View Full Version : Joey Branning
EastEnders newcomer Jasmyn Banks has expressed excitement over her on-screen brother joining the soap.
Later this week, viewers will be introduced to Banks's character Alice - who is the daughter of Walford villain Derek Branning.
However, show bosses are also planning to bring in Alice's sibling Joey, who was recently mentioned on screen as Derek tried to reconcile with him.
Banks told Inside Soap: "I can't wait for them to bring in Joey. It'll be so exciting. There are so many places they can take them all."
The actress also praised Jamie Foreman, who took over the role of Derek late last year.
She said: "Jamie has made it his mission to look after me. On my very first day here, there was a big cast meeting and every single actor was there.
"I was both terrified and star-struck, but Jamie sat next to me and made sure that I was okay. I've already learned so much from him - he's amazing."
Alice's first scenes air this Thursday (May 10) at 7.30pm on BBC One.
EastEnders villain Derek Branning will be forced to face up to his past when his son Joey arrives in Walford.
As expected, Joey will turn up on Albert Square hot on the heels of his sister Alice - sent by their mother to tempt her back home.
When Joey realises that Alice wants to stay put, he resolves to show her exactly the kind of man Derek (Jamie Foreman) really is.
Played by David Witts, Joey is being billed as a charming character who "prides himself on telling it how it is, but is in fact a compulsive liar".
The newcomer also finds it easy to attract girls, but likes to make them feel they have made the first move - even if he has nudged them into it.
Witts commented: "I am delighted to be joining EastEnders after being a fan for so many years. Joining the Branning family couldn't have come at a better time, especially after the recent British Soap Awards wins."
EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman added: "Joey is a fantastic addition to the Brannings and after an explosive entrance onto the Square, he is set to break a few hearts as he campaigns to bring Derek down."
Show bosses announced the casting of Jasmyn Banks as Alice last month.
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tammyy2j
10-05-2012, 15:20
Kinda reminds me of one of the Moon brothers
EastEnders bosses have released the first picture of Walford newcomer Joey Branning.
As we reported yesterday, actor David Witts has been cast as Derek's son, who arrives in Walford hot on the heels of his sister Alice (Jasmyn Banks).
http://i2.cdnds.net/12/19/618x412/soaps_eastenders_david_witts_joey_branning.jpg
© BBC
Joey has been sent to Albert Square by his mum to tempt Alice back home.
When Alice reveals that she wants to stay put, Joey vows to show her what kind of man Derek (Jamie Foreman) really is. Will he succeed in his plan to bring Derek down?
EastEnders fans can see Alice's first scenes tonight (May 10) at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Kinda reminds me of one of the Moon brothers
reminds me of Dennis (looks)
tammyy2j
10-05-2012, 16:16
David Witts has been cast as Derek's son
I keep thinking it is David Wicks :o
EastEnders fans meet newcomer Joey Branning in the coming days as he makes an explosive entrance onto Albert Square.
Joey arrives in Walford after his younger sister Alice (Jasmyn Banks) decides to move in with their villainous father Derek (Jamie Foreman). Unhappy over this development, Joey hopes to convince Alice to come home - and his first scene sees him punch Derek as they clash from the outset!
With Alice determined to stay loyal to her dad, Joey resolves to show her what kind of man Derek Branning really is. However, as he starts scheming to bring Derek down, is Joey showing that he's more like his father than he'd care to admit?
David Witts, who plays Joey, recently gave Digital Spy a call in one of his first interviews since joining EastEnders. Here, he chats about landing the role and what viewers can expect from his character.
After a few weeks filming at the set of EastEnders, how are you settling in?
"I'm really enjoying my time so far. Everyone's been really lovely, and it's great coming in and doing something new every day. As an actor, it's always nice to keep yourself busy and occupied!"
Is there anyone in particular who you've made friends with among the cast?
"It's a lovely cast in general, but you do tend to become closest with the people who you're doing the most scenes with. At the moment for me, that's Jamie and Jasmyn. Jamie has really taken me under his wing and shown me the ropes.
"Jake Wood, who plays Max Branning, is my mentor on the show, so he's been a great help too. But just generally, everyone has been really welcoming."
What was your first day on set like?
"Everyone always says this, but it all happened so quickly - from the moment that I went to my audition to the moment that I started the job. I remember being slightly nervous coming up on the train to Elstree, but as soon as I got here, I was put at ease by how nice everyone was. I had the usual fear of starting a new job, but it was fine as soon as I started."
How would you describe Joey Branning?
"Joey is a great character to play. He's actually a weird one to describe, because he's so different to everyone that he comes into contact with! Obviously his relationship with Derek is going to be very volatile and there's a lot of resentment there. Joey can be very dark, too - not that he would admit it! There are definitely some parallels between him and Derek, which are really interesting to explore.
"But there's a lot more to him than that, which is why I'm really enjoying portraying him. He's also a bit of a lothario, and when it comes to his family, he's very protective towards Alice. So depending on who you are when you meet Joey, you can get a number of different responses from him."
Derek can be a scary man at times. Is Joey a match for him?
"He is, because that parallel is there between them. Joey doesn't see it, and he would never allow himself to be compared to Derek, as he views his father as the lowest of the low! But Derek can see the parallel and that is going to unsettle him, because he's not used to anyone standing up to him.
"Joey just doesn't care about anything that Derek has got to say. He also holds a trump card, because Derek has Alice in his life and he wants to be on good terms with Joey too - he wants the full set and to have his family around him. While Derek is going to be confrontational with Joey at times, ultimately he does want his son to like him. So Joey's always got that advantage and he can use it to really get to Derek…"
Do Joey and Alice get along well?
"It's a lovely relationship between Joey and Alice. The dynamic is quite an unusual one, because Joey became a father figure to his sister at a very young age once he became the man of the house. When you see Alice's scenes with Joey, it's almost like she's talking to her dad because he tells her off every now and then!
"But there's also a lovely bond between them. Joey can be quite stern towards Alice, but it's only because he cares about her."
We've already heard Joey and Alice's mother mentioned in a few scripts. Are you hoping she'll be brought in?
"It would be interesting, because it would bring in another dynamic to affect Derek. Ultimately, Derek hasn't had to face Alice or Joey for all these years, but he also hasn't had to face up to the person that he used to be in a relationship with. That would obviously cause a lot of drama, so it could be quite fun to play around with."
Lucy Beale becomes Joey's first love interest in the Square. What can we expect from those two?
"Well, when Joey joins the Square, he finds out very quickly that Derek is being a real git to Lucy. Joey then becomes quite protective over her, and that's quite attractive to him because he does like protecting people.
"Joey also knows that if he's going to be around Lucy, then it's going to annoy Derek! He will absolutely relish that, because anything which riles up Derek will show his true colours. That's definitely what Joey wants to happen, as he hopes to convince Alice that Derek is a really bad guy.
"On top of all that, there will be a slight attraction between Joey and Lucy, as he can see that she's a pretty girl. But certainly at the start, it seems as though she's being used by Joey to annoy Derek."
Have you had many scenes with the likes of Max, Tanya and the wider Branning family?
"I've actually had scenes with all of them now. Joey comes into the Square and shakes up the family a bit, so they're definitely all involved on some level. It's been really nice working with them all."
How long have you been acting for?
"I've been working for the last couple of years now, primarily on the stage. That's where all my training has come from, so I've been working in various stage shows across the country over the past two years. I've done a bit of filming work here and there, but this is my first regular TV role, so it's been really interesting and I'm learning a lot."
What do your family and friends think of you getting such a big role?
"I think they're even more excited than I am - but that's always the way, isn't it? (Laughs) Everyone has been really lovely and supportive. I think my family in particular are just so pleased that it's all come good, because obviously when you go into acting, there is always that question of whether you'll make it or not. I've been doing pretty well up until now, but they're over the moon that I've got this big break."
You've joined EastEnders at a time of change as there's a new producer in charge. What's the atmosphere like on set at the moment?
"There's a lovely atmosphere. I haven't really got anything to compare it with because I wasn't here before the producer changeover, but there's a really positive atmosphere. I can see that everyone's really happy with their storylines as well, because at the moment there's a lot of decent drama going on in the show!"
As actor David Witts revealed in his recent interview with Digital Spy, Joey will be aiming to rile up Derek in any way possible - keen to show Alice that the bad boy is dangerous and volatile.
One of Joey's first moves will be to accept a job offer from Michael Moon - for the sole reason that he knows it will annoy Derek.
Joey later seizes another opportunity to cause trouble when Derek reaches out to him and Alice, inviting them both to join him for a cosy family lunch.
After keeping Derek guessing over whether he'll actually turn up, Joey finally arrives - but with Lucy, Fatboy, Whitney, Tyler and Anthony as surprise guests!
Joey knows that this is likely to provoke Derek, and he's right as the villain soon loses his temper and tries to punch him.
Manipulative Joey is pleased as Alice appears horrified by the altercation. However, just as he is celebrating a job well done, he discovers that Alice has seen through his twisted games - and is still determined to live with Derek in Walford. Will Joey ever be able to get the upper hand?
Details are more sketchy where Ben and Jay are concerned, but it looks like the aftermath of Heather's murder will be more prominent on screen again from July.
Shirley will be appearing in episodes more regularly soon, just as the Mitchells receive word that the police are continuing their investigation into what happened to Heather.
It's been reported that Jay makes a "shocking discovery" regarding Ben next month, which makes him realise that the troubled teenager has been lying to him and Phil.
It's not clear what that discovery is just yet, but as Ben's decision to keep hold of the picture frame is the main thing he's been hiding, could the all-important murder weapon be back in the mix?
TEEN tearaway Lucy Beale and Walford new boy Joey Branning are lined up to become EastEnders’ hottest young couple.
Soap bosses want the pair, played by Hetti Bywater and David Witts, to become a classic pairing like the legendary Sharon and Grant.
They get close after he steps in to help with her money troubles as she struggles to keep the Beale empire afloat after her dad Ian goes AWOL. And when his gangster dad Derek starts to terrorise her, Joey proves to be Lucy’s knight in shining armour and becomes her secret weapon.
He makes his explosive entrance to the BBC1 soap this week when he arrives and punches Derek in the face to win back his sister Alice.
But Alice is determined to stay loyal to her dad so Joey resolves to show her what kind of man their father is.
David, who has recently started filming for the part, admitted: “Joey knows that if he’s going to be around Lucy then it’s going to annoy Derek.
“He will absolutely relish that, because anything which riles up Derek will show his true colours.
“There will be a slight attraction between Joey and Lucy, as he can see that she’s a pretty girl.
“But certainly at the start, it seems as though she’s being used by Joey to annoy Derek.”
An insider added: “Hetti is a really good actress and they have brought in David as the perfect foil.”
tammyy2j
24-06-2012, 23:48
I cant see them becoming one of the great EE couples myself, the last young pairing that worked well was Stacey and Bradley
Joey seems much older than Lucy imo
EastEnders's David Witts has confessed that he is not a lothario like his character Joey Branning.
The Albert Square newcomer, unveiled as the son of villain Derek Branning, sparks a romance with Lucy Beale next week.
"I'm absolutely rubbish with the ladies," he told The Sun. "I've never been a ladies' man or anything like that."
The young actor went on: "Joey's a lot cooler than me. He's more suave, he's better with women. I'm as far away from Joey as you can be.
"I'd cringe if I was a ladies' man. I think I'm probably a bit naïve for it. I'm probably underestimating the fans but I'm not going to be cashing in on it."
However, Witts revealed that he is already in a stable relationship, adding: "I've got a girlfriend now who I'm happy with - hopefully she's happy with me."
Meanwhile, the star admitted his apprehension over kissing co-star Hetti Bywater - Walford's Lucy Beale - revealing he ensures his mouth is "minty fresh".
"Everyone says you must love the kissing scenes but it is hard work," he added. "It's just part and parcel of the job and you'd be a bit of a twit if you got a cheap thrill out of that.
"I will admit I keep Trebor Extra Strong on me just in case. I always have mints before a kissing scene. It's only polite, you don't want people saying bad things about you.
"It's not just kissing scenes - you can be right in somebody's face threatening them, with spit flying everywhere or anything."
tammyy2j
28-06-2012, 14:52
EastEnders's David Witts has confessed that he is not a lothario like his character Joey Branning.
The Albert Square newcomer, unveiled as the son of villain Derek Branning, sparks a romance with Lucy Beale next week.
\"I'm absolutely rubbish with the ladies,\" he told The Sun. \"I've never been a ladies' man or anything like that.\"
The young actor went on: \"Joey's a lot cooler than me. He's more suave, he's better with women. I'm as far away from Joey as you can be.
\"I'd cringe if I was a ladies' man. I think I'm probably a bit naïve for it. I'm probably underestimating the fans but I'm not going to be cashing in on it.\"
However, Witts revealed that he is already in a stable relationship, adding: \"I've got a girlfriend now who I'm happy with - hopefully she's happy with me.\"
Meanwhile, the star admitted his apprehension over kissing co-star Hetti Bywater - Walford's Lucy Beale - revealing he ensures his mouth is \"minty fresh\".
\"Everyone says you must love the kissing scenes but it is hard work,\" he added. \"It's just part and parcel of the job and you'd be a bit of a twit if you got a cheap thrill out of that.
\"I will admit I keep Trebor Extra Strong on me just in case. I always have mints before a kissing scene. It's only polite, you don't want people saying bad things about you.
\"It's not just kissing scenes - you can be right in somebody's face threatening them, with spit flying everywhere or anything.\"
http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?134505-Lucy-Beale-and-Joey-Branning
No need for two threads about Joey
EastEnders actor David Witts has revealed that Jamie Foreman acts as his mentor on the show.
The Joey Branning actor told The Sun that Foreman, who plays his on-screen dad Derek, gives him feedback between scenes on the soap.
Praising Foreman's influence, Witts explained: "Jamie is a big fella but he's a big softie really.
"Under that tough image he's got a heart of gold. I hadn't done a lot of work on screen before and he has really taken me under his wing.
"He's been there to tell me when I'm rubbish and when I'm doing well, so that's really great."
Witts added of his inexperience: "I was absolutely bricking it when I came to my first scene."
Meanwhile, the star also declared that he isn't similar to his lothario alter ego Joey, who makes his presence known on Albert Square in next week's episodes.
flappinfanny
29-06-2012, 01:40
joeys there for the ladies and the gentlemen, eye candy. but it looks as though he can act as well, so who knows, he my last a while, as for a classic character i doubt it? :(
I saw a hint of a spark with hin and cousin Lauren :p
EastEnders star David Witts has claimed that he was never considered attractive while at secondary school.
The actor, who plays newcomer Joey Branning in the BBC serial, won the 'Sexiest Male' award at Monday's (September 24) Inside Soap Awards.
When asked in an interview with the BBC whether he was a "hunk" in his teenage years, Witts responded: "No, not in the slightest, I had braces and glasses and long hair!"
Revealing the extent of his fitness regime, the 20-year-old is also quoted as saying: "I've been training for about five years now, just as a hobby. Everyone says that it's a bit much, as I train five times a week, but it's just a hobby, everyone's got a hobby.
"I do weightlifting, body building. I train with a guy called Chris Jones, who is British number one. He teaches me a lot, he's very good."
Witts also commented on the reaction of female fans on the street, adding: "Sometimes you get the odd screaming girl here or there, but I don't know what to do in those situations.
"I'm just a normal human being - I don't understand when people are screaming at me or hyperventilating."
EastEnders actor David Witts has said that the upcoming crash storyline is just what his character needed.
Witts - who plays Joey Branning in the BBC soap - told MSN that the dramatic scenes act as a "slap around the face" for the Albert Square heartbreaker.
"We filmed it a couple of weeks ago in Bristol," he explained. "It was amazing. We had doubles in for all the big stuff, we were there watching from the sidelines when it happened.
"It was absolutely humongous, I think even the director didn't believe how big the explosion was. It was really fun, and fortunately I didn't die, so I've still got a job!
"I think to be quite honest with you, Joey needed that to just slap him around the face. He's been a right git for so long, winding people up, playing around with girls and I think he really needed something to shock him, to show that he does have a vulnerable side."
Witts also praised Jaqueline Jossa - who plays his on-screen cousin Lauren - for her involvement in the explosive scenes.
"She's really great and she's good to work with as well," he said. "She knows her stuff and it's been really enjoyable working with her for the last couple of months, building up the relationship that we're about to have on screen."
EastEnders actor David Witts has revealed that Joey's character has changed since his breakdown at dad Derek's funeral.
Joey Branning was inconsolable outside the church as he revealed to sister Alice that he watched his father suffer his fatal heart attack on Albert Square.
When asked by the Radio Times what the future holds for the troubled youngster, Witts divulged: "It does lighten up for Joey.
"Obviously, he doesn't change completely. He's still got an edge to him. But I feel that Joey breaking down in the aftermath of Derek's death is a turning point in his life."
The star further reflected: "When you have a moment like that, you're forced to reassess things."
Meanwhile, Witts also called for writers to give his alter ego a long-term romantic future with his cousin, adding: "I also think it would be nice if he were to stay with Lauren.
"It was such a long storyline to get them together and it would be a shame if, just at the moment that viewers had finally accepted them, it was decided not to go on with it."
EastEnders' Joey Branning has been at the centre of huge storylines since his debut in June last year, striking up a shock relationship with his cousin Lauren and enduring troubled times with his now-deceased father Derek.
In real life, David Witts - who plays the character - has made the shortlist for 'Most Popular Newcomer' at the National Television Awards 2013 alongside Coronation Street's Natalie Gumede (Kirsty Soames), Emmerdale's Liam Fox (Dan Spencer) and Hollyoaks' Joseph Thompson (Doctor Browning).
David recently caught up with us for a chat about his nomination, the NTAs and how life is changing for Joey.
How does it feel to be in the running for 'Most Popular Newcomer'?
"I'm absolutely thrilled! It's not something that I'd thought about before it happened, but obviously now that I've made the shortlist, I'm over the moon. To think that anyone has watched me and liked my work makes me really pleased."
EastEnders stars have taken home the 'Newcomer' prize in the past couple of years, so do you think you're in with a good chance?
"I'd say there's an equal chance all round, really. I don't really watch the other soaps because I don't have the time, but I have looked at the other people in the category out of interest and I know they're all very good. I think it's going to be quite tight. I don't think at all that I'm in any way a front-runner!"
Is there anything you'd say for why our readers should vote for you?
"If you've enjoyed my work, then please do vote for me because it would mean an awful lot. But I think if people want to vote, they will, regardless of me saying it! If they do, I'm very, very grateful."
Out of the scenes that you've done, do any stand out as ones that you're really proud of?
"I think I've been really lucky to have some big, big storylines. A lot of characters come in and stay in the background for a long time, but with Joey, I was lucky enough to come in and really get some good stuff.
"I'm really pleased with the scenes I've done with Jacqueline [Jossa] and I was very proud of how it played out. Before the Joey and Lauren storyline started, I think people had heard about the 'kissing cousins' and had a lot of reservations about it. But I was really pleased to see that once Joey and Lauren's relationship ended after the car crash, people had changed their minds and said, 'Well actually, they're so good together that we want them to get back together!'
"I was also really pleased with the aftermath of Derek's death. It was nice to show a vulnerable side to Joey, which usually isn't there."
Do you have any words of support for your co-star Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), who's up for the 'Serial Drama Performance' prize?
"I can say loads! When you're in the show for so many years, you're not going to have huge storylines every year, so a lot of people forget just how good these long-serving actors are. The viewers are used to Ian Beale being there and they're fully convinced by him, but they don't necessarily take note because it's always been like that.
"For Adam to get nominated after 28 years and to have impressed people with his recent storyline is fantastic. It was when Ian's relationship with Mandy was breaking down that I really started to watch the show and I thought, 'Wow, what a fine actor'.
"For Adam to have made enough impact last year for people to vote for him, I think that speaks absolute volumes. It's absolutely deserved if he wins."
Are you nervous about the live NTA ceremony next week?
"Oh yes, I'm incredibly nervous - I always am for things like this! It's a time where you're totally out of your comfort zone, because you're presenting yourself as yourself rather than as a character, which you're most used to and more comfortable with.
"Whether people say they want to win or they don't, you always are going to experience a huge feeling of pressure, knowing that everything on that evening is building up to that moment where the winner is announced.
"Once I know the decision, there'll be a sense of relief because I won't have to worry about it any more. I think I'll be ever so nervous, but also excited because I've never been to the NTAs before and it's a great opportunity."
With Derek dead, do you think Joey will have a happier life now?
"I do, yes. I think often people need to be broken down completely to come out happier on the other side. Joey was a very guarded character and him having this once-in-a-lifetime breakdown is a realisation for him that things have got to change. Things will change and you'd assume things are on the up, but there are still bridges to cross with Lauren.
"There's a sense of relief, though, that there's no longer somebody meddling in everything that Joey does and trying to make life harder. I'd like to think there's some happiness to be had! Certainly I think his attitude will change, because it's a massive turning point in his life."
Lauren still has a drinking problem, so will Joey become concerned over that?
"The drinking problem hasn't been focused on that much yet in terms of their relationship, so how much Joey knows about it, I don't know. Often people turn to alcohol to relieve certain situations, so if Joey and Lauren are to have some happiness in the future, maybe she won't need to drink so much. One would hope so, anyway!"
Is there any chance of us meeting Joey and Alice's mother?
"We haven't heard anything of it, but I think it would be quite nice. There's certainly another dynamic to be had if you are to introduce the mother, but that's completely in the hands of other people.
"If it happens, I think it'd be interesting to explore that relationship. I'm sure that relationship will be something completely different to what we've seen before. The most hard-faced people can be really quite soppy with their mothers so it'd be interesting to see, but I have no idea whether it would happen or not!"
Do you think Joey will make some proper friends on the Square?
"I think Joey would need to find a best friend completely different to himself. He could possibly get on well with Tyler, but at the moment there's too much of a competitive edge there.
"The only person around who's his age would be Fatboy, but even so, I just don't see those two being best friends! I think they could get along, go out and have a drink, but I can't see them telling each other their deepest secrets."
Who would you like more scenes with?
"There are many, many people I'd love to work with. I've always said that I've always loved the work of Gillian Wright - I think she's a fine actress. But that would be difficult as I probably wouldn't want to work with her as Joey, because I don't see what space there is to go there. It just doesn't seem possible!
"I think it'd be fun to get some scenes with Kim, because I think that would be really funny. That could be an amusing dynamic because she's so openly sexual with anyone, while Joey's quite strait-laced. But it really is such a pleasure to work with anybody on EastEnders, because there is such a down-to-earth cast and everyone just wants to get some good work done."
EastEnders' Joey Branning has been at the centre of huge storylines since his debut in June last year, striking up a shock relationship with his cousin Lauren and enduring troubled times with his now-deceased father Derek.
In real life, David Witts - who plays the character - has made the shortlist for 'Most Popular Newcomer' at the National Television Awards 2013 alongside Coronation Street's Natalie Gumede (Kirsty Soames), Emmerdale's Liam Fox (Dan Spencer) and Hollyoaks' Joseph Thompson (Doctor Browning).
David recently caught up with us for a chat about his nomination, the NTAs and how life is changing for Joey.
How does it feel to be in the running for 'Most Popular Newcomer'?
"I'm absolutely thrilled! It's not something that I'd thought about before it happened, but obviously now that I've made the shortlist, I'm over the moon. To think that anyone has watched me and liked my work makes me really pleased."
EastEnders stars have taken home the 'Newcomer' prize in the past couple of years, so do you think you're in with a good chance?
"I'd say there's an equal chance all round, really. I don't really watch the other soaps because I don't have the time, but I have looked at the other people in the category out of interest and I know they're all very good. I think it's going to be quite tight. I don't think at all that I'm in any way a front-runner!"
Is there anything you'd say for why our readers should vote for you?
"If you've enjoyed my work, then please do vote for me because it would mean an awful lot. But I think if people want to vote, they will, regardless of me saying it! If they do, I'm very, very grateful."
Out of the scenes that you've done, do any stand out as ones that you're really proud of?
"I think I've been really lucky to have some big, big storylines. A lot of characters come in and stay in the background for a long time, but with Joey, I was lucky enough to come in and really get some good stuff.
"I'm really pleased with the scenes I've done with Jacqueline [Jossa] and I was very proud of how it played out. Before the Joey and Lauren storyline started, I think people had heard about the 'kissing cousins' and had a lot of reservations about it. But I was really pleased to see that once Joey and Lauren's relationship ended after the car crash, people had changed their minds and said, 'Well actually, they're so good together that we want them to get back together!'
"I was also really pleased with the aftermath of Derek's death. It was nice to show a vulnerable side to Joey, which usually isn't there."
Do you have any words of support for your co-star Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), who's up for the 'Serial Drama Performance' prize?
"I can say loads! When you're in the show for so many years, you're not going to have huge storylines every year, so a lot of people forget just how good these long-serving actors are. The viewers are used to Ian Beale being there and they're fully convinced by him, but they don't necessarily take note because it's always been like that.
"For Adam to get nominated after 28 years and to have impressed people with his recent storyline is fantastic. It was when Ian's relationship with Mandy was breaking down that I really started to watch the show and I thought, 'Wow, what a fine actor'.
"For Adam to have made enough impact last year for people to vote for him, I think that speaks absolute volumes. It's absolutely deserved if he wins."
Are you nervous about the live NTA ceremony next week?
"Oh yes, I'm incredibly nervous - I always am for things like this! It's a time where you're totally out of your comfort zone, because you're presenting yourself as yourself rather than as a character, which you're most used to and more comfortable with.
"Whether people say they want to win or they don't, you always are going to experience a huge feeling of pressure, knowing that everything on that evening is building up to that moment where the winner is announced.
"Once I know the decision, there'll be a sense of relief because I won't have to worry about it any more. I think I'll be ever so nervous, but also excited because I've never been to the NTAs before and it's a great opportunity."
With Derek dead, do you think Joey will have a happier life now?
"I do, yes. I think often people need to be broken down completely to come out happier on the other side. Joey was a very guarded character and him having this once-in-a-lifetime breakdown is a realisation for him that things have got to change. Things will change and you'd assume things are on the up, but there are still bridges to cross with Lauren.
"There's a sense of relief, though, that there's no longer somebody meddling in everything that Joey does and trying to make life harder. I'd like to think there's some happiness to be had! Certainly I think his attitude will change, because it's a massive turning point in his life."
Lauren still has a drinking problem, so will Joey become concerned over that?
"The drinking problem hasn't been focused on that much yet in terms of their relationship, so how much Joey knows about it, I don't know. Often people turn to alcohol to relieve certain situations, so if Joey and Lauren are to have some happiness in the future, maybe she won't need to drink so much. One would hope so, anyway!"
Is there any chance of us meeting Joey and Alice's mother?
"We haven't heard anything of it, but I think it would be quite nice. There's certainly another dynamic to be had if you are to introduce the mother, but that's completely in the hands of other people.
"If it happens, I think it'd be interesting to explore that relationship. I'm sure that relationship will be something completely different to what we've seen before. The most hard-faced people can be really quite soppy with their mothers so it'd be interesting to see, but I have no idea whether it would happen or not!"
Do you think Joey will make some proper friends on the Square?
"I think Joey would need to find a best friend completely different to himself. He could possibly get on well with Tyler, but at the moment there's too much of a competitive edge there.
"The only person around who's his age would be Fatboy, but even so, I just don't see those two being best friends! I think they could get along, go out and have a drink, but I can't see them telling each other their deepest secrets."
Who would you like more scenes with?
"There are many, many people I'd love to work with. I've always said that I've always loved the work of Gillian Wright - I think she's a fine actress. But that would be difficult as I probably wouldn't want to work with her as Joey, because I don't see what space there is to go there. It just doesn't seem possible!
"I think it'd be fun to get some scenes with Kim, because I think that would be really funny. That could be an amusing dynamic because she's so openly sexual with anyone, while Joey's quite strait-laced. But it really is such a pleasure to work with anybody on EastEnders, because there is such a down-to-earth cast and everyone just wants to get some good work done."
David Witts has hinted that he is not looking for a long-term stay on EastEnders.
The Joey Branning actor, who has been nominated for 'Most Popular Newcomer' at tomorrow's National Television Awards, only joined the BBC soap in June last year.
However, when asked in an interview with Metro whether he would like to become a show "stalwart", he answered frankly: "No I don't."
Witts elaborated: "Not because there's anything wrong with it but for me acting is a passion and it's about spreading yourself in different areas.
"Every actor dreams of Hollywood but I'd also like to go back to the theatre. More than anything I just want to be working solidly."
He added pessimistically: "I don't know if I'll still be at EastEnders in a year's time but I'll be more than happy if I am.
"You can never say what's going to happen even tomorrow, let alone in a year's time."
Meanwhile, the star said he would like to work with Gillian Wright, but acknowledges the characters of Joey and Jean Slater will probably never cross paths.
"I'd like to work with Gillian Wright because I think she's terrific," he said. "There are a lot of actors and actresses on the show I'd love to work with but character-wise, there's nowhere to go."
Witts, 20, also commented that he would like writers to bring a popular character "back from the dead", perhaps "someone evil like Dirty Den".
EastEnders star David Witts has admitted that he still feels self-conscious about the nature of fame being on the soap brings.
Witts, who joined the show as Joey Branning last year, revealed that he constantly worries what people think of him when he is out.
Speaking to Radio Times, he said: "I find myself over-compensating all the time. When I go somewhere that has any kind of customer service I'm sickly sweet because I'm so worried that, otherwise, people are going to walk away thinking I'm rude.
"When I first joined the show, I went to a local club and I literally walked past somebody. And then, the next day, on one of the social networking sites, this person had written: 'Met Joey from EastEnders. Bit of an…' followed by a not-very-nice word. And then people had replied: 'Oh, really. Why?'
"She said, 'He was trying it on with me and all of my mates'. And I had literally just walked past her on the way to the bar. So it makes you incredibly self-conscious of your image when you're out. Because it's more interesting to say, 'He's an arsehole' than it is to say, 'Oh, he's a really nice guy. He's really normal'."
Witts also revealed that he stays away from social networking sites, such as Twitter, to avoid any negative feedback.
"I keep out of all that. You just open yourself up to people saying whatever they want. It's easier to hate people that you recognise because, obviously, there's an element of jealousy there. For some people, not all people, I have to say, but some do feel like they're hard done by because they're not in the same situation and that resentment leads to them saying negative things.
"It makes them feel better about the situation but it's something that makes me very self-conscious. And it's quite tiring! You know, I still get the train every morning and I can be quite moody and tired at 5am. But if someone comes up to me shouting 'Oi Joey!' I can't be a normal person and say, 'Leave me alone, I'm trying to sleep'.
"I have to summon up the energy from somewhere and say, 'Hello, nice to meet you', just so they don't turn around and think I'm an idiot. In that respect, they've very much got the power."
EastEnders actor David Witts has said his character Joey Branning's split from his cousin Lauren Branning is a 'shame'.
Joey dumped Lauren last week as her drinking problem continued to spiral out of control.
Speaking to the Radio Times, Witts said: "I think it's a shame. I don't know what's going to happen and often break-ups like that are used as a tool to bring out different sides to relationships.
"But I do think it's a shame, on both a personal as well as a theatrical level. I really enjoyed working with Jacqueline Jossa and, of course, some viewers had become fans of Lauren and Joey as a couple."
Witts believes that Joey is trying to be cruel to be kind by ending things with Lauren.
"The reason why he's ended the relationship isn't because he doesn't like her. The opposite is true, really. You know that awful line that's used in so many movies – if you really love her you'll let her go? It's literally like that.
"Joey thinks he's bad news. When she's with him, Lauren's drinking a lot, she's not herself and she's not doing anything with her life. So in many ways, it's quite chivalrous for him to do this because he's thinking not of himself but of the bigger picture for the person he loves. But we'll have to see what happens next."
EastEnders star David Witts has decided to leave the show.
The actor, who has been playing Joey Branning since summer 2012, is already filming his final storyline and will bow out on screen at Christmas.
Witts is departing the BBC soap of his own accord. He will feature prominently on screen for the rest of the year as Joey gets involved in the climax of his sister Alice's dark storyline with Michael Moon.
An EastEnders spokesperson told the Daily Star Sunday: "We can confirm that David is leaving EastEnders later this year and we wish him all the best for the future."
Witts had always admitted that he didn't want to become an EastEnders stalwart as he has other acting ambitions.
Upon joining Walford last year, Joey was initially known for his bitter feud with his father Derek, who has since died.
He also embarked on a surprising relationship with his cousin Lauren and continues to care deeply for her despite their split.
Jasmyn Banks and Steve John Shepherd, who play Alice and Michael, have previously confirmed their exits from EastEnders.
A number of other cast members are also leaving as part of a shake-up instigated by the show's new producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins.
EastEnders star David Witts has admitted that his character Joey Branning will have a low-key exit from the soap.
At the weekend, it was confirmed that Witts has decided to leave the role of Joey and will bow out on screen at Christmas.
"They're leaving the door open for me, which I'm really pleased about," Witts told Radio Times of his departure. "To be honest, it's not going to be a massive exit because when you have one of those, it's then very hard for you to come back.
"So it's a nice story that gets me there, but it's not going to be anything that people will be talking about for years to come!"
Confirming that he is leaving of his own accord, the actor added: "18 months in, I just thought that now was the right time for me to go. For me, being an actor doesn't mean just playing one part. I want to go through the process again of picking up a script and working out what I want to do with it.
"I'm starting rehearsing Hairspray in February, which will be on at the Curve Theatre in Leicester. I'm really excited to be going back on stage. And there are a whole plethora of roles out there to try, be they in theatre, film or TV."
Joey's exit storyline is expected to tie in with the climax of his sister Alice's dark plot with twisted Michael Moon.
Witts has been playing Joey since summer 2012.
tammyy2j
22-10-2013, 17:12
He is a decent actor and easy on the eyes but he hasn't done much since Derek's death
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