EASTENDERS viewers were stunned to see one of the soap’s stars in a very different setting.
They are a very recognisable face to fans, currently playing one of Albert Square’s most reviled villains.
Howard Saddler joined the cast of the BBC soap last year, playing Pastor Gideon Clayton.
Over the course of a few months, a friendship was established between Pastor Clayton and Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter).
The baddie showed his true colours by sexually harassing Yolande and making her feel uncomfortable.
This situation took an even more tragic turn when the minister touched the church-going woman inappropriately during a food bank fundraiser – leaving Yolande traumatised.
She has only recently come forward about what happened, first telling Patrick (Rudolph Walker).
Last month viewers were cheering at the screens after Yolande reported her assault to the police – leading to Pastor Clayton being taken away in handcuffs.
However, she later receives a disappointing police update – there was not enough evidence to charge the twisted villain.
Amid his character’s harrowing crimes in Walford, eagle-eyed fans have spotted actor Howard in a much different setting.
The star also appeared in My Lady Jane, a historical fantasy comedy series on Prime Video.
My Lady Jane’s eight episodes began streaming on June 27, with Howard appearing in two as the character “Old Wessex”.
Meanwhile, viewers of both EastEnders and My Lady Jane were excited to make the find, with one writing online: “On My Lady Jane – The Pastor himself!”
Howard’s other work includes appearances in The Office, The Witcher and Holby City.
More than two decades before his debut as Pastor Clayton, Howard made an appearance in EastEnders as a doctor that treated Jamie Mitchell (Jack Ryder) before his death.
My Lady Jane is a historical re-imagining of the life of Lady Jane Grey, a real-life English noblewoman who claimed the throne of England for nine days in 1553.
Several famous faces appear in the all-star cast including Jim Broadbent, Dominic Cooper, Rob Brydon and Anna Chancellor.
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
Here’s the latest on:
The plot sees Lady Jane (played by American actress Emily Bader) coerced by her family to marry Lord Guildford Dudley (played by Killing Eve actor Edward Bluemel).
In the show’s story, England is overrun with creatures called “Ethians”, which are humans who can take on animal form.
My Lady Jane was adapted for television from a novel of the same name, written by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton and Cynthia Hand.
EastEnders airs on BBC One while My Lady Jane airs on Prime Video.
