BBC Call the Midwife fans only just realise Reggie Jackson star has very famous dad

Fans of the beloved BBC show Call the Midwife have recently discovered that one of its most cherished stars is related to an infamous EastEnders villain. Daniel Laurie, who plays the popular character Reggie Jackson on the show, is the son of Albert Square legend Leslie Grantham.

Leslie Grantham, known for his role as Den Watts, was a founding member of Albert Square alongside his on-screen wife Angie (played by Anita Dobson) and their adopted daughter Sharon Watts. The couple were the original landlords of The Queen Vic when EastEnders first aired on BBC One in 1985.

Daniel's character Reggie, who has Down's syndrome, made his debut on Call the Midwife in 2017, moving to Poplar to live with his uncle Fred Buckle (portrayed by another EastEnders star, Cliff Parisi) following the death of his mother.

Leslie Grantham's character Den had two significant periods on EastEnders, starting in 1985 and then returning in 2003. His character was killed off in 1989 but made a notorious comeback in 2003.

However, he was written out of the soap for good two years later when his latest wife Chrissie (played by Tracy Ann Oberman) murdered him. The iconic actor passed away in 2018 at the age of 71.

In other news, Daniel Laurie has secured a new acting role outside of Call the Midwife. The 28 year old actor's previous credits include roles in the radio adaptation of Charles Dickens' Barnaby Rudge, ITV's Vera as Adam Beecher, drama Finding Alice as Zack, and TV movie The Dark Tower.

Daniel is poised to join the star-studded cast of the critically acclaimed Sister Boniface Mysteries for its fourth series next year. While details about his character remain a closely guarded secret, he will be joining an impressive line-up of guest stars.

The fourth series will also see appearances from Les Dennis, Katherine Kingsley, Martyn Ellis, Mina Anwar, and Ed Birch. Lorna Watson will reprise her role as the crime-solving Catholic nun Sister Boniface, with Max Brown returning as DI Sam Gillespie.

Jerry Iwu will be back as DS Felix Livingstone and WPC Peggy Button will once again be portrayed by Ami Metcalf. The filming for the fourth series has already kicked off in the Cotswolds and the season is set to air next year on BritBox International and UKTV's Drama.

Sister Boniface star Lorna Watson has expressed her excitement about the return for a fourth series, saying: "It's brilliant to be back with the gang for series four. I feel very lucky to be part of such a lovely show and can't wait to get cracking, solving crime in the Cotswolds sunshine."

Meanwhile, Neil Irvine, Executive Producer at BBC Studios, hinted at the thrilling new developments in store: "I'm thrilled that TV's favourite forensic nun is returning for a fourth series. The alchemy created by Jude, Lorna and our wonderful cast and Midlands crew continues to delight viewers worldwide. This series sees a serial killer on the loose at the Christmas Pantomime and a threat to the convent itself. I can't wait for the audience to find out if this is the end for St Vincent's."