EastEnders fans know Elijah Holloway as the charming but troubled Harry Mitchell, a character who has been embroiled in plenty of drama since his introduction to the Mitchell family last year. Harry’s turbulent journey on the soap has seen him discover shocking family secrets, including learning that his father is not Teddy Mitchell (as he originally thought), but Zack Hudson. His romance with Penny Branning ended tragically, and he now finds himself caught in the web of local villain Ravi Gulati’s illegal activities, including being coerced into drug dealing.

However, Elijah’s real-life journey to EastEnders has an interesting twist—before he stepped into the role of Harry Mitchell, Elijah tried his hand at a different form of performance: he auditioned for the BBC talent show Let It Shine in 2017, eight years ago. And, believe it or not, he left an impression on the judges, although not always for the reasons you might expect!

Elijah’s Audition on Let It Shine

In 2017, Elijah was just 18 years old and already eager to make his mark in the entertainment world. He auditioned for Let It Shine, a now-defunct BBC show that aimed to find a lead performer for a musical inspired by the songs of Take That. During his audition, Elijah took an unconventional approach by showing off his charisma as a luxury perfume seller, trying to sell the judges various scents in an attempt to display his personality and charm.

The judges, which included Dannii Minogue, Amber Riley, Gary Barlow, and Martin Kemp, were all set to be impressed by Elijah’s enthusiastic performance. However, the audition took a cringe-worthy turn when Elijah made a rather awkward remark directed at Martin Kemp. Elijah, attempting to charm Martin, suggested that the Spandau Ballet member would prefer a “wooden” scent. Realizing his blunder, Elijah quickly backtracked and clarified that by “wooden,” he meant “mature and elegant,” to which Martin Kemp humorously responded, “I know I was in EastEnders for a while but that’s below the belt, I thought!”

While the moment was definitely awkward, it didn’t completely derail Elijah’s audition. Despite the embarrassing slip-up, he caught the attention of the judges, and it’s easy to see why: he had the natural charisma and confidence that would later define his portrayal of Harry Mitchell.

From Let It Shine to EastEnders

Although Elijah didn’t win Let It Shine, his time on the show laid the groundwork for his future in the entertainment industry. Fast forward to 2022, and Elijah was cast in EastEnders as Harry Mitchell, a key new addition to the iconic Mitchell family.

Harry, whose backstory was heavily intertwined with some of the most familiar faces in Walford, was immediately thrust into some major storylines. Fans of the soap quickly took to Elijah’s performance as Harry, as the character’s charismatic and sometimes reckless demeanor made him a perfect fit for the Mitchell clan.

Reflecting on his time with EastEnders, Elijah shared his excitement: “It’s a massive privilege to join a British institution like EastEnders, and to be playing a Mitchell makes it even more exciting.” He also praised the warm welcome he received from the EastEnders cast, describing his role as a character with “a lot of charm and swagger” but also a “bit of a temper.” Harry’s adventurous and trouble-making side has certainly added a lot of drama to the show, and viewers have enjoyed watching his character shake things up in typical Mitchell fashion.

Elijah’s Impact in the Mitchell Family

Since his arrival, Elijah’s character, Harry, has gone through significant changes. From a romantic involvement with Penny Branning to discovering the truth about his biological father, Harry has faced personal challenges that have helped shape his role within the Mitchell family.

Fans have enjoyed watching Harry’s dynamics with established characters, including his complicated relationship with his father, Teddy, and his attempt to carve out his own identity in a family as notorious as the Mitchells. His storyline with Ravi, where he gets involved in illegal dealings, shows just how far Harry is willing to go to prove himself.

Harry’s charm and vulnerability have made him an intriguing and multi-dimensional character, and it’s clear that Elijah has made a lasting impact on EastEnders. Despite the ups and downs of Harry’s journey, fans are invested in his story and will likely continue to follow his character’s progression with anticipation.

A Bright Future Ahead

Elijah Holloway’s career has certainly come a long way from his awkward days on Let It Shine. From his humble beginnings in a talent show to his major role on one of the UK’s most beloved soap operas, Elijah’s growth as an actor has been evident. His role as Harry Mitchell is just one of many exciting opportunities that lie ahead, and his career in the entertainment industry is sure to continue flourishing.

As EastEnders fans eagerly await more developments in Harry’s storyline, one thing is clear: Elijah Holloway is not just a talented actor but also someone whose journey is just beginning. Whether he’s taking on more complex roles or continuing his work with the Mitchell family, it’s safe to say that Elijah’s future in acting looks incredibly bright.

Conclusion

Elijah Holloway’s journey from Let It Shine to EastEnders is a reminder that sometimes, unexpected auditions and cringe-worthy moments can lead to great things. As Harry Mitchell, Elijah has become an important part of the soap, captivating audiences with his dynamic performance. The future looks promising for Elijah, both within EastEnders and beyond, as he continues to evolve as an actor.