OMG SHOCKING !!! EastEnders newcomer Joel’s real-life mum is famous too – do you recognise her?

Max Murray as Joel Marshall sitting at a table in the café in EastEnders.
Joel Marshall star Max Murray has a famous mum (Picture:BBC/Jack Barnes)

EastEnders newcomer Max Murray has only been on Albert Square for a short time, but already his character Joel Marshall has been causing trouble.

Since his arrival in Walford, viewers have discovered that Joel’s behaviour in Australia was what caused the family’s money troubles, leading them to move back to the UK.

It transpired that Joel had taken a picture up one of his class mates’ skirts, before sharing the photo online.

Joel’s dad Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) paid the family off, but they demanded that Joel stay away from Sydney.

Unfortunately, the move to Albert Square hasn’t changed Joel’s vile behaviour, and he was recently caught filming himself sleeping with Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James).

Horrified that Joel had slept with his daughter, Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) lashed out at him, and that was without any knowledge of the secret recording.

Avani Nandra-Hart and Joel Marshall talking in the cafe in EastEnders.
Joel’s behaviour has been horrifying (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron)
Gina Murray as Helen standing on the doorstep smiling in EastEnders
Gina Murray appeared in EastEnders in 2014 (Picture: BBC)

In real life, Max isn’t the only member of his family to appear in the BBC soap, with the youngster following in the footsteps of his famous mum.

Max is the son of actress and singer Gina Murray, who has had an extensive career on stage and screen.

Gina appeared in an episode of EastEnders in 2014, where she played a woman called Helen.

Helen was a specialist who arrived to help Carol Jackson find a wig after losing her hair during her battle with cancer.

As well as EastEnders, Gina has also appeared on The Bill and Doctors, and more recently starred as Lesley Stobbart in The Hunt for Raoul Moat.

The 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards - Arrivals
Gina formed a girl group with sister Mazz Murray in 2010 (Picture: Jeff Spicer/WireImage)

She has also voiced characters in numerous video games, including RoboCop: Rogue City and Baldur’s Gate 3.

On stage, Gina has starred in musicals such as Hairspray, Mamma Mia andChicago, among others.

In 2010, she formed a girl group alongside her fellow West End star sister Mazz Murray. Musical theatre legends Anna-Jane Casey and Emma Kershaw complete the line-up.

The band, called Woman, recorded a single alongside Queen guitarist Brian May.

Related articles

OMG SHOCKING !!! EastEnders star Molly Rainford has a famous dad – do you recognise him?

Anna Knight star Molly Rainford has a famous dad (Picture: BBC) EastEnders star Molly Rainford is best known for pulling pints in The Queen Vic alongside her family in…

HOT SHOCKING UPDATE!! EastEnders rules out major death as character confirmed to survive car tragedy

A survivor of the car crash stunt has been confirmed (Picture: BBC) EastEnders has confirmed the survival of one key character following a forthcoming car tragedy that will leave a…

HOT SHOCKING UPDATE!! Explosions, betrayals, and long-lost faces—EastEnders 2025 unleashes chaos in its most jaw-dropping year yet!

As EastEnders celebrates its landmark year in 2025, Albert Square has become a stage for explosive drama, heart-wrenching farewells, and shocking homecomings that are keeping fans on…

HOT SHOCKING UPDATE!! EastEnders’ Teddy and Harry receive bombshell news

EastEnders spoilers follow. EastEnders‘ Teddy and Harry Mitchell have finally received the bombshell news that Teddy isn’t Barney’s biological father. Viewers will know that Barney has been brought up believing…

SHOCKING NEWS!! EastEnders’ Nicola loses everything in iPlayer release and tragedy follows

Nicola Mitchell’s most shocking secret is out (Picture: BBC/Kieron McCarron) This article contains spoilers for tonight’s episode of EastEnders, which airs on BBC One at 7.30pm or can be…

SHOCKING BETRAYAL! All EastEnders cast exits, returns and new arrivals coming up in 2025

Big changes ahead! (Picture: BBC) It’s been one hell of a busy time in Walford, with the big 40th Anniversary celebrations sparking plenty of comings and goings…