EASTENDERS fans were stunned as long-term soap character Marie Evans "spoke up for first time".

The actress - who has been a soap extra since 2003 - plays the waitress at Kathy's café.

On Thursday's instalment, viewers were thrilled to see Marie stand up to loudmouth Kim.

Aspiring influencer Kim swanned into the café and greeted Marie, but then told her that she would get her usual "on the house".

But Marie, who is usually silent on the BBC One show, took a swipe at Kim telling her that she'd have to cough up the cash at the request of owner Kathy Beale.

Responding to Kim's demands, Marie hit back: "Kathy said you have to pay!"

Viewers were elated to see one of the longest serving extras finally find their voice.

One wrote: "Did I just hear Marie speak? That's got to be a first. #EastEnders"

"The waitress in the café finally said something after so many years. #EastEnders," another posted.

A third said: "Marie standing up to Kim is jokes. #EastEnders"

One of Marie’s few speaking roles was in 2016, when Tina Carter needed to leave the café and asked her to cover for her for the rest of the shift.

Her other storylines included her joining the book club in 2010 following the departure of Tanya Branning and Jane's holiday to America.

At one point, her employer Ian Beale stole a home video of her giving birth to put his daughter Lucy Beale off having a baby.

She is one of the longest-serving extras, alongside market stall owner Winston and barmaid Tracey.