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VIEWERS of last night's eagerly awaited series two return of crime drama DI Ray were treated to a surprise cameo from an actor who appeared in a popular BBC soap.

EastEnders fans were surprised to see a familiar face in the shape of Annette Badland, who famously played Aunt Babe.

Parminder Nagra returned to our screens as DI Ray – S2Ep 1, Credit: ITV
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Parminder Nagra returned to our screens as DI Ray – S2Ep 1, Credit: ITVCredit: ITV
DI Ray fans stunned as they spot EastEnders icon in series two of ITV drama, Pictured: Annette Badland who was Aunt Babe in EastEnders in DI RAY S2 Ep 1, Credit: ITV
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DI Ray fans stunned as they spot EastEnders icon in series two of ITV drama, Pictured: Annette Badland who was Aunt Babe in EastEnders in DI RAY S2 Ep 1, Credit: ITVCredit: ITV

Babe Smith, affectionately known as Aunt Babe, made her debut to the square in January 2014.

She is a long lost member of the Carter family, Sylvie's sister and Shirley and Tina's aunt.

But last night Annette looked worlds away from the Square in a brief DI Ray cameo.

She played Liz in the episode - entitled Wrong Place - a character who works in a pawn shop and is questioned about the disappearance of her boss.

Read more on DI Ray

DI Ray first burst onto our screens in May 2022. The crime drama follows DI Rachita Ray, played by Parminder Nagra as she investigates cases.

The show explores the racial prejudices DI Ray encounters on the job and attitudes towards diversity in general within the force.

In the last series she was investigating the murder of criminal Imran Aziz and encountered many twists and turns along the way.

The new series continued with the search for his killers after a drive by shooting of a young nurse.

Trailer for BBC crime series Ludwig

It's not the first time that ITV bosses have plucked characters from the world of soap for the show.

Coronation Street's Owen Armstrong, played by actor Ian Puleston-Davies was Superintendent Ross Beardsmore in the first series and returns for the second season too.

DI Ray continues tonight and Tuesday on ITV1 and ITVX

Aunt babe played by Annette Badland leaves EastEnders Credit: BBC
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Aunt babe played by Annette Badland leaves EastEnders Credit: BBCCredit: BBC
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