Laila Morse to reprise Mo Harris role in EastEnders

Laila Morse is set to reprise her iconic role as Mo Harris in EastEnders this spring.

On returning to EastEnders, Laila Morse said:

“I’m delighted to be coming home to Walford and to be bringing Mo back to life. EastEnders holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to be reunited with my on screen family, who are like my family, as well as old and new faces.”

The actress joined the BBC One soap as the matriarch of the Slater family in September 2000, quickly winning over fans with her witty one-liners and shady dealings. During her collective 19 years in Albert Square, Mo was often at the centre of drama, including her long-time feud with Pat Butcher (Pam St Clement), helping a young Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) give birth on Dot’s sofa, and ceremoniously pretending that her granddaughter Kat (Jessie Wallace) had died in one of her many money-making schemes.

Following Morse’s decision to leave the role in 2021, Mo bid farewell to Walford to embark on a cruise with her on/off love interest, Fat Elvis. The character has since made guest appearances, including at Kat and Phil’s aborted wedding in 2022.

Mo will arrive back in the Square with her great-grandson Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier), and whilst the exact circumstances of their return currently remain under wraps, one thing is for certain, where Mo goes, trouble inevitably follows.

An exclusive first-look at Mo and Freddie’s decision to return home will premiere on the EastEnders TikTok channel in a limited series, following both characters in Mo’s caravan where she has been living ever since leaving Walford.

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome back Laila Morse to the role of Mo Harris. Although her time away from the Square has been short-lived, the Slater family has endured a huge amount of drama since she last appeared on screen and Mo’s return will be no different.

“We’re delighted to welcome Laila back permanently as she is thrust into the heart of the drama alongside great-grandson Freddie.”

Laila Morse has already started filming alongside Bobby Brazier, and viewers can expect to see Big Mo and Freddie back in Walford this spring.