Tribute to Bieneosa Ebite

It’s still incredibly hard to accept that our dear friend Bieneosa is no longer with us. I often find myself scrolling through our old messages, trying to make sense of it. When I first met her, she was my partner Paul’s friend, but she quickly became our friend. It’s rare to form such a strong bond through someone else, but I really loved her and valued any time we spent together. One of the first things we bonded over was soap operas, obviously! Over the years, I saw every side of B: the capable professional, the politically engaged podcaster, and the fan of gloriously trashy TV who could analyse EastEnders like it was Shakespeare! Very few people can move between those worlds so naturally, and it was one of the things that made her so special. She was also very funny, and we laughed a lot. Games nights were becoming a regular fixture - she was amused (and horrified) by how competitive I got playing EastEnders Monopoly. She was brilliant at bringing people together too. She introduced us to Simon because she knew we’d get on, and she was right. And then there was Koko. B loved that cat, and she often sent us photos and videos that always made us smile 😻 I loved spending time with Bieneosa. Even though I’ve become more of a home-body in my middle age, if B suggested a day or night out, I was there. Whether it was a Royal wedding, a political debate, or the Soap Awards, we had so many great times together, and a brilliant holiday in Capri. I’ll never forget her on the stairlift ascending the mountain behind me, so frozen with fear she forgot to pull the safety bar down! 🫣 We had so many unfinished plans - Wicked 2 at Leicester Square was top of the list, and when the time feels right, Paul and I will do it all in her honour. Alongside the sadness, I’m holding onto the happy memories. I’m so grateful for her friendship and for the time we had together. She has made a lasting impression on my life, and it’s clear she did the same for so many others. May she rest in peace, and may her light stay with all of us who were lucky enough to know her.

So sorry to hear of Bieneosa passing away. Such a lovely kind, funny and generous colleague. Sending much love to your family and friends Leonie x

Writing this feels so hard. How do you even put into words just how special Bieneosa was? So many treasured memories. What I loved about B was how warm, kind, supportive and generous she was, the best qualities all wrapped up in a beautiful person. She always had time for you. She was always happy for you when something good happened and was there through the hard times, too. She just always wanted the best for you. Being with B was such a joy. I could talk about anything, and she would listen, really listen, with interest, curiosity, open-mindedness and compassion. There was never any judgement, just care and support. B’s also responsible for getting me into Corrie! But beyond that, she had this brilliant mind, creativity and drive. Everything she set her mind to, she achieved. B was inspirational, and I was always so proud of her. I first met B at uni in the mid-90s. When I moved to Cardiff for ten years, we stayed in touch. And when I moved back to London, she was the first person I wanted to see. I’ll never forget her smile and our hug. It just felt like home. B had this amazing way of bringing people together. Every time she hosted or planned something, it was full of laughter and warmth. I always admired how much she loved life, how she embraced everything, and how her energy touched everyone around her. Everyone just loved her. I feel - and I know everyone who knew B feels - so lucky and blessed to have had her in our lives. She was loyal, consistent, generous, brilliant, and one of the kindest people you could ever meet. Everyone needs a friend like B, and I feel so lucky that I got to call her my friend. Beautiful Bieneosa. I miss her beyond words.

She was the OG Queen B, my backseat babe and a true garage-raver gal. I was truly lucky to be her friend.🕊️ I met B at British Gas when I was in my twenties. Even though we weren’t close in age, we quickly became friends as I was drawn to her warm nature, always caring vibe, hilarious personality and love for garage music. B was truly one of a kind. So sweet, always up for a good laugh and a good chat. She was a true role model to me, in work and in life in general. She was always calm, confident, intelligent. I looked up to her and she gave me countless valuable advice over the years - across so many things - each piece leaving a big impact on me that I’ll never forget. She became my extended family and I truly loved her. B was an amazing friend- she drew people to her, creating little communities that only existed because of B. She truly inspired me to be a good friend and to make time for people. There’s so much I could say about B and so many funny and warm memories I could share. I am so lucky I got to be her friend and she will be in my thoughts forever. ❤️