Aunt Sal

Aunt Sal
EastEnders character
Portrayed byAnna Karen
Duration
  • 1996–1997
  • 2001–2004
  • 2007–2011
  • 2013–2017
First appearanceEpisode 1266
21 March 1996 (1996-03-21)
Last appearanceEpisode 5428
20 January 2017 (2017-01-20)
ClassificationFormer; recurring
Introduced by
In-universe information
Other namesSal Martin
OccupationRetired
FatherJack Martin
MotherLilly Martin
SistersPeggy Mitchell
HusbandHarold Martin (until 2024)
SonsLenny Martin
DaughtersLoretta Martin
NephewsPhil Mitchell
Grant Mitchell
NiecesSam Mitchell
Other relativesBen Mitchell
Mark Fowler
Courtney Mitchell
Louise Mitchell
Ricky Branning
Raymond Dawkins
Albie Watts

Aunt Sal[1] is a recurring fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Anna Karen[2] Introduced in 1996, she appeared sporadically from 21 March 1996 until 29 December 1997, then from 28 September 2001 until 17 September 2004, 19 July 2007 until 4 April 2011 and 22 November 2013 to 20 January 2017.[3] She appears for just a few episodes at a time and has been collectively featured in 58 episodes of the show.

The character has, on occasion, been credited as Sal Martin,[4][5] which has been referenced at different times as both her maiden and married surname. In November 2023, it was reported that the character would be killed-off, off-screen, following Karen's death in February 2022. Aunt Sal died off-screen on 10 January 2024, and an episode featuring the character's funeral was broadcast on 15 January 2024.[6] David Sterne made a guest appearance as Aunt Sal's bereaved husband, Harold Martin.[7]

  1. ^ "Bosom pals for 30 years". The Mirror. 16 March 2002. Retrieved 2 October 2008.
  2. ^ "Me and My Trolley ...with Anna Karen". The People. 19 January 1997. Retrieved 2 October 2008.
  3. ^ Director: Michael Owen Morris; Executive Producer: Lorraine Newman; Writer: Matt Evans (22 November 2013). "Episode dated 22/11/2013". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
  4. ^ "BBC One - EastEnders, 01/04/2011".
  5. ^ "BBC One - EastEnders, 04/04/2011".
  6. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (9 January 2024). "EastEnders reveals sad funeral storyline in 61 new spoiler pictures". Digital Spy.
  7. ^ Harp, Justin (8 January 2024). "EastEnders casts Bridgerton star to play off-screen character". Digital Spy.