EastEnders actress Harriet Thorpe, 68, appeared displeased when questioned about becoming a grandmother on Wednesday’s episode of This Morning.
Renowned EastEnders actress Harriet Thorpe rejected a “offensive” question on This Morning regarding her grandmother status. The 68-year-old is widely admired across the UK, known especially for her iconic role in Absolutely Fabulous.
Harriet portrayed the character Fleur in the iconic BBC sitcom from 1992 to 2012, appearing in 13 episodes with her quirky role.
After her successful TV career, she moved to the West End stage, starring in musicals like Cabaret and Mamma Mia. In 2023, Harriet became part of the EastEnders cast, taking on the role of Elaine Peacock.
Since her debut in Albert Square, Elaine has left a strong impression as the current owner of the Queen Vic, working alongside her daughter Linda Carter, according to the Manchester Evening News.
After Elaine recently suffered two heart attacks due to the stress of having to sell the pub and troubles in her relationship with George Knight, Harriet made an appearance on Wednesday morning’s (July 2) show alongside Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.
Accompanied by the show’s soap expert Sharon Marshall, Harriet was asked about the latest addition to her family.
“Speaking of moving forward, there’s a new member in the family in real life,” Sharon inquired.
Harriet replied cheekily, “Oh, and what might that be?”
Sharon shot back, “Oh, come on, grandma.”
Harriet wasn’t too pleased with being called a grandmother and insisted on a more stylish description instead.
She explained, “We need the proper term — it’s ‘glamma.’ We need the right terminology. I have a glamdaughter. It feels offensive because I still feel like I’m only 35. How is that even possible?”
Referencing one of her memorable Absolutely Fabulous moments, Harriet joked that “there’ll always be a drawer” for when things get too much.
While avoiding any hints about new owners for the Queen Vic, Harriet did open up about the difficulties Elaine is facing..
“I believe that in that moment she puts on a brave face and comes to understand that there are more important things in life. It’s about the people you love in your family, and that’s what life is,” she suggested.
She continued, “It’s about fresh starts, which can mean anything and are exciting. It’s not something negative — people often get scared when they let go of something familiar.”
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