Nicola Stapleton, who of course plays brassy Mandy Salter, has told the Daily Mirror that she’s enjoying the routine and stability of being on the show.

Nicola recently returned to the show after a break of 17 years; she first starred on the show in the 1990s as a teen tear-away.

And as we reported yesterday, Mandy’s forthcoming storylines include the return of her mum Lorraine Salter, who’s to be played by Call the Midwife star Victoria Alcock.

While discussing her return to the show, Nicola told the paper, “I’m having a great time. I’m enjoying it so much more this time round.

“You’re older, wiser, you understand a bit more how the machine works.

“I’ve spent the last 17 years really grafting my ar*e off, so it’s nice to be back in a situation where I’m in a real routine…”

Of Mandy’s somewhat utilitarian romance with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), Nicola explained, “I think if we’d immediately put on screen this massive love affair, I don’t think anybody would’ve believed that.

“But I think people can fall in love or fondness can grow over time. It depends what sort of person you are.

“I mean, I’m not the sort of girl that goes for guys who are strikingly beautiful. I don’t like vain men.”

Here’s a look back at Nicola as Mandy in the ‘90s…