Who is Graham Foster in EastEnders? Freddie's father explained | Radio Times

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Original actor Alex McSweeney has reprised his role, having first appeared as Graham back in 2003. During his on-off two-year stint on the BBC soap, Graham sexually assaulted Little Mo Slater (Kacey Ainsworth), resulting in her pregnancy.

He later stood trial for rape but has since apparently built a new life, leading Freddie to believe that he's a nice, ordinary man.

Now, 18 years on from Graham's last appearance in Walford, here's all you need to know about the character as he returns to haunt the Slaters...

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Who is Graham Foster in EastEnders?

Little Mo looking at Graham Foster — Little Mo was attacked by Graham Foster. BBC

Graham was first introduced to EastEnders in November 2003 as a customer of the Queen Vic.

He befriended Little Mo, with the two bonding over their shared love of crosswords. However, Graham had ulterior motives for his interest in Mo and, one night, he made his intentions clear by trying to kiss her when they were alone in the pub.

Despite Mo's repeated rejections, Graham couldn't take 'no' for an answer and he raped her on the floor of The Queen Vic pub, resulting in the conception of Freddie.

Alex McSweeney as Graham Foster in EastEnders. — Alex McSweeney as Graham Foster in EastEnders. BBC

Little Mo's father, Charlie (Derek Martin), assaulted Graham upon learning about what he did to his daughter, getting his cab driver's licence suspended and facing three months in jail.

Mo's rapist added insult to injury by asking for compensation, forcing Mo's sister Kat (Jessie Wallace) and her then-husband Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) to borrow £10,000 from her ex, the gangster Andy Hunter (Michael Higgs).

However, justice would come for Graham too when he finally stood trial for sexual assault in November 2004.

What happened to Graham Foster in EastEnders?

Graham stood in court for having raped Mo, who gave her account of the incident, backed by her husband Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).

During the trial, Graham's mum Deirdre (Patricia Brake) informed Mo that Graham had two daughters, Ella and Rebecca, from a previous marriage that he wasn't in touch with.

Under oath, Graham tried to appeal to the judge by lying about often visiting his daughters. However, he was blindsided when Mo's barrister revealed it had been over three years since he last saw them.

Furious, Graham shouted at his mother from the dock, realising she must've told Mo about Ella and Rebecca.

Graham was eventually sentenced to eight years in prison but appeared again in 2005 when he requested a visit from Billy.

During their encounter, Graham goaded Mo's husband about not being Freddie's biological father, insisting the boy would grow up to look like him. Graham further enraged Billy by hinting at being excited about meeting Freddie once he'd get out of prison.

Where is Graham Foster now?

Bobby Brazier as Freddie Slater and Alex McSweeney as Graham Foster in EastEnders — Bobby Brazier as Freddie Slater and Alex McSweeney as Graham Foster in EastEnders. BBC

Graham Foster is now a car dealer working in Peckham, London, having been released from prison years prior.

On Wednesday 2nd August 2023, Freddie met Graham under the pretence of buying a car from him. When Freddie explained who he really was, Graham was impressed that Freddie had checked up on him before "showing his hand".

Graham referenced his two daughters, and when Freddie asked what had happened between him and Little Mo, Graham feigned confusion of his own, claiming that he and Freddie had "paid a high price", and speaking with contempt about Freddie's mum and sisters.

He implied that Little Mo wasn't "as quiet as she made out", and invited Freddie to join him for a deeper chat.

A devastated Freddie was later informed by his aunt Kat, as well as Billy and Alfie, that Graham had raped his mother, leading to his conception.

On Thursday 3rd August 2023, a devastated Freddie struggled to come to terms with the truth of his conception and ran away from home, leaving his family and loved ones terrified for his wellbeing.

Bobby Brazier cries as Freddie Slater in EastEnders. — Bobby Brazier cries as Freddie Slater in EastEnders. BBC

Meanwhile, Freddie sat atop the roof of the Queen Vic pub and had a heart-to-heart with Gina Knight (Francesca Henry) who made him realise how strong and loving his mum Little Mo had been.

Towards the end of the episode, Kat prepared to report Freddie as missing but he soon returned home and affirmed his loyalty to his mum.

In the final scene, Freddie played a voicemail from Graham where he mentioned how he and his daughters were excited to meet with Freddie.

An emotional Freddie then deleted the voicemail and then broke down in tears on his bed.

Next week, Freddie heads off to visit his mum Little Mo, prompting Kat to remind him how much his mum loves him.

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EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

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