EastEnders fans had their curiosity piqued this week, when the BBC soap paid tribute to Ann Slater.
On Tuesday night (19 February), just after the credits rolled, a black screen appeared with the words: “In memory of Ann Slater 1965-2019.”
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But who was she? And was she connected to the famous Walford family?
The message seemed especially poignant as it came at the end of an incredibly emotional episode, where the residents of Walford buried iconic character Dr Legg.
Fans were left scratching their heads and turned to social media to find answers, with one fan writing: “The Twittersworld puzzling on who is…. #annslater #EastEnders.”
Google and twitter has let me down who is #AnnSlater? #EastEnders
— ⫩ Aimz ⫩ (@Aimz1981) February 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/__Emily__96/status/1097950902269423616
Anyone else taken to twitter to find out who Ann Slater is ?#annslater #EastEnders
— Mark (@markyweller) February 19, 2019
Who is Ann Slater? #annslater #EastEnders
— Vicky Lee (@luckylinkage) February 19, 2019
https://twitter.com/Sam_Northampton/status/1097949289093959680
https://twitter.com/Sam_Northampton/status/1097951548586508289
Loved tonight's episode of @bbceastenders – so much nostalgia! One question though, I noticed it was dedicated in memory of Ann Slater. Anyone know who that is? Just curious.
— Ben Gosling (@SteamTeam3211) February 19, 2019
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Another said: “Google and Twitter has let me down. Who is #AnnSlater? #EastEnders.”
And a third said: “Spent so much time now trying to figure out who #annslater is from the EastEnders tribute.”
However, EastEnders fans hadn’t missed a major plot line as some feared. In fact, Ann Slater was a long-standing member of the crew, who would have turned 54 this year.
Huge thanks to @bbceastenders for my mother's mention. Had family all over the work watching. RIP Ann, finally made the big screen! Haha had to also end on a funeral! #annslater #eastenders pic.twitter.com/dUupvtFgQM
— Ryan Teggin (@RTeggin) February 19, 2019
And her son thanked the soap for the tribute writing: “Huge thanks to @bbceastenders for my mother’s mention. Had family all over the work watching. RIP Ann, finally made the big screen! Haha had to also end on a funeral! #annslater #eastenders.”
Aside from the tribute, EastEnders have revealed no other details about Ann’s death or role on the soap, although her name will always live on in the Slater family.
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