Bev Slater

Bev Slater is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ashley McGuire. The character and casting was announced in September 2018 and she debuted 18 September of the same year. McGuire had previously appeared on the soap as a guest character in 2004. Bev was introduced as the estranged mother of Hayley Slater (Katie Jarvis) and her initial stint sees Bev try to reconnect with Hayley, who is pregnant. Hayley gives Bev a chance but ends up fighting with her when she suggests that Hayley scam the baby's father out of money. In October 2018, it was reported that McGuire would return for another stint and Bev's return aired on 6 November 2018, after Hayley gives birth. Bev initially supports Hayley but then tries to manipulate her into selling her daughter, Cherry Slater. Bev later returns for additional episodes over the next two months, and her last appearance aired on 11 January 2019. Throughout her stints, she also gets into fights with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright). Critics have been characterised Bev as vile, scheming, toxic and evil, and her behaviour towards her daughter and granddaughter has been criticised by viewers.