SHOCKING NEWS!! double take EastEnders fans stunned as star of classic cop drama The Bill makes surprise appearance in BBC soap

EASTENDERS viewers were left stunned by seeing a star from The Bill make a surprise appearance.

Fans of the BBC soap were quick to recognise

a familiar face from Sun Hill Police Station.

Ian Fletcher in EastEnders.

EastEnders fans recognised an alum of The Bill

Ian Fletcher in EastEnders.

Iain Fletcher played the role of Councillor Barker

Three actors from the TV show *The Bill* attending a funeral.

He had a six year stint as Rod Skase in The Bill

Iain Fletcher played the role of DC Rod Skase in the ITV drama, appearing over six years.

Having made the switch to Walford, Iain popped up in the role of Councillor Barker.

Taking to X, one viewer wrote: “Another ex old bill at #EastEnders as a council man @bbceastenders.”

Another added: “#EastEnders It’s nice to see the geezer who played DC Rod Skase from #TheBill back on screen. He looks well.”

While a third chimed in: “Isn’t that Rod Skase from The Bill?”

Earlier this month, it was revealed soap bosses had cast Iain for a dramatic EastEnders storyline.

His arrival comes amid Albert Square residents fighting to save the Bridge Street market.

In last night’s episode, a meeting between Mr. Barker and several locals took place – but it soon turned into a shouting match.

As the councillor tried to wrap things up, Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) responded: “We’re not done until we say we are.”

Mr Barker asked; “Who might you be, young lady?”, while calling markets “a thing of the past”.

Watch the moment bitter EastEnders rivals come to blows after months of tension

Undeterred, Ruby proceeded to describe the market as an “institution”.

She added: “It’s part of the fabric of the East End. It’s the glue that holds this community together. And has done for 120 years.”

Mr Barker realised she was Johnny Allen’s (Billy Murray) daughter – a calling the villain a “bully”.

He finished: “It looks to me like the apple hasn’t fallen very far from the tree. But I must say, you are a very succulent apple, I will give you that.”

How will this rivalry progress moving forward?

Elsewhere, the BBC soap will be putting stalwart Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) at the centre of a hard-hitting mental health storyline.

It will see Phil’s depression – which has been shown in recent weeks – spiral as he attempts suicide.

As his depression deepens, Phil struggles to keep his emotional turmoil hidden from those closest to him.

EastEnders facts and figures

THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.

He begins to experience vivid hallucinations, leading him to the heartbreaking belief that his life is no longer worth living.

Executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Phil’s depression storyline will focus on his decline in mental health and the subsequent psychotic symptoms, and the reaction of those around him, as we hope to demonstrate how mental health can affect anyone at any time.

“Steve’s performance is nothing short of extraordinary and has thoughtfully portrayed the complex realties of depression, and the experience of psychotic symptoms, with compassion and understanding.”

Ian Fletcher in EastEnders.

The newcomer’s arrival has already ruffled feathers

Photo of Iain Fletcher and Billy Murray from *The Bill*.

Iain and Billy Murray in The Bill

Related articles

HOT NEWS!!! Who is Spencer Moon in EastEnders and what happened between him and Vicki?

Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) has made a grand return to Albert Square – but without her long-term partner Spencer Moon (Christopher Parker). The character has arrived back to her…

SHOCKING NEWS!!! EastEnders revisits huge mystery plot with surprise confession

EastEnders has revisited the big Cindy Beale mystery, as Kathy Beale made a major confession. In February, it was revealed that Kathy was the one who attacked Cindy with a shovel…

ENDER THE RIVALRY Heartbreaking moment EastEnders love rivals Stacey Slater & Ruby Allen unite over their grief at Martin Fowler’s funeral

EASTENDERS love rivals Stacey Slater and Ruby Allen unite in their grief at Martin Fowler’s funeral. Actress Lacey Turner, 37, was seen looking devastated as she filmed the…

SHOCKING TRUTH REVEALED!! EastEnders Uncovering Her Dirty Secret…

Secrets and lies are about to be exposed in Walford as a shocking affair comes to light. Just when it seemed like the past was behind them,…

You won’t believe this!” 🔥 EastEnders SHOCKING Betrayal – Vicki’s Dark Secret EXPOSED! 💀!

The exit of Danny Dyer from EastEnders has left fans reeling, especially after his character, Mick Carter, was involved in a dramatic showdown that brought his story…

REAL STORY BEHIND IT !! EastEnders star Louisa Lytton addresses exit from Ruby role

EastEnders star Louisa Lytton has confirmed her exit from the soap, sharing that she is open to a return in the future. Lytton made a return to the BBC soap as Ruby Allen…