Les Coker

Name: Les Coker
First Appeared: 9th January 2012
Last Appeared: 14th October 2016
Played by: Roger Sloman

Les Coker, the long-time funeral director of Albert Square, had quite a unique journey in Walford. As a lad, Les had an early experience with cross-dressing when he tried on his mum’s dress, which led to a lifetime of secretive explorations into his alter ego, Christine. Despite his father’s disapproval, Christine remained a part of Les’s life, inspired by a strong, smart woman from his past. Les and his wife Pam shared a deep bond, with their love story dating back to their youth, and they had a son, Laurie, together.

Throughout his time in Walford, Les became a familiar face, arranging funerals for many residents, including Pat Evans and Nick Cotton. His professional life intertwined with personal drama when rumours of an affair with Claudette Hubbard surfaced. Les and Pam’s relationship faced turmoil when their grandson, Paul, returned and exposed Les’s long-running secret, not of an affair, but of cross-dressing as Christine. This revelation led to conflicts and temporary separations, but ultimately brought Les and Pam closer as they navigated this part of Les’s identity together.

Les’s struggles didn’t end there. He faced blackmail from Babe over his cross-dressing, which put immense strain on his marriage. The situation escalated when Les suffered a heart attack after Pam discovered him dressed as Christine. Despite these challenges, Les and Pam decided to retire away from the turmoil, planning to leave Walford for a fresh start. Their emotional farewell included making peace with their past and accepting Christine as part of their future.

Tragically, their grandson Paul was murdered in a homophobic attack, which devastated the family. Pam struggled to cope with Paul’s death, refusing to talk to Les about it. Les considered dressing as Christine to find solace but decided to be strong for Pam. They attended the court hearing for Paul’s killers, and after the trial, they decided to leave Walford for a new life in Worthing. Les appointed Billy as the manager of Coker and Sons, and Pam packed a box of Christine’s wig and clothes, suggesting she had accepted her.