Comedian's character flirts with Jack Branning in the Queen Vic

Comedian Amy Matthews is joining EastEnders

The stand-up plays a character called Rita, who will be seen chatting with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) in The Queen Vic, flirtatiously placing her hand on his leg.

Jack has been having troubles in his relationship with Denise Fox (Diane Parish), who has been keeping issues with her chemotherapy to herself. In today’s episode, he bursts in on her and witnesses her hair loss, prompting a traumatised Denise orders him to leave.

Matthews, who was named best newcomer at the 2019 Scottish Comedy Awards, has previously played Annie in Scot Squad and been a writer on Have I Got News for You. She is bringing her latest stand-up show Definitions Of Toast to the Edinburgh Fringe next month.

Her appearance on EastEnders will air on Wednesday and Thursday next week. 

Published: 15 Jul 2026