Donna Ludlow

Name: Donna Ludlow
First Appeared: 27th August 1987
Last Appeared: 13th April 1989
Played by: Matilda Ziegler

Donna Ludlow’s life was a tragic rollercoaster that left a lasting mark on Walford. Born from the horrific circumstances of Kathy Beale’s rape at the age of 14, Donna was given up for adoption and raised by Mr. and Mrs. Ludlow. Fast forward to 1987, Donna’s godmother, June Watkins, visited Kathy to inform her of Donna’s desire to meet her biological mother. Kathy, unable to confront her past, refused, but undeterred, Donna moved to Walford to be near her.

For a year, Donna kept her identity a secret while working as a barmaid at The Queen Victoria. She even anonymously called the Samaritans, where Kathy volunteered, raising Kathy’s suspicions. The tension escalated when Donna showed interest in Ian Beale, leading Kathy to demand Donna stay away. When Donna finally revealed her identity, Kathy, horrified, ordered her to leave. Hurt and rejected, Donna retaliated by causing turmoil in Kathy’s life, eventually leading to a downward spiral upon learning she was a product of rape. Her attempts to find solace led her to stalk Simon Wicks and end up homeless by August 1988.

Life didn’t get easier for Donna as she turned to heroin and prostitution, trying to survive on the streets. Her manipulative ways alienated the community, and even her adoptive parents’ supposed car crash couldn’t garner lasting sympathy. Dot Cotton took her in, but Donna’s actions, including spreading rumours and extortion, led to further isolation. Ultimately, Donna’s struggles with addiction and rejection culminated in her tragic death from a heroin overdose in February 1989, with Dot discovering her lifeless body.