A legend of West End theatre has rejoined the cast of EastEnders after more than two decades away, as she teams up with her own nephew, who plays a villain that is returning to shake things up in Walford21:03, 14 Jul 2026Updated 21:04, 14 Jul 2026An icon from the world of musical theatre is set to make her way to Walford - but she already knows someone there and has been on the soap before. Mazz Murray, best known for playing Donna in Mamma Mia from 2019-2025, will re-join the soap after first appearing on it in 2004, alongside her nephew, Max Murray.‌As Max returns as juvenile offender Joel Marshall, he is bringing his real-life aunt along to play his estranged and flighty mother Cleo. She will appear in the soap for two episodes from Wednesday 15 July. Cleo was supposed to take over Joel's care after his release from prison but she is set to inform her ex Ross (Alex Walkinshaw) and his new wife Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig) that she can't do that anymore.‌‌Ross and Vicki, who was left in hospital after Joel attacked her, will have only just returned from their honeymoon when they are presented with the news. They had agreed before the wedding that Joel would not live with them, due to what he did to Vicki, but Ross is now forced to choose between them.Taking on the cameo role, Mazz Murray said: “It was so wonderful to be part of these EastEnders episodes as we delve into Joel’s familial past, and my experience was made all the better working alongside my talented, gorgeous nephew Max. And also, my childhood school friend Alex Walkinshaw playing my ex-husband!”The family and school connections aren't the only link Mazz has to Albert Square. She previously appeared on the soap for an episode in 2004 as Miranda, a waitress that gets into a brawl with Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison) and Shirley Carter (Linda Henry).‌13 years later, Mazz was on the show again as Julie, a divorced woman who hired Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) as a male escort.In 2014, Mazz's sister and Max's mother Gina Murray also appeared on the show. She played Helen, a hair specialist that comes to help Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson) find a wig she could wear whilst going through cancer treatment.‌Mazz and Gina have their own famous relatives. Their mother was Grazina Frame, who not only appeared in stage shows such as Cabaret but who also provided the singing voices for Carole Gray in The Young Ones and Lauri Peters in Summer Holiday. In the 1960s, she recorded a series of songs with Cliff Richard.Meanwhile, Mazz and Gina's father, Mitch Murray, is a famous songwriter, with two Ivor Novello Awards under his belt. His hits include 'I Like It' by Gerry and the Peacemakers, 'The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde' by Georgie Fame, 'Goodbye Sam, Hello Samantha' by Cliff Richard and 'Is This the Way to Amarillo?' by Tony Christie, which was produced by Murray and his long time collaborator Peter Callander. Tony called the pair the "star songwriters of the day".Article continues belowMitch wrote a book called How to Write a Hit Song, which inspired a then 12-year-old Sting to start writing music. Sting has referred to Mitch as his "mentor".As well as playing Donna in Mamma Mia, Mazz has also played Killer Queen in Queen jukebox musical We Will Rock You. When she got married, Brian May performed at her wedding.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .