By Jack Wetherill Liam de Brun
Esteemed EastEnders actress Harriet Thorpe dismissed an “offensive” This Morning question about her status as a grandmother. The 68-year-old is a cherished figure in the UK, having earned household recognition for her role in Absolutely Fabulous. Portraying the character of Fleur in the legendary BBC sitcom from 1992 to 2012, Harriet’s quirky character graced 13 episodes of the series. Following her successful stint on television, she transitioned to the West End stage, featuring in musicals such as Cabaret and Mamma Mia. In 2023, Harriet joined the cast of EastEnders as Elaine Peacock. From her first appearance in Albert Square, Elaine made a significant impact as the current proprietor of the Queen Vic alongside her daughter Linda Carter, reports the Manchester Evening News . After Elaine recently endured two heart attacks amidst pressure to sell the pub and the strain of her relationship with George Knight, Harriet appeared on Wednesday morning’s (July 2) show with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. Joined by the programme’s soap expert Sharon Marshall, Harriet was questioned about her family’s new addition. “Talking about moving forward, there is a new family addition in real life,” Sharon probed. Harriet responded with a playful: “And what would that be?” To which Sharon retorted: “Oh come on grandma.” Sharon’s reference to Harriet as a grandmother didn’t sit well with the actress, who insisted on a more glamorous term. She clarified: “We need the correct term, it’s glamma. We need the correct terminology. I have a glamdaugther. It’s offensive because I feel like I’m only 35. How is it possible?”. In a nod to one of her iconic Absolutely Fabulous scenes, Harriet quipped that “there’ll always be a drawer” if things get too overwhelming. Although she sidestepped any speculation about new proprietors for the Queen Vic, Harriet did delve into the challenges confronting Elaine. “I think in that moment she pretends everything is fine and she realised there’s other things more important in life. That’s who you love in your family and that’s life,” she hinted. She went on to say: “It’s new beginnings, which can be anything and is exciting. It’s not a negative thing, people get so frightened when they stop something that they’re used to.” Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.