![\"Sheila](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEI_300838249-b4f6.jpg\")
\n\t\tSheila Ruskin returns to Walford! (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tSheila Ruskin returns to Walford! (Picture: BBC)<\/p>\n
EastEnders is bringing another familiar face to Albert Square, and her arrival is set to be tied to the return of one of the soap\u2019s most notorious villains.<\/p>\n
Veteran actress Sheila Ruskin has joined the BBC<\/a> soap in a guest role as Sheila, the grandmother of convicted killer Gray Atkins<\/a>, with her appearance set to spark fresh drama for Chelsea<\/a> and the Fox family.<\/p>\n The casting comes shortly after it was revealed that Gray, played by Toby Alexander-Smith, will be making a brief return to the soap despite currently being behind bars.<\/p>\n Gray became one of EastEnders\u2019 most infamous characters during his time in Walford. The former solicitor terrorised those closest to him and was ultimately responsible for the deaths of three residents before his crimes were finally exposed. In 2022, he pleaded guilty and was sent to prison, seemingly bringing his dark chapter to an end.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t\t\tGet personalised updates on Doctor Who\t\t\t<\/p>\n Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro\u2019s TV Newsletter.<\/p>\n Sign up to our newsletter<\/a> and then select your show in the link we\u2019ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.<\/p>\n However, viewers haven\u2019t seen the last of him just yet.<\/p>\n Although Gray\u2019s return is only expected to be short-lived, his connection to Chelsea Fox<\/a> and their son Jordan means there\u2019s plenty of unfinished business waiting to unfold.<\/p>\n Upcoming scenes will focus on Chelsea as she continues to care for Jordan following his recent spinal surgery. The youngster underwent a life-saving operation after being involved in a serious road traffic accident, leaving the family facing emotional and financial stress.<\/p>\n The drama begins when Chelsea reveals that Gray\u2019s grandmother has been regularly sending money for Jordan. Despite receiving several cheques, Chelsea has refused to cash them, wanting nothing to do with Gray\u2019s family after everything that happened.<\/p>\n Her sister Libby Fox, however, sees things differently.<\/a><\/p>\n Believing the extra support could make a real difference to Jordan\u2019s recovery, Libby secretly reaches out to Sheila behind Chelsea\u2019s back. But when Chelsea later discovers messages on Libby\u2019s phone<\/a>, tensions quickly boil over and the sisters find themselves at odds.<\/p>\n \t\t As emotions run high, Chelsea opens up about her fears and struggles while discussing her situation with Eve. Determined to do what\u2019s best for her son, she eventually agrees to follow Libby\u2019s advice and give Sheila a chance.<\/p>\n With Libby\u2019s encouragement, Chelsea arranges a meeting with Gray\u2019s grandmother and is pleasantly surprised by how it goes.<\/p>\n During their conversation, Sheila reassures Chelsea that she no longer has any contact with Gray and simply wants to support her great-grandson. Moved by the gesture, Chelsea initially accepts the financial help being offered.<\/p>\n But the decision soon weighs heavily on her conscience. Struggling with feelings of guilt and uncertainty, Chelsea later decides to return the money, leaving her future relationship with Sheila hanging in the balance.<\/p>\n Away from Albert Square, Sheila Ruskin\u2019s casting has delighted television fans thanks to her impressive career spanning more than five decades.<\/p>\n The actress first appeared on television in the late 1960s and has built up an extensive list of screen credits ever since. Over the years she has appeared in a number of popular shows, including Canterbury Tales, Special Branch, The Sweeney and Miss Marple.<\/p>\n \t\t Fans will also recognise her from Doctor Who<\/a>. Sheila played Kassia in the classic 1981 serial The Keeper of Traken, starring alongside Fourth Doctor actor Tom Baker. Decades later, she returned to the Doctor Who universe to voice Flague in Big Finish\u2019s Fourth Doctor Adventures, and as Cora in The War Doctor series.<\/p>\n Historical drama fans may also remember her appearance in the acclaimed series I, Claudius, while soap viewers might be surprised to learn she has crossed paths with EastEnders before.<\/p>\n Back in 2001, Ruskin appeared in three episodes of the BBC soap as a judge, making her latest role a return to familiar territory more than two decades later.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Gray](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEI_94125184-a87a.jpg\")
\n\t\tGray has unfinished business in Walford(Picture: BBC\/Jack Barnes\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n![\"LIbby](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEI_300611468-76e6.jpg\")
\n\t\tWill Chelsea let Gray\u2019s grandmother into Jordan\u2019s life? (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barnes\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n![\"LIbby](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/SEI_300611435-bc0d.jpg\")
\n\t\tWith Sheila soon to make her arrival, is Gray far behind her? (Picture: BBC\/Jack Barnes\/Kieron McCarron)<\/p>\n
\nMORE: Is Doctor Who cancelled? BBC reveals future plans after Russell T Davies \u2018says goodbye\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: EastEnders\u2019 Chelsea haunted by Gray ahead of return as she strives to save Jordan<\/a><\/p>\n
\nMORE: Chelsea horrified as Ian makes an approach to injured Jordan in EastEnders<\/a><\/p>\n