Zaraah Abrahams has been a key player in the EastEnders cast since she joined the beloved BBC soap in 2020. She stepped into the shoes of Chelsea Fox, a character previously played by Tiana Benjamin from 2006 to 2010. Since her return to Walford in 2020, Chelsea has been at the heart of numerous dramatic storylines. From reuniting with her serial killer dad Lucas (Don Gilet), enduring abuse from husband Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith), and recently butting heads with mum Denise (Diane Parish) over her romantic relationships, Chelsea’s life on Albert Square is anything but boring. Off-screen, actress Zaraah leads a life that seems miles apart from her character’s. Let’s delve deeper….
Zaraah joined EastEnders in 2020
(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
The star, who hails from Brixton, South London, is the eldest of three siblings. She honed her acting skills at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, before securing a role in the TV adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s Girls in Love. Shortly after, Zaraah moved to Manchester when she was cast as Joanne Jackson in ITV’s Coronation Street. In 2008, she joined Waterloo Road as Michaela White, staying with the BBC show until 2010, reports Plymouth Live. Zaraah’s big break arrived in 2012 when she starred in HBO’s short film Black Girl in Paris, catching the eye of Spike Lee. He subsequently cast her as Ganja Hightower in Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, marking Zaraah’s first Hollywood film. This paved the way for her to land a role in US TV drama The Knick, which saw her relocate to New York for filming in 2015. Off-screen, Zaraah leads a lavish lifestyle, often sharing glimpses of it on her Instagram. Her feed is filled with glitzy photos of her enjoying nights out with friends, doing reformer pilates and attending red carpet events.
Zaraah and Louisa are close pals
(Image: Instagram)
Zaraah keeps her fans updated on Instagram
(Image: Instagram)
She also appears to have formed tight-knit relationships with her EastEnders co-stars, particularly Louisa Lytton, who portrays Ruby Allen. Although she’s quite active on social media, Zaraah prefers to keep her personal life private, leaving fans guessing whether she’s single or in a relationship. As EastEnders gears up for its 40th anniversary celebrations, it seems Chelsea will once again be caught up in the drama, with her mum Denise poised to take the limelight in the soap’s live episode. EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One from 7.30pm. Episodes also land on iPlayer from 6am.
