Karen Henthorn has returned to EastEnders after more than 20 years away, having reprised her role as Julie Bates
EastEnders has seen the return of several familiar faces over recent months, one of which is Julie Bates, played by actress Karen Henthorn.
Julie, initially introduced as Julie Haye, first graced our screens in EastEnders back in 1997. Her brief stint in Walford revolved around her whirlwind romance with Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
Karen’s reprisal of her EastEnders role marks her first return to the BBC soap since her departure 27 years ago.
During her hiatus from Walford, the actress has featured in a host of hit TV shows, another soap opera, and pursued another career. Let’s take a look…
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Who is Karen Henthorn?
Karen is a 61 year old actress originating from Oldham, Lancashire, reports Plymouth Live.
In the early stages of her career, Karen made appearances in series such as The Booze Cruise, Doctors and Heartbeat, as well as Shameless, where she portrayed Marissa Platting.
Her other TV credits include Sky One’s Trollied, CBBC’s Young Dracula, and BBC Three’s In the Flesh.
More recently, Karen has starred in Channel 5’s The Teacher, ITV’s Vera and BBC One’s Time and The Listeners.
Beyond television, the star has graced the stage in the National Theatre production of War Horse, which toured in 2013.
Soap roles
Karen is perhaps most recognised for her role in BBC One’s EastEnders. She joined the cast as Julie Haye in 1997 and left the following year alongside love interest Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley).
She returned to the role in 2025 and made her way back to Walford to be reunited with Nigel, who is struggling with dementia. The duration of her stay on the BBC soap remains unconfirmed.
Karen commented: “It’s very surreal to be back in Albert Square after 27 years and working with the delightful Paul Bradley again – it’s scary how fast the time has gone! Julie has got some awful surprises ahead of her after the initial relief she feels to discover Nigel is still alive.
“It’s been great to film with Paul and Steve (McFadden), who are such lovely actors, as Julie discovers Nigel’s dementia diagnosis and why he chose to hide it from her.”
Whilst Karen is presently featuring in EastEnders, numerous soap enthusiasts will also know her as Teresa Bryan from ITV’s Coronation Street.
She initially joined the cast in 2007 before establishing herself as a regular the next year. She temporarily left but made a comeback months afterwards, only to leave permanently in 2010.
Teresa was brought in as Jerry Morton’s (Michael Starke) former wife and mother to Kayleigh (Jessica Barden) and Finlay (Ramone Quinn). Her departure from the programme followed an unsuccessful relationship with Lloyd Mullaney (Craig Charles).
Alternative profession
Beyond television work, Karen pursues another career.
The performer instructs screen acting on the BA Hons Acting programme at Italia Conti Academy in Clapham and Manchester School of Theatre.
She also works as a voiceover artist.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
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