# Jaden Ladega

Jaden Luke Ladega (born 28 October 2005) is an English actor. He is best known for his role of Denzel Danes in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders (2022–present).

## Early life

Jaden Luke Ladega was born in Sutton, Greater London, England on 28 October 2005, as the elder child to Andrew Babatunde Ladega (born 1976), a personal trainer, and his second wife, Doreen Desire "Denisha" (née Quirin; born 1976). He has a younger brother, Jenson (born 2013). His parents later divorced.
Ladega attended St Cecilia's Catholic Primary School in Worcester Park, and Richard Challoner School in New Malden. In June 2022, he was the recipient of a Creative Arts Award for his contributions to Richard Challoner School's drama department. He completed his training in acting at North East Surrey College of Technology (NESCOT) in Epsom and Ewell.
Ladega started running competitively for his school in the Surrey Championships at the age of six, and competed annually in Coulsdon, Carshalton, and Wimbledon. He began acting in drama clubs, and made short films using his phone and a green screen. He appeared regularly in musical theatre productions at school, including in the Lionel Bart stage musical Oliver! and the Howard Ashman horror comedy rock musical Little Shop of Horrors. He has acted in several works of William Shakespeare at the Rose Theatre Kingston.

## Career

Ladega made his debut as an actor, at the age of 16, with the role of Denzel Danes in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders. His casting was announced on 6 June 2022. He started filming a few days later. Denzel makes his first appearance in episode 6531, originally broadcast on 2 August 2022, and is introduced as the son of Howie Danes (Delroy Atkinson) and Delilah (Chereen Buckley). His character's storylines have included befriending Davinder "Nugget" Gulati (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), bullying Amy Mitchell (Abbie Burke), moving in with his father and stepmother Kim Fox (Tameka Empson), beginning a relationship with Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd), fighting for his life in hospital following a car accident with his stepmother, being attacked by Walford High student Logan (Liam Hatch), taking up boxing, developing muscle dysmorphia, and purchasing steroids. He appeared during the 40th Anniversary Week in February 2025.
Ladega has been represented by Rebecca Pumphrey from Independent Talent Group since June 2022.

## Charity work

Ladega participated in a charity football match at Sutton United F.C.'s Gander Green Lane football stadium on 4 May 2024, to raise funds for Scarlett's Story. Scarlett, a family friend, in September 2020, aged 10, was diagnosed with a rare cavanoma that ruptured in her spinal cord, and as a result, she lost the use of her legs.
Ladega participated in the second Tom Parker charity football match at Dorking Wanderers F.C.'s Meadowbank football stadium on 16 June (Father's Day) 2024, to raise funds and spread awareness of brain tumors.

## Personal life

Ladega supports the Premier League football team Arsenal F.C. and often visits the Emirates Stadium in Holloway, London. He has a dog called Kirby (born 2021).
On 12 October 2024, Ladega's girlfriend, Lucy May Pestill (born 28 January 2005), who was exactly nine months his senior, died at her home in Carshalton, Surrey, at the age of 19. The couple started dating in November 2022. She was a distant relative of the actor Tony Selby. On 20 October 2024, less than two weeks after the death of his girlfriend, he announced the death of his great-aunt Marie.

## Filmography

| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
| 2022–present | EastEnders | Denzel Danes | Regular role | |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Ceremony | Award | Nominated works | Result |
| 2024 | RadioTimes.com Soap Awards | Best Young Performer | Denzel Danes in EastEnders | Nominated |
| 2024 | National Television Awards | Serial Drama Performance | Denzel Danes in EastEnders | Nominated |
| 2024 | Inside Soap Awards | Best Young Performer | Denzel Danes in EastEnders | Nominated |
Ladega was longlisted for "Best Young Performer" at the 2024 RadioTimes.com Soap Awards, however, he lost to Charlie Wrenshall (Liam Connor Jr., Coronation Street). He was longlisted for "Serial Drama Performance" at the 2024 National Television Awards, however, he lost to Peter Ash (Paul Foreman, Coronation Street). He was longlisted for "Best Young Performer" at the 2024 Inside Soap Awards, however, he lost to Charlie Wrenshall (Liam Connor Jr., Coronation Street).