From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Claudette Hubbard
EastEnders character
Duration2015–2016
First appearanceEpisode 5031/5032
12 March 2015
Last appearanceEpisode 5378
1 November 2016
Classification Former; regular
Introduced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins
In-universe information
OccupationNurse
Foster carer
HusbandHenry Hubbard
Sons Vincent Hubbard
Grandsons Mica Fox
Granddaughters Pearl Fox

Claudette Hubbard is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ellen Thomas. She made her first appearance on 12 March 2015. [1] Claudette is introduced as as a friend of Les Coker ( Roger Sloman) and Pam Coker ( Lin Blakley), before being established as the mother of Vincent Hubbard ( Richard Blackwood), as well as the foster mother of Donna Yates ( Lisa Hammond) and several other children. [2] [3] Upon her introduction, the character was described as a "new steely matriarch". [4]

During her time on the show, Claudette's storylines included being accused of an affair with Les Coker, before it was ultimately revealed she was aiding his cross-dressing, her history with the Mitchell family, a feud with Babe Smith ( Annette Badland) and ultimately being left for dead and buried alive by her son Vincent after revealing she was responsible for the death of her husband. [5] [6] [7] On 13 September 2016, it was confirmed that Thomas would depart her role as Claudette and would leave the soap after being axed by the new executive producer, Sean O'Connor along with several other characters. [8] [9] Speaking on her exit, an EastEnders spokesperson said ""As our regular viewers will know, Claudette has often been seen coming and going from the [Albert Square] to visit her family and friends" concluding that "this is the end of another stint for Claudette and we wish [Thomas] all the best for the future." [10] She made her final appearance on 1 November 2016. [11]

Casting and characterisation

Ellen Thomas was cast in the role of Claudette, having previously appeared in three separate roles on the soap

Thomas' casting was announced on 1 March 2015. [12] [4] The role of Claudette marks Thomas' fourth time on EastEnders, she previously appeared as Pearl Chadwick in 1990, Estella Hulton in 2002 and Grace Olubunmi between 2010 and 2011. [13] [4] Speaking of Thomas and her character, executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins commented "Ellen Thomas belongs on EastEnders. Albert Square now has a new steely matriarch – with a few twisted secrets hidden behind her beaming smile." [4] David Brown from the Radio Times added that Claudette had links to established regular characters and would be "a tough-talking resident of Albert Square". [4] Thomas revealed that Claudette's family would be introduced to the square, saying: "Claudette is a foster mother, she's fostered children for the last 30 years. She's fostered the kind of children nobody else wants – tough cookies." She stated that it was a "brilliant opportunity to bring new characters in". [14]

Storylines

Friendship with Les and Pam Coker

Claudette is shown to be having what looks like an affair with Les Coker ( Roger Sloman) when he visits her at a café and gives her a necklace. [15] Later that night, while he and his wife, Pam Coker ( Lin Blakley), are celebrating their wedding anniversary, Les gets a text from Claudette, thanking him for her necklace. [16] Claudette and Les meet again a week later at the park, with Claudette later arriving for her foster daughter Donna Yates' ( Lisa Hammond) birthday celebrations as arranged by Pam. It is revealed that she knows Les and Pam from when the latter worked as a social worker and placed Donna in Claudette's care. [17] Weeks later, it is revealed that both Claudette and Les are in Gran Canaria on business. Donna ironically suggests that the two should meet up. Claudette reappears when her son Vincent Hubbard ( Richard Blackwood) introduces her to her new granddaughter Pearl, and his wife Kim Fox-Hubbard ( Tameka Empson). Claudette is angry that she had to wait so long to meet Pearl. She is hostile towards Kim, her sister Denise Fox ( Diane Parish) and their family friend Patrick Trueman ( Rudolph Walker), as she believes that they have stolen Vincent from her. When Les' grandson, Paul Coker ( Jonny Labey), arrives in Walford, he reveals that he knows Les and Claudette are having an affair. [18] [19] Les decides to stop meeting Claudette but she is not willing to conclude it and states that she will make it difficult for him to exit. [20]

When Paul tells Vincent that Claudette and Les are having an affair, Vincent confronts her about it after finding identical postcards from Gran Canaria in both her and Les's houses, but agrees not to say anything to Pam. Les attempts to dissuade Claudette from coming to the Coker and Sons centenary party but she goes anyway and tells Les that Vincent is aware of their meetings. Meanwhile, at home, Paul tells Pam about the affair. [21] Claudette later realises that Pam knows while seeing her freak out at her face with her and Les in the newspaper photo. She makes plans to have dinner with Les, declining Pam's invitation to dinner on the way there. When Pam notes how Claudette used exactly the same words as Les did, Claudette sends Les home. He accidentally leaves his tie at her house. Claudette, who knows the Mitchells, finds Vincent has been beaten by Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden) and vows revenge on Phil. [22] When Pam visits Claudette, she finds Les's tie, but after he and Claudette give conflicting explanations on this, Pam leaves to stay with her sister. [23] Les becomes very distraught at her departure, and Claudette urges him to tell Pam the truth, just as Pam returns and walks in on them together. Shortly after Claudette leaves the house, Pam urges Les to end the affair or their marriage is over. Two months later, Les visits Claudette for comfort after Pam refuses to speak to him on their deceased son's birthday. [24] Two days later, he calls Claudette, telling her he cannot stop thinking about her, and later makes an excuse to Pam to go and be with Claudette again. He is then caught at Claudette's house in his underwear by Donna, who concludes they are having an affair, though Claudette tries to explain it is not what she thinks. Donna tells Pam, who goes to Claudette's house and sets about destroying gifts from Les until Claudette says the presents are not hers, and Pam should ask Les about Christine. [25] When Pam asks Les, he reveals that Christine is his secret feminine alter ego, and he likes wearing women's clothes, and that Claudette has been supporting this secret. Claudette later tells Pam that Les persuaded her not to reveal his secret and encourages Pam to speak to Les about it. [26] The next day, she helps Pam and Les prepare for their "meeting" with Christine, and tells Pam that "seeing" Christine for the first time will be easier than she thinks. Claudette is later annoyed when Vincent has sex with a married Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Womack), whom he had dated before, and advises them to work on their own marriages. She moves in with Vincent, Kim and Pearl when he buys a large house on Albert Square. [27]

Relationships with the Mitchell's and Patrick Trueman

Claudette starts working in The Albert and meets Phil's aunt, Sal ( Anna Karen), who is visiting the Mitchells. [28] Sal reveals that Claudette used to work at a bar nearby and has known the Mitchell family for decades. Sal threatens to reveal secrets about Claudette, so she asks Vincent to speed up with his plan to take down the Mitchells. It is revealed that Claudette's husband, Henry, was an associate of Den Watts ( Leslie Grantham), Ted Hills ( Brian Croucher), Gavin Sullivan ( Paul Nicholas) and Eric Mitchell ( George Russo), [29] Phil's father. Vincent was told by Claudette that Henry was killed by Eric 34 years previously on Christmas Eve after a confrontation when Vincent was a child. [30] A drunken Phil kidnaps Pearl which leads to an altercation between Vincent and Phil. Vincent says that Eric killed his father but Phil says Henry just left Walford. The feud between the Mitchells and Hubbards leads to the death of innocent Fatboy ( Ricky Norwood), so Vincent tells Claudette that their feud killed him and they should end it, but this infuriates Claudette who then compares him to his father and accidentally lets slip that Henry did not die when she said he did. [31] When Ronnie's mother Glenda Mitchell ( Glynis Barber) makes a brief visit, she recognises Claudette and Vincent, and later tells Ronnie that Eric did not kill Henry because he was drunk that night and did not leave the house. [32] Ronnie then blackmails Claudette with the information, so Claudette tells Vincent to end the feud as it cannot bring back Henry or Fatboy. [33] [34] Claudette and Patrick flirt with each other and eventually begin dating; however it is hampered by Denise's disapproval. [35]

Husband's murder and being buried alive

Claudette is buried alive after being presumed dead by her son Vincent Hubbard, played by Richard Blackwood (pictured)

Claudette and Kim's rivalry intensifies at Pearl's first birthday party, and when Claudette's foster son Linford Short ( Leon Lopez) announces that he and Vincent have entered Claudette into the Pride of Walford Awards and she is a finalist, a jealous Kim jumps on Pearl's bouncy castle in an attempt to take attention from Claudette, which Claudette punctures in retaliation. [36] [37] Later that day, Gavin meets Claudette and blackmails her, saying he wants money to stop him revealing a secret from her past. [38] [39] She fails to get money from Les or Vincent, so she meets Gavin at her home and tries to pay him off with sex. [40] However, he says that it is worthless as she used to be promiscuous, and asks how she killed Henry, so Claudette strikes him over the head with a candelabra. Vincent then arrives, and she lies about the circumstances, but when Gavin escapes, her lies are revealed and Vincent works out he was blackmailing her and she killed Henry. [41] When she insults Henry, Vincent chokes Claudette, as Patrick arrives and stops him. [42] Vincent reveals to Patrick that Claudette killed Henry, and as Patrick tries to call the police, Claudette tries to snatch the phone off him, but falls down the basement stairs, hitting her head on a brick. Patrick leaves to get help but when he returns, Vincent has buried Claudette underneath the basement and tells Patrick to forget it happened or they will both be arrested for murder. [43] However, unknown to Vincent and Patrick, Claudette escapes from the basement and is brought into the hospital by paramedics after she was found by the side of a road. [44] Patrick later sees Claudette. [45] Realising that she is alive, he tells Vincent, who soon realises the truth. When Vincent goes to Donna's home, Donna reveals Claudette is with her and has told her what Vincent did to her. [46] Donna refuses to believe that Claudette killed Henry, so Vincent reveals that Claudette killed Fatboy. [47] Donna is distraught at being lied to and asks Vincent and Claudette to leave, but Patrick arrives and confirms that Claudette killed Henry. Claudette insists Henry's death was an accident and threatens to show the police her neck bruises if Patrick calls the police on her, but Donna sees past this, saying that Claudette's fostering her was just an attempt to lessen Claudette's guilt. [48] Vincent tells Claudette to leave Walford for good or he will tell Gavin where she is. Claudette visits Pearl privately and says goodbye to her, promising that she will come back soon. [49]

Departure

At the Pride of Walford Awards a few months later, Donna accepts an award on her mum's behalf saying how she was not alone when Claudette took her in but now she is alone again. [50] However, Claudette secretly watches behind the door but decides not to come in. [51] Claudette tries to visit Donna in Bridge Street Market but notices her former enemy Peggy Mitchell ( Barbara Windsor) who scowls at her, so Claudette walks away. [52] [53] Claudette supports Les and Pam when their grandson, Paul, dies following a homophobic attack and she learns that Babe Smith ( Annette Badland) has been blackmailing them over Les' cross-dressing [54]. [55] Claudette threatens Babe, and their argument is witnessed by Babe's relative Linda Carter ( Kellie Bright). [56] [57] When Babe is locked in The Queen Victoria public house's freezer store, Linda accuses Claudette, but Patrick states she was with him, revealing their relationship to Vincent and Donna. However, when Patrick states that Claudette left the house at about the time Babe was attacked, she ends their relationship, saying he does not trust her. [58] [59] Claudette also exposes Babe's blackmail to Linda and her husband Mick Carter ( Danny Dyer). [60] It transpires that the real culprit is Abi Branning ( Lorna Fitzgerald). [61] She later briefly reconciles with Patrick but her jealousy over his closeness with Dot Branning ( June Brown) causes him to publicly break up with her. [62] [63] Humiliated and enraged, she asks Vincent to "take care" of Patrick for hurting her but he and Donna make her see the error of her ways and encourage her to stay with her foster son Linford to clear her head. [64] [65] [66] On her way out of Walford, she meets Patrick and tells him he was never good enough for her but Patrick says that Claudette does not think she is good enough for anyone. [67] [68]

Reception

It's so long ago I can't remember the name of the first character I was. Then I was Grace and now I'm Claudette. Third time lucky. Give me a wig, give me a new pair of shoes and it's a new character! [11]

–Ellen Thomas discussing her experience of playing various characters in EastEnders

Laura-Jane Tyler from Inside Soap admitted to being a little scared by "steely" Claudette and said she made Vincent "look like a pussycat." [69] Tyler also hoped that Claudette would turn out to be a big crime boss. [69] Richard Blackwood, who played Claudette's on-screen son Vincent, described the character as a "bit of a gangster" and teased that viewers would see her "darker side". [70] [71] Following the news of her departure, Sophie Dainty of Digital Spy said that the character would be missed, noting that EastEnders would miss Claudette for "her boobs, blackmail and barmy antics". [72] Prior to leaving, Thomas said that she expected the character to return in the future, echoing producers' claims that [the door had been left open". Thomas added that [Claudette] would be coming back and if [the producers'] weren't interested [in her returning], they'd have killed the character off. When asked when she thought Claudette would return to the soap, Thomas said she expected the character to return in "six months, nine months – something like that." [73]

See also

References

  1. ^ Executive producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Michael Owen Morris; Writer: Colin Wyatt (12 March 2015). "Episode dated 12/03/2015". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  2. ^ "EastEnders' Claudette to be joined by family". Digital Spy. 12 April 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  3. ^ "EastEnders airs Leon Lopez's first scenes next week". Digital Spy. 16 February 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e Brown, David (1 March 2015). "EastEnders spoilers: Rev actress Ellen Thomas to play "new steely matriarch"". Radio Times. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  5. ^ "EastEnders: Claudette to kill Gavin on Mother's Day?". Radio Times. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  6. ^ "EastEnders shocker as Vincent tries to kill Claudette". Digital Spy. 8 March 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  7. ^ "EastEnders' Claudette is BACK for Peggy head-to-head". Digital Spy. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  8. ^ "EastEnders exits: Who are you going to miss the most?". Digital Spy. 19 September 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  9. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel; Dainty, Sophie (13 September 2016). "EastEnders Exclusive: Claudette Hubbard is waving goodbye to Albert Square". Digital Spy.
  10. ^ "EastEnders exit: Claudette Hubbard is waving goodbye". Digital Spy. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Revealed! Here's how Claudette leaves EastEnders". Digital Spy. 3 October 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  12. ^ "EastEnders casts new Walford matriarch". Digital Spy. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  13. ^ "'EastEnders' unveils new 'E20' cast members". Digital Spy. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  14. ^ Alexander, Susannah (12 April 2015). "Claudette's family will be brought in". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  15. ^ "BBC One – EastEnders – Claudette Hubbard". BBC.
  16. ^ Cannonpublished, Nicholas (10 August 2016). "10 reasons we love EastEnders' Claudette Hubbard". What to Watch. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  17. ^ "EastEnders exit: 7 reasons why we'll miss Donna Yates". Digital Spy. 20 July 2018. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  18. ^ "EastEnders star hints at twists ahead for Cokers". Digital Spy. 20 July 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  19. ^ "Accusations fly around the Square". Digital Spy. 13 July 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  20. ^ "EastEnders: Les Coker ends it with Claudette". Digital Spy. 25 May 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  21. ^ "EastEnders: Les and Claudette to be caught out?". Digital Spy. 5 October 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  22. ^ Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Writer: Julia Honour (4 August 2015). "Episode dated 04/08/2015". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  23. ^ "EastEnders: Pam to demand the truth from Les". Digital Spy. 10 August 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Photo spoiler: Party pooper Paul clashes with Claudette". BBC. 22 July 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  25. ^ Director: John Greening; Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Writer: Carey Andrews (16 October 2015). "Episode dated 16/10/2015". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  26. ^ "EastEnders pics: Public breakdown for Les". Digital Spy. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  27. ^ "Claudette disowns Vincent as the truth is revealed". Digital Spy. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  28. ^ "EastEnders: Aunt Sal to threaten Claudette". Digital Spy. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  29. ^ Daly, Helen (26 July 2022). "EastEnders casts Jaime Winstone as Peggy Mitchell in flashback episode". Radio Times. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  30. ^ "EastEnders: Claudette to disown Vincent". Digital Spy. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  31. ^ Director: Richard Lynn; Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Writer: Rob Gittins (26 December 2015). "Episode dated 26/12/2015". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  32. ^ Director: Toby Frow; Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Writer: Anya Reiss (1 January 2016). "Episode dated 01/01/2016 (2/2)". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  33. ^ "EastEnders: Was Claudette to blame for Fatboy's death?". Digital Spy. 26 December 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  34. ^ Writer: Leo Richardson; Director: David Moor; Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins (4 January 2016). "Episode dated 04/01/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  35. ^ "EastEnders twist: Patrick and Claudette have some news". Digital Spy. 29 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  36. ^ "EastEnders sparks diabetes row after Kim Fox 'joke'". Digital Spy. 25 February 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  37. ^ "EastEnders: Vincent's mum Claudette is back already". Digital Spy. 15 March 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  38. ^ "EastEnders: Claudette will make a shock confession". Digital Spy. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  39. ^ Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Lee Salisbury; Writer: Peter Mattessi (23 February 2016). "Episode dated 23/02/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  40. ^ "Hubbard hell! Will someone die on EastEnders?". Digital Spy. 25 February 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  41. ^ "EastEnders is lining up big Hubbard shocks tonight". Digital Spy. 8 March 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  42. ^ Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Writer: Rob Gittins (8 March 2016). "Episode dated 08/03/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  43. ^ "EastEnders star defends Claudette plot with new picture". Digital Spy. 11 March 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  44. ^ Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Writer: Jaden Clark (10 March 2016). "Episode dated 10/03/2016 (part 2)". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  45. ^ Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Toby Frow; Writer: Leo Richardson (15 March 2016). "Episode dated 15/03/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  46. ^ "'EastEnders' Airs Shock Claudette Hubbard Twist". HuffPost. 10 March 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  47. ^ Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Toby Frow; Writer: Jeff Povey (17 March 2016). "Episode dated 17/03/2016 (part 1)". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  48. ^ "EastEnders star reacts to THAT Claudette twist". Digital Spy. 10 March 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  49. ^ Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Toby Frow; Writer: Robert Butler (17 March 2016). "Episode dated 17/03/2016 (part 2)". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  50. ^ "Ellen Thomas hints Claudette will be back on EastEnders". Digital Spy. 18 March 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  51. ^ Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Sophie Lifschutz; Writer: Sumerah Srivastav (28 April 2016). "Episode dated 28/04/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  52. ^ "EastEnders: Can Claudette win her family back?". Digital Spy. 23 May 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  53. ^ Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Michael Owen Morris; Writer: Rob Gittins (16 May 2016). "Episode dated 16/05/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  54. ^ "EastEnders: Les fights back against blackmailer Babe". Digital Spy. 30 May 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  55. ^ "The gloves are off! EastEnders' Claudette warns Babe". Digital Spy. 1 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  56. ^ "EastEnders: Babe confronts Claudette in new trailer". Digital Spy. 12 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  57. ^ Executive Producer: Sean O'Connor; Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Writer: Jeff Povey (15 August 2016). "Episode dated 15/08/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  58. ^ "Claudette becomes the prime suspect for Babe's attack". Digital Spy. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  59. ^ "Pic of the Day: Enders' Babe attack causes shockwaves". Digital Spy. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  60. ^ Executive Producer: Sean O'Connor; Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Writer: Andrew Rattenbury (17 August 2016). "Episode dated 17/08/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  61. ^ "EastEnders: Claudette lashes out over Patrick and Dot". Digital Spy. 24 October 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  62. ^ "Dot or Claudette? New romance for EastEnders' Patrick". Digital Spy. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  63. ^ "EastEnders: Will tensions with Dot force Claudette out?". Digital Spy. 17 October 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  64. ^ "Hi Linford! EastEnders role for Brookside star". Digital Spy. 14 January 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  65. ^ "EastEnders preview: Claudette is NOT happy with Patrick". Digital Spy. 31 October 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  66. ^ "Vincent or vengeance? EastEnders' Claudette to decide". Digital Spy. 25 July 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  67. ^ Executive Producer: Sean O'Connor; Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Writer: Rob Gittins (1 November 2016). "Episode dated 01/11/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  68. ^ "Bye Claudette! EastEnders airs her final scenes". Digital Spy. 2 November 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  69. ^ a b Tyler, Laura-Jane (6–12 June 2015). "Hits & misses!". Inside Soap (22): 98.
  70. ^ "EastEnders to explore Claudette's dark side". Digital Spy. 28 July 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  71. ^ "Did EastEnders' Vincent kill his mum Claudette?". ITV. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  72. ^ "EastEnders: 8 things we'll miss about Claudette". Digital Spy. 15 September 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  73. ^ "EastEnders star reveals when Claudette will return". Digital Spy. 26 October 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.

References

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Claudette Hubbard
EastEnders character
Duration2015–2016
First appearanceEpisode 5031/5032
12 March 2015
Last appearanceEpisode 5378
1 November 2016
Classification Former; regular
Introduced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins
In-universe information
OccupationNurse
Foster carer
HusbandHenry Hubbard
Sons Vincent Hubbard
Grandsons Mica Fox
Granddaughters Pearl Fox

Claudette Hubbard is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ellen Thomas. She made her first appearance on 12 March 2015. [1] Claudette is introduced as as a friend of Les Coker ( Roger Sloman) and Pam Coker ( Lin Blakley), before being established as the mother of Vincent Hubbard ( Richard Blackwood), as well as the foster mother of Donna Yates ( Lisa Hammond) and several other children. [2] [3] Upon her introduction, the character was described as a "new steely matriarch". [4]

During her time on the show, Claudette's storylines included being accused of an affair with Les Coker, before it was ultimately revealed she was aiding his cross-dressing, her history with the Mitchell family, a feud with Babe Smith ( Annette Badland) and ultimately being left for dead and buried alive by her son Vincent after revealing she was responsible for the death of her husband. [5] [6] [7] On 13 September 2016, it was confirmed that Thomas would depart her role as Claudette and would leave the soap after being axed by the new executive producer, Sean O'Connor along with several other characters. [8] [9] Speaking on her exit, an EastEnders spokesperson said ""As our regular viewers will know, Claudette has often been seen coming and going from the [Albert Square] to visit her family and friends" concluding that "this is the end of another stint for Claudette and we wish [Thomas] all the best for the future." [10] She made her final appearance on 1 November 2016. [11]

Casting and characterisation

Ellen Thomas was cast in the role of Claudette, having previously appeared in three separate roles on the soap

Thomas' casting was announced on 1 March 2015. [12] [4] The role of Claudette marks Thomas' fourth time on EastEnders, she previously appeared as Pearl Chadwick in 1990, Estella Hulton in 2002 and Grace Olubunmi between 2010 and 2011. [13] [4] Speaking of Thomas and her character, executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins commented "Ellen Thomas belongs on EastEnders. Albert Square now has a new steely matriarch – with a few twisted secrets hidden behind her beaming smile." [4] David Brown from the Radio Times added that Claudette had links to established regular characters and would be "a tough-talking resident of Albert Square". [4] Thomas revealed that Claudette's family would be introduced to the square, saying: "Claudette is a foster mother, she's fostered children for the last 30 years. She's fostered the kind of children nobody else wants – tough cookies." She stated that it was a "brilliant opportunity to bring new characters in". [14]

Storylines

Friendship with Les and Pam Coker

Claudette is shown to be having what looks like an affair with Les Coker ( Roger Sloman) when he visits her at a café and gives her a necklace. [15] Later that night, while he and his wife, Pam Coker ( Lin Blakley), are celebrating their wedding anniversary, Les gets a text from Claudette, thanking him for her necklace. [16] Claudette and Les meet again a week later at the park, with Claudette later arriving for her foster daughter Donna Yates' ( Lisa Hammond) birthday celebrations as arranged by Pam. It is revealed that she knows Les and Pam from when the latter worked as a social worker and placed Donna in Claudette's care. [17] Weeks later, it is revealed that both Claudette and Les are in Gran Canaria on business. Donna ironically suggests that the two should meet up. Claudette reappears when her son Vincent Hubbard ( Richard Blackwood) introduces her to her new granddaughter Pearl, and his wife Kim Fox-Hubbard ( Tameka Empson). Claudette is angry that she had to wait so long to meet Pearl. She is hostile towards Kim, her sister Denise Fox ( Diane Parish) and their family friend Patrick Trueman ( Rudolph Walker), as she believes that they have stolen Vincent from her. When Les' grandson, Paul Coker ( Jonny Labey), arrives in Walford, he reveals that he knows Les and Claudette are having an affair. [18] [19] Les decides to stop meeting Claudette but she is not willing to conclude it and states that she will make it difficult for him to exit. [20]

When Paul tells Vincent that Claudette and Les are having an affair, Vincent confronts her about it after finding identical postcards from Gran Canaria in both her and Les's houses, but agrees not to say anything to Pam. Les attempts to dissuade Claudette from coming to the Coker and Sons centenary party but she goes anyway and tells Les that Vincent is aware of their meetings. Meanwhile, at home, Paul tells Pam about the affair. [21] Claudette later realises that Pam knows while seeing her freak out at her face with her and Les in the newspaper photo. She makes plans to have dinner with Les, declining Pam's invitation to dinner on the way there. When Pam notes how Claudette used exactly the same words as Les did, Claudette sends Les home. He accidentally leaves his tie at her house. Claudette, who knows the Mitchells, finds Vincent has been beaten by Phil Mitchell ( Steve McFadden) and vows revenge on Phil. [22] When Pam visits Claudette, she finds Les's tie, but after he and Claudette give conflicting explanations on this, Pam leaves to stay with her sister. [23] Les becomes very distraught at her departure, and Claudette urges him to tell Pam the truth, just as Pam returns and walks in on them together. Shortly after Claudette leaves the house, Pam urges Les to end the affair or their marriage is over. Two months later, Les visits Claudette for comfort after Pam refuses to speak to him on their deceased son's birthday. [24] Two days later, he calls Claudette, telling her he cannot stop thinking about her, and later makes an excuse to Pam to go and be with Claudette again. He is then caught at Claudette's house in his underwear by Donna, who concludes they are having an affair, though Claudette tries to explain it is not what she thinks. Donna tells Pam, who goes to Claudette's house and sets about destroying gifts from Les until Claudette says the presents are not hers, and Pam should ask Les about Christine. [25] When Pam asks Les, he reveals that Christine is his secret feminine alter ego, and he likes wearing women's clothes, and that Claudette has been supporting this secret. Claudette later tells Pam that Les persuaded her not to reveal his secret and encourages Pam to speak to Les about it. [26] The next day, she helps Pam and Les prepare for their "meeting" with Christine, and tells Pam that "seeing" Christine for the first time will be easier than she thinks. Claudette is later annoyed when Vincent has sex with a married Ronnie Mitchell ( Samantha Womack), whom he had dated before, and advises them to work on their own marriages. She moves in with Vincent, Kim and Pearl when he buys a large house on Albert Square. [27]

Relationships with the Mitchell's and Patrick Trueman

Claudette starts working in The Albert and meets Phil's aunt, Sal ( Anna Karen), who is visiting the Mitchells. [28] Sal reveals that Claudette used to work at a bar nearby and has known the Mitchell family for decades. Sal threatens to reveal secrets about Claudette, so she asks Vincent to speed up with his plan to take down the Mitchells. It is revealed that Claudette's husband, Henry, was an associate of Den Watts ( Leslie Grantham), Ted Hills ( Brian Croucher), Gavin Sullivan ( Paul Nicholas) and Eric Mitchell ( George Russo), [29] Phil's father. Vincent was told by Claudette that Henry was killed by Eric 34 years previously on Christmas Eve after a confrontation when Vincent was a child. [30] A drunken Phil kidnaps Pearl which leads to an altercation between Vincent and Phil. Vincent says that Eric killed his father but Phil says Henry just left Walford. The feud between the Mitchells and Hubbards leads to the death of innocent Fatboy ( Ricky Norwood), so Vincent tells Claudette that their feud killed him and they should end it, but this infuriates Claudette who then compares him to his father and accidentally lets slip that Henry did not die when she said he did. [31] When Ronnie's mother Glenda Mitchell ( Glynis Barber) makes a brief visit, she recognises Claudette and Vincent, and later tells Ronnie that Eric did not kill Henry because he was drunk that night and did not leave the house. [32] Ronnie then blackmails Claudette with the information, so Claudette tells Vincent to end the feud as it cannot bring back Henry or Fatboy. [33] [34] Claudette and Patrick flirt with each other and eventually begin dating; however it is hampered by Denise's disapproval. [35]

Husband's murder and being buried alive

Claudette is buried alive after being presumed dead by her son Vincent Hubbard, played by Richard Blackwood (pictured)

Claudette and Kim's rivalry intensifies at Pearl's first birthday party, and when Claudette's foster son Linford Short ( Leon Lopez) announces that he and Vincent have entered Claudette into the Pride of Walford Awards and she is a finalist, a jealous Kim jumps on Pearl's bouncy castle in an attempt to take attention from Claudette, which Claudette punctures in retaliation. [36] [37] Later that day, Gavin meets Claudette and blackmails her, saying he wants money to stop him revealing a secret from her past. [38] [39] She fails to get money from Les or Vincent, so she meets Gavin at her home and tries to pay him off with sex. [40] However, he says that it is worthless as she used to be promiscuous, and asks how she killed Henry, so Claudette strikes him over the head with a candelabra. Vincent then arrives, and she lies about the circumstances, but when Gavin escapes, her lies are revealed and Vincent works out he was blackmailing her and she killed Henry. [41] When she insults Henry, Vincent chokes Claudette, as Patrick arrives and stops him. [42] Vincent reveals to Patrick that Claudette killed Henry, and as Patrick tries to call the police, Claudette tries to snatch the phone off him, but falls down the basement stairs, hitting her head on a brick. Patrick leaves to get help but when he returns, Vincent has buried Claudette underneath the basement and tells Patrick to forget it happened or they will both be arrested for murder. [43] However, unknown to Vincent and Patrick, Claudette escapes from the basement and is brought into the hospital by paramedics after she was found by the side of a road. [44] Patrick later sees Claudette. [45] Realising that she is alive, he tells Vincent, who soon realises the truth. When Vincent goes to Donna's home, Donna reveals Claudette is with her and has told her what Vincent did to her. [46] Donna refuses to believe that Claudette killed Henry, so Vincent reveals that Claudette killed Fatboy. [47] Donna is distraught at being lied to and asks Vincent and Claudette to leave, but Patrick arrives and confirms that Claudette killed Henry. Claudette insists Henry's death was an accident and threatens to show the police her neck bruises if Patrick calls the police on her, but Donna sees past this, saying that Claudette's fostering her was just an attempt to lessen Claudette's guilt. [48] Vincent tells Claudette to leave Walford for good or he will tell Gavin where she is. Claudette visits Pearl privately and says goodbye to her, promising that she will come back soon. [49]

Departure

At the Pride of Walford Awards a few months later, Donna accepts an award on her mum's behalf saying how she was not alone when Claudette took her in but now she is alone again. [50] However, Claudette secretly watches behind the door but decides not to come in. [51] Claudette tries to visit Donna in Bridge Street Market but notices her former enemy Peggy Mitchell ( Barbara Windsor) who scowls at her, so Claudette walks away. [52] [53] Claudette supports Les and Pam when their grandson, Paul, dies following a homophobic attack and she learns that Babe Smith ( Annette Badland) has been blackmailing them over Les' cross-dressing [54]. [55] Claudette threatens Babe, and their argument is witnessed by Babe's relative Linda Carter ( Kellie Bright). [56] [57] When Babe is locked in The Queen Victoria public house's freezer store, Linda accuses Claudette, but Patrick states she was with him, revealing their relationship to Vincent and Donna. However, when Patrick states that Claudette left the house at about the time Babe was attacked, she ends their relationship, saying he does not trust her. [58] [59] Claudette also exposes Babe's blackmail to Linda and her husband Mick Carter ( Danny Dyer). [60] It transpires that the real culprit is Abi Branning ( Lorna Fitzgerald). [61] She later briefly reconciles with Patrick but her jealousy over his closeness with Dot Branning ( June Brown) causes him to publicly break up with her. [62] [63] Humiliated and enraged, she asks Vincent to "take care" of Patrick for hurting her but he and Donna make her see the error of her ways and encourage her to stay with her foster son Linford to clear her head. [64] [65] [66] On her way out of Walford, she meets Patrick and tells him he was never good enough for her but Patrick says that Claudette does not think she is good enough for anyone. [67] [68]

Reception

It's so long ago I can't remember the name of the first character I was. Then I was Grace and now I'm Claudette. Third time lucky. Give me a wig, give me a new pair of shoes and it's a new character! [11]

–Ellen Thomas discussing her experience of playing various characters in EastEnders

Laura-Jane Tyler from Inside Soap admitted to being a little scared by "steely" Claudette and said she made Vincent "look like a pussycat." [69] Tyler also hoped that Claudette would turn out to be a big crime boss. [69] Richard Blackwood, who played Claudette's on-screen son Vincent, described the character as a "bit of a gangster" and teased that viewers would see her "darker side". [70] [71] Following the news of her departure, Sophie Dainty of Digital Spy said that the character would be missed, noting that EastEnders would miss Claudette for "her boobs, blackmail and barmy antics". [72] Prior to leaving, Thomas said that she expected the character to return in the future, echoing producers' claims that [the door had been left open". Thomas added that [Claudette] would be coming back and if [the producers'] weren't interested [in her returning], they'd have killed the character off. When asked when she thought Claudette would return to the soap, Thomas said she expected the character to return in "six months, nine months – something like that." [73]

See also

References

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  3. ^ "EastEnders airs Leon Lopez's first scenes next week". Digital Spy. 16 February 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
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  7. ^ "EastEnders' Claudette is BACK for Peggy head-to-head". Digital Spy. 29 April 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  8. ^ "EastEnders exits: Who are you going to miss the most?". Digital Spy. 19 September 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  9. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel; Dainty, Sophie (13 September 2016). "EastEnders Exclusive: Claudette Hubbard is waving goodbye to Albert Square". Digital Spy.
  10. ^ "EastEnders exit: Claudette Hubbard is waving goodbye". Digital Spy. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  11. ^ a b "Revealed! Here's how Claudette leaves EastEnders". Digital Spy. 3 October 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  12. ^ "EastEnders casts new Walford matriarch". Digital Spy. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  13. ^ "'EastEnders' unveils new 'E20' cast members". Digital Spy. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  14. ^ Alexander, Susannah (12 April 2015). "Claudette's family will be brought in". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  15. ^ "BBC One – EastEnders – Claudette Hubbard". BBC.
  16. ^ Cannonpublished, Nicholas (10 August 2016). "10 reasons we love EastEnders' Claudette Hubbard". What to Watch. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
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  29. ^ Daly, Helen (26 July 2022). "EastEnders casts Jaime Winstone as Peggy Mitchell in flashback episode". Radio Times. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
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  31. ^ Director: Richard Lynn; Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Writer: Rob Gittins (26 December 2015). "Episode dated 26/12/2015". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  32. ^ Director: Toby Frow; Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Writer: Anya Reiss (1 January 2016). "Episode dated 01/01/2016 (2/2)". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
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  34. ^ Writer: Leo Richardson; Director: David Moor; Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins (4 January 2016). "Episode dated 04/01/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
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  45. ^ Executive Producer: Dominic Treadwell-Collins; Director: Toby Frow; Writer: Leo Richardson (15 March 2016). "Episode dated 15/03/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
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  59. ^ "Pic of the Day: Enders' Babe attack causes shockwaves". Digital Spy. 17 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  60. ^ Executive Producer: Sean O'Connor; Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Writer: Andrew Rattenbury (17 August 2016). "Episode dated 17/08/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
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  64. ^ "Hi Linford! EastEnders role for Brookside star". Digital Spy. 14 January 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
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  67. ^ Executive Producer: Sean O'Connor; Director: Lance Kneeshaw; Writer: Rob Gittins (1 November 2016). "Episode dated 01/11/2016". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  68. ^ "Bye Claudette! EastEnders airs her final scenes". Digital Spy. 2 November 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.
  69. ^ a b Tyler, Laura-Jane (6–12 June 2015). "Hits & misses!". Inside Soap (22): 98.
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  73. ^ "EastEnders star reveals when Claudette will return". Digital Spy. 26 October 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2024.

References


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