Felix Baker (also Tara Misu) is the son of Avery and Celia Baker and the half-brother of Finlay. He made his first appearance on 7 July 2022. He is portrayed by Matthew Morrison.
Backstory[]
When Felix booked Tara's first gig, he didn't tell anyone and didn't want anyone there. Friends or family. He says Avery had been great with him coming out, but telling him about drag was scary. Felix went on stage at his first gig as Tara and saw Avery and Finlay at the front of the crowd, cheering him on, and he didn't feel nervous anymore. On one christmas, Avery wrapped up bricks and told Finlay and Felix they were gold bars.
The youngest of the two brothers, larger than life Felix will throw himself into life in Albert Square, but with his quick-wit and frank honesty he'll be sure to stir up some drama along the way.
Storylines[]
2022 to present: Arrival[]
Felix arrives at the hospital with his brother Finlay Baker to meet their uncle Mitch Baker and the rest of the Taylor family after their father Avery Baker had collapsed due to his terminal cancer.
Felix and Finlay attend a party for Avery hosted by Mitch and the rest of the Taylor's at the laundrette, during the party Avery passes away in Mitch's arms leaving his son's devastated. The next day Mitch opens a letter from Avery, which confirms Avery died bankrupt, Mitch tells Felix and Finlay about Avery's bankruptcy when Felix mentions they are going to give Avery an expensive funeral. The next day a debt collector takes Avery's car due to Avery not paying the collector, Felix and Finlay attempt to get get the car back but eventually let it go. Felix and Finlay then move into 23B Albert Square after being kicked out of Avery's house due to Avery not paying his bills before he died. When the Taylor’s order a pizza, Mitch tells them to go out to Peggy's and enjoy their night, where they charm Whitney Dean and Chelsea Fox, buying the two drinks. Felix later learns sign-language from Frankie Lewis and her friend, such as the term "Drag Queen" and "Aubergine". Finlay later convinces Whitney to sell some stuff on her stall to help the two raise funds for Avery's funeral. When the boys return home, they bring Karen and Mitch kebabs, with Mitch's containing pickled chillis. Karen states she thought Felix was a vegan, with Felix jokingly replying that if she puts it on Instagram he will kill her. On 1 August 2022, The boys meet with Stuart Highway to finalise the funeral, and the two have an argument over arrangements. Felix wants there to be doves, but Finlay says they can't afford it. Felix then says to keep it to only 1 dove. Felix later sees Kim Fox on Bridge Street and compliments her outfit, with her complimenting his too. The two talk about their outfits, and Kim says she's going to be proposed to by Howie Danes. Felix then realises she got dressed up to say no, and the two laugh before Kim gets a call from Howie, cancelling their dinner.
The next day, the brothers play Kill or Keep with Felix's clothes, and Felix keeps most of his. Bernie, Karen and Bailey remark there's a lot of keeps. Felix says there's always Finlay's stuff, but Finlay says he's sorted his out. When Bailey asks how much he's getting rid of, he changed the subject. Felix suggests selling Avery's cuff links, but Finlay says they aren't selling them. Mitch says he's got more of Avery's friends coming to his memorial party, and Karen sends the brothers shopping, annoying Mitch who needs help putting a tent up. The boys put the money Karen gave them in Felix's purse. Kim then leaves the house and sees Felix, who shows off his lipstick, and Kim says it's the perfect match with his outfit, and Felix makes her admit he was right she was wrong. The Baker brothers later walk in to the minute mart, trying to get a discount. Suki tells them the prices that see are the prices they get. Felix asks how much they have, and Finlay says he didn't count it. Felix says they should count it, but Finlay says that can't as he put it in his bag, and Felix says he gave the bag to Kim without looking inside. The two rush over to Kim's, who goes to look for the bag, and she brings them the lipstick saying she threw the bag in the bin. The two then look in the bin, that has been emptied, and rush around the square checking where the bin truck has gone. Kim later tells Karen they lost the money. The next day, the boys and the family, with the exceptions of Mackenzie, Mia and Bailey, are all hungover, and Finlay tries to flirt with Whitney in the cafe. Finlay says they're hoping to be sober by the funeral. Finlay, Whitney, Mia and Felix later arrive at the Vic, with Mia saying she's going to Lego land, and Finlay handing Karen the money from Avery's cuff links to take her, saying that now Chantelle gets to keep her promise. Mitch says Avery would've been proud of them.
On 15 August 2022, the day of Avery's funeral arrives, and the Taylor/Baker household prepares. Finlay is angry at Felix for taking ages in the shower as he still needs to wash. When the hearse is outside, the staff from Coker's load flowers into it. The family then arrive outside no.23, ready to say goodbye to Avery. Karen tells Bernie every time she sees a coffin she gets reminded of Chantelle and breaks down in tears. Mitch then arrives outside, and asks Finlay if he's okay. Jay then approaches, saying he hopes everything's in order for the funeral, but notices Stuart is running late. Stuart then arrives. Mitch asks Finlay where Felix is as they should be setting off, and Felix them comes outside, dressed as Tara Misu. Mitch is angry at him for this, but Finlay, Karen and Bernie are accepting of it. After the funeral, the family go to the Vic for the wake, with Karen saying she thinks it went really well, but Mitch is less than impressed as Stuart knew he wanted to be a pallbearer and that because of that he forgot most of his eulogy, but Karen says it's okay to admit he couldn't find the words. Felix and Finlay then talk to their aunt, Rosina, who says it was a beautiful send off even if it was a cremation. Finlay thanks her, and Rosina says that when she goes, she wants a proper burial, and that the worms will be feeding off her for years, making the boys laugh. Rosina says they're doing Avery proud, even if Felix looks like a sanky panky. Rosina then asks who a man behind them is, and Finlay tells them it's Patrick, their neighbour. Rosina takes an interest in Patrick. Finlay then asks Felix if he's okay, and he says he is. He then gives a speech. Finlay says that Felix is honouring Avery as Tara Misu, saying it was his wish that Tara sings his favourite song at the funeral. Finlay says it didn't feel right at the cremation so he's going to do it now. Tara then lip syncs Avery's favourite song, and Karen says it's lovely, but Finlay says that it's a shame uncle Mitch doesn't agree. During the performance, Rosina makes a move on Patrick, and Finlay tells him she's from their mothers side of the family, and tells Patrick to watch himself as her bite is worse than her bark. During Tara's performance, Mitch begins to cry. After getting changed in the Vic toilets, Kim and Felix talk, and Felix says he was hoping his mum would show up, but says it was stupid since they haven't seen her in sixteen years. Kim says he must miss her, but Felix admits that he doesn't really as they never saw eye to eye, saying he wanted her here for Avery as he never really got over herself. Kim says that maybe Avery decided the only woman he wanted in his life was Tara. Felix tells Kim that when he booked Tara's first gig, he didn't tell anyone and didn't want anyone there. Friends or family. He says Avery had been great with him coming out, but telling him about drag was scary. Felix went on stage at his first gig as Tara and saw Avery and Finlay at the front of the crowd, cheering him on, and he didn't feel nervous anymore. Kim says it's Felix's mum who's missing out, and Felix says anyone would be lucky to have Kim as a mum. Mitch later apologises to Felix for how he acted, and Stuart then tells them that the dove has arrived. The three then prepare to set the dove free in the square gardens after Mitch says some words in his memory, saying he'll never let Felix and Finlay down. Finlay then opens the box, but it turns out it was a pigeon.
The next day, Felix and Finlay talk about it being weird that they've said goodbye to Avery and discuss wether they stay or leave, but since that can't afford to leave they end up staying. Felix then takes an interest in Callum Highway and the two have a talk, and Callum offers his condolences over Avery. Ben Mitchell then arrives and asks for the coffee, and the brothers leave. Later, Felix meets up with Finlay again after he's brought a burger from Stacey's Baps. Felix says it's disgusting that he's putting filthy flesh in his mouth. Finlay then suggest the two open a market stall on the free pitch. Felix then says they should go for a drink to work out the details. The two then organise the details, and Finlay says they'll have cocktails on the menu too, but Felix reminds him it's extra licensing. Finlay them days that Honey Mitchell looks like she needs saving from the date she's on with Mr Lister, but Felix stops him from interfering. Felix later gets up and pretends to accidentally knock Honey's purse off the table, and when he picks it up, he hands her a note asking if she needs rescuing. Honey says yes, and plays it off as her agreeing with Mr Lister. Finlay then walks over, and asks what Mr Lister is doing making moves on Honey, saying she's his girlfriend. Mr Lister is confused, and Honey lies, saying she is with Finlay. Mr Lister then leaves and Finlay and Honey share a proper introduction, and Finlay gets honey a drink. Both brothers later ask Honey if that can get the pitch on the market, and she says yes.
On 18 August 2022, Avery's urn arrives at 23B, and Mitch gives a speech, asking him to look after Chantelle for him. Finlay asks what they'll do with the ashes, and Felix jokes they can FedEx him back to Dunn's river falls. Karen then says the family has a lot to look forward to as it's Bernadette's twentieth birthday the next day, but Bernadette says she's going clubbing with Molly Ellis and some other friends then leaves. Karen then decided to have a party that night for Bernadette, Finlay says he's busy, but Karen ignores him. The two later go to the cafe and Honey tells them that Mr Lister has said no to any more food stalls as he's still angry about the other day, but Honey will talk to him about it, and Felix says they'll keep fighting for it. The two later give out free samples of food on bridge street and win over Mr Lister. The boys then go home to help prepare for the party for Bernadette, but can't find Karen as she is with Stuart Highway at the GP surgery. Karen later returns to the flat and they celebrate Bernadette's birthday, albeit a day early.
On 22 August 2022, Finlay opens his stall on the market. Billy is opposed to their approach of gathering customers by posting on social media, and attempts to attract customers, but the boys turn the radio up and down him out. Mr Lister then tries to shut them down for noise pollution, but Billy convinced him otherwise by saying that Felix went to law school and is only helping Finlay, so he can take Mr Lister to court if he wanted to, so to let them off as it's their first offence.
Later, on 29 August 2022, Finlay and Felix host a Caribbean themed party at the Vic. When they see Linda in the square gardens, they ask if she's wearing that to the party, and Linda says she doesn't think she's coming, and that they're in charge. Whilst preparing, Finlay scares Felix by putting the music up loud. Kim and Patrick then arrive and Janine tells them not to break anything. Felix and Kim later do a dance performance. He later watches as Annie Carter is taken away by social services, alongside Sonia, Kim and Whitney.
On 22 September 2022, Felix attends a party for Frankie Lewis, and he wears a kilt. Kim talks with Finlay, Felix, Linda and Shirley, saying that when she visits Scotland she stays next to where David Tennant lives, making them all laugh. The next day, Whitney invites Felix and Finlay to the reopening of Walford East. Felix attends with Callum Highway. Felix is later present in the Vic when Janine Butcher announces her pregnancy.
On 5 October 2022, Alfie Moon tried to get Felix and Finlay to attend the margarita night at the Vic, but they decline as they’re attending Jay’s birthday party. At the party, Felix gives Jay a card saying thirty, being told the wrong age by Alfie Moon. A robbery later breaks out at the party, but Felix and Finlay are unharmed. On 11 October 2022, Felix and Finlay complain about their living arrangements, with Chelsea and Whitney adding that they don’t even have a shower because of their bills.
When working, Felix overhears Chelsea and Whitney talking about getting roommates, and Whitney saying they should get fit ones. Felix says she’s so thirsty. Whitney says she can’t have a random Bloke living in her house and that they need to bring something to the table. Whitney tells Chelsea not to choose tenants without her, with Felix joking not to do it unless she sends her photos so she can give permission. Alfie Moon then approaches Felix and asks him for a favour. The favour turns out to be Tara Misu as the priest at the fake wedding he’s having with a woman named Joan. The wedding changes last minute, with a man named Cecil taking his place as he’s been in love with Joan for years. The next day, Finlay, Felix and Billy talk. They notice Nish Panesar and say he’s just come out of prison for murdering someone. Nish overhears them and Felix says Finlay was raised by wolves. Vinny tells them their names, and says he got twenty years Porte ring his family, saying he’d do anything to avoid his kids birthday parties, making the three laugh.
Felix continues to work at The Albert and serves drinks there, though Ravi Gulati struggles to get along with Finlay and Felix, so they have conflict that lasts some time. Eventually, Zack Hudson sets it straight and they learn to get along better. Meanwhile, Felix prioritises relationships with his family but is saddened when Felix has to leave, not wanting to abandon his brother. However, Finlay leaves so Felix stays behind and carries on with his life. He gets on well with Bernadette Taylor.
Felix continues his drag queen career and hosts an event in The Albert, to which he convinces Zack to be a part of. Later in the year, Mitch also leaves the square, so Felix doesn’t have any family left in the Square - compared to when he arrived.
When a body is identified under the café floor, Felix and Bernadette are later distraught to learn that the body is Keanu Taylor, Bernadette’s brother and a good friend of Felix. They both get upset and break down. When Sharon Watts arrives to comfort Bernadette, Felix gets suspicious of her and calls the police on suspicion of Keanu’s murder. They mistakingly get it wrong, so Sharon is released. A grieving Bernadette and Felix continue to point the finger at likely suspects, including Phil Mitchell, who aggressively denies the accusation.
When the grief is finished, and the funeral is dealt with. Gina and Felix plan a night out with Anna. They attend, and as they take a group photo, Anna’s drink is spiked. Felix, Gina and Freddie eventually lose sight of her and panic, knowing that she hadn’t drank much. Unknowingly, The Spiker takes Anna away from Peggy’s and to a black cab. Luckily, Felix and the rest save her and instantly rush her to hospital, Felix takes videos of the situation to spread awareness. Anna eventually refocuses and is distraught and overwhelmed, Freddie and Gina then make a pledge to go to the police. Felix also has conflict with the nurse for recording her.
Background information[]
- Felix chose the name Tara Misu for his drag persona as a reference to his Father's favourite dessert, Tiramisu.
- Felix was wrongly labled by EastEnders as the first drag queen in the show, which is incorrect, he was the third drag queen to appear in the soap. EastEnders first drag queen was John Fisher in 1986. EastEnders second drag queen was Dave Lynn as Fifi Demure, in episode 2620, on 11 November 2003.
- On 20 July 2022, it is stated Felix is a vegan.
- On 31 October 2023, Felix tells Bernadette Taylor he took triple science.
Employment history[]
| Occupation | Years Active |
|---|---|
| Drag queen | Prior to 2022 to present |
| Stall holder on Bridge Street Market | 2022-2023 |
| Barman and entertainer at The Prince Albert | 2023 to present |
Residence history[]
| Address | Years |
|---|---|
| 23B Albert Square | 2022 |
| 1 Albert Square | 2022-2024 |
| 3A Albert Square | 2024 to present |
Quotes[]
- First line (while looking for Finlay Baker at Walford General Hospital): "Where is Avery Baker?" (7 July 2022)