EastEnders star Lorraine Stanley’s jaw-dropping transformation for new TV role
Former EastEnders favourite Lorraine Stanley, 49, is gearing up for a blinding telly comeback – and her jaw-dropping transformation as she steps into her newest role, is certainly going to cause a buzz. The much-loved actress, best known for playing loud-but-loveable Karen Taylor on the BBC soap, has been spotted getting stuck into filming for gritty new Brit flick series Cash In Hand, and it looks set to be an absolute belter.
The upcoming drama lifts the lid on the secretive world of Essex grafters – the dealers, doers and day-rate hustlers who keep the county ticking along in ways you won’t find on any spreadsheet.
The show will be set around “cash jobs, dodgy site managers, and everyday hustle, capturing the loyalty, banter, and chaos that defines life for many”, according to Director, Thomas Davis. And right in the middle of it all is Lorraine, diving head-first into the mayhem with that unmistakable mix of toughness and humour that made her a fan favourite on Albert Square.
Insiders say the actress is loving every minute of her Essex makeover, embracing a character dripping with street smarts and attitude. After joining EastEnders in 2017, Lorraine quickly won viewers over with her sharp tongue and chaotic family storylines.
After six years in Walford – and plenty of drama with the Taylors and Mitchells – Lorraine bowed out in 2023. Now she’s wasting no time proving she’s got far more to give than just Walford drama – and Cash In Hand could be the project that reminds viewers exactly why she’s one of Britain’s most watchable performe
Lorraine managed to achieve her five-stone weight loss since leaving the soap with help from a gastric sleeve operation.
Yet another lifestyle change has also contributed to the mum-of-one’s new lease of life. She’s banished alcohol from her diet and has swapped booze for non-alcoholic options. Taking to her Instagram story to upload the same image posted onto her main feed, she added: “I’m five months sober and still had a good night dancing! #Sobriety.”
When she first unveiled her weight loss, the star was flooded positive comments on how well she looked, including her former EastEnders co-star Diane Parish, known for playing Denise Fox, who commented: “You look incredible!”