Manda Best
Amanda "Manda" Best, played by Josie Lawrence, is an old friend (and ex-girlfriend) of character Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). She was first seen on screen on 6 March 2009. Lawrence appeared in nearly 50 episodes as Manda between 2009 and 2010. It was announced in November 2009 that Lawrence had quit EastEnders and she made her final appearance on 12 February 2010 when she left Walford. Manda storyline's most revolved around her school friends and history like meeting Phil once again after there brief relationship in their teens and meeting Minty Peterson (Cliff Parisi) who she went on to have a relationship. In June 2009 Manda's family was extended and introduced her disabled son, Adam Best (David Proud) who sufferes from spina bifida. Adam took an instant dislike to Minty which caused friction between Manda and Minty. She told Minty in the end that she didn't love him anymore and still loved Phil which led to her leaving Walford. Manda is described as "loving, strange (in a good way) and creative". She runs a pottery class in Walford community centre. Lawrence described Manda as spiritual and said she does a lot of hugging. She is also described as loving and independent, but secretly yearns to meet 'Mr Right'. Lawrence also said that Manda's big glasses were her favourite things about the character.
Read more about this topic: List Of East Enders Characters (2009)