The question must surely be asked: Why?
You don’t replace a legendary icon with a random face in the crowd – Manchester United plumping for David Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson retired proved that. But EastEnders have fallen ‘fowl’ of the same mistake and viewers aren’t happy.
Saturday’s episode saw the character of Michelle Fowler return to Albert Square after more than twenty years away, but you wouldn’t know by looking at her because it was a completely different actress playing the role this time round.
Susan Tully famously depicted Michelle on the soap for 18 years, before the character left Walford in 1995 to start a new life in the US. But now she’s back in the Square and the show’s producers have decided to recast her with Jenna Russell.
Sharon Mitchell was on hand to make clear who the mysterious stranger was, and it’s a good thing too, otherwise no one would have been any the wiser. The fans will take some time to get used to this…
https://twitter.com/Raphsreality/status/812803160624558080
Even though I wasn't watching back in the day, this Michelle already doesn't feel right #EastEnders
— Nostalgia Queen (@NostalgiaQueenT) December 24, 2016
When you're supposed to guess that's Michelle fowler! Looks nothing like the original #eastenders
— Alexandra Turner (@Turnipsx) December 24, 2016
Michelle's new face makes me VERY nervous #eastenders
— Agnes (@ThatAgnes) December 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/moi_cheree/status/812761174446145536
New Michelle Fowler looks like she should be in the Human League. #eastenders
— Anouska Curzon (@Noosh1977) December 24, 2016
https://twitter.com/CustardCousin/status/812791665052315648
https://twitter.com/DomDom1919/status/812761610028720129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
