Cora Cross

Cora Cross
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Ann Mitchell
Duration	2011–2015, 2017–2018
First appearance	Episode 4192 11 April 2011 (2011-04-11)
Last appearance	Episode 5183 15 November 2018 (2018-11-15)
Classification	Former; regular
Introduced by	Bryan Kirkwood (2011) Sean O'Connor (2017) John Yorke (2018)
Spin-off appearances	Lauren's Diaries (2011)[1]
In-universe information Occupation Charity shop manager Launderette assistant Food bank volunteer Husband Bill Cross (backstory) Daughters Ava Hartman Rainie Cross Tanya Branning Grandsons Dexter Hartman Oscar Branning Granddaughters Lauren Branning Abi Branning Other relatives Louie Beale Abi Branning

Cora Cross is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ann Mitchell. Cora is the mother of Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner), Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks) and Ava Hartman (Claire Perkins) and the grandmother of Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) and Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald). Cora initially appeared from 11 to 15 April 2011, and returned as a regular character on 28 July. Cora is described as having "a brash, outspoken attitude and does not care who she offends", deemed "an archetypal East End matriarch" and Inside Soap says that Cora is a "brash, loud lady who likes to tell everyone what she thinks and has absolutely no shame."

In May 2011, when it was confirmed that Cora would be returning to EastEnders, executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said, "We all love Cora here—actress Ann Mitchell could be one of the Walford greats". Kirkwood was keen to find a new matriarch for the show after the loss of Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) and explained that Cora is a perfect fit. Kate White of Inside Soap praised Cora and added she could watch Ann Mitchell acting "her socks off" all day long.

Mitchell took a break from the show between April and July 2015, returning for various guest stints until 15 December the same year, when she departed. It was confirmed that Mitchell was on a temporary year-long break from the serial although Cora did not return in 2016. It was announced in March 2017 that Mitchell would reprise the role and Cora returned for two appearances on 18 and 19 May. She made several further appearances until 16 February 2018, followed by two further return stints in July and November.