From Peckham to Walford…

Former Only Fools and Horses star Sue Holderness on her guest stint in EastEnders, and the classic comedy role that changed her life…

- ALISON SLADE

Think Sue Holderness and it’s impossible not to think of the character that made her famous – Marlene from Only Fools and Horses.

The classic sitcom, starring Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst as wheeler-dealers Derek (‘Del Boy’) and Rodney Trotter, ran between 1981 and 2003 and, at its peak, pulled in more than 24 million viewers.

And, of course, Marlene and husband Boycie (John Challis) got their own spin-off show, The Green Green Grass, which ran from 2005 to 2009.

This week, Sue, 71, is back on screens, playing theatrical agent Estelle in EastEnders.

TV Times caught up with her for an exclusive chat...

What can you tell us about Estelle...

I hope Only Fools and Horses fans won’t be disappointed because she isn’t like Marlene at all. She is a rather smarmy agent and represents Janet Mitchell, who is about to do her first modelling job. Billy brings Janet along, and Estelle fancies him, and ridiculously quickly says, ‘Do you fancy a drink?’ She is a very flirty, good-time girl. Billy is clearly nervous, but thinks it could be fun. And personally, I think Billy needs to have some fun. I think the writers should take pity on him and realise that Estelle could give him a good time, and bring her back for a few more episodes!

Have you always been an EastEnders fan?