SURPRISE CONNECTION: EastEnders newcomer revealed to have famous relatives—can you guess which family members also starred in the BBC soap?

Gina and Mazz Murray are the mum and aunt of EastEnders newcome Max Murray(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders star Max Murray may have just landed a role on the BBC soap alongside legendary actors but it has now been revealed that he comes from a long-line of established actors and singers in his family. The young actor was announced as Joel Marshall back in February this year.

Max is the son of Gina Murray, who has starred in a number of well known programmes including The Bill, Doctors and The Hunt for Raoul Moat. She appeared in the BBC soap in 2014 and played a character called Helen.

Helen arrived in Albert Square as a hair specialist to help Carol Jackson, who was struggling with losing her hair as she fought off cancer. It was Helen’s role to help Carol find a wig.

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But Max is also linked to Mazz Murray who is a successful TV and theatre actress. Back in 2004, Mazz starred as a waitress called Miranda who had a brawl with Heather Trott and Shirley Carter.

Gina and Mazz Murray are the mum and aunt of EastEnders newcomer Max Murray(Image: Jeff Spicer/WireImage)
When it comes to the stage, Mazz had starred in Sunset Boulevard, Mamma Mia and Chicago to name but a few. In 2017, Mazz returned to Walford but this time was playing a character called Julie. Julie played a divorced woman who hired Keanu Taylor as a male escort for a night of fun and frolics.

Joel Marshall is the step-son of Vicky Fowler, who returned to the square for the funeral of her uncle Martin Fowler. Her new boyfriend Ross is played by Alex Walkinshaw.

Gina Murray pictured with EastEnders veteran Jessie Wallace(Image: Getty Images)
At the time Max’s new role was announced, he told the Mirror: “It’s an absolute privilege and honour to be joining such a wonderful production full of a lovely cast and crew.”

He added: “I’m really looking forward to introducing Joel to EastEnders viewers and telling his story.”

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw went on to say: “We’re delighted to have the very talented Alice, Alex and Max with us. Vicky is back under the most tragic of circumstances, representing her distraught mum Michelle, and she’s changed a lot since we last saw her.

“We’re excited to let viewers get reacquainted with Vicky and to introduce Ross and Joel to the Square. It won’t be long before Vicky and this new branch of the Fowler family are making waves in Walford.”