EastEnders star Jessica Plummer, who played the role of Chantelle Atkins in the hit BBC soap opera, looks completely unrecognisable as she takes on a new role for Netflix

EastEnders star Jessica Plummer looks completely unrecognisable in her racy new Netflix role after leaving the BBC One soap four years ago.

Jessica, 31, was best known for starring as Chantelle Atkins in EastEnders, but has now moved on to new pastures. From 2013 to 2015, Jessica was a member of the British girl group Neon Jungle, but it was her role in the BBC soap opera that really catapulted her to fame and became a household name.

While on the soap, Jessica’s character of Chantelle was involved in a domestic abuse storyline, with her on-screen husband Gray Atkins (played by Toby-Alexander Smith) abusing his wife. In September 2020, it was announced that as part of the storyline, Gray would murder Chantelle to portray how abusive relationships were exacerbated due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

And now Jessica is gearing up for the release of Netflix’s brand new show The Decameron, in which she stars and which launches later this month. In the new show, Jessica plays the role of Filomena, “a spoiled oddball with a chip on her shoulder”.

A description for the new series reads “In 1348, as the Black Death ravages Florence, a number of nobles and their servants retreat to the countryside Villa Santa. As they try to wait out the plague in the hills of Tuscany with wine and sex, the group eventually must fight for their survival.”

In the new series, Jessica stars alongside Derry Girls star Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Sex Education star Tanya Reynolds, and American star Zosia Mamet.

Reacting to Netflix’s announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, TV buffs were quick to comment with their thoughts and opinions. One person said: “This looks incredible! Can’t wait to see the talented cast of The Decameron in action this July! The premise sounds gripping and intense!”

A second added: “So basically a game of ‘who’s ready to avoid the plague?’ Can’t wait to see how this unfolds!” While a third penned: “The Decameron looks like a thrilling escape from reality, blending historical settings with modern storytelling. Can’t wait to dive in this July!”

Sharing her excitement at the upcoming release of the show, Jessica shared a clip of the trailer alongside the caption: “A little teaser of what’s to come!”