Lou Beale

Name: Lou Beale
First Appeared: 19th February 1985
Last Appeared: 26th July 1988
Played by: Anna Wing

Lou Beale, born Louise Ada Medeemey in August 1910, was a force to be reckoned with in Albert Square. Growing up in Walford, she met local fruit and veg trader Albert Beale in 1932, leading to the birth of their daughter Maggie in 1933. However, as the couple wasn’t married, Maggie was put up for adoption. Lou and Albert finally tied the knot in 1935 and moved into 45 Albert Square, where Lou remained throughout the Second World War, raising their family and becoming a fixture in the community. After Albert’s sudden death from a heart attack in 1965, Lou continued to live in the house with her daughter’s family.

Life in Walford was never dull with Lou around. She was known for her tough-as-nails demeanour, never hesitating to intrude into people’s business as she saw fit. Her relationship with her son-in-law Arthur was particularly tempestuous; nothing he did ever seemed good enough for her daughter Pauline. Despite her strict conservative views and tendency to scold her family, Lou’s heart was ultimately in the right place, and she celebrated the birth of her grandchildren, even if she had preferred her grandson Martin to be named after her late husband. She was supportive of her favourite grandchild Ian’s career choice and provided a shoulder to cry on for Michelle when she found herself pregnant in 1985.

Lou’s long-standing feud with Pete’s ex-wife Pat, due to an affair with Pete’s brother Kenny, added to the drama. The return of Kenny in 1988 stirred up old wounds, but Lou managed to make amends with him before he left for New Zealand again. Despite frequent illness in her later years, Lou remained a formidable presence. In July 1988, sensing her end was near, she took the opportunity to give her family words of wisdom and encouragement, finally passing peacefully in her sleep. Her death was a significant moment for her family, who mourned her deeply and remembered her fondly as an irreplaceable part of their lives.

Lou was buried next to her beloved Albert, leaving behind a legacy of strong family values and an indomitable spirit.