EastEnders extra Tracey’s life away from BBC soap as fans stunned over surprise admission
Jane Slaughter has played extra Tracey on BBC soap EastEnders for almost 40 years, and has treated fans to a behind-the-scenes glimpse at life in Albert Square
EastEnders fans were treated to a rare insight into the life of Jane Slaughter, who is known for her beloved portrayal of extra Tracey, in a behind-the-scenes video shared by the show.
The actress, 63, has been gracing Albert Square since EastEnders’ very first episode back in 1985, marking an impressive stint of nearly four decades on the BBC One soap.
With excitement, EastEnders shared a “day in the life” video featuring Jane on Instagram recently, with the caption: “Jane Slaughter, AKA ‘Tracey from EastEnders’ has been with us since the very first episode in 1985! We loved following her around for this ‘Day in the Life’, listening in as her and Adam Woodyatt took a walk down memory lane. We hope you enjoy it too… #EastEnders.”
In the engaging clip, Jane introduces herself: “Hello everybody, my name is Jane Slaughter, I play Tracey in EastEnders and have done for 40 years. And here [Queen Vic] is where you can find me most days. Welcome to a day in my life!”
Further into the video, we see Jane getting ready for a day packed with filming while she narrates: “So it’s nine in the morning, sometimes I’m here earliest at quarter to eight”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
She continues detailing her routine: “I get in, coffee, find out what the schedule is and then my day will involve coming on, having a block, seeing where I should position myself, where the director would like to position me, who I have to serve, where I have to go and we can film many scenes in one day all in here.
“Tracey’s been here [Queen Vic] all the time, the only other two places she’s worked are… well, originally the market but after that having been sacked she’s been at The Albert more recently and before that the fish and chip shop! So yeah, she doesn’t get out very much!”
Jane then reveals she’s off to get her hair sorted for filming and put in costume. While getting ready, Jane bumps into Eve Unwin star Heather Peace who remarks: “I know you Jane as we like to run!” But Heather doesn’t miss the chance to quiz Jane about her character’s history with Phil Mitchell.
To which the actress humorously responds: “I couldn’t possibly tell you that Eve, I could not, we don’t want to go there!” Despite Heather’s persistent prodding for juicy details, Jane teases: “I think we should cut!”
Later in the behind-the-scenes video, Jane reveals something that might surprise fans as she says: “Tracey has a son… some of you may remember some of you may not know!”
Later in the video, viewers see Jane on set as Tracey, where she introduces fans to some of the extras and behind-the-scenes crew. The video concludes with a nostalgic exchange between Jane and Adam Woodyatt, known for his long-standing role as Ian Beale since 1985, as they look back on the show’s beginnings.
Jane’s fellow cast members were swift to express their admiration in the comments section. Danny Dyer, famed for his role as Mick Carter, commented: “My fave” followed by a heart emoji.
Kellie Bright, who portrays Linda Carter, wrote: “I love you @jane.slaughterofficial” accompanied by heart emojis, and Emma Barton, known as Honey Mitchell on-screen, chimed in with: “Adore” also adorned with hearts.
EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
