EastEnders’ Elaine Peacock star Harriet Thorpe has a famous sister, who has also appeared in a number of well-known TV shows
EastEnders actress Harriet Thorpe is the sibling of a renowned television star.
BBC soap enthusiasts will recall that Harriet made her Walford debut as Elaine Peacock back in May 2023, arriving to reconnect with her daughter Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).
The former Queen Vic landlady was quickly disclosed to be romantically involved with George Knight (Colin Salmon), who was previously married to Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).
Throughout the last three years, Elaine has gone through a divorce, established her own Bed and Breakfast business, and embarked on a love affair with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt).
Beyond EastEnders, the 69-year-old performer has featured in numerous other beloved programmes, and is particularly recognised for her portrayal of Carole Parkinson in the 1990s series The Brittas Empire.
She also collaborated with Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders on multiple occasions throughout her career, appearing in eight instalments of their show French and Saunders between 1987 and 2003, and taking on the regular character of Fleur in Absolutely Fabulous from 1992 through to 2012, reports the Mirror.
Harriet has taken on parts in Alexei Sayle’s Stuff, A Bit of Fry and Laurie, Casualty, Material Girl, Endeavour, Midsomer Murders, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, and The Bill.
Beyond television work, Harriet has featured in various films, including Calendar Girls, and has worked prolifically in theatre, performing in productions at the Royal National Theatre and across London’s West End.
Harriet has previously spoken candidly about her upbringing and her family’s move overseas. Making an appearance on Loose Women in 2024, Harriet spoke about all things EastEnders and revealed that she has a famous sister who is an actress.
Reflecting on her childhood and her family’s relocation to Los Angeles, Harriet revealed: “My sister and I, who is also an actress, Matilda Thorpe, we were little children at a normal state primary school. Do you remember the food? It was all sort of grey? Memories!”
“Suddenly I was in Beverly Hills and we went to school and they had an ice cream machine. They had pizza and chocolate milk!”
Who is Harriet Thorpe’s famous sister?
Harriet’s sister, Matilda Thorpe, has undoubtedly taken a similar path to her sibling and boasts an impressive acting portfolio.
Matilda is best known for her portrayal of Mandy Mosgrove in Desmond’s from 1989 to 1994, before securing parts as Mother in How to Be a Little Sod and as Mandy in Porkpie.
Her more contemporary work includes Claire Glass in Sick Note, Nina in One Life, and Auntie Melody in Back to Black, a biographical picture about Amy Winehouse.
Remarkably, though, Matilda’s earlier career saw her secure a part in EastEnders years ahead of her sister Harriet’s arrival on the show. Matilda portrayed Rachel Ford on the BBC One drama back in 1998.
Family life
Harriet and Matilda are the daughters of author Gillian Freeman, who wrote The Leather Boys, and Edward Thorpe, an actor, novelist and ballet critic for the Evening Standard.
Harriet is the proud mother of two children, a son and a daughter, with her husband, Howard Baker, whom she is believed to have wed in 1989.
Her son, Jack Thorpe-Baker, has previously showcased his acting talents in The Brittas Empire, Life is Sweet, and Ballet Shoes, which also featured Emma Watson.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
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