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EastEnders fans will see Ava Hartman's son Dexter arrive on Albert Square in the New Year.
Ava (Clare Perkins) - the long-lost daughter of show regular Cora Cross - makes her first appearance on screen on November 20, while Dexter will join her in Walford in 2013.
Hot on the heels of his mum, 20-year-old Dexter turns up on the Square in search of some answers and to get to meet the family he never knew he had.
Actor Khali Best has landed the role of Dexter and will be a new regular cast member for the BBC soap.
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Pictured: New cast members Khali Best
Best told Digital Spy: "I am delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders and working with such great actors so early in my career is an amazing opportunity. I am really excited to see what the writers have in store."
EastEnders' executive producer Lorraine Newman added: "Dexter is a force of nature: cheeky, forthright, confident but highly protective of his mum and vice versa. He'll work at the Arches and be a great mate for Jay and Lola. I am sure he'll be hugely popular with the audience."
Dexter Hartman's first scenes will air in January 2013.
EastEnders star Ann Mitchell has expressed excitement over the upcoming arrival of her on-screen grandson Dexter Hartman.
The actress, who plays Cora Cross, singled out the newcomer when asked to name her favourite character during a live Daybreak interview this morning (November 15).
Mitchell told show hosts Lorraine Kelly and Aled Jones: "Oh God, I like all of them. Well, I'm particularly interested in my young grandson [who's] coming in. But I mustn't talk about that!"
Last week, EastEnders bosses announced that actor Khali Best had been cast as Dexter, who is the 20-year-old son of Cora's long-lost daughter Ava (Clare Perkins).
Speaking this morning, Mitchell said that she is delighted to be exploring Cora's past with the ongoing Ava storyline.
She commented: "It's fascinating, because you get a chance to bring a different facet to each scene.
"One of the scenes we did at the end of the day, and we did it in five minutes - we were up against the clock. That was the most emotional scene. It was strange, to do it so quickly!"
Mitchell added that the public's response to Cora has been "fantastic" and "very, very positive" since her debut last year.
She explained: "They seem to welcome the complexity. They like the darker side, and they like the funny side."
EastEnders continues tonight (November 15) at 7.30pm on BBC One.
EastEnders newcomer Khali Best has revealed that his character Dexter Hartman will strike up a close bond with his grandmother Cora Cross.
Dexter - the 20-year-old son of recently-introduced character Ava - arrives on Albert Square in January to meet the family he never knew he had.
Best told Inside Soap of his role: "It's especially a pleasure to get to have so many scenes with Ann Mitchell, who plays Dexter's grandma Cora.
"Dexter is really keen to make Cora part of his life, and she warms to him straight away. They're going to have a lovely relationship.
"Ann has really helped me to settle in and encouraged me to be myself on screen instead of worrying about too many other things. I'll take her advice to the grave!"
Dexter quickly makes friends with Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald) upon his arrival in Walford and she invites him to a family dinner, but chaos ensues when his true identity is revealed to everyone.
Best explained: "It's a great introduction for him. There's already a lot of tension within the family for various reasons, so there's a little bit of fun to be had by adding Dexter to the mix. But watch how quickly it all spirals out of control!"
Ava - Cora's long-lost daughter - made her first EastEnders appearance in November.
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EastEnders newcomer Khali Best has revealed that his character Dexter Hartman will be delighted to move to Walford.
Dexter - the 20-year-old son of recently-introduced character Ava - turns up on Albert Square next week as he is keen to get to know the Branning family.
While Ava isn't pleased by Dexter's antics when she finds out, the pair later relocate to Walford as Ava lands a new job in the area.
Best told All About Soap: "Dexter's pleased when Ava tells him she's got a job interview in Walford. He's looking forward to moving there, because it's a new start for him. Dexter hasn't had the easiest of times, but he's coming out on top now."
Dexter also finds a job in Walford when Phil Mitchell offers him a position at The Arches.
Best continued: "When Dexter first meets Phil, he doesn't know who he is, but he soon understands his position of power and works out a way he can best manipulate that."
Ava, Cora's long-lost daughter, made her first EastEnders appearance in November. Executive producer Lorraine Newman has now confirmed that she intends to set Ava and Dexter up "as a unit of their own" in the coming weeks.
Newman told the official EastEnders website: "Both Ava and Dexter will be involved in a big story with Bianca [in 2013], which will help to introduce them both more into the Square. Dexter will also start working as a mechanic in The Arches, and he and Jay will become very good friends."
EastEnders airs Dexter's first scenes on Monday, January 7.
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EatEnders star Khali Best has said that viewers are backing a possible romance for his character Dexter Hartman and young mum Lola Pearce.
The actor arrived on screen as Dexter in January, and viewers saw the mechanic quickly befriend troubled Lola (Danielle Harold) as he settled into Walford.
In an interview with Inside Soap, Best revealed that he would now like Dexter to share more scenes with Lola and her baby daughter Lexi.
Best commented: "I absolutely love kids, so handling a baby on screen would be no problem.
"Viewers say to me that they've seen a flirtation between Dexter and Lola, but he really hasn't been flirting with her - I promise! Everyone seems to think they'd make a good couple, though."
The 26-year-old added that he missed most of his first EastEnders episode last month because he was watching with noisy family members.
He laughed: "I watched it with my mum and brother, and couldn't hear anything because the pair of them wouldn't shut up! Then I went to my friend's house to watch the repeat on BBC Three, and again I couldn't hear anything.
"It was so cringe-inducing watching myself - but I got some good feedback, so I must have done something right."
EastEnders continues tomorrow (February 28) at 7.30pm on BBC One.
Dexter Hartman's world is turned upside down on EastEnders next week as he comes face-to-face with his father Sam James.
Sam (Cornell S John) walked out of his family home when Dexter was just a baby, but a new storyline sees him arrive in Walford hoping to build up a relationship with his son.
We recently chatted to Khali Best, who plays Dexter, to hear about Sam's arrival, life at EastEnders and the British Soap Awards.
After a few months on screen now, how are you finding your time at EastEnders?
"I'm loving it - it's been excellent. There's a great working environment here and everyone is lovely. When I first joined the show, everyone was so welcoming. It wasn't just a few people - it was the cast, the crew and everyone else. I've made friends with a lot of the younger cast members."
We've seen Dexter and Ava in quite small doses so far, before their story really kicks off next week. How do you feel about the way they've been introduced?
"I think it's been a good introduction to the show. Sometimes it's better to have that slow introduction and hopefully leave the viewers wanting more, rather than bombarding them with too much straight away! It's been a very good way to do it."
Are you pleased that Dexter's father is now being introduced to Walford?
"Yes I am, because I think it's going to give Dexter more colours that he can show. It's going to give him a lot more to do in terms of storylines.
"It's also lovely to work with Cornell, who's playing the role of Sam. He's done a lot of Shakespeare and other theatre work in the past, and he has a very powerful presence in scenes. He's great to work with."
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© BBC
Ava, Sam and Dexter.
Can you tell us about Dexter's introduction to Sam?
"The first time Dexter sees Sam is outside his house. Dexter doesn't have any idea who he is. Later that day, Dexter sees Sam inside the house and Ava just introduces him as an 'old friend'. She's holding a lot back, as she doesn't tell Dexter that Sam is his dad.
"When Dexter is speaking to Sam in their first few conversations, he stays in the dark about who this man is, as he's calling himself 'Jacob'. They get along really well, though. It's obvious that 'Jacob' has a lot of shared history with Ava, and Dexter is excited to hear more about that.
"Dexter also thinks that 'Jacob' would be a much better match for Ava than Billy Mitchell! He's very protective and always has that watchful eye over his mum."
How does Dexter react when he later finds out that Sam is his father?
"The initial reaction is anger, because Ava has been lying to him. She's had opportunities to tell him but chose not to take them. Dexter has a small amount of hatred towards his mum for that, but it shouldn't be anything too major. I think Dexter just doesn't know how to process it, because it's too much emotion for him to deal with at that time."
Is there any chance of Dexter, Sam and Ava becoming a happy family?
"I don't know at this point! We'll all just have to wait and see."
Could Sam have a hidden agenda?
"I hope not! Hopefully he's going to be a nice guy, but you never know what the writers have up their sleeves. Whatever happens, I'm sure it's going to be exciting, as the relationship between Dexter and Ava is interesting to watch and now there's a new person in the mix."
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Dexter realises Sam is his father.
We know from some of the recent episodes that Dexter used to be in a gang. Would you like his background to be explored more?
"Well, the gang storyline was more Liam's story, but it was nice to have some involvement in it because Dexter was from the same area. Because of that, the viewers were given a new insight on where he's come from and the type of person he could have still been if things had been different.
"As for Dexter's background being explored more, it's there for grabs for the writers! It depends what they want to explore, but it's all there for the taking. That's the beauty of it - there's so many different avenues that Dexter could go down."
Would you like Lola and Dexter to become a couple?
"It could be interesting. I'm not sure yet whether they'll be getting together, but I think Dexter does like Lola because he can see that she is a real, genuine person."
How similar are you to Dexter?
"Because we're both young and we've come from a similar area, playing Dexter is not too far away from home for me. I think we've both made the best of our lives - both Khali and Dexter!"
You landed the role of Dexter after some workshops held by the producers. What was that experience like?
"The first workshop was on a Saturday, and it was mainly improvisation. They put me in situations and watched how I'd react.
"I was recalled to return again for another workshop, and in one of the last situations, I was paired up with Clare Perkins. We were put in a mum, dad and son situation so I think that's where it all came from."
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© BBC / Nicky Johnston
Khali Best
What was your first day on set like?
"I wasn't actually filming on my first day, but I had a chance to watch some scenes being filmed. I watched Tameka [Empson] and Chucky [Venn] do a scene, then Ricky Norwood, and then Jake [Wood] and Jo [Joyner]. It really helped me to better understand what shooting a scene on EastEnders would be like.
"The next day, I had my own filming to do and was a lot more prepared. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be."
Dexter is building up a strong relationship with his grandmother Cora. How do you find working with Ann Mitchell?
"I'm blessed to be working with Ann. She's one of those people who has great wisdom because she's got so much experience. If Ann tells you something, you'll remember it for the rest of your life!"
You're up for 'Best Newcomer' at the British Soap Awards. What was your reaction when you heard the news?
"I was really excited to hear it, especially as it's happened so soon. I haven't thought much about the night itself as I just want to keep working on and concentrating on the job. We'll see what happens!"
Dexter Hartman's world is turned upside down on EastEnders next week as he comes face-to-face with his father Sam James.
Sam (Cornell S John) walked out of his family home when Dexter was just a baby, but a new storyline sees him arrive in Walford hoping to build up a relationship with his son.
We recently chatted to Khali Best, who plays Dexter, to hear about Sam's arrival, life at EastEnders and the British Soap Awards.
After a few months on screen now, how are you finding your time at EastEnders?
"I'm loving it - it's been excellent. There's a great working environment here and everyone is lovely. When I first joined the show, everyone was so welcoming. It wasn't just a few people - it was the cast, the crew and everyone else. I've made friends with a lot of the younger cast members."
We've seen Dexter and Ava in quite small doses so far, before their story really kicks off next week. How do you feel about the way they've been introduced?
"I think it's been a good introduction to the show. Sometimes it's better to have that slow introduction and hopefully leave the viewers wanting more, rather than bombarding them with too much straight away! It's been a very good way to do it."
Are you pleased that Dexter's father is now being introduced to Walford?
"Yes I am, because I think it's going to give Dexter more colours that he can show. It's going to give him a lot more to do in terms of storylines.
"It's also lovely to work with Cornell, who's playing the role of Sam. He's done a lot of Shakespeare and other theatre work in the past, and he has a very powerful presence in scenes. He's great to work with."
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© BBC
Ava, Sam and Dexter.
Can you tell us about Dexter's introduction to Sam?
"The first time Dexter sees Sam is outside his house. Dexter doesn't have any idea who he is. Later that day, Dexter sees Sam inside the house and Ava just introduces him as an 'old friend'. She's holding a lot back, as she doesn't tell Dexter that Sam is his dad.
"When Dexter is speaking to Sam in their first few conversations, he stays in the dark about who this man is, as he's calling himself 'Jacob'. They get along really well, though. It's obvious that 'Jacob' has a lot of shared history with Ava, and Dexter is excited to hear more about that.
"Dexter also thinks that 'Jacob' would be a much better match for Ava than Billy Mitchell! He's very protective and always has that watchful eye over his mum."
How does Dexter react when he later finds out that Sam is his father?
"The initial reaction is anger, because Ava has been lying to him. She's had opportunities to tell him but chose not to take them. Dexter has a small amount of hatred towards his mum for that, but it shouldn't be anything too major. I think Dexter just doesn't know how to process it, because it's too much emotion for him to deal with at that time."
Is there any chance of Dexter, Sam and Ava becoming a happy family?
"I don't know at this point! We'll all just have to wait and see."
Could Sam have a hidden agenda?
"I hope not! Hopefully he's going to be a nice guy, but you never know what the writers have up their sleeves. Whatever happens, I'm sure it's going to be exciting, as the relationship between Dexter and Ava is interesting to watch and now there's a new person in the mix."
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© BBC
Dexter realises Sam is his father.
We know from some of the recent episodes that Dexter used to be in a gang. Would you like his background to be explored more?
"Well, the gang storyline was more Liam's story, but it was nice to have some involvement in it because Dexter was from the same area. Because of that, the viewers were given a new insight on where he's come from and the type of person he could have still been if things had been different.
"As for Dexter's background being explored more, it's there for grabs for the writers! It depends what they want to explore, but it's all there for the taking. That's the beauty of it - there's so many different avenues that Dexter could go down."
Would you like Lola and Dexter to become a couple?
"It could be interesting. I'm not sure yet whether they'll be getting together, but I think Dexter does like Lola because he can see that she is a real, genuine person."
How similar are you to Dexter?
"Because we're both young and we've come from a similar area, playing Dexter is not too far away from home for me. I think we've both made the best of our lives - both Khali and Dexter!"
You landed the role of Dexter after some workshops held by the producers. What was that experience like?
"The first workshop was on a Saturday, and it was mainly improvisation. They put me in situations and watched how I'd react.
"I was recalled to return again for another workshop, and in one of the last situations, I was paired up with Clare Perkins. We were put in a mum, dad and son situation so I think that's where it all came from."
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© BBC / Nicky Johnston
Khali Best
What was your first day on set like?
"I wasn't actually filming on my first day, but I had a chance to watch some scenes being filmed. I watched Tameka [Empson] and Chucky [Venn] do a scene, then Ricky Norwood, and then Jake [Wood] and Jo [Joyner]. It really helped me to better understand what shooting a scene on EastEnders would be like.
"The next day, I had my own filming to do and was a lot more prepared. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be."
Dexter is building up a strong relationship with his grandmother Cora. How do you find working with Ann Mitchell?
"I'm blessed to be working with Ann. She's one of those people who has great wisdom because she's got so much experience. If Ann tells you something, you'll remember it for the rest of your life!"
You're up for 'Best Newcomer' at the British Soap Awards. What was your reaction when you heard the news?
"I was really excited to hear it, especially as it's happened so soon. I haven't thought much about the night itself as I just want to keep working on and concentrating on the job. We'll see what happens!"
EastEnders star Khali Best has warned that his character Dexter Hartman won't be forgiving his estranged dad Sam anytime soon.
Next week's episodes see Dexter reluctantly give his blessing for his mother Ava to continue her reignited relationship with Sam, but it seems that the tension between father and son is still far from over.
Best told Inside Soap of the storyline: "It's fun to play Dexter's angry side. The scene in which Dexter smashed up Sam's car - now that was lovely! The crew called me a one-take wonder, and they said that I had a pretty good swing on me. Obviously it's great to cut loose like that, but I'm sure Dexter has many other sides of himself to show."
Asked whether next week's episodes mark a turning point for Dexter and Sam, he replied: "I genuinely don't think so. Dexter's still pretty angry. The thing with him is that if he's got a valid argument, he'll fight it to the end. If he's wrong, he'll be the first to put his hand up and say so. But right now, Dexter's moral clock is ticking over - and his attitude doesn't wash with Sam."
The 26-year-old also said that fans are hoping romance is on the horizon for Dexter in the near future.
He explained: "People always say that it's about time Dexter got himself a girlfriend. He likes Lola, and she's a really nice girl. But Dexter isn't the type of guy to rush into anything too quickly."
i like his banter with cora
EastEnders star Khali Best has said that being on the soap has changed his life.
The actor, who has played Walford's Dexter Hartman since the beginning of the year, has admitted that he was shocked over the attention he received when his first episodes aired.
Speaking to the Radio Times, Best said: "I cannot live what people consider a normal life anymore.
"But that's not a problem. It's part of the job but I don't think anything can really prepare you for the experience.
"On January 7... when my first episode aired, I didn't know I was on TV at the time, but I left my house to go to the cash point and literally stopped traffic. People were getting out of their cars and beeping their horns. It was ridiculous.
"So I went back inside and thought, 'Okay Khali, things have changed now. You're famous. But that's not a problem. Just calm down and relax'. And day by day it got more apparent. But it's cool."
Best's alter-ego Dexter will be at the centre of drama in EastEnders next week when Phil (Steve McFadden) discovers that Dexter and Jay have messed up a car deal that he was relying on to boost his finances.
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Phil threatens Dexter.
© BBC
Phil threatens Dexter.
Best said: "He feels entirely responsible for what's happened and he's very frightened. He might lose an arm right now.
He understands the power triangle at the Arches and his place within it. He's still a cheeky young individual but he's definitely scared in that situation."
EastEnders actor Khali Best has revealed that there is much more to come for his character Dexter Hartman and show newcomer Nancy Carter.
Last week's episodes saw the characters get off on the wrong foot as Nancy punched Dexter following a misunderstanding at the Queen Vic.
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine today (January 9) about his alter ego's future, Best explained: "Dexter is full of mischief. He's always full of mischief, but he's got a lot of stuff coming up with the new family - the Carter family.
"[There's] a lot of stuff with Nancy, the new Carter daughter who's played by Maddy Hill, who I've known for four years. We went to drama school together and she's lovely.
"It's good to have her on set to work with and bounce off. There's a lot of stuff coming up with them - I can't give too much away!"
Best has now been on screen in EastEnders for over a year and is in the running for Most Popular Newcomer at this year's National Television Awards.
Reflecting on the past 12 months, he commented: "It's been amazing. It's been a very, very, very good year for me. It was on the 7th of January, my first airing, and ever since then I've made leaps and bounds with my progress in it. I've worked with all of the stars, all of the legends - June Brown, Steve McFadden. It's just a lovely building to work in.
"Within my first week, I had to work with Steve, I had to work with June, I had to work with all of the Branning family, so I was thrown in at the deep end. But after you come to terms with it, after you get it out of your system, it becomes second nature."
Best is up against Coronation Street's Marc Baylis (Rob Donovan), Emmerdale's Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa Woodfield) and Hollyoaks' Anna Passey (Sienna Blake) in the Newcomer category. The National Television Awards take place on Wednesday, January 22.
tammyy2j
09-01-2014, 14:44
Is he living with Max and Cora now?
EastEnders star Khali Best has a big night ahead at the National Television Awards next week as he is in the running for the Most Popular Newcomer prize.
The actor, who plays Dexter Hartman, has made it onto the final shortlist of four thanks to viewer votes and will be up against Coronation Street's Marc Baylis (Rob Donovan), Emmerdale's Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa Woodfield) and Hollyoaks' Anna Passey (Sienna Blake).
Digital Spy recently caught up with Khali to hear his reaction to the nomination and what's coming up for Dexter.
Congratulations on the NTA nomination! How are you feeling about being in the running for Most Popular Newcomer?
"It is a very good feeling to be nominated for the Most Popular Newcomer, and I just appreciate all the support and love and all the votes I have already received. It's a great feeling to be recognised by all your peers for what you're doing."
It's obviously a great achievement in itself to make it onto the final shortlist, but have you thought about your chances of winning the prize?
"No, I don't want to stress about it, so what I have done is just take it as it comes. Whatever happens happens, and at the end of the day the most important thing is the work."
What are your favourite memories from your first year on the show?
"Definitely when we went on location and filmed all the caravan stuff - I will remember that forever. Danielle [Harold], Jamie [Borthwick], Lorna [Fitzgerald], Ben [Hardy] and I all bonded in that short space of time because we were in a small secluded area. It was like we were really on holiday - it was cool and I will never forget that.
"Also, when Steve McFadden had the wrench to my hand - that was really cool to shoot, and when I punched my dad or when I got punched was great! It is more exciting than normal stuff and when you get to watch it back it's funny."
How would you say your life has changed since joining the show?
"It's a lot more early mornings! (Laughs.) Just being in public is a lot different, but it's not a bad thing, it's cool."
Last year we saw your on-screen parents leave the show when their story reached its conclusion. Did you always know that Dexter would be sticking around even with his parents gone?
"No I did not know Dexter would be sticking around - it's very good that he did, but I didn't know anything about it. Obviously I was very happy they wanted to use me more and it was a good feeling. It also was a little bit scary because I didn't know where he was going to go and what he was going to do, but that's the brilliance of EastEnders - they have all the right ideas."
How much does it mean to you that they've kept you around?
"It means the world - to do something and be recognised is a great feeling. Anyone would love that - I'm just going to keep doing what I am doing and as long as it's beneficial for the show I have no problem staying here."
Can we expect to see more scenes where Dexter interacts with his remaining relatives on the Square - Cora and the Branning family?
"Yes, there will be some stuff with Nanny Cora, the cousins and unofficial uncle Max Branning. I love working with Ann [Mitchell, who plays Cora] because it's amazing how she approaches the script. She looks at that script like it's a theatre script and she knows absolutely everything in it. So when we sit down we talk about it, we rehearse it and it's really good rehearsing with her because you get to grips with the scene. All of them in general are great to work with - Lorna, Jake and Jacqueline."
There's been a lot of talk about Nancy and Dexter. Do you think they would make a good couple if they did get together?
"Yeah I think they would work well. The only three women on the Square that Dexter could be with and would go well with would be Nancy, Lola and Whitney, but that's only because of the nature of the characters. That's not to say he couldn't be with anyone else, but they are who I think he would work well with."
Mick and Linda are very protective over their kids. Do you think Dexter would have a hard time trying to win them over?
"No, because Dexter has a funny way of charming the pants off of people. I think he has already won Linda over - she thinks he is sweet and recognises the attraction he has towards her daughter. I think the only real trouble would be Mick, but once they realise he is a good guy, I think it will be alright, but who knows!"
What's it been like to film scenes with Danny Dyer and the other new arrivals on the show?
"Danny is hilarious - he is a very good energy to have on the show. I think he has settled in very well and all the stuff that he and his family have done on screen is brilliant. I think Danny, Kellie [Bright], Sam [Strike], Maddy [Hill] and all of them are fantastic - nothing but good. It can only be good for the show."
What's the atmosphere like on set at the moment following the recent changes and Dominic Treadwell-Collins becoming producer?
"There is a real buzz on set right now - everyone is excited about the work. Dominic has come in and made his mark and the show is buzzing. We are all excited to see what he has up his sleeve."
Do you ever get a chance to put forward any ideas to the writers or producers? Is there anything you would like to see in Dexter's future?
"You can talk to the writers and producers because they are always open to ideas, but they have the final decision. Dexter is a nice lovely guy, but when Phil needs to do something bad, I think he should just call Dexter for help. I think that would work as Jay is Phil's angel and Dexter is Phil's little devil. Also, I would like to work more closely with Jake as I haven't worked with him one-on-one and that would be good."
You've been able to join a big show quite early in your career, but can you tell us what you were doing before this?
"I went to drama school and studied acting and I did that for three years. While I was in my third year I got a part in Choir Boy at the Royal Court Theatre, so I did that for three months and that was great - we got so many good reviews.
"While rehearsing for Choir Boy, I got an audition for EastEnders and was offered the role. I literally had two days to turn it all around before I started at EastEnders and before I knew it Jake Wood was giving me a tour of the set and introducing me to everyone. And here we are today!"
Was acting what you always wanted to do?
"Yes, ever since I can remember I have always been entertaining but I didn't actually know that was what I was doing until I got a little bit older and thought 'You're an actor boy!' (Laughs). So I feel like I have been doing it forever, but when I realised this is what I do and this is what I love to do, I got a lot more serious about it. I focused and put in the hard work and it was worth it."
EastEnders star Khali Best has been suspended from the soap for three months.
The actor, who has played Dexter Hartman since last year, has been punished for bad behaviour both backstage and outside of work.
An EastEnders spokesperson told Digital Spy: "Khali Best has been suspended from EastEnders for three months. We will not comment any further on this matter."
Best's suspension will be a disappointment for show bosses after he was awarded Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards earlier this year.
Khali Best will be leaving his role as Dexter Hartman in EastEnders.
Best's departure from the series before Christmas will come less than a year after he received the Best Newcomer prize at the National Television Awards.
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Khali Best as Dexter Hartman in EastEnders
© BBC / Nicky Johnston
An EastEnders spokesperson told the Daily Star Sunday: "We can *confirm that Khali Best will be written out of EastEnders before Christmas. We wish him all the best for the future."
Best's triumph at the National Television Awards in January was followed several months later by a three-month suspension from EastEnders.
The actor was temporarily written out of the soap for inappropriate behaviour both backstage and outside of work. An on-screen return for the character aired in September.
He joined EastEnders in January 2013.
EastEnders has offered the first hints of Dexter Hartman's upcoming exit from the show.
As New Year arrives on Albert Square, Dexter considers leaving Walford to stay with his mother Ava.
Fans may remember that Ava made her own departure from the Square last December, heading off to Newcastle after being offered a job there.
Dexter's doubts over his future in Walford will come shortly after he potentially ruins his chances with Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill).
When Dexter makes the mistake of joking about Nancy's family situation following the Carters' explosive Christmas, their relationship immediately takes the strain.
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Dexter makes light of Nancy's family situation
© BBC
Dexter makes light of Nancy's family situation
As Nancy isn't one to take much nonsense, could it be rejection from her that causes Dexter to make his plans to leave?
In a further twist, Dexter's grandmother Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell) also considers going with him - but what does this mean for her and Stan?
EastEnders confirmed last month that Khali Best would be bowing out as Dexter after two years in the part.
Speaking at the time, Best commented: "I've had an amazing two years at EastEnders, however I am now looking for a new challenge."
EastEnders airs these scenes on Monday, December 29 at 8pm and Thursday, January 1 at 8.30pm on BBC One.
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