Lorna Cartwright

Name: Lorna Cartwright
First Appeared: 31st July 1997
Last Appeared: 19th April 2016
Played by: Janet Dibley

Lorna Cartwright’s journey in Albert Square was a whirlwind of drama, deceit, and redemption. As an alcoholic, she first crossed paths with Phil Mitchell at an AA meeting. The two found a kindred spirit in each other, bonding over their struggles with addiction. Phil’s marriage was already on the rocks due to his drinking, and Lorna’s understanding of his plight drew him to her. Despite discovering that Phil was married, Lorna wasn’t deterred and continued their affair, offering Phil the solace he couldn’t find at home.

Phil, riddled with guilt, tried to end the affair multiple times but always found himself back in Lorna’s arms. Things took a turn when Lorna started showing up at Phil’s house, infuriating her when he tried to push her away. In a dramatic move, Lorna called Phil’s wife, Kathy Sullivan, and revealed their affair. Phil concocted a story painting Lorna as an obsessive alcoholic, but a hand-written suicidal letter from Lorna, mocking his bedroom skills, forced him to come clean. Kathy, devastated, threw her wedding ring into the River Seine, declaring her marriage to Phil the worst mistake of her life.

Lorna’s downward spiral continued as she arrived drunk and homeless at Reverend Alex Healy’s refuge centre. Her suicidal threats worried good Samaritan Sarah Hills, who sought help from her Aunt Kathy. Kathy, unaware she was talking to the woman who broke up her marriage, tried to help Lorna. When she discovered the truth, an explosive confrontation ensued. Kathy, showing more compassion than Phil, allowed Lorna to stay with her after she was assaulted, despite Lorna’s attempts to reignite the affair with Phil and sabotage any reconciliation between him and Kathy.

Lorna’s desperation peaked when she discovered Kathy’s plans to emigrate to South Africa. After causing trouble between Phil and Kathy, Lorna attempted suicide by overdosing on pills and gin in Phil’s bathroom. Phil’s rescue efforts stalled his attempts to win Kathy back, leading her to leave for South Africa. Lorna survived and entered a detox program with Reverend Healy’s help. Eighteen years later, Lorna’s path crossed with Phil’s again at an alcoholic support group, where she now led sessions. Though initially resistant, Phil eventually accepted her guidance, showing that even in the tumultuous world of Walford, redemption is always within reach.