The cast and crew of EastEnders have been spotted filming scenes for the funeral of the formidable Aunt Sal, which will rock the Mitchell clan next year.
The beloved character, brilliantly portrayed by Anna Karen, was Peggy’s (Barbara Windsor) sharp-tongued sister.
Actress Anna made her BBC One soap opera debut in 1996 and went on to star in more than 50 episodes before leaving the show in 2017. Her last appearance as Sal was in 2017.
Sal was well known for attending Mitchell family events like weddings and funerals, and she was always quick with a clever comment about the attendees and their
Shortly after Ronnie Mitchell’s (Samantha Womack) contentious death, she made her last appearance.
The role was portrayed by actress Anna Karen from her debut to her final appearance. She passed away in a home fire last year.
“We are incredibly saddened to learn of Anna Karen’s passing,” an EastEnders representative stated at the time.
“The audience will never forget Anna’s sharp, quick-witted, and wildly popular Aunt Sal character, and those who worked with her on EastEnders will always remember her warmth, kindness, good humor, and fun.”
“Our sympathies and love are with Anna’s friends and family.”
A number of EastEnders actors have been spotted filming scenes for Sal’s funeral on location. These scenes will honor Anna and her legendary character.
Among those pictured were actors Steve McFadden, Kim Medcalf, and Max Bowden, who play Ben Mitchell, Phil Mitchell, and Sam Mitchell, respectively.
Frank Day, who plays Rocky Butcher, was also spotted during the filming, along with Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown, and Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon.
The fact that Phil and Ben attend the service suggests that both of their characters make it out of the Christmas murder, which will result in the death of a male character.
Alan Ford, who starred in Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and made an appearance in EastEnders back in 1986, has been cast for the poignant scenes that will air next year.
BBC One broadcasts EastEnders from Monday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; episodes are available on BBC iPlayer starting at 6 a.m.