Lorraine Wicks

Name: Lorraine Wicks
First Appeared: 2nd April 1996
Last Appeared: 14th November 1997
Played by: Jacqueline Leonard

Lorraine Wicks had quite the tumultuous time in Albert Square. Married to David Wicks, their union was marred by David’s infidelities, leading to their separation around 1990 in Bolton. David abandoned Lorraine and their two children, Joe and Karen, having no part in their lives. The tragedy deepened when Karen died in a car crash in 1995. Lorraine arrived in Albert Square in April 1996, searching for Joe, who had run away hoping to reconnect with his estranged father. David’s reaction to his son’s arrival was far from warm, and he was relieved when Lorraine managed to persuade Joe to return to Bolton. However, Joe was determined and returned to Walford in May, committed to rebuilding a relationship with his father.

Lorraine moved to Walford with Joe and secured a job as a barmaid in the Queen Vic. It wasn’t long before she caught the attention of Grant Mitchell and his friend Nigel Bates. While Nigel pursued Lorraine, she only saw him as a friend. With Grant, it was different; they started a relationship that led to Grant throwing out his pregnant wife, Tiffany Mitchell. Grant, infatuated with Lorraine, even proposed to her. However, their relationship was put on hold when Joe had a mental breakdown, becoming hostile towards Lorraine and paranoid, even accusing Grant of being the devil.

Joe’s mental state worsened after David abandoned him again. Lorraine’s attempts to get Joe professional help were unsuccessful. Joe’s paranoia reached a peak when he held Lorraine hostage, threatening to kill himself or anyone who came near. Grant rescued Lorraine, but Joe was sectioned and later diagnosed with schizophrenia. This ordeal was a huge strain on Lorraine, but she remained determined to help her son.

After Joe’s release and stabilization, he visited Bolton and played a key role in reuniting Lorraine with her ex-boyfriend Peter. Peter had been driving during the crash that killed Lorraine’s daughter, leading to their breakup. Upon reconciling with Peter, Lorraine decided to leave Albert Square and return to Bolton, hoping for a fresh start.