EastEnders Stars' Early Film Roles in LGBTQ Classic Beautiful Thing Rediscovered
Long before they became household names on Albert Square, Linda Henry and Tameka Empson shared the screen in a groundbreaking British film that has recently been rediscovered by fans. The actresses, best known for their iconic roles as Shirley Carter and Kim Fox on the BBC soap opera EastEnders, previously starred together in the 1996 LGBTQ coming-of-age movie Beautiful Thing.
A Timeless Story of Love and Identity
Beautiful Thing tells the poignant story of two gay teenagers living on a council estate in Thamesmead, London. The film, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, was written by playwright Jonathan Harvey and is based on his original stage production. It features a memorable soundtrack including songs by The Mamas & the Papas and 'Mama' Cass Elliot, adding to its nostalgic charm.
In the film, Linda Henry portrayed Sandra Gangel, the mother of one of the teenage protagonists, while Tameka Empson played their friend Leah Russell. Their performances, though early in their careers, showcased the talent that would later make them staples of British television.
Fan Reactions and Rediscovery
The rediscovery of Beautiful Thing has sparked a wave of nostalgia among EastEnders fans, particularly after discussions about the film began circulating on social media platforms like Facebook. Many viewers expressed surprise at seeing the familiar faces in such different roles.
'I barely recognised our Shirley,' wrote one fan, highlighting how different Henry appeared in her early career. Another commented, 'Brilliant film!! Pure comedy but touching too!' while others noted, 'Loved the film. Linda & Tameka were so young,' and 'Tameka is hilarious in this.'
Additional EastEnders Connections
The film's connections to EastEnders extend beyond Henry and Empson. The late Anna Karen, who played Aunt Sal in the soap, also appeared in Beautiful Thing as a character named Marlene. Furthermore, Scott Neal, who played one of the romantic leads in the film, later shared scenes with Linda Henry in EastEnders when he was cast as Jason Adams in 2015.
Where to Watch and Legacy
Beautiful Thing remains available for viewing on several platforms, including:
- Apple TV for purchase or rental
- Prime Video for purchase or rental
- BFI Player with a subscription
Over the past three decades, the film has consistently been featured on lists of the top LGBTQ movies of all time, cementing its status as a cultural landmark. Its themes of love, identity, and community continue to resonate with audiences today.
Current Status of the Stars
While Tameka Empson continues to be an integral part of the EastEnders cast, Linda Henry has been on an extended break from the soap since 2022. Her character, Shirley Carter, left Albert Square after her son Mick Carter was presumed to have drowned. Fans remain eager for her return, though no official date has been announced.
In a heartwarming note, Henry reunited with Beautiful Thing writer Jonathan Harvey for lunch in 2024, with Harvey sharing his affection for the actress in a social media post.
The rediscovery of this film not only highlights the early careers of two beloved actresses but also underscores the enduring power of storytelling that embraces diversity and authenticity.
