THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AN EASTENDERS FAVE…
Family ties
Laila was raised in south London with her sister Jackie and brother Gary Oldman, who would go on to be a TV and film star. Born Maureen Oldman, her stage name was suggested by actress Isabella Rossellini, who was dating Gary at the time. ‘Laila Morse’ being an anagram of ‘mia sorella’ – ‘my sister’ in Italian.
Late starter
Laila’s first acting role came when she was 51, after Gary cast her in his film Nil By Mouth. The film won a BAFTA and Laila was nominated for Most Promising New Talent in another award. Originally, Laila was reluctant to take part. “You’re frightened you’re not good enough,” she said at the time.
Big Mo, big break
Laila won the role of ‘Big Mo’ Harris in EastEnders, matriarch of the new Slater family, in 2000. “I used to watch it all the time and never did I think I’d be in it!” she said about the role. She quit in 2021, but recently returned. “I have so much fun playing Mo,” she says.
Life saver
When Laila found a lump in her breast in 2001, co-star Wendy Richard urged her to get checked. “Wendy saved my life,” says Laila, who received cancer treatment. Laila and other EastEnders castmates paid tribute to Wendy’s hit sitcom Are You Being Served? during a charity auction of the late actress’ clothes in 2010.
Laila on…
“People ask what it’s like, but he ain’t famous to us, he’s our Gal. It’s lovely to go and visit, and he’s been really generous, but LA’s not my cup of tea. He’s not into all that red-carpet fame stuff, either.”
Soap Secret
Laila faced terror in 2008 when two men tried to break into her house, having carried out a double murder the same night. Lail
