Stunned EastEnders fans have recognised actor Oliver Llewellyn Jenkins from an early role in an iconic CBBC series.
The star, 27, plays Tracey the barmaid’s (Jane Slaughter) son Tom in a new spin-off series produced by trainee directors enrolled on EastEnders’ multi-camera course scheme.
Tracey: A Day in the Life follows her friends celebrating the enigmatic character’s milestone 60th birthday, with guest appearances from Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), Kellie Bright (Linda Carter) and Harriet Thorpe (Elaine Peacock).
Fellow supporting artists Winston (Ulric Browne), Marie (Liz Sweet) and Shrimpy (Ben Champniss) also put in appearances.
After almost four decades of knowing very little about Trace, the series follows best pal Sameera (Rekha John-Cheriyan) planning a surprise celebration, concerned that Tom has forgotten about his mum.
When he shows it, it transpires that they’ve been estranged for a number of years and that he’s only made contact in the hope she can pay off a loanshark for him.
We later discover his new girlfriend Molly (Aretha Ayeh) is pregnant – our Tracey is to be a grandmother again!
Whilst fans celebrated the icon finally getting a spot in the limelight, they also recognised Tom actor Oliver from two episodes of The Story of Tracy Beaker, which aired all the way back in 2004.
The long-running children’s series – which was adapted from a series of books written by Dame Jacqueline Wilson – broadcast five series between 2002 and 2005.
Dani Harmer starred in the lead role as young viewers followed Tracy’s tough life growing up in the care system.
Due to the popularity of the original series and a number of follow-up books, several immensely successful spin-off series were made; Tracy Beaker Returns, My Mum Tracy Beaker, The Beaker Girls and The Dumping Ground, with the latter now in its twelfth series.
Oliver played Wilson, a teenager who was placed into care temporarily whilst his mum was hospitalised.
Tracy immediately caught Wilson’s eye after she played a cruel prank on him – covering him in flour and eggs. Despite being scorned by her social worker Elaine (Nisha Nayar), Wilson took the blame and said he was in on the joke.
Following a spark between the two, they kissed, though were spotted by her arch-nemesis Justine Littlewood (Montanna Thompson).
She was left heartbroken when he left without saying goodbye, and when he sent on his phone number she decided not to contact him.
No man messes with the Beaker!
On X, a number of fans expressed their excitement at seeing Oliver on screen again: ‘This was really fun! Loved seeing Wilson from The Story of Tracy Beaker as Tracey’s son Tom’ said one fan.
‘Also enjoyed all the new characters that were added. The main show should use Tracey more. So much untapped content with her ex, her son, his grandkids.’
Another added: ‘omg her son Tom is played by Oliver Llewellyn Jenkins who played Wilson in Tracy Beaker!! that’s mental!’
‘The fact tracy beaker’s boyfriend is on eastenders as tracey the barmaid’s son.’
‘STOP OMG WILSON’ enthused another.
Oliver has had a number of roles throughout his career, including a guest stint in Doctors, and in comedy-dramas Stella and Agatha Raisin.
