EastEnders fans have been left floored as they’ve spotted where they’ve seen Debbie’s mum Brenda Collins actress Nichola McAuliffe before – and it’s not just soapland

EastEnders enthusiasts were taken aback upon recognising the actress playing Debbie’s mum, Brenda.

The character, portrayed by Nichola McAuliffe, made her first appearance on the soap this week, following the demise of Debbie. As viewers will remember, Debbie (Jenny Meier) was in a coma after suffering a stroke in the bath years ago.

However, amidst his financial woes, husband Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) ended up killing Debbie. The accountant turned murderer to settle his escalating debts ahead of his baby with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy).

And during this week’s episodes, Debbie’s parents, Brenda and Hugh Collins (Michael Bertenshaw), arrived in Walford. The grieving parents had numerous questions for Reiss following their daughter’s death.

Reiss was alarmed to see Debbie’s parents – with Brenda being sceptical about her natural cause of death. During a tense confrontation, Brenda didn’t hold back as she told Reiss how she has never trusted him and his whole personality is an act.

However, it’s safe to say that fans are astounded after realising what other roles Brenda actor Nichola McAuliffe has played before.

No stranger to the screen, Nichola has starred in popular shows like Doctor Who and My Family. She also lent her voice to James Bond’s BMW in Tomorrow Never Dies.

Soap enthusiasts instantly recognised her from her prominent role in Surgical Spirit. Nichola McAuliffe captured audiences as Sheila Sabatini in the hit ITV sitcom, which aired from 1989 to 1995.

EastEnders viewers were quick to spot a familiar face, with one fan posting on a Facebook group: “The woman who played Debbie’s mum looks familiar I’m sure I’ve seen her somewhere else, what has she been in.”

Another eagle-eyed viewer responded: “Nicola from Surgical Spirit.”