EastEnders airs unannounced return for fan-favourite character during Mother’s Day episode in early BBC iPlayer release

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Be aware: the following contains significant spoilers for the EastEnders episode that aired on Monday, March 16, 2026. It is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

A popular character unexpectedly reappeared in the EastEnders episode that aired on Mother’s Day 2026.

Monday’s episode of the BBC One soap featured a funny family gathering as the Beale family celebrated. Lauren Beale (Jacqueline Jossa) surprised everyone by inviting her complicated father, Max Branning (Jake Wood), to the event.

At the beginning of the story, Lauren’s husband, Peter Beale, hinted he had a surprise planned for her, but her being late – because she was talking to Max – risked spoiling it.

Much to Max’s disappointment and Lauren’s joy, the surprise guest turned out to be Cora Cross – Max’s ex-mother-in-law and Lauren’s grandmother – brilliantly portrayed by the beloved British actress Ann Mitchell!

Cora is a strong-willed grandmother to Lauren, and mother to Tanya and Rainie Cross. She was a main character on the show from 2011 to 2015 and returned for guest appearances in 2017 and 2018, often as an enemy of Max.

Cora has always disliked Max and didn’t miss a chance to make cutting remarks at the party, especially when he inquired about his granddaughter, AJ Brannigan Jr. AJ is currently staying with Tanya due to Max’s past irresponsible behavior as his guardian.

Peter had invited Cora and Tanya, but Lauren’s mother decided not to go.

Cora not only provoked Max to the point of being asked to leave, but she also made several pointed remarks. She nicknamed Mark Fowler (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) “Muscles,” commented on Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) return, and brought up Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) past – specifically, that he had paid for services from her daughter Rainie when she was working as a sex worker in 2014.

Still, there were heartwarming scenes from Cora’s return, too.

While visiting with her great-grandsons, Cora had a heartfelt conversation with Lauren about the recent attack she went through. She also encouraged Lauren to consider a new business venture with Mark, unaware that Mark is actually involved in criminal activity – and neither is Lauren.

Before leaving, Cora found time to connect with her grandson, Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier). She told him how much she loved him, even though he’d been causing trouble lately, and urged him to get his life on track. They shared a hug before she said goodbye.

It looks like a love triangle might be developing between Oscar and twins Jasmine and Josh, but we’ll have to see if that actually happens!

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Ian and his mother, Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth), shared a heartwarming moment, openly expressing their love for each other.

Fans who’ve wanted to see Cora back will likely be thrilled with her fantastic guest appearance.

Could we see Cora turn up to make some remarks later in the year? Here’s hoping!

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Lewis KnightNews and Trends Editor

Lewis heads up news and trending content at TopMob, making sure we cover what our audience wants and needs. He’s a huge TV and movie buff – especially a fan of Nicole Kidman – and loves everything from sci-fi and independent films to the latest HBO series. With a background in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Film Studies, Lewis previously worked in advertising before spending three years at The Mirror, where he focused on community management, SEO, and reporting on showbiz, film, and television.

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2026-03-16 10:34