BBC EastEnders fans do 'double take' as The Bill star makes surprise appearance

EastEnders fans have been left shocked after spotting a star from The Bill in recent episodes of the BBC soap. On Tuesday (January 21), Ruby Allen’s (Louisa Lytton) past came back to haunt her when she attended a council meeting.

Martin Fowler (James Bye) has been leading the local market traders on a crusade to save their market against the council. However, when the meeting was due to take place, Martin was side tracked as he tried to help Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) in her murder trial.

Ruby stepped in and attended the meeting on behalf of boyfriend Martin leaving him optimistic. Martin gratefully agreed, though as the meeting rolled around his fellow market traders weren’t so convinced.

It was then that Ruby spoke up, insisting that the market was an institution and a major part of Albert Square. However, Councillor Barker (Iain Fletcher) soon interrupted her to ask if she was the daughter of notorious gangster Johnny Allen who had bullied his dad at school.

On Wednesday (January 22), Ruby had another run-in with Barker while at The Minute Mart but this time he appeared to be flirty, and overstepped the mark. He creepily told Ruby to reach out to him personally online to arrange a personal meeting leaving her taken aback.

EastEnders fans have been left pointing out where they have seen Councillor Barker actor Iain Fletcher before as they realise he starred as Rod in The Bill. Fletcher played the role of DC Rod Skase in the ITV drama, appearing over six years from 1994.

Taking to X, one viewer wrote: "I'm enjoying the new councillor Barker but I'll always remember him as Rod from #TheBill #EastEnders."

A second added: "Councillor Barker is DC Rod Skase! Iain Fletcher #EastEnders #TheBill @onthebill999