'EastEnders' Ann Mitchell: 'Cora was forced to give up Ava'

EastEnders star Ann Mitchell has revealed that her character Cora Cross was "forced" to put her first-born daughter Ava up for adoption.

Back in the summer, Cora claimed that Ava died shortly after being born, but next week's episodes feature the big revelation that she was lying.

As first reported earlier today (November 6), Cora confides in Patrick Trueman by revealing that Ava is still alive.

Mitchell told Soaplife of the storyline: "The baby's father was black and he left Cora before he knew she was pregnant. She was 18 and unmarried, and at that time, having a baby in her situation was a social stigma. She was made to feel enormous shame by her parents, who forced her to give the baby up for adoption."

On why Cora kept quiet for so long, the actress continued: "It's partly through an enormous sense of guilt, and to keep things as safe and uncomplicated as they could be."

EastEnders bosses have already confirmed that Clare Perkins (pictured left) has been cast as Ava, who arrives on screen on November 20.

Mitchell added: "It's going to be mayhem. The implications will be huge. The family will want answers, and I'm sure we won't be seeing the back of Ava."