People are only just realising EastEnders favourite was Ali G's girlfriend

25 June 2024 , 08:50

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The actress more recently formed part of "The Six" in Eastenders (Image: WireImage)

One of the best-loved soap actresses was once the girlfriend of Ali G, but a lot of people can't remember it.

She may now be known as Linda Carter in EastEnders but, before shooting to soap fame, Kellie Bright actually appeared in the much-loved comedy.

It's hard to think back to 2002 - when Ali G Indahouse was released. But more than 20 years ago, Kellie played Julie – Ali's love interest.

Kellie actually made her feature film debut in the comedy role when the movie was made based on Sacha Baron Cohen's TV character. At the time, she'd already made her mark in acting, having worked as a child actress by starring as Little Cosette in the production of "Les Miserables" in London's West End.

Kellie Bright starred as "Me Julie" in Ali G (Universal Pictures)

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She later went onto take on other roles, including in BBC series "Maid Marian and her Merry Men" and sitcom "The Upper Hand." When it came to her role in Ali G Indahouse, she played "Me Julie" - the partner of Ali who was forced to put up with his wants, quirks and infidelities.

In the film, a song was even made in honour of the character, also titled "Me Julie", which saw Shaggy helping out with the vocals. The track peaked at number two in the singles chart and is, perhaps, one of the most memorable takeaways from the film.

Nowadays, most people know Kellie for her role as Linda in EastEnders, which she took on in 2013 when she arrived on the square with her husband Mick (Danny Dyer). Since then she's gone onto have major story lines - including Linda's battle with alcoholism and murdering Keanu Taylor on Christmas Day 2023.

Sacha Baron Cohen in character as Ali G, alongside Kellie and the cast (Getty Images)

Soap fans often see her donning ultra glam looks and finding herself immersed in drama on the square, so it's hard to believe she was hitting up the comedy scene two decades ago.

As well as her time in EastEnders, the actress also managed to bag the runner up spot in the 13th series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Kellie may be a woman of Walford now, but she's certainly an actress with many talents. When you take a trip down memory lane, she's actually played some pretty iconic roles, having also starred in much-loved ITV series, Bad Girls.

Katie-Ann Gupwell