Manda Best

Name: Amanda “Manda” Best
First Appeared: 6th March 2009
Last Appeared: 12th February 2010
Played by: Josie Lawrence

Manda Best was the potter who molded more than just clay in Walford. Her first appearance at the community center teaching pottery classes was an unassuming start, but it quickly rekindled old sparks with Minty Peterson. Minty, who once harboured secret hatred for Manda when she was dating his mate Phil Mitchell, found himself settling old scores and starting something new. Their relationship wasn’t exactly a roller coaster — more like a slow-moving tram — but even trams can be full of surprises.

Things took a spicy turn when Minty saw Manda locking lips with Phil. Imagine the drama! But Manda cooled things down by explaining it was just a thank-you kiss for a day off she orchestrated for Minty’s surprise theatre trip. Smooth move, Manda. When her landlord gave her the boot, Manda and her cat moved in with Minty, just as Garry Hobbs and Dawn Swann bid Walford adieu. It was cozy, but then Manda’s son, Adam Best, arrived, stirring the pot with his instant disdain for Minty.

Adam eventually headed back to Oxford, but not before being labelled as arrogant and rude by Minty. The domestic pot was simmering, but Manda and Minty managed to keep a lid on it with promises of a friendlier Adam. Drama wasn’t far, though — Manda stumbled upon the secret that Darren Miller was the father of Heather Trott’s baby, George. She kept this juicy tidbit to herself until it blew up, straining things with Minty, especially since he had a history with Heather.

The tension peaked when Manda discovered Minty was hiding fugitive Sam Mitchell. Adam stirred the cauldron, suggesting Minty was pining for Sam, but Manda stood by Minty’s story of platonic friendship – though Sam soon ended up behind bars. Minty’s unexplained disappearances led Manda to fear an affair. Adam’s discovery of Sam’s prison letters confirmed Minty’s visits, prompting a confrontation. Minty confessed his lingering feelings for Sam but chose Manda as his future. Manda wasn’t buying it, though, and pretended to have feelings for Phil, ending things with Minty and leaving Walford.

Months later, the grapevine delivered news to Minty via Adam: Manda had moved on and was dating someone new.