fan row
EastEnders fans locks horns as they’re ‘tricked’ into believing beloved TV star has joined the BBC soap’s cast
Some fans argued another actress entirely had been signed up
EASTENDERS fans think they were duped into believing a major actress had signed up to the show to play a long-lost Beale family member.
Hardcore viewers were left rowing amongst themselves as they grappled over the seemingly dodgy information.
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A post shared widely on Facebook appeared to confirm that TV icon Sheridan Smith had been snapped up by EastEnders bosses to play the role of Barbara.
It was implied that Barbara was the long-lost sister of Walford legend Kathy and had never been seen on-screen.
A popular Facebook fan page shared the news and it quickly went viral as fans lauded the casting of Sheridan in the show.
The post notched up over 5,000 likes within hours and also saw more than 1,200 fans take to the comments section to have their say.
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It read: "Sheridan Smith is set to join the cast of #Eastenders as Kathy's long lost sister Barbara."
The post added: "Barbara will cause mayhem around the square and will also catch the eyes of some of the locals including Phil Mitchell & Alfie Moon."
Confusion erupted among soap viewers as some fans went to congratulate the star as others pointed out that it was entirely made-up.
Whilst Kathy does have an off-screen sister, known as Stephanie Hills, there are currently no plans for the character to be introduced to the programme.
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Reacting to the fake news, one fan said: "Hope everything works out Sheridan Smith looking forward to seeing you in EastEnders."
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Another declared: "Best news ever, love Sheridan, brilliant actress, comedian, and beautiful voice."
Elsewhere, others were left unsure at her 'casting' as they penned: "Don’t do it Sheridan. [Too] good for EastEnders."
Before someone else quickly added: "Hardly, she’s too big an actress and to young to be Kathy’s sister."
The comments section soon erupted into disarray as fans argued furiously amongst themselves over whether it was fact or fiction.
One fan insisted: "She isn't coming to EastEnders."
As someone quipped back: "Yes she is it's been confirmed."
While another added: "She is coming to EastEnders but don't think she playing Cathy sister."
As the rows continued many were quick to point out the glaring age gap as well as to suggest that the role would in fact be played by former actress and Loose Women star Linda Robson.
Kathy has only ever made one reference to her off-screen sister during an episode broadcast in September 1985.
She revealed she was younger than her and close in age to Michelle Fowler.
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Kathy also stated that she was living in Norfolk and ever since has failed to mention her with Stephanie keeping well away from any family drama.
She also has siblings Jonathan Hills and Colin Hills who have also never been seen alongside Ted Hills and two other unnamed siblings.
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