Get ready for a fascinating peek behind the scenes of “EastEnders,” as one of its rising young stars, Ellie Dadd, who portrays the troubled teen Amy Mitchell, has just revealed a surprising secret: she was reunited with two old college pals when she joined the iconic Albert Square! The 20-year-old actress confessed her “gobsmacked” reaction to finding familiar faces on set when she landed her big break on the BBC One soap, adding an unexpected layer to the show’s intricate dynamics.

Ellie Dadd made her debut on “EastEnders” three years ago, quickly immersing herself in some of the show’s most challenging and harrowing storylines. As Amy Mitchell, she has fearlessly tackled incredibly difficult subjects, from self-harm to severe mental health struggles, bringing a raw and powerful authenticity to her character’s tumultuous journey. Her performances have resonated deeply with viewers, highlighting the often-dark realities faced by young people.

However, despite her impressive handling of such heavy material, the young star is now ready for something completely different, a role that is “worlds away from soapland.” This Christmas, fans will see a new side of Ellie as she swaps the intense drama of Walford for the enchanting magic of panto! She’s set to take center stage as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” at Fairfield Halls, a dream role that promises a sprinkle of festive cheer and a stark contrast to Amy Mitchell’s struggles.

Interestingly, this isn’t Ellie’s first foray into the worldof pantomime. She proudly reveals that she’s already a “seasoned pro” when it comes to the panto spotlight. “I started panto when I was six,” she told the Mirror. “I did it for four years, age six to 10. It was the best time ever.” Her enthusiasm for the role is palpable, as she embraces a childhood fantasy: “Isn’t it every girl’s dream to play a princess at least once in their lives?” This return to her roots, performing a beloved fairy tale, marks a significant and joyful departure from the often-gritty realities of “EastEnders.”

But the real shocker for “EastEnders” fans comes with her revelation about her panto past intersecting with her Walford present. Ellie confessed that she met two of her future “EastEnders” co-stars long before her Albert Square debut! These familiar faces are none other than Tilly Keeper, who famously played Louise Mitchell, and Zack Morris, who portrayed the much-loved character Keegan Baker. Ellie revealed, “We trained together at the D&B Academy of Performing Arts.” The unexpected reunion clearly left her thrilled: “It was quite fun seeing them when I got there. I was like, ‘Oh, my goodness!’” This adds a fascinating layer to the “EastEnders” family, showing how bonds are forged long before the cameras start rolling in Walford.

Despite the seemingly lighter nature of panto, Ellie emphasizes that it’s no “walk in the park,” often involving “gruelling double-show days and barely any time off.” However, she confidently states that her experience in soap life has “prepped her well.” “EastEnders has taught me a lot,” she explained. “We film 14 scenes a day and we’re there five days a week. If a scene’s not going to plan, you’ve got to think on your feet.” This demanding schedule has honed her quick thinking and adaptability, skills that will undoubtedly serve her well on the panto stage. She concludes, “You learn to trust your instincts,” highlighting the invaluable lessons learned from the fast-paced world of daily television.

Fans worried about Amy Mitchell’s absence from Walford can breathe a sigh of relief. While Ellie is stepping away for her festive magical run, she confirmed that viewers “won’t have to wait long to see her back.” “They’re just letting me have a couple of weeks off – and then I’ll be back,” she assured, ensuring that Amy Mitchell’s complex storylines will continue to unfold in Albert Square after Christmas.

Ellie Dadd’s journey from grappling with harrowing teen storylines in “EastEnders” to embodying a princess on the panto stage is a testament to her versatility and dedication. Her candid revelation about her past connections with Tilly Keeper and Zack Morris adds a charming layer to the behind-the-scenes narrative of “EastEnders.” For those eager to catch her enchanting performance, Ellie will be appearing in “Beauty And The Beast” at Fairfield Halls, London, from December 12th.

A Look Back at Soap’s Most Harrowing Teen Storylines

Ellie Dadd’s portrayal of Amy Mitchell’s struggles with self-harm and mental health places her among a long line of soap opera actors who have tackled incredibly harrowing teen storylines. These narratives often serve as powerful vehicles for raising awareness about difficult social issues. Let’s revisit some of the most impactful:

• Belle Dingle’s schizophrenia in Emmerdale: Belle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) traumatic journey took a dark turn after she accidentally killed her best friend Gemma at just 16. Her mental health spiraled, leading to a battle with hearing Gemma’s voice and a dramatic decline in her well-being. This storyline poignantly explored the devastating effects of guilt and the onset of serious mental illness.
• Hannah Ashworth’s anorexia in Hollyoaks: Viewers watched as Hannah (Emma Rigby), a seemingly innocent teen, descended into dangerous behavior, starving herself in an attempt to achieve what she believed was the “ideal body.” Her condition worsened intensely, culminating in a two-month hospitalization as she fought for her life, shedding light on the severe realities of eating disorders.
• Bethany Platt’s grooming ordeal in Coronation Street: This was one of Corrie‘s darkest storylines to date, centering on vulnerable schoolgirl Bethany (Lucy Fallon) who fell under the spell of her older boyfriend, Nathan, a sexual predator. The controversial scenes depicted Nathan grooming and manipulating the 16-year-old before coercing her into sex with his friends, with one of them raping her. The storyline was praised for its unflinching portrayal of a horrific crime.
• Whitney Dean’s abuse from Tony in EastEnders: Since the age of 12, Whitney (Shona McGarty) had been trapped in a twisted relationship with her stepmum Bianca’s boyfriend, Tony King. The predator groomed young Whitney, making her believe they were in love and planning to run away. On her 16th birthday, the traumatized teen finally revealed the years of abuse to Bianca, leading to Tony’s swift imprisonment for 13 years. This storyline was a landmark moment for its depiction of child grooming and its long-term psychological impact.

Ellie Dadd’s contributions to “EastEnders” as Amy Mitchell continue this powerful tradition of addressing sensitive and crucial topics, reinforcing the soap’s role in reflecting complex social issues.

👉 What do you think about Ellie Dadd’s decision to do panto this Christmas, and are you excited to see Amy Mitchell back in Walford after the festive season? Share your thoughts below! 👇