Former EastEnders star ‘joins rival soap’ two decades after leaving Albert Square and starting a new life in Australia

Former EastEnders star 'joins rival soap' two decades after leaving Albert Square and starting a new life in Australia

As a dedicated fan of soap operas, I can hardly contain my excitement upon hearing that Hannah Waterman, the beloved Laura Dunn from EastEnders, is making a return to the world of daytime drama after 20 long years! Having followed Hannah’s journey from Albert Square to the sun-kissed shores of Australia, it’s heartwarming to see her dipping her toes back into the soap opera world.


Former “EastEnders” actress Hannah Waterman has now become part of a competing soap opera, twenty years following her departure from the iconic Walford set.

In the television series EastEnders, the actress portrayed Laura Dunn, who was Ian Beale’s third wife, from the year 2000 up until her character was written out of the show in 2004.

After relocating to Australia, it’s said that Hannah will soon portray a magistrate on Home and Away. The episodes are expected to be broadcast in the UK next month.

Previously, Hannah performed in a theatrical role within the United Kingdom back in 2013. Following this, she relocated to Australia and eventually tied the knot with Huw Higginston, who is famous for his work on The Bill.

A source told The Sun: ‘Hannah moved to Australia years ago for a new life but she’s still acting.

Former EastEnders star 'joins rival soap' two decades after leaving Albert Square and starting a new life in Australia

Former EastEnders star 'joins rival soap' two decades after leaving Albert Square and starting a new life in Australia

She seemed to enjoy momentarily re-immersing herself in the realm of soap operas, suggesting that she might establish a more lasting presence there.

Two years have passed since Hannah tied the knot with Huw Higginson, a well-known actor from “The Bill,” in Australia. This event took place just five months following the demise of her renowned father, Dennis.

Huw shared the joyous news on what used to be known as Twitter, saying: ‘I got married to my beloved yesterday. It was an unforgettable day for us both.’

They posted a photo of Hannah, dressed in a blue-patterned gown, during the event, standing on a boat in Sydney Harbor along with their boy, Jack, as they struck a pose together.

Hannah beamed joyfully at her newlywed spouse while they perched comfortably at the rear of the boat, her wedding bouquet resting in her lap.

In a smart navy outfit, Huw cut a sharp figure, contrasting with their son who wore a sleek black suit. A picture posted by the groom also featured the couple happily enveloped among relatives and acquaintances.

Hannah’s father passed away when he was 74 years old, in May. At that moment, she posted a photo of herself being held by the iconic television personality, smiling at her as an infant in his arms.

Speaking from personal experience, as someone who grew up with an understanding of the complexities of family dynamics, I find myself reflecting on my relationship with my father. You see, his choices led to a parting with my mother, Patricia Maynard, in 1987. Yet, despite this, I can’t help but say, ‘My Dad! My heart has always held a deep affection for him.’

Former EastEnders star 'joins rival soap' two decades after leaving Albert Square and starting a new life in Australia
Former EastEnders star 'joins rival soap' two decades after leaving Albert Square and starting a new life in Australia
Former EastEnders star 'joins rival soap' two decades after leaving Albert Square and starting a new life in Australia

Approximately three months prior to his passing, Dennis received a diagnosis of advanced-stage lung cancer, following the detection of a tumor in his leg bone.

As a lifestyle expert, I find myself reflecting on the personal journey of Hannah, who parted ways with her EastEnders co-star husband Ricky Groves in 2009 under somewhat tumultuous circumstances. It was reported that their relationship ended following allegations by Ricky about Hannah’s involvement in an affair with Huw, which she confirmed, leading to a New Year’s Eve separation.

Hannah and Huw started dating in 2010, following a decade-long friendship. In a 2011 interview, it was shared that their bond deepened in 2009, as they played leading roles together in two stage productions.

Hannah, who shed approximately 17 pounds through an exercise routine showcased on a fitness DVD, was wedded to Ricky when this regimen is said to have contributed to their separation.

She made no secret of her admiration for him, saying: ‘Huw is lovely in real life. When there’s only two of you (on stage), you have to absolutely trust each other … he is a rock.’

2009’s New Year’s Eve saw her part ways with Ricky, prior to Huw moving into her Essex residence in June 2010. This transition occurred after Huw experienced difficulties in his marriage to Geraldine Dove-Higginson, who is also the mother of his daughter, and issues within that relationship had arisen.

Former EastEnders star 'joins rival soap' two decades after leaving Albert Square and starting a new life in Australia

Huw married Geraldine, a stage manager and former art director on The Bill, in 1997.

In a 2011 interview, Hannah reminisced about her on-again, off-again friendship with Huw that spans over a decade. They initially crossed paths when he portrayed her lewd landlord in EastEnders, but since then they’ve shared roles in two stage productions together.

Last year, Huw faced some difficulties in his personal life, leaving him to stay at my place temporarily as I was away on a tour with the Calendar Girls. He officially moved in around June, and from then on, things developed rather swiftly between us.

To maintain our privacy, we’ve chosen to keep our relationship low-key and out of the spotlight. We preferred to let our bond develop naturally without external attention. From the beginning, we discussed our desire for a family.

In 2009, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with Waterman in two captivating productions: “Rattle of a Simple Man” and “Killing Time.” At that time, I was known for portraying the affectionate yet intellectually challenged police officer George Garfield on The Bill.

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2024-11-23 02:49

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