alan45
02-06-2007, 07:00
FORMER Bill tough guy Frank Burnside is heading for EastEnders — to romance Fat Pat.
Actor Christopher Ellison, 60, is to play smooth-talking Len Harker, who sweeps Pat Evans off her feet.
They meet when Pat — played by Pam St Clement, 65 — is on holiday on the South Coast and her car breaks down.
Len turns up to save the day and Pat falls for his charming patter.
An insider said: “Pat has been without any romance since her spot of slap and tickle with Patrick.
“She’s a hard woman and normally frightens blokes off, but Len is hooked. Let’s hope this fling has a happier ending than she’s had with any of her previous partners.”
Pat has been through FOUR husband in her 21 years in Albert Square.
She first married Pete Beale — Ian Beale’s dad — but soon left him for Brian Wicks. But Brian beat her up and she fled to Walford, where she wed Frank Butcher. Car salesman Frank’s affair with Peggy Mitchell soon put paid to that.
Pat then married soft touch Roy Evans, who died of a heart attack five years ago after hearing how Pat planned to leave him for ex-flame Frank.
Christopher, who quit as The Bill's Frank Burnside in 2000 after 16 years on the show, said: “I’m very excited.”
EastEnders boss Diederick Santer said: “I’ve been a massive fan of Christopher since he played Burnside so I’m really chuffed to have got him on board.”
Christopher’s first scenes will be on air in August and he will appear in at least four episodes.
Christopher is the latest in a series of new characters joining the show.
Samantha Janus and Rita Simons will arrive this summer as sisters Ronny and Roxy Mitchell.
Actor Christopher Ellison, 60, is to play smooth-talking Len Harker, who sweeps Pat Evans off her feet.
They meet when Pat — played by Pam St Clement, 65 — is on holiday on the South Coast and her car breaks down.
Len turns up to save the day and Pat falls for his charming patter.
An insider said: “Pat has been without any romance since her spot of slap and tickle with Patrick.
“She’s a hard woman and normally frightens blokes off, but Len is hooked. Let’s hope this fling has a happier ending than she’s had with any of her previous partners.”
Pat has been through FOUR husband in her 21 years in Albert Square.
She first married Pete Beale — Ian Beale’s dad — but soon left him for Brian Wicks. But Brian beat her up and she fled to Walford, where she wed Frank Butcher. Car salesman Frank’s affair with Peggy Mitchell soon put paid to that.
Pat then married soft touch Roy Evans, who died of a heart attack five years ago after hearing how Pat planned to leave him for ex-flame Frank.
Christopher, who quit as The Bill's Frank Burnside in 2000 after 16 years on the show, said: “I’m very excited.”
EastEnders boss Diederick Santer said: “I’ve been a massive fan of Christopher since he played Burnside so I’m really chuffed to have got him on board.”
Christopher’s first scenes will be on air in August and he will appear in at least four episodes.
Christopher is the latest in a series of new characters joining the show.
Samantha Janus and Rita Simons will arrive this summer as sisters Ronny and Roxy Mitchell.