Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Doherty has signed a five year contract at “EastEnders”, a move which is bound to stun the music world.
Doherty will play mysterious musician Alexei Winthrop, a young man with ties to a pivotal legacy character, it was announced today by executive producer, Kathleen Hutchison. His first airdate will be in late May
“Alexei Winthrop is a character that the viewers will never forget, of Russian ancestry but who has always been an Eastender through and through. He will arrive in Albert Square after a particularly eye opening trip to Moscow, where he visited the man who he believes is his grandfather, Orthodox Monk Grigori. However, what we discover when Alexei arrives in Walford is that he bitterly harbours a secret told to him by Grigori about a resident of the Square... a secret which will change the lives of him and everybody in his proximity forever, perhaps even shake the very foundations of the community. This is an absolutely exciting casting coup. Alexei will have ties to so many of the current stories that are playing.
I am delighted that Peter will be assuming this multi faceted and unique role, and we can all look forward to an emotionally compelling story that will turn Walford upside down,” said Ms. Hutchison in making the announcement.
Ms. Doherty added: “To my fans I say this - Look for me to release further music through Alexei Winthrop... EastEnders was offered to me as an alternative rehab that only I, as Peter Doherty could forsee having a cathartic effect. I don't need drugs when I have a good script in my hand and June Brown's looking after me now anyway. I am filled with eager anticipation to create this intense character. I can give you a little preview - Alexei takes Pat hostage within the first week but its a case of mistaken identity. I can't wait to be at the centre of the action.”
In the upcoming storyline, Alexei is already known to several residents of Walford as a drifting bohemian but one who refuses to put down roots. Upon his arrival in the Square, he immediately finds himself crossing paths with Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard) who recoils in shock upon seeing him and faints. Alexei laughs, leaving the vulnerable Pauline alone and strides into the Vic where he kicks off an impromptu gig. Others who know of Alexei will be very uncomfortable with his presence but the BBC is staying tight lipped over whether he could form a roster of enemies over the next few months.
Could Carl Barat be next? Hutchison chuckles, "It's tempting to offer the 'other' star of music's last great soap like saga a contract too. However, we fear that they may come to blows and we run such a tight ship here at "EastEnders" that its a risk we simply cannot take at this point." However, Hutchison winks and previews - "Look for a Carl inspired character to crop up out of the woodwork though, and give Alexei the shock of his life."
EastEnders is a popular BBC television soap opera which was first broadcast on 19 February 1985. It has been running ever since, generating strong viewing figures for much of that time, and has been the UK's highest-rating programme on numerous occasions. Despite lengthy criticism of the show from the critics, in October 2005 it won the prestgious National Television Award for most popular Serial Drama which "EastEnders" has won several
Originally Posted by leanne
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Doherty has signed a five year contract at “EastEnders”, a move which is bound to stun the music world.
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