EastEnders' Harry Mitchell star unrecognisable years after early BBC appearance

Harry Mitchell makes an impression on Penny Branning (Image: BBC)

EastEnders newcomer Elijah Holloway, who recently joined the soap as Harry Mitchell, had an unforgettable encounter with a former Walford icon on a BBC talent programme.

The latest additions to the Mitchell clan made their debut on EastEnders this week, with Teddy (portrayed by Roland Manookian) searching for his father Stevie (played by Alan Ford). Elijah Holloway steps into the Square as Harry Mitchell, Teddy's son.

However, before his time on the soap, Elijah pursued a singing career and auditioned for the now-defunct BBC talent show Let It Shine back in 2017.

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Elijah had an unforgettable encounter with a former Walford icon on a talent show (Image: BBC)

At just 18 years old, Elijah, then a luxury perfume salesman, took to the stage of Let It Shine, where he tried to impress the judges with his charm and salesmanship, pitching fragrances to the star-studded panel.

The judges' table boasted a lineup of celebrities including The X Factor's Dannii Minogue, Glee actress Amber Riley, Take That frontman Gary Barlow, and Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet fame, who also portrayed Steve Owen on EastEnders, reports the Daily Star.

Elijah's performance included a pitch to the judges, showcasing his personality through his perfume descriptions. However, things took a cringe-worthy turn when he addressed Martin Kemp, suggesting he needed a "wooden" scent, only to hastily clarify, saying: "And by wooden I mean mature and elegant."

Elijah Holloway tried his luck on a talent show before landing his role on the BBC One soap (Image: BBC)

Martin hit back, saying: "I know I was in EastEnders for a while but that's below the belt I thought!"

Seven years on from his audition, Elijah is now throwing himself into his latest role on the soap.

He expressed his excitement about joining the cast: "It's a massive privilege to join a British institution like EastEnders, and to be playing a Mitchell makes it even more exciting," he enthused.

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The new Mitchells arrived in Walford this week (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Harry made quite the entrance in his debut EastEnders scene last Thursday (June 27), swiftly getting acquainted with the residents of Walford and even sharing a steamy encounter with Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine).

The upcoming episodes are set to see the new Mitchells shake things up as they delve into their newfound family ties.

EastEnders' Harry Mitchell star unrecognisable years after early BBC appearance

EastEnders' Harry Mitchell star unrecognisable years after early BBC appearance

EastEnders' Harry Mitchell star unrecognisable years after early BBC appearance

EastEnders' Harry Mitchell star unrecognisable years after early BBC appearance

EastEnders' Harry Mitchell star unrecognisable years after early BBC appearance