Laura Doddington’s connection to EastEnders years before Nicola casting: ‘It was meant to be’

Nicola Mitchell star Laura Doddington reflects on two years in Walford (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Laura Doddington has revealed that, years before she set foot on Albert Square, she was told she looked just like an EastEnders legend. The actress has made quite an impact on show audiences as not-to-be trifled-with matriarch Nicola Mitchell, who landed in the Square shortly after the rest of her clan almost two years ago. Nicola swiftly became a show icon, taking up her position as head of the new Mitchell family, which set the scene for a number of big stories including her a role in the death of Harry’s girlfriend, the truth about Barney’s paternity and watching ex Teddy go to prison to protect their boy. The character was a huge hit, proving an instant a fan-favourite. Discussing when she first realised how the fans had taken to Nicola, Laura told Metro: ‘I think it was the British Soap Awards. ‘I was nominated for Best Newcomer, and it was so overwhelming. We were sat in the auditorium at the Hackney Empire and when my name came up,the fans upstairs started chanting my name. ‘It was the most amazing feeling. Emma Barton who plays Honey was sat next to me. She just squeezed my hand and went, “Enjoy it.” Laura has been at the centre of many a big story as Nicola (Picture: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron) Two years in, Laura now gets recognised ‘a lot’ – particularly in the supermarket. ”Doing selfies next to the frozen foods aisle,’ she said. ‘It’s quite weird because I have got naturally corkscrew curly hair. It’s tight ringlets and if I’ve gone out with that hair hardly anyone recognises me. ‘One woman did and she said, “I didn’t know if it was you or not until you spoke and I saw your gap [tooth].” I’ve always wanted to retain my gap, but it is quite a giveaway.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. The star also revealed that, during one particular encounter at the hairdressers, she was approached by a fan who ‘quietly’ asked if she portrays Nicola. ‘I said: ‘Yes! Helloo, I am!” She said, “Oh my god, you’re smiley!” Interestingly, getting recognised as Nicola isn’t the first time that Laura has been told she looks like someone from EastEnders. Years before she landed her signature role, the actress was told she looked like a very famous Walford icon while doing a production in Scarborough called Time of My Life. Laura was told she looked like Letitia Dean (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) ‘It was back in the day when regional theatre still got big reviews in the newspapers,’ she recalled. ‘There was a picture of me, and I cannot tell you the amount of messages I got from people who had seen it saying, “You look exactly like Letitia Dean!” Now I’m in the dressing-room next to her at Elstree. It was meant to be. Laura will continue to make her mark in the world of EastEnders, with Nicola’s family having recently been expanded to include her sisters Gemma (Patricia Potter) and Jodie (Anna Constable), brother-in-law Ned (James Bamber), nephew Ryder (Felix Urr) and estranged mum Rose (Marian McLoughlin). ‘From a selfish actor point of view, I just thought this is going to be so exciting to find these layers in Nicola that are so different to the layers that I have already been playing,’ she enthused. ‘And then I thought it’s going to be very exciting because there are going to be so many of them. I wonder what they are going to be like?’ Nicola’s family has been expanded once more (Picture: Jack Barnes / BBC / PA Wire) In the scenes we’ve seen thus far, there has been some friction between Nicola and her siblings, which Laura comments is ‘very typical’ of such a relationship. ‘She loves them, but they drive her insane. They are all quite different in their personality types, which I think is spot on because siblings are quite different. I find that fascinating.’ Perhaps the most interesting dynamic, however, is that of Nicola and her mum Rose. It became clear very quickly that this relationship was fractured – and the jury is still on if it can be mended. But while Rose is difficult on-screen, star Marian is ‘magic’, according to Laura. ‘She is so vile as Rose,’ she said. ‘It’s brilliant. But she’s not just vile. Marian has layered her so much already.’ Deals of the Day An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 A friend said I looked 'snatched' – I credit this new Charlotte Tilbury powder EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: Is this EastEnders star returning from the dead? 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