Perdita
01-10-2009, 06:05
EASTENDERS has always come under fire from critics for not reflecting what life in the capital is really like - but now two of its own stars have knifed soap bosses in the back.
John Partridge and Nina Toussaint-White have blasted the BBC1 show for not having enough gay and mixed race characters.
Nina, who plays Syd Chambers, said that bosses need to introduce far more mixed race relationships to the programme to make it true to life.
And John, who portrays Christian Clarke, thinks a larger proportion of gay characters would make the soap more representative.
Speaking about her character's relationship with Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements), Nina told TV Biz: "You never got mixed-race relationships before and I'd like to see more of them. It's getting better but it's under-represented.
"EastEnders is set in London and there are a lot of black people, Asian families and other cultures there and it doesn't show that."
The 24-year-old, who is mixed-race herself, said the Walford-based soap was better than its rivals, but added: "The other soaps are Northern so the diverse culture we have in London doesn't always apply up there."
She admitted she thought bosses had drafted her in to be part of a new black family.
Nina added: "I auditioned at the same time as Rolan Bell, who played Chelsea's boyfriend Theo.
"I thought 'Here's a new black family coming to the Square' or that I'd be fitted with the Trumans. I'm glad I wasn't put there."
John, 38, hit out at producers for not having more gay relationships in the Square. He fumed: "There still need to be more gay storylines because gay is mainstream now.
"You've only got to turn on your TV to see gay presenters, journalists - it's all out there.
"As much as I say it's not a big deal there's still a taboo about it. While some people say it's difficult to show a gay relationship at 7.30pm, what's so offensive about two men together really?
"So I think 'Bring it on - the more kissing the better!'"
He also said that he'd like to see his character end up living happily ever after with confused gay Muslim Syed Masood (Marc Elliott), adding: "I think that would be a more positive message."
A happy ending in EastEnders? TV Biz can't see that happening anytime soon John.
A soap spokeswoman said: "EastEnders has always reflected the diversity of London's East End. The Masood and Fox families are among our most loved characters with some of the most topical and ground breaking stories."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2663074/Stars-blast-EastEnders-for-being-out-of-touch.html
John Partridge and Nina Toussaint-White have blasted the BBC1 show for not having enough gay and mixed race characters.
Nina, who plays Syd Chambers, said that bosses need to introduce far more mixed race relationships to the programme to make it true to life.
And John, who portrays Christian Clarke, thinks a larger proportion of gay characters would make the soap more representative.
Speaking about her character's relationship with Bradley Branning (Charlie Clements), Nina told TV Biz: "You never got mixed-race relationships before and I'd like to see more of them. It's getting better but it's under-represented.
"EastEnders is set in London and there are a lot of black people, Asian families and other cultures there and it doesn't show that."
The 24-year-old, who is mixed-race herself, said the Walford-based soap was better than its rivals, but added: "The other soaps are Northern so the diverse culture we have in London doesn't always apply up there."
She admitted she thought bosses had drafted her in to be part of a new black family.
Nina added: "I auditioned at the same time as Rolan Bell, who played Chelsea's boyfriend Theo.
"I thought 'Here's a new black family coming to the Square' or that I'd be fitted with the Trumans. I'm glad I wasn't put there."
John, 38, hit out at producers for not having more gay relationships in the Square. He fumed: "There still need to be more gay storylines because gay is mainstream now.
"You've only got to turn on your TV to see gay presenters, journalists - it's all out there.
"As much as I say it's not a big deal there's still a taboo about it. While some people say it's difficult to show a gay relationship at 7.30pm, what's so offensive about two men together really?
"So I think 'Bring it on - the more kissing the better!'"
He also said that he'd like to see his character end up living happily ever after with confused gay Muslim Syed Masood (Marc Elliott), adding: "I think that would be a more positive message."
A happy ending in EastEnders? TV Biz can't see that happening anytime soon John.
A soap spokeswoman said: "EastEnders has always reflected the diversity of London's East End. The Masood and Fox families are among our most loved characters with some of the most topical and ground breaking stories."
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2663074/Stars-blast-EastEnders-for-being-out-of-touch.html