Harriet Thorpe

Harriet Amelia Thorpe (born June 8, 1957) is an English actress known for her roles in the British sitcoms The Brittas Empire (1991-1997) and Absolutely Fabulous (1992-2012). She was born in Hampstead, London to Gillian and Edward Thorpe, both writers. Thorpe trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama and studied dance at the Royal Ballet School. Throughout her career, she has appeared in West End musicals such as Cabaret (2006), Wicked (2008), and Mamma Mia! (2010). In 2023, she joined the cast of the BBC soap opera EastEnders, taking on the role of Elaine Peacock. Thorpe is of Jewish heritage.