Linda Valiris (née Henry; born 24 August 1959) is an English actress. She is known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison drama series Bad Girls and Shirley Carter in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She had previously appeared in EastEnders as the original Lorraine Salter, the mother of Mandy Salter (Nicola Stapleton), from 1991 to 1992. Her other acting credits include Cracker (1995), Prime Suspect (1997) and Trial & Retribution (1998). She has also appeared in the films Beautiful Thing (1996) and The Business (2005).

Early life

Henry was born on 24 August 1959 and was brought up in Peckham, London. She spent some time with the Old Vic Youth Theatre, and at 17, she went to the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art.

Career

In 1996, Henry played Sandra in the film Beautiful Thing. In 1999, Henry began portraying Yvonne Atkins in the ITV prison series Bad Girls. After the series ended in 2003, she appeared in various British television programmes including The Bill, Birds of a Feather, Touching Evil, Cracker, A Touch of Frost, Trial & Retribution as Marilyn Spark and EastEnders, where she played Lorraine Salter, the mother of Mandy Salter (Nicola Stapleton). She also appeared in British film The Business, alongside Danny Dyer. On 8 September 2006, it was announced Henry would be returning to EastEnders in a different role, this time playing Shirley Carter, mother to Carly (Kellie Shirley) and Deano (Matt Di Angelo) and ex-wife of Kevin (Phil Daniels). Dyer, who she had worked with previously, was cast in 2013 as Henry's son, Mick. In late 2022, Henry embarked on an "extended break" from EastEnders. Henry is expected to return at some point; however, as of November 2024, it is unknown when, or even whether, she will return.

Personal life

Henry married Stavros Valiris in 1992. Their daughter was born in 1993. In 2014, she was arrested for racially aggravated harassment. Henry pleaded not guilty and stood trial on 11 February 2015 at Bexley Magistrates' Court in south London. She was later cleared of all charges.

Filmography

Awards and nominations