Death in Paradise star Judith Jacob’s life and career including EastEnders role
Judith Jacob plays the role of Dorna Bray, DI Mervin Wilson's late mum, in BBC series Death in Paradise. Here's where you might recognise the actress from...
The latest series of BBC’s Death in Paradise has had viewers gripped so far, with the show now beginning to explore DI Mervin Wilson’s (Don Gilet) backstory.
Having arrived on Saint Marie looking for answers about his estranged mother’s death, Mervin has ended up sticking around to help out with a murder case.
A recent episode saw Mervin uncover more details about his mother’s death, prompting him to become concerned that there is more to her passing than originally thought. He was seen looking at photos of his late parent, Dorna Bray, played by Judith Jacob.
First-look images also show Judith, 63, in character, with one snap showing her holding an urn on the island. The actress will be a familiar face to many, thanks to her acting career which has spanned decades.
Judith Jacob plays the role of Dorna Bray
Judith is arguably best-known for starring in BBC’sĀ EastEnders, having portrayed Carmel Jackson in the soap in the 1980s.
She joined the cast in 1986 and played Carmel for around three years, before departing in 1989. During her time in the role, Carmel suffered from severe abuse from her husband Matthew Jackson (Steven Hartley).
The storyline marked the first time EastEnders had addressed domestic abuse. Carmel eventually exited Albert Square for good to look after her mother, having learned her father had passed away.
Before her role in EastEnders, Judith had appeared inĀ Channel 4Ā sitcom No Problem! as well as medical drama Angels. She’s also starred in The Real McCoy, The Queen’s Nose, Holby City, My Family and Doctors.
Judith played Carmel in EastEnders
She was a founding member of BiBi crew, Britain’s first comedy troupe made up of Black actresses, which launched in 1991. Judith also hosted Judith Jacob Yabba Yabbas with Friends in the Marie Lloyd Bar at the Hackney Empire, which saw her interview other stars, such asĀ Tameka EmpsonĀ and Noel McKoy, on stage.
More recently, Judith appeared in Barry Reckord’s White Witch at the Bloomsbury Theatre.
The actress is mother to daughter Aisha, who has followed in her acting footsteps. Aisha, known now as Aisha Jacob Williams, appeared in EastEnders alongside her mum in the 80s, playing her on-screen niece.
Death in Paradise airs on Fridays on BBC One at 9pm. Episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
