EASTENDERS**EXCLUSIVE** Picture shows: THE MILLER FAMILY. GERRY COWPER as Rosie Miller. Generic. WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to Terms of Use of BBC Digital Picture Service. In particular, this image may only be used during the publicity period for the purpose of publicising EASTENDERS and provided BBC is credited. Any use of this image on the internet or for any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising or other commercial uses, requires the prior written approval of the BBC. (Image: BBC)
The Miller clan, one of ‘ most memorable families, sparked joy amongst viewers as the lovable rogue Mickey, portrayed by Joe Swash, made a brief comeback to Walford last year.
‘s Albert Square has been graced with the chaotic presence of Rosie Miller (Gerry Cowper) and her couch potato spouse Keith (David Spinx), who seemed glued to his armchair and TV set.
The family, comprising their kids Dawn (Kara Tointon), Mickey, and twins Demi (Shana Swash) and Darren (Charlie G. Hawkins), took up residence in 2004 and were swiftly pigeonholed as troublemakers with Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) particularly appalled by 13 year old Demi’s pregnancy.
Yet, it wasn’t long before the brawling brood captivated the heart of the nation with their turbulent escapades throughout the 2000s. Actress Geraldine “Gerry” Cowper shone as the Miller matriarch in from 2004 to 2006, a role she juggled alongside an impressive stint on Only Fools and Horses.
Gerry Cowper stole the show on Only Fools and Horses (Image: Don Smith/Radio Times via Getty Images)
A West London gem, the 66 year old powerhouse is also celebrated for her chilling performance in the 1973 cult classic The Wicker Man. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Gerry Cowper boasts an extensive portfolio including stints on Casualty, Law and Order, The Bill, Dick Turpin, amidst a plethora of other big-screen cameos, reports .
Gerry also featured in two iconic episodes of , portraying Lisa, the attractive niece of Trigger’s (Roger Lloyd Pack), in both the Tea for Three episode and The Frog’s Legacy.
In Tea for Three, which was broadcast in September 1986, Del Boy (David Jason) and Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst) find themselves vying for Lisa’s attention. In a desperate bid to win her over, the brothers invite their romantic interest to their high-rise flat for tea, but Rodney is already blushing from a sunbed prank.
Only Fools and Horses fans will remember Gerry Cowper (Image: BBC)
Seeking revenge on Del Boy for his humiliating antics, Rodney persuades him to try hang gliding over the countryside, which ends disastrously. In an unexpected twist, it turns out Lisa was engaged all along.
Over a year later, Gerry reprised her role as Lisa in the legendary sitcom when her character ties the knot. The Frog’s Legacy aired on Christmas Day in 1987 and follows Del Boy on a mission to retrieve stolen gold bullion.
Peckham’s favourite wheeler-dealer Del and his brother Rodney discover they are due to inherit a large sum of money after encountering an old family friend at Lisa’s wedding in Hampshire.
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The gold belonged to Frederick Robdal, known as Freddie the Frog, who bequeathed the wealth to close friend Joan Trotter, who then passed it down to her sons Del and Rodney. In this episode, Gerry Cowper is seen as Lisa at the beginning of the episode.
Despite Joe Swash’s return to as Mickey, Gerry has not yet made a comeback to Walford, having left 18 years ago.
Could Rosie Miller ever make a return to Albert Square? In the unpredictable world of soap operas, anything can happen.
The Millers were a huge addition to EastEnders in the noughties (Image: BBC)