DCI Jill Marsden is a fictional character in the

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soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...

EastEnders ''EastEnders'' is a Television in the United Kingdom, British soap opera created by Julia Smith (producer), Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the Ea ...

'', played by

Sophie Stanton Sophie Stanton (born 1971 in London, England) is an English actress, director and playwright. She is best known for her role as DCI Jill Marsden in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in which she has appeared on and off since 2001. Career Eas ...

. She made her first appearance on 5 March 2001 investigating the shooting of

Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced to the soap opera on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother Grant Mitchell (EastEnders), Grant (Ross Kemp), s ...

(

Steve McFadden Steve Robert McFadden (né Reid; born 20 March 1959) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Phil Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', which he has played since 1990. He was also the presenter of the game show, ''Britain's ...

), which was part of the

whodunit A ''whodunit'' or ''whodunnit'' (a colloquial elision of "Who asdone it?") is a complex plot-driven variety of detective fiction in which the puzzle regarding who committed the crime is the main focus. The reader or viewer is provided with the cl ...

storyline "

Who Shot Phil? "Who Shot Phil?" was a storyline of the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' which began on 1 March 2001 and climaxed on 5 April 2001. Background The storyline centred around one of ''EastEnders longest-running characters, Phil Mitchell (played by Stev ...

". Marsden returned in 2002, 2003 and 2009 (for another whodunit storyline, "

Who Killed Archie? "Who Killed Archie?" is a storyline from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It began on 25 December 2009, Christmas Day, when the character Archie Mitchell, played by Larry Lamb, was murdered by an unseen person. Events leading up to and following ...

"). She returned on 5 January 2012 for her third whodunit storyline, "Who's Stalking Phil?", departing four months later on 10 May 2012. Marsden returned for two episodes on 17 August 2012 to conclude the latter storyline. On 16 July 2015, she returned for part of the "

Who Killed Lucy Beale? "Who Killed Lucy Beale?" is a storyline from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders''. It was announced on 21 February 2014 and began on 18 April 2014, when Lucy Beale (Hetti Bywater) was discovered dead on Walford Common from a deliberately inflicte ...

" whodunit storyline. When she was brought back in 2009, Marsden's feelings were explored in a segment of the BBC ''EastEnders'' homepage entitled "Marsden's Video Diaries", documenting the character's thoughts about the storyline in which she was involved. Marsden's relationship with Phil has been explored since her first appearance, with the BBC describing their relationship as a "romance in negative...her ultimate dream is that some day she'll get hilbehind bars" and the ''

Daily Mirror The ''Daily Mirror'' is a British national daily tabloid. Founded in 1903, it is owned by parent company Reach plc. From 1985 to 1987, and from 1997 to 2002, the title on its masthead was simply ''The Mirror''. It had an average daily print ...

'' Tony Stewart calling her Phil's "arch enemy". The character has been criticised by police detectives who felt that Marsden's habit of discussing investigation details with suspects (as her colleagues accepted bribes) did not properly represent their profession. In response, the BBC said it had sought advice from a police consultant for storylines involving Marsden.

Storylines

2001–2003

Jill Marsden first appears on Albert Square in March 2001, having been assigned as the chief police detective in charge of investigating the shooting of local hardman

(

). She identifies the five main suspects: Phil's stepson

Ian Beale Ian Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the drama's longest-serving main character and, following the departure of Pauline Fowler ( Wendy Richard) in 2006, became the only one ...

(

Adam Woodyatt Adam Brinley Woodyatt (born 28 June 1968) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ian Beale in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', which he played between 1985 and 2022. Early life and education Woodyatt was born on 28 June 1968 in W ...

), ex-business partner

Dan Sullivan Dan, Danny, or Daniel Sullivan may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Daniel J. Sullivan (born 1940), American film and theater director * Daniel G. Sullivan, American screenwriter * Dan Sullivan (musician), indie rock musician * Dan Panic, Amer ...

(

Craig Fairbrass Craig John Fairbrass (born 15 January 1964) is an English actor, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his roles as Delmar in the thriller film ''Cliffhanger'' (1993), Dan Sullivan in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (1999–2001), ...

), sworn enemy Steve Owen (

Martin Kemp Martin John Kemp (born 10 October 1961) is an English musician and actor, best known as the bassist in the new wave band Spandau Ballet and for his role as Steve Owen in ''EastEnders''. He is the younger brother of Gary Kemp, who is also a ...

), love rival

Mark Fowler Mark Fowler is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Mark, an original regular character when the series started in February 1985, became a semi-regular after his original portrayer David Scarboro was written out of the ro ...

(

Todd Carty Todd Carty also known as Todd John Jennings (born Todd Robert Carty; 31 August 1963) is an English actor and director who has grown up on television screens in a variety of roles. His stage appearances have ranged from pantomime to serious dram ...

), and former girlfriend Lisa Shaw (

Lucy Benjamin Lucy Benjamin (born Lucy Jane Baker; 25 June 1970) is an English actress. After appearing in various television series including '' Close to Home'' (1989–1990), ''Press Gang'' (1989–1993) and ''Jupiter Moon'' (1990, 1996), she was cast in ...

). After Marsden interrogates each of the suspects behind Phil's shooting, it is eventually transpired in April 2001 that Lisa was the culprit. However, Phil gradually forgives Lisa and decides to frame Dan for the crime instead. He plants the gun, which Lisa took from Steve's office, in Dan's possession and enables for Marsden and her colleagues to arrest Dan for shooting Phil. A couple of months later, however, Dan is acquitted due to lack of evidence. Marsden later arrests local housewife

Little Mo Slater Maureen "Little Mo" Slater (previously Morgan and Mitchell) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Kacey Ainsworth from 18 September 2000 to 26 May 2006. Little Mo originally appeared with a turbulent marriag ...

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Kacey Ainsworth Kacey Ainsworth (born 19 October 1968) is an English actress, best known for portraying the role of Little Mo in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' and Cathy Keating in ITV drama ''Grantchester''. Early life Ainsworth trained at the Royal Centr ...

) for the attempted murder of her husband Trevor Morgan (

Alex Ferns Alexander Ferns (born 13 October 1968) is a Scottish actor and television personality, best known for his ''EastEnders'' role as Trevor Morgan, who was described as "Britain's most-hated soap villain" when he played the role between 2000 and 200 ...

). Little Mo claims self-defence, since she has been a victim of domestic violence at the hands of Trevor. The trial ends, with Trevor's treatment of Little Mo revealed. In 2003, local resident

Sonia Jackson Sonia Fowler (also Jackson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Natalie Cassidy. Her first appearance was on and she departed on She returned briefly in 2010 along with other members of the Jackson fami ...

(

Natalie Cassidy Natalie Ann Cassidy (born 13 May 1983) is an English actress. She has played Sonia Fowler in ''EastEnders'' since 1993, appeared in the BBC Two sitcom-horror ''Psychoville'' and was a contestant on the seventh series of ''Strictly Come Danci ...

) visits Marsden with evidence that Phil killed his ex-girlfriend Lisa. Marsden sets up a honey-trap for Phil in order to obtain a confession from him, with PC

Kate Morton Kate Morton (born 1976) is an Australian author. Morton has sold more than 16 million books in 42 countries, making her one of Australia's "biggest publishing exports". The author has written six novels: '' The House at Riverton'' (The Shifting ...

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Jill Halfpenny Jill Halfpenny (born 15 July 1975) is an English actress. Her notable roles include Rebecca Hopkins in ITV soap opera ''Coronation Street'' (1999–2000), Kate Mitchell in BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' (2002–2005), Izzie Redpath in '' W ...

) and DI

Dominic Price The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' in 2003, by order of first appearance. Eleanor Trueman Eleanor "Ellie" Trueman (real name Amber) is the result of a one-night stand between Paul ...

(Paul Brennen) aiding her in the case; however, this fails when Kate falls in love with Phil and Marsden fires her. Marsden arrests Phil, but with insufficient evidence and no confession he is released. It later emerges that Lisa is safe and well, and Phil is innocent. This forces Marsden to let Phil off the hook, but she later arrests him for armed robbery; Phil's arch-rivals

Den Watts Dennis "Den" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by actor Leslie Grantham. He became well known for his tabloid nickname, "Dirty Den". Den was the original landlord of The Queen Victoria public house ...

(

Leslie Grantham Leslie Michael Grantham (30 April 1947 – 15 June 2018) was an English actor, best known for his role as "Dirty" Den Watts in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He was a convicted murderer, having served 10 years for the killing of a West Germ ...

) and his illegitimate son

Dennis Rickman Dennis Rickman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Nigel Harman. He made his first appearance on 14 April 2003 at the funeral of his late mother, Paula, before going on to become one of the show's central ...

(

Nigel Harman Nigel Derek Harman (born 11 August 1973) is an English actor, best known for his role as Dennis Rickman in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has worked mostly in theatre. He starred in the final series of '' Hotel Babylon ...

) have worked together to set him up for the crime in revenge for what he did to their beloved family member,

Sharon Sharon ( he, שָׁרוֹן ''Šārôn'' "plain") is a given name as well as an Israeli surname. In English-speaking areas, Sharon is now predominantly a feminine given name. However, historically it was also used as a masculine given name. In I ...

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Letitia Dean Letitia Jane Dean (born 14 November 1967) is an English actress. She is known for her portrayal of Sharon Watts in the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders''. An original cast member from 1985 to 1995, she reprised the role from 2001 to 2006, and again ...

2009–2010

Marsden reappears on Albert Square in 2009 when Phil's villainous uncle,

Archie Archie is a masculine given name, a diminutive of Archibald. It may refer to: People Given name or nickname *Archie Alexander (1888–1958), African-American mathematician, engineer and governor of the US Virgin Islands * Archie Blake (mathematici ...

(

Larry Lamb Lawrence Douglas Lamb (born 1 October 1947) is an English actor and radio presenter. He played Archie Mitchell in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', Mick Shipman in the BBC comedy series ''Gavin & Stacey'' and Ted Case in the final series of ...

), is murdered on Christmas Day 2009. She arrives on the scene when several people claim that Archie's partner-in-crime,

Janine Butcher Janine Carter (also Butcher, Evans and Malloy) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', introduced in 1989. The character was played by Rebecca Michael from 1989 to 1993, Alexia Demetriou from 1993 to 1996, and Charlie ...

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Charlie Brooks Charlene Emma Brooks (born 3 May 1981) is a British actress. Known for the role of Janine Butcher in the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'', she has received numerous awards since her first appearance on the soap in 1999, with storylines invo ...

), had killed him - though but Marsden waits before questioning her, and decides to interrogate the Mitchells first. She makes a televised appeal for witnesses and later interviews Phil, but he is provided an alibi by his new girlfriend

Shirley Carter Shirley Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Linda Henry. She first appeared on 7 December 2006, during episodes set in Dorset. This is Henry's second role in ''EastEnders'', as she previously played ...

(

Linda Henry Linda Varilis (''née'' Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV drama '' Bad Girls'' and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', a role she has played since 2006. S ...

). A few days later, a red fingernail is found at the scene of the murder; Marsden visits the female locals, checking their hands. When Marsden notices Shirley's best-friend

Heather Trott Heather Trott (also Peterson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Cheryl Fergison. She made her first appearance on 26 June 2007. The character was introduced as a guest character, but later became a regula ...

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Cheryl Fergison Cheryl Fergison (born 27 August 1965) is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Heather Trott in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' a role in which she starred in from 2007 until 2012. Career After training at Rose Bruford ...

) is at a vulnerable state over the matter, she questions Heather about Christmas Day and Heather accidentally tells Marsden that Phil wasn't there. Marsden interviews Phil and later visits his home, asking to see the clothes he was wearing on Christmas Day. Shirley shows her a clean shirt; Marsden closes the laundrette, hoping anyone with blood-stained clothes will not be able to wash them. After a tip-off, Marsden arrests Phil's sister Sam (

Danniella Westbrook Danniella Westbrook (born 5 November 1973) is an English actress, best known for originally playing Sam Mitchell in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' on and off from 1990 to 2000 and 2009 to 2016. Away from ''EastEnders'', she has presented var ...

) for the murder; Sam has accused her and Phil's mother, Peggy (

Barbara Windsor Dame Barbara Windsor (born Barbara Ann Deeks; 6 August 193710 December 2020) was an English actress, known for her roles in the ''Carry On'' films and for playing Peggy Mitchell in the BBC One soap opera, ''EastEnders''. Later on, Marsden confirms that she was there to talk to Peggy; she had been questioning Peggy and Sam at the police station. Peggy is released without charge; however, Sam is detained for jumping bail. Marsden visits Janine, who insists that people will say anything to get her in trouble. She asks Janine why she was out in the cold on Christmas Day, and asks if Janine knows where Archie's laptop as it had gone missing. On 18 January, Marsden arrests Ian after Janine told her that Ian took advantage of her, stole Archie's laptop, which had a recording of them having sex on it, and dumped it in the canal. Ian refuses to talk, but when Marsden shows him CCTV footage of him dumping the laptop, and then shows him the recovered laptop, he admits visiting Archie on Christmas Day; claiming that Archie was threatening him and that he merely visited him to delete the recording. Ian denies murdering Archie, but Marsden is unconvinced and later charges him. A couple of days later, Janine tells Marsden she saw Ian leave the Queen Victoria on Christmas Day but the bust of Queen Victoria was on the bar after he left. Marsden places Janine at the scene, but she also denies murdering Archie. Marsden tells Ian that although the murder charge will be dropped, he will still be charged with burglary and theft of Archie's laptop. She and DC Wayne Hughes (Jamie Treacher) attend Archie's funeral, watching people's reactions in the hope of a new lead. Peggy returns to Archie's grave; when Marsden asks why, she explains that she didn't believe him when he said his cancer had returned. The following week, Archie's daughter

Ronnie Ronnie may refer to: *Ronnie (name), a unisex pet name and given name * "Ronnie" (Four Seasons song), a song by Bob Gaudio and Bob Crewe *"Ronnie," a song from the Metallica album '' Load'' *Ronnie Brunswijkstadion, an association football stadium ...

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Samantha Womack Samantha Zoe Womack (''Birth name, née'' Janus; born 2 November 1972) is an English actress, singer, model and director who has worked in film, television and stage. Womack initially planned a career in singing and she represented the Unite ...

) spots Marsden talking to her ex-boyfriend

Jack Branning Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim (John Bardon) and Reenie Branning (Joy Graham) and the brother ...

(

Scott Maslen Scott Alexander Maslen (born 25 June 1971) is an English actor and model, best known for his portrayal as DS Phil Hunter in ITV's ''The Bill'' and Jack Branning on the BBC's flagship soap ''EastEnders'' since 2007. He also took part in the 2010 ...

) about Archie's murder; Jack tells Ronnie that he was fishing for information. With no new leads, Marsden's boss threatens to take her off the case. She reviews the suspects and decides to question Jack, since he is asking more questions than he has answered. In the café, Marsden and Hughes discuss new information she has obtained - ensuring that she is overheard.

Chinese whispers Chinese whispers (some Commonwealth English) or telephone (American English and Canadian English) is an internationally popular children's game. It is also called transmission chain experiments in the context of cultural evolution research, and ...

-style rumours circulate, ending with the certainty that Marsden would arrest Ronnie. Ronnie sees Marsden in the Square, and a struggle ensues. She knocks Marsden down, prompting her to arrest Ronnie - who is later charged with assaulting a police officer; Ronnie is subsequently released on bail. Marsden suspects Ronnie further, saying that she has now shown her true colours. Later, Marsden witnesses fellow policewoman DC Jasmine Field (Karen Ascoe) entering the pub with other officers to arrest a suspect; frightened, Ronnie leaves Walford. Marsden is suspicious when Jasmine arrests Jack's stepmother, Dot (

June Brown June Muriel Brown (16 February 1927 – 3 April 2022) was an English actress and author. She was best known for her role as Dot Cotton on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (1985–1993; 1997–2020). In 2005, she won Best Actress at the ''In ...

), for assaulting her granddaughter Dotty (

Molly Conlin Molly Conlin (born 23 February 2001) is a former English actress, known for her role as Dotty Cotton on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Personal life Conlin was born in Canning Town, London where she lives with her mother and her brother, Ja ...

).; earlier on, Dot slapped Dotty after she insulted her and wish that she had died at the hands of her father and Dot's criminal son -

Nick Nick may refer to: * Nick (given name) * A cricket term for a slight deviation of the ball off the edge of the bat * British slang for being arrested * British slang for a police station * British slang for stealing * Short for nickname Place ...

( John Altman). Shortly after Dot is taken into custody, though later released without charge, Jack accuses Marsden for unnecessarily sending am uniformed officer to arrest Dot and unsettle the locals; he later realizes there was no new information. Janine tells Marsden that Ronnie has fled, but Marsden finds her at the Queen Vic. Marsden remarks that a new forensic profile has been found, and DNA screening of white males will shortly begin. After Hughes accepts a bribe from Jack to make the DNA samples disappear, Marsden receives an anonymous tip-off. The police search Janine's flat, finding the engagement ring that went missing the night of Archie's murder, and Janine is arrested; she is later released for lack of evidence. The police are again called with a warrant to arrest Jack's nephew

Bradley Bradley is an English surname derived from a place name meaning "broad wood" or "broad meadow" in Old English. Like many English surnames Bradley can also be used as a given name and as such has become popular. It is also an Anglicisation of t ...

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Charlie Clements Charlie Clements (born 5 June 1987) is an English actor known for the role of Bradley Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from January 2006 to February 2010. He has won several soap and magazine awards for his performance. Biography ...

), after his ex-lover

Becca Swanson Rebecca Swanson (born November 20, 1973) is an American powerlifter and professional wrestler. Becca Swanson holds several powerlifting world records for women, including the heaviest squat, heaviest deadlift and the heaviest bench press. Due t ...

(Simone James) told Marsden that Bradley had attacked Archie on Christmas Day. Marsden spots him when his phone rings; two officers chase Bradley to the roof, where he stumbles and falls to his death. The investigation ends, since the police believe that Bradley had killed Archie; however, his killer was actually Bradley's estranged wife

Stacey Slater Stacey Slater (also Branning and Fowler) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', portrayed by Lacey Turner. She first appears in episode 2826, originally broadcast on 1 November 2004. The character is introduced as a fe ...

(

Lacey Turner Lacey Amelia Turner (born 28 March 1988) is an English actress. She is known for portraying the role of Stacey Slater on the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'' (2004–2010, 2014–present), for which she has won over thirty awards, including four ...

) - who later confesses the murder to her father-in-law Max (

Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is an English actor and podcaster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' and ''Red Dwarf''. ...

2012

In January 2012, Ian's one-time lover

Denise Fox Denise Fox (also Wicks and Johnson) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by Diane Parish. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006 and temporarily left ''EastEnders'' in early 2008 to give birth to her ...

(

Diane Parish Diane Parish (born 1 November 1969) is an English actress, who has been portraying the character Denise Fox on the BBC One soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006 Born in Chelsea, London and a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Pari ...

) gives Marsden a letter that incriminates Phil in the death of a homeless man - who is reported to have died after Phil torched the car lot in an insurance scam in 1994; she adds that Phil also murdered his ex-fiance,

Stella Crawford Stella Crawford is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Sophie Thompson from 7 September 2006 to 23 July 2007. The character's story arc revolves on her relationship with established character Phil Mitchell ...

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Sophie Thompson Sophie Thompson (born 20 January 1962) is a British actress who has worked in film, television and theatre. A six-time Olivier Award nominee, she won the 1999 Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the London revival of ''Into the Woods' ...

), and Marsden thanks Denise for the information. Marsden arrives in Walford and begins trailing Phil. She asks Denise not to tell Phil that she is in town, wanting to ensure Phil's imprisonment. Marsden then targets Phil's son,

Ben Ben is frequently used as a shortened version of the given names Benjamin, Benedict, Bennett or Benson, and is also a given name in its own right. Ben (in he, בֶּן, ''son of'') forms part of Hebrew surnames, e.g. Abraham ben Abraham ( he, � ...

(Joshua Pascoe), interviewing him about Stella's death. Ben was abused by Stella and finds Marsden's questions distressing; however, she continues to press him. After a falling-out with Phil Ben changes his statement, telling Marsden that Phil told Stella to jump off a building or he would push her. Marsden then arrests Phil for murder, and Ben reveals he was stalking him. She informs Phil's partner, Shirley, that he has been charged with Stella's murder. Ben pleads with Marsden to keep his statement a secret from the Mitchells, but she tells him he must accept that his father will learn about Ben's involvement in his arrest eventually. After discovering Ben's lies about his father, Ian then passes this information on to Marsden and Ben is arrested. On the day Phil release, he helps Ben hide his involvement in Heather's murder; Marsden tells Phil at the police station she will contact him about Ben's accusations. The charges against Ben are dropped; Marsden visits Phil, taunting him that he will eventually slip up and further implies that Ben may ultimately bring him to justice In August, Marsden reappears when Ben confesses Heather's murder. She does not believe his confession, thinking it is another lie to get attention from Phil. However, Ben is arrested and charged with the murder after Marsden helps fellow policeman DS Luke Crisp (

Rufus Wright Rufus Gerrard-Wright, known as Rufus Wright, is an English film, stage and television actor. Personal life Wright is the son of Major-General Richard Gerrard-Wright and his wife, Susan (née Young). He is the younger brother of Lance Gerrard-Wr ...

) convince Ben's best-friend,

Jay Brown Jay Brown (also Mitchell) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by Jamie Borthwick. He made his first appearance on 14 December 2006. Jay's storylines since joining the programme have included being part of a ...

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Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor who has portrayed the role of Jay Brown in the BBC One, BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. He is also known for his role in Not Going out as The kid who Kicks Lee Career Borth ...

), to implicate him as Heather's killer.

2015

In July 2015, Phil learns that Marsden is aiding her colleague

DI Samantha Keeble The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' which aired in 2008 (by order of first appearance). All characters were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer. Santer introduced four ch ...

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Alison Newman Alison Newman (born 25 January 1968) is a British actress, best known for her role in the hit ITV1 television series ''Footballers' Wives'' as Hazel Bailey, and as DCI Samantha Keeble in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Biography Alison N ...

) with investigating the murder of Ian's daughter

Lucy Lucy is an English feminine given name derived from the Latin masculine given name Lucius with the meaning ''as of light'' (''born at dawn or daylight'', maybe also ''shiny'', or ''of light complexion''). Alternative spellings are Luci, Luce, Luci ...

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Hetti Bywater Harriet Jessica Phoebe “Hetti” Bywater (born 10 September 1994) is an English former actress. She is best known for portraying Lucy Beale in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', taking over the role from Melissa Suffield in January 2012 until ...

); her father and the Beale family were earlier informed that Marsden would be coordinating with the case. When Phil answers the door that Marsden is knocking outside his house, he is shocked and appalled when she wants to speak to Ben about Lucy's murder. Phil slams the door in her face and then attempts to delay Marsden so Ben can flee Walford, but Ben is eventually arrested.

Development

Characterisation

Nicknamed the "female sleuth" by the ''Daily Record'', Marsden's profile on the ''EastEnders'' website describes her as "fearless, no-nonsense copper and the scourge of Walford’s criminal fraternity." The ''

East Anglian Daily Times The ''East Anglian Daily Times'' is a British local newspaper for Suffolk and Essex, based in Ipswich. History The newspaper began publication on 13 October 1874, incorporating the ''Ipswich Express'', which had been published since 13 August ...

'' described Marsden as "tough", Ian Hyland from ''The Mirror'' called her "scary" and Nancy Banks-Smith from ''

The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'', and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers ''The Observer'' and ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardian'' is part of the Gu ...

'' characterised her as "strict". Naomi Mcelroy described Marsden as a "curly-haired copper", but said as a detective she was "rubbish"; Polly Hudson from ''

The Daily Mirror ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...

'' similarly opined, saying she was "useless" (as did Mcelroy), and stated that Marsden was "making a right pig's ear" of investigating Archie's (Lamb) murder. The ''

'' Tony Stewart characterised her as "vindictive".

Introduction, 2002 and 2003 returns

Marsden first appeared on 5 March 2001 in the "Who Shot Phil?" storyline. In the

storyline the five main suspects were Dan Sullivan, Steve Owen, Lisa Shaw, Ian Beale and Mark Fowler. A source in the '' Daily Record'' said, "Sooner or later the truth will out. But until then there's going to be a lot of probing going on." She left on 27 March 2001 after unsuccessfully identifying the shooter (who turned out to be Lisa). In 2002 she appeared in January, April and from 14 November to 6 December. In November, when Marsden returns, the police suspect that Phil has murdered his ex-wife Lisa. ''The Daily Mirror'' said, "They are the words Phil Mitchell has heard many times before. 'You're nicked', baldy. Intrepid DCI Marsden may not be a

Jane Tennison ''Prime Suspect'' is a British police procedural television drama series devised by Lynda La Plante. It stars Helen Mirren as Jane Tennison, one of the first female Detective Chief Inspectors in Greater London's Metropolitan Police Service, who ...

, but she's nabbed her prime suspect. "I've got some good news for you, Phil," she says, after arresting him on suspicion of murder. "The police in Portugal found your jacket. Unfortunately for you, it's covered in blood. Mrs Fowler's blood..." In 2003, Marsden returned in March July, August, November and for a longer stint in December.

Who Killed Archie? and 2012 returns

In November 2009, it was reported that Stanton would reprise her role as Jill. ''

Digital Spy Digital Spy (DS) is a British-based entertainment, television and film website and brand and is the largest digital property at Hearst UK. Since its launch in 1999, Digital Spy has focused on entertainment news related to television programmes, ...

'' forum members had previously pointed out that her return was hinted at in a photo on the official ''EastEnders'' website and in a feature ("Script Peek") where Phil is quoted as saying, "I know exactly what makes her tick" before adding "I've wriggled off her hook so many times. She's already picturing me standing in the dock" in the 29 December episode. Marsden returned to investigate the murder of Archie Mitchell. A source told ''Digital Spy'', "Marsden has a score to settle with Phil. She was never far behind Phil when he put a foot out of place all those years ago and she's back with a vengeance...With so many people in the frame for Archie's murder, Marsden has a difficult job on her hands if she wants to pin it on Phil." Of her return she said, "It came completely out of the blue, and knocked me for six."...I really thought Marsden was no more. It was a really great surprise because I’d just finished a year’s run at the National Theatre, appearing in a new play called ''

England People Very Nice ''England People Very Nice'' is a play by Richard Bean. It opened at the National Theatre in February 2009. The play, directed by Nicholas Hytner, is about four waves of immigrants - French Huguenot, Irish, Jewish and Bangladeshi - that have ar ...

'' – so it couldn’t have come at a better time." She returned on 28 December 2009. Although Stanton did not know who murdered Archie, she guessed that it could be Stacey Slater (which turned out to be correct). Speaking of this, she said that Sophie was one of the few to correctly guess it was Stacey. "I had an epiphany about a week before the live episode. It was a memory of the whole Who Shot Phil? storyline, and how there were eight different suspects, including some really hard blokes, and it turned out to be Lisa. I knew DCI Marsden wasn’t going to get the culprit, because of a couple of scenes of the following episode we’d shot in December, and I thought that narratively, Stacey was the only person who the audience would forgive, and who could get away with it. That was my theory and it turned out to be right!" Naomi Mcelroy from ''

The Sunday Mirror The ''Sunday Mirror'' is the Sunday sister paper of the ''Daily Mirror''. It began life in 1915 as the ''Sunday Pictorial'' and was renamed the ''Sunday Mirror'' in 1963. In 2016 it had an average weekly circulation of 620,861, dropping marke ...

'' thought that Marsden could be Archie's killer. Marsden left on 22 February 2010, and returned on 5 January 2012. She returned after Phil is framed for

Kevin Wicks Kevin Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Phil Daniels. Kevin made his first appearance on February 17, 2006, when he was introduced onto the show alongside his two children, Carly (Kellie Shirley) a ...

' (

Phil Daniels Philip William Daniels (born 25 October 1958) is an English actor, musician and singer, most noted for film and television roles playing Londoners, such as the lead role of Jimmy Cooper in ''Quadrophenia'', Richards in '' Scum'', Stewart in ''Th ...

)'s death and that of a homeless man, who died accidentally in a car-lot fire (part of an insurance scam). According to ''

Inside Soap ''Inside Soap'' is a weekly magazine published in the United Kingdom, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas in the United Kingdom, including '' Coronation Street'', ''Doctors'', ''EastEnders'', ''Emmerdal ...

'' the police would begin questioning Phil's former fiancée Stella Crawford's death, teasing Marsden's return: "The investigation is set to bring Phil face to face with his old nemesis, DCI Marsden – and this time she'll stop at nothing to put the bad boy permanently behind bars". ''Digital Spy'' reported that Marsden re-opens the investigation into Stella's death, "suspecting that all is not what it seems". Finally, Marsden returned for two single episodes on 17 August 2012.

Who Killed Lucy Beale?

In July 2015, it was revealed that Stanton would be reprising her role as Marsden for the continuation of the

storyline. Whilst viewers know

Bobby Beale Robert Hughes Beale (8 January 1884 – 5 October 1950) was an English footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Born in Maidstone, Kent, he played in the Southern League for Brighton & Hove Albion and Norwich City before joining Football League ...

is the culprit, Marsden,

Samantha Keeble The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' which aired in 2008 (by order of first appearance). All characters were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer. Santer introduced four ch ...

and

Cameron Bryant The following are characters who first appeared, or returned, in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' during 2014 listed by order of first appearance. All new characters in 2014 were introduced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, executive producer. Na ...

will reportedly make an arrest for the murder, arresting an innocent suspect.

Related media

The BBC used viral promotion on the ''EastEnders'' homepage to further develop the storyline of ''Who Killed Archie?'', with Marsden the main character in the nine videos. A new section ("Marsden's Video Diaries") was launched, encompassing events on the show from 25 December 2009 onwards in diary style from Marsden's point of view. Insight was provided on the character's thoughts and feelings on the events surrounding her each week, beginning with the introduction: "Christmas Day. I should be at home with my feet up eating a mince pie and watching the Doctor Who Christmas special. Instead, I’ve been called into work. Murder. A bloody one too. The victim, one Archibald Mitchell. Not the first time a Mitchell's ruined my night. Still, if this leads to Phil Mitchell all wrapped up in Walford nick by New Years day, might be the best present I’ve ever had." On the videos Marsden discussed evidence, suspects she had brought in and her relationship with Phil. During the next three video diaries, Marsden talks about the suspects and the evidence against them. In episode three it is Ronnie, Peggy and Sam; in episode four she talks about Janine Butcher, and in episode five she discusses Ian's motives. Towards the end of the series (in episode seven), Marsden's boss threatens to fire her if she does not capture the culprit: "I’ve got to get someone. I’ve got to pin this on someone. Every address in the immediate area door-stopped. Five suspects questioned, one arrest. Nothing. They tell me nothing. Mitchell, the ex wife, the daughter, Beale, Butcher, ackBranning, I’m getting closer, I just need time. Of course my boss is putting pressure on. Says I’m losing my touch, That he'll take the case of me. This is my case. Somebody's going down for it and it ain’t going to be me." In the penultimate episode, Marsden announces that the DNA results have come through; this is aired on ''EastEnders''. The final episode of ''Marsden's Video Diaries'' aired on 19 February 2010, three days before Marsden's departure in 2010. In this episode ("Case Closed"), the Lionel Richie song "

Hello ''Hello'' is a salutation or greeting in the English language. It is first attested in writing from 1826. Early uses ''Hello'', with that spelling, was used in publications in the U.S. as early as the 18 October 1826 edition of the ''Norwich C ...

" plays as the "Who Killed Archie?" storyline replays with the focus on Marsden. The BBC described the episode: "DCI Marsden's caught Archie's killer – or she's collared someone for it at least. But Hello!? Was it Phil she was looking for? Don't tell us you didn't spot the latent chemistry between this pair. Shirley must have been livid. We wouldn't like to surmise what the DCI planned to do with Phil if she got him behind bars. But we do hope this is one Endless Love that will be revisited..."

''Marsden's Video Diaries'' episodes

Reception

When Marsden returned in December 2002, Ian Hyland of ''The Mirror'' said he disliked the "smouldering" sexual tension between Phil and Marsden. Jo Atkison of the '' Western Mail'' discussed the Marsden-Kate-Phil storyline, saying, "Betrayal with a capital B is the order of the day in the Square this week. It's the cop Kate plot I'm interested in. To shop or not to shop is a dilemma that Kate finds hard to cope with as she waits for the confession that will nail Phil for good". In an interview with the ''East Anglian Daily Times'', Stanton remarked that she was frequently asked to have her photo taken due to her role in ''EastEnders''. Real-life police detectives criticised the portrayals of detectives Marsden and her colleague DC Wayne Hughes in the show, saying that viewers who see them talking to residents about the case and accepting bribes may believe that the police operate that way in reality. The BBC insisted that a police consultant was used, adding that "this is heightened fiction and all the things that we show might not always represent real life." A spokesperson said, "We always have a police consultant on shows like this that we go to before casting." Jane Simon and Brian Mclver described Marsden as having an "appetite for making random arrests". Simon added, "While the list of suspects includes the entire northern hemisphere, it's time for DCI Marsden to make another of her daily arrests. Like a

Formula One Formula One (also known as Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The World Drivers' Championship, ...

pit stop In motorsports, a pit stop is a pause for refuelling, new tyres, repairs, mechanical adjustments, a driver change, as a penalty, or any combination of the above. These stops occur in an area called the pits, most commonly accessed via a pit la ...

, she has got it down to a fine art." Kevin O'Sullivan of the ''Sunday Mirror'' commented on the "Who Killed Archie?" storyline: "Despite widespread apathy, Albert Square's Cockney rabble trundle on with the life-sapping saga of Who Killed Archie? Who gives a toss? While potential murderers Phil, Ian, Bradley (

) and the gang hint furtively at their guilt, the absurd DCI

Marple Marple may refer to: Places * Marple, Greater Manchester, a town close to Stockport, in England ** Marple Bridge, a village within the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, in Greater Manchester ** Marple railway station in Marple, Greater Manchest ...

– sorry Marsden – keeps arresting bunny-boiler Ronnie without a shred of evidence. "I've spent 20 years building a career on hunches," bragged Miss Marsden. Yeah, and you've made it all the way to Walford nick. A real high flyer!" In 2015, Laura-Jayne Tyler from ''

'' bemoaned Marsden's return, saying "Can someone please explain to us why DCI Marsden is now in charge of the Lucy Beale case? She couldn't catch a bus, let along a killer."

References

External links

*
Marsden's Video Diaries
at

BBC Online BBC Online, formerly known as BBCi, is the BBC's online service. It is a large network of websites including such high-profile sites as BBC News and BBC Sport, Sport, the on-demand video and radio services branded BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, t ...

{{DEFAULTSORT:Marsden, Jill EastEnders characters Fictional British police detectives Television characters introduced in 2001 Female characters in television