Garfield on The Bill for ten years, three years ago. Huw posted an endearing photo from their big day in October 2022 showing them happily posing on a boat in Sydney, joined by their son Jack, age 11.
He shared the lovely family moment with the caption: “Got married to my love yesterday. We had the best of days.”
In the precious snapshot, Hannah glows with joy at Huw, dressed in a patterned blue frock, complemented by golden sandals and a chic navy pashmina.
She is also seen clutching a bouquet of cream flowers. Prior to moving to Australia in 2014, Hannah was married to her EastEnders co-star Ricky Groves.
The pair exchanged vows in 2006 but parted ways in 2010 and finalised their divorce four years later.
