Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp Monday’s (March 17) episode of EastEnders dropped a bombshell murder twist as the real perpetrator behind Shireen Bashar’s mysterious disappearance was unveiled. As soap enthusiasts will recall, fiery Harry Mitchell (played by Elijah Holloway) has been without his girlfriend for four years following her sudden vanishing after a public spat and is now believed to be dead. Despite being a prime suspect, Harry has always maintained his innocence, and thanks to an alibi provided by his mother, Nicola Mitchell (Laure Doddington), he dodged charges. Just last week, Nicola cautioned Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and her brother Zack Hudson (James Farrar) about her ex-husband Teddy Mitchell’s (Roland Manookian) violent history, suggesting that he was responsible for Shireen’s demise.
Shireen in EastEnders has been mentioned a few times over the past year
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
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However, in Monday’s episode on iPlayer, Harry seemed bewildered as the fourth anniversary of Shireen’s disappearance loomed, with Nicola attempting to maintain a facade of normalcy. In a surprise visit to the Arches, Shireen’s brother, Asad, confides in Harry that he no longer suspects him of having a hand in Shireen’s disappearance, leading to a nostalgic conversation. But the peace was short-lived when, at Shireen’s vigil at Harry’s Barn, Asad pointed the finger at Teddy for Shireen’s murder. Harry jumps to his father’s defence as Teddy vehemently denies Asad’s accusations, reports Plymouth Live. In a shocking twist during the latest EastEnders episode, Nicola is caught on camera slipping into a vehicle for a secret rendezvous with a shadowy figure known as Benji (played by Carl Prekopp). The tension was palpable as the old partners in crime came face to face once again.
EastEnders Nicola confirmed a huge secret to Benji on Monday
(Image: BBC)
Nicola’s panic about Shireen’s vanishing act finally spilled over. While Benji looked utterly bemused by her confessions, Nicola laid bare her desperation to pinpoint Shireen’s whereabouts – going as far as sliding over a bundle of notes. In return, Benji coolly disclosed Shireen’s final resting place after Nicola had forked out the cash for his unsavory services. His words chilled to the bone: “Paradise Park. Industrial estate, right outside of Dartford. It’s been derelict for years. Don’t worry, ain’t nobody gonna dig up your little secret there.” As the scene draws to a close, Nicola fires back with a foreboding tone: “I hope so, for your sake as well as mine. I am just getting my family back on track; they can never know I killed that girl, or I’ll lose them forever.”
Carl Prekopp has joined EastEnders at Benji – the dodgy pal of Nicola Mitchell
(Image: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
As the revelation hits that Nicola played a grim role in Shireen’s demise, viewer are maybe scratching their heads, wondering where they’ve seen Benji’s actor before. Carl Prekopp makes his debut in Walford as the murky Benji. At 45, Carl isn’t new to our screens and comes with a roster of roles from popular British dramas like Doctors, Lewis, Law and Order: UK, The Bill, and Holby City under his belt. Carl graced the set of Call the Midwife in 2017, stepping in as Bill Williams, a devoted husband to Cynthia, his pregnant spouse, who battled the anguish of decaying teeth – to the extreme that Bill resorted to pliers in a crude attempt at dental work.
Call the Midwife’s Bill Williams tries to extract his wife’s rotting teeth with a pair of pliers
(Image: BBC)
This instalment of the BBC’s period drama is etched in fans’ memories as it marks the debut of the much-adored character Reggie Jackson, played by Daniel Laurie, following the unexpected passing of his mother. In 2007, Carl graced the big screen in the film I Want Candy alongside Mackenzie Crook from The Office. However, his talents aren’t confined to television; he’s also a seasoned theatre actor with roles in productions like Richard III and Calendar Girls. Carl’s versatile talent extends to the gaming world, too. He lends his voice to titles such as Game of Thrones, Troy: A Total War Saga, and Sherlock Holmes: Chapter One. He’s also recognised for his portrayal of Tim Oatey on The Arches. EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
