Eastenders General News Thread

Nicola Roberts has revealed she'd like to play Patsy Palmer's sister in EastEnders.
The Girls Aloud star is a massive fan of the soap, and joked she could join Albert Square as fellow redhead Bianca Jackson's little sister.
Nicola laughed: "I could be like Patsy Palmer's younger sister or something!"
But Bianca would have to have a Scouse sister as Nicola admits she is "terrible" at accents.
The 26-year-old revealed she loves watching EastEnders because it helps her relax.
She said: "As soon as I get home I get into my neon tracksuit, get into bed, I've got my little dogs, and put on EastEnders.
"I find it really helps me forget about the rest of the world for half an hour. And if I've not been able to watch it for ages I'll have like seven or eight episodes in a row."
But Nicola isn't sure she'd ever pursue a career as an actress like her bandmate Kimberley Walsh, although she admits she has enjoyed acting.
She said: "I did a little bit of acting on the video for Yo-Yo, because I wrote the song. I wrote the story to the video and I had to kind of act the video a little bit. I didn't know if I was going to be able to do it, but actually I really enjoyed it.
"If I was to have lessons and get better - I was surprised that I enjoyed doing it on the day..."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by xcarlyx

I was watching eastenders omnibus earlier and I didn't watch Eastenders when i was growing up (im only 18) and i was wondering whys pat afraid of derek? and has christian left?

---

Pat's son got beaten up by Derek, cos Pats son got Carol pregnant ( if I am not mistaken ) Christian has left but I do not think it is FOREVER,, I bet he comes back ....Carly I didnt start watching EE until 8 yrs ago,, so i am still asking others to help me fit pieces that I have missing too,, Hope this helps :-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Perdita

Nicola Roberts has revealed she'd like to play Patsy Palmer's sister in EastEnders.
The Girls Aloud star is a massive fan of the soap, and joked she could join Albert Square as fellow redhead Bianca Jackson's little sister.
Nicola laughed: "I could be like Patsy Palmer's younger sister or something!"
But Bianca would have to have a Scouse sister as Nicola admits she is "terrible" at accents.
The 26-year-old revealed she loves watching EastEnders because it helps her relax.
She said: "As soon as I get home I get into my neon tracksuit, get into bed, I've got my little dogs, and put on EastEnders.
"I find it really helps me forget about the rest of the world for half an hour. And if I've not been able to watch it for ages I'll have like seven or eight episodes in a row."
But Nicola isn't sure she'd ever pursue a career as an actress like her bandmate Kimberley Walsh, although she admits she has enjoyed acting.
She said: "I did a little bit of acting on the video for Yo-Yo, because I wrote the song. I wrote the story to the video and I had to kind of act the video a little bit. I didn't know if I was going to be able to do it, but actually I really enjoyed it.
"If I was to have lessons and get better - I was surprised that I enjoyed doing it on the day..."

---

I think we have enough AIR HEADS,,plus how on earth will EE explain this character she has dreamed up LOL

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JustJodi

Pat's son got beaten up by Derek, cos Pats son got Carol pregnant ( if I am not mistaken ) Christian has left but I do not think it is FOREVER,, I bet he comes back ....Carly I didnt start watching EE until 8 yrs ago,, so i am still asking others to help me fit pieces that I have missing too,, Hope this helps :-)

---

Thank you.

Sir David Jason has claimed that EastEnders needs 'cheering up'.

The Only Fools and Horses star suggested the soap introduces someone like Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter, as the real East End of London isn't as "dreary" as the soap depicts.

"I'd like to do something on there to cheer it up," he told the Sunday Mirror. "In times of recession lives are a bit dreary so they don't want EastEnders where they keep slitting each other's throats.

"What intrigues me is that there are funny people in the real East End. It's *famous for it.

"There'd be blokes *dressing up as women as a lark, but EastEnders seems blind to the fact that they enjoy a laugh. There should be a cheery chappy on there."

Jason added that he has bought his 10-year-old daughter Sophie the Only Fools and Horses boxset and plans to show it to her over Christmas.

"I don't really like watching myself as I get haunted by the bits I have done wrong, but to be honest it feels like I'm watching a different person when I see Del Boy now," he said.

Quote:

---

Sir David Jason has claimed that EastEnders needs 'cheering up', as the real East End of London isn't as "dreary" as the soap depicts.

they don't want EastEnders where they keep slitting each other's throats.

.

---

Well said David I know you had taste

EastEnders favourite June Brown is to release an autobiography, it has been announced.

The 84-year-old, best known for her role as Walford's Dot Branning, will begin working on the title in the coming months ahead of publication in autumn 2013.

Brown's memoirs will be published by Simon & Schuster, which acquired the rights to the title after paying a six-figure sum, The Bookseller reports.

"June has undoubtedly lived a full and fascinating life - she is one of the few national treasures left not to have done her autobiography and she has more to say than most," Simon & Schuster's deputy non-fiction editorial director Carly Cook commented.

"As big celebrity non-fiction prospects stand for 2013, June Brown's story is a proper one, the life of someone who is hugely respected and much loved.

"Although best known for her brilliant portrayal of Dot Branning, she is seen as an institution - an outstanding TV and stage actress whose appeal is far-reaching and ageless."

Brown was seen delving into her family history on BBC One's Who Do You Think You Are? in August.

Enders Pat gets a stairway to Evans

THE death of Pat Evans in Sunday night's EastEnders is such a momentous occasion that it gets its own TUNE.

The tearjerker episode will end with an arrangement named Pat's Theme by Simon May, who composed the soap's iconic music.

Pat has been played by Pam St Clement since 1986.

A show insider said: "It's only right that we pay tribute to such a character with a wonderfully touching special theme tune."

There will be another change to the credits on Sunday night, as bosses have bowed to pressure from real-life EastEnders to include the Olympic Park in the opening sequence.

source:The Sun

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by alan45

Well said David I know you had taste

---

i think sir david would have his time better spent improving his dire new sitcom. sir david obviously dosent watch ee, if he did, he would realise ee does humour and has a lighter side. ee is never dreary and dosent need cheering up. look at the state of corrie with its pantomime , cartoon humour. in mondays ep tiff was brilliant with her put down to michael, genius. ee is really on form at the mo and on top of its game thanks to bk and certainly dosent need cheering up when we have tameka empson.

EastEnders will air twice a day later this year on Australian television in order to close the gap between the country and the UK.

The British soap has been airing on UKTV since the channel launched in 1996, and will now screen double episodes every Monday to Thursday night from January 23 at 6.30pm.

BBC Worldwide Australia's Deirdre Brennan said: "EastEnders is our number one show. I'm delighted to be able to give our soap savvy fans a double-helping from the Square as we close the gap on the UK.

"With Mandy's unlikely romance with Ian, Tyler's determined attempts to woo Whitney and mayhem at the Moons', there's plenty for them to enjoy."

A new dedicated website for Australian fans of the soap will also be launched to coincide with the double episodes. Fans will be able to catch up with shows and watch preview clips and behind-the-scenes videos.

EastEnders' Laila Morse has revealed her intention to host a post-watershed talkshow.

The 66-year-old, best known for playing Mo Harris in Albert Square, was speaking to The Sun following her early departure from Dancing on Ice.

"I would like to be like Jeremy Kyle," she declared. "If there was two ugly people I'd say, 'Well, you suit each other 'cos you are both ugly'."

She elaborated: "It would have to be after the watershed. I would call it Late Night with Laila.

"They would come on and I'd say, 'Look at you, your shoes need cleaning, your teeth are like a horrible pair of railings'.

"But there wouldn't be fighting. I like making people laugh; it is the best tonic in the world to laugh. If I can do that I am doing everybody good."

as the mid night hour strikes all will be revealed duff duff duff duff duff duff duff duff.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by flappinfanny

as the mid night hour strikes all will be revealed duff duff duff duff duff duff duff duff.

---

What ???? what will be revealed ???? sorry ya lost me there :-)

amazing news :-)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JustJodi

What ???? what will be revealed ???? sorry ya lost me there :-)

---

http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/s...688#post766688

EastEnders star Shona *McGarty's has admitted that the crossover between her on-screen and off-screen love life is "weird".

The actress plays Whitney Dean, who next week starts dating Tyler Moon - played by Tony Discipline.


In real life, McGarty is in a relationship with his *EastEnders brother Anthony, played by Matt Lapinskas.

Meanwhile, Discipline is seeing Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lauren Branning - Whitney's best friend.

"We didn't plan this, but you can't help who you fall in love with," McGarty told the Sunday Mirror. "I got together with Matt last August and I love absolutely everything about him. He makes me laugh and I tell him stuff I wouldn't tell anyone else.

"I completely trust him. But I suppose at the moment it is a bit like the kind of plot our writers would come up with, because I'm sort of going out with two brothers. It was a bit weird at first. But we've all brought the situation upon ourselves by falling for each other and now we just laugh about it.


"Jacqueline doesn't mind me kissing her man and Matt doesn't mind me *kissing his EastEnders brother. It's just a job and the romantic scenes are all part of it."

Speaking of her real-life romance with Lapinskas, she added: "We've already spoken about moving in together, although we've decided it's a bit early. I've never felt anything like this *before.

"People say it's a honeymoon period, but I really hope it lasts and that this doesn't turn out to be like an EastEnders storyline and all go wrong."

She concluded that she'd like Whitney to cheat on Tyler with Anthony so they could film scenes together.

EastEnders actor Steve McFadden is recovering after an ex-girlfriend allegedly attacked him with her car. :eek:

The 52-year-old, who plays Phil Mitchell in the soap, told police on Sunday (February 13) that Dr Rachel Sidwell had left him bleeding heavily and sporting deep scratches in the incident.

Police arrested the 45-year-old dermatologist yesterday morning (February 14), according to The Sun. She was released at 6.30pm.

A Scotland Yard spokesman confirmed that they had spoken to a man in his 50s and arrested a woman in her 40s in connection with the investigation.

McFadden and Sidwell got together in 2008, but split a year later.

The two are parents to a 2-year-old daughter.

Countdown host Nick Hewer has claimed that EastEnders bosses should cut down on the level of "violence and aggression" in the soap.

The Apprentice star names the Walford serial as one of his pet peeves during an appearance on Room 101 next week, according to a report in The Sun.

Hewer is quoted as saying: "There is one thing I loathe and abhor about EastEnders, and it's the violence and aggression which seems to be threaded through every episode.

"And that violence over the years has leached into the British consciousness so that today this country is worse for it.

"I think EastEnders - God bless them, great actors, great storylines - just less violence please. You are doing us harm."

Hewer features on Room 101 on Friday, February 24 at 8.30pm on BBC One. Comedian Rhod Gilbert and presenter Carol Vorderman also appear in the episode.

CHARLIE BROOKS is leaving EastEnders to compete on Strictly Come Dancing.

The actress, who plays scheming Janine Butcher, will quit Albert Square in August for six months.

Charlie is fired up for Strictly after winning the Christmas special and dance bosses want her because soap stars are a huge draw for fans.

Ex EastEnders Jill Halfpenny and Kara Tointon both lifted the glitterball trophy.

Charlie says Janine will have her baby before leaving Walford.

Asked what is coming up in EastEnders, she said: "Baby. I think that's about all I can say really as that's all I know.

"I've got six months off in August so we're having the bump, but I won't have to deal with prams and stuff in extra small doors on the set."

Last year after winning the Strictly Christmas show, Charlie revealed she wanted to do the full series but needed time off.

She said: "It would be fantastic to do the whole show but EastEnders is a six-days-a-week job. I've seen how difficult it is to juggle both but it would be an amazing opportunity."

Last night a source at the BBC said: "It's more or less a done deal. Charlie would be a dream signing for Strictly. She's high-profile and popular and judging by the Christmas special, she has natural ability."

Last night an EastEnders spokeswoman confirmed: "Charlie will be taking a break from EastEnders later this year.

"Over the coming months there will be a lot of unexpected twists and turns and the story is bound to be explosive."

source: The Sun

--->I'm sorry she's leaving EE on a break, but she'll be great on Strictly Come Dancing :D

Former EastEnders star Tanya Franks has said she believes her character's crack cocaine addiction storyline was important as it highlighted a serious issue.

The soap star played Phil Mitchell's drug addict and alcoholic girlfriend Rainie Cross whose drug use on the pre-watershed soap sparked complaints, but the teetotal actress told The Independent she is proud of the storyline.

Tanya said: "I think it can be massively helpful when a popular show like EastEnders covers an issue as important as drugs.

"If EastEnders has saved one life by putting this story out it's worth it."

The 44-year-old star - who left the show at Christmas - was helped by the charity DrugScope while researching the storyline and is now campaigning to save young people's drug and alcohol services from tax cuts.

Tanya also revealed she doesn't even drink because she is so scared of addiction.

She said: "In real life I'm a very cautious person. I'm fearful of things and not into experimentation.

"I'd always think, what if I'm the person who gets addicted? I'd think I might not be able to handle it. I'd think I'd be the one to get caught. I've been like that all my life."

Tuesday 20 March

10.35-11.30pm

BBC ONE



EastEnders actress Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell) has six-year-old twin daughters, Maiya and Jaimee. Maiya was diagnosed with hearing loss at six months old and Rita and husband Theo have been told that one day she will probably lose her hearing completely.

This deeply personal documentary follows Rita and her family as they make life-changing decisions for Maiya’s future. Do they embrace the Deaf world, learn to sign and send her to a specialist school, or try to give her hearing with technology, implants and artificial sound? The choices that lie ahead for Rita and her family are vast and complex.

Along the journey, Rita meets a hearing mother with a deaf daughter who has embraced the Deaf Community, watches a young boy have his Cochlear Implant turned on for the first time and engages with a group of people who are strong supporters of their Deaf Culture. Rita also experiences first-hand what it is like to be deaf in a hearing world.

Rita Simons: My Daughter, Deafness and Me is part of the Disability Season on BBC One. The programme will be shown on the Sign Zone and will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

EASTENDERS stars Cliff Parisi and Ricky Groves have gone into business together — driving brides to their weddings.

Cliff, 51, the soap's Minty Peterson until 2010, is using his £35,000 blue Bentley for the venture which launches this week.

He said: "It's the best job in the world.

"What could be nicer than driving a bride?"

Cliff, most recently seen as maintenance man Fred in BBC1 drama Call The Midwife, formed a strong Albert Square friendship with Ricky, 43, who played mechanic Garry Hobbs until 2009.

He said: "I'll be a chauffeur at weekends and when I'm not busy doing TV and stage work.

"I'll do weddings in North London and Ricky will do them in Peterborough where he lives."

The pair will be happy to act in their EastEnders' roles when they drive brides on their big day.

Cliff said: "I did a bit of chauffeur work before. I love getting suited and booted for a big day out."

The Sun

Former EastEnders actress Gemma McCluskie has been reported as missing by her family and friends.

McCluskie - who starred in the soap for over 30 episodes as Kerry Skinner in 2001 - vanished from her London home on Thursday (March 1).

A large search has been undertaken by police in the local area, with a body being discovered in a canal, reports The Mirror.

"We've been told the police have found the body of a woman and we're now waiting to find out if it's Gemma," a friend of the family said.


I hope they find her safe and sound

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed: "A body was found in Regents Canal near Broadway Market in East London at 2:40pm. Enquiries are under way to establish the identity of the deceased.

"A post mortem will be scheduled to ascertain the cause of death. Pending that post mortem we will be treating the death as unexplained."

McCluskie's brother Danny said: "We are all going out of our mind with worry. Her phone has been switched off since Thursday afternoon. We've not heard from her."

Over 100 people have assisted police in the search for the actress in the Bethnal Green area.

EastEnders stars Martine McCutcheon, Brooke Kinsella and Natalie Cassidy have also helped with the search on Twitter.

Kinsella wrote: "Please get in touch if you have seen her".

Gemma McCluskie's character Kerry Skinner was a close friend of Zoe Slater in the soap, and the great niece of Ethel Skinner. She also dated Robbie Jackson, who proposed to her at one

A 35-year-old man has been arrested after a female torso, feared to be that of a missing former EastEnders actress, was found in a canal in London.

The body, which was found in the Broadway Market stretch of Regent's Canal in Hackney on Tuesday, is feared to be that of Gemma McCluskie, 29.

The arrested man is believed to be her brother Tony McCluskie.

Ms McCluskie, who starred as Kerry Skinner in 2001, disappeared from Bethnal Green, east London, last week.

Twitter appeal
Scotland Yard said it knew the victim's identity but was awaiting results of further forensic tests before formal identification.

Family and friends have been carrying out searches across east London and handing out missing person posters.


The actress appeared in the BBC One soap in 2001
Gemma McCluskie appeared in the BBC One soap in 2001.

Her former co-stars Natalie Cassidy and Brooke Kinsella have both appealed for help on Twitter to find her.

Ms Cassidy, who played Sonia Jackson in the soap, also posted on the website: "Gemma Mcluskie, missing since Thurs, if u have sn her/have any info PLS contact @CarlyKarma ... #FindGemma."

A post-mortem examination on the body is due to take place at Poplar Mortuary later.

The arrested man remains in custody at an east London station.

Police were called to the scene after a passer by noticed something suspicious in the canal.

Divers from Scotland Yard's Marine Support Unit recovered the torso and additional searches are due to be carried out in the water.

Ms McCluskie is 5ft 1in (1.5m) tall with straight black hair.

Police said at the time she went missing she had been wearing a cream coloured top, blue leggings and sandy coloured Ugg boots.

Ms McCluskie appeared in the BBC One soap for 30 episodes.

Her character was a friend of Zoe Slater and the great niece of the late Ethel Skinner. Her character briefly dated Robbie Jackson and got him to propose to her.



Its rumoured that the arestee is her brother

Dean Gaffney has said that he is "utterly devastated" over the disappearance of his former EastEnders co-star Gemma McCluskie.

McCluskie, who starred on the soap for over 30 episodes as Kerry Skinner in 2001, vanished from her London home on March 1.

A police search for the actress recently led to a female torso being discovered in Regent's Canal in Hackney, but the remains have not yet been formally identified.

"It's tear-jerking to hear what's happening and I'm utterly devastated," Gaffney told The Mirror.

"It's something you see in a movie and there are no words to describe the situation. This was a lovely girl with a heart of gold. I'm speechless and it doesn't make any sense. Not knowing is the hardest thing - it's tear-jerking and totally heart-wrenching."


http://i1.cdnds.net/12/10/M/532058143.jpgGaffney's character Robbie Jackson was briefly engaged to Kerry during her time on EastEnders. The actor added that he has fond memories of working alongside McCluskie (pictured left).

"She came in and was immediately a very important and instrumental part of the show, causing a ruckus in the characters' lives," he commented.

"She was so popular with all the cast and so small in height that you just wanted to cuddle her - and everyone did. There was a definite connection between us.

"We were engaged [on screen] and it was a silly childish thing for us to do - and then she went off to Ibiza without me. Effectively, she came in, caused a stir and went off. She was an important part of the show and she really shaped my character."

BBC News has reported that a post-mortem examination carried out on the body found in Hackney proved inconclusive. Further investigations could take some days.

A 35-year-old man, thought to be McCluskie's brother, has been arrested in connection with the case and remains in police custody.

A body discovered at a canal in London has been formally identified as ex-EastEnders actress Gemma McCluskie.

Police have confirmed that the headless torso found in Hackney is that of McCluskie, who played Kerry in over 30 episodes of the BBC soap in 2001.

The 29-year-old disappeared from Bethnal Green, east London, last Thursday (March 1).

Scotland Yard officers, who are reviewing CCTV footage of her last movements, say she was murdered and dumped in the canal after attending the opening of a new hospital.

A 35-year-old man, thought to be McCluskie's brother, still remains in custody following his arrest in connection with the case.

Her EastEnders co-star Dean Gaffney recently said that he was "utterly devastated" by her disappearance.

EASTENDERS star Shona McGarty was booted out of Asda — for suggestively smearing herself with YOGHURT. :eek:

Shona, 20 — Whitney Dean in the soap — was challenged by security men after she and boyfriend Matt Lapinskas were spotted larking around with the food.

One angry mum who alerted staff said: "It was disgusting. The man was opening up pots and looked as if he was throwing it around.

"Then the girl started to smear it over herself in a suggestive manner.

"I had my kids aged ten and nine with me and they certainly don't need to see that in the shopping aisles of Asda." Shona and EastEnders co-star Matt, 25, who plays Anthony Moon, were ordered out of the superstore in Watford, Herts, and told not to return unless their behaviour improved.

An Asda spokeswoman confirmed the incident, saying: "This isn't us being Albert squares. As with any customer found to be causing a ruckus in our stores, we politely asked the culprits to leave so they didn't offend other shoppers."

An EastEnders source said the pair had been chucked out for throwing food and added: "They were larking around with products they were planning to buy."

An EastEnders spokeswoman refused to comment.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Perdita

EASTENDERS star Shona McGarty was booted out of Asda — for suggestively smearing herself with YOGHURT. :eek:

Shona, 20 — Whitney Dean in the soap — was challenged by security men after she and boyfriend Matt Lapinskas were spotted larking around with the food.

One angry mum who alerted staff said: "It was disgusting. The man was opening up pots and looked as if he was throwing it around.

"Then the girl started to smear it over herself in a suggestive manner.

"I had my kids aged ten and nine with me and they certainly don't need to see that in the shopping aisles of Asda." Shona and EastEnders co-star Matt, 25, who plays Anthony Moon, were ordered out of the superstore in Watford, Herts, and told not to return unless their behaviour improved.

An Asda spokeswoman confirmed the incident, saying: "This isn't us being Albert squares. As with any customer found to be causing a ruckus in our stores, we politely asked the culprits to leave so they didn't offend other shoppers."

An EastEnders source said the pair had been chucked out for throwing food and added: "They were larking around with products they were planning to buy."

An EastEnders spokeswoman refused to comment.

---

go to tesco shona better quality. :D

Former EastEnders star Laurie Brett has explained her decision to bow out from the role of Jane Beale.

Jane departed Walford in January after accepting a new job in Cardiff, while in real life, Brett has just signed up for a new regular part in Waterloo Road.

The actress is also competing on the current series of Let's Dance for Sports Relief, recently appearing as Lady GaGa for a rendition of 'Telephone' on the show.

Speaking to the Daily Record about her EastEnders career, Brett insisted that it was the right time to say goodbye to Jane for the time being.

The Scottish star has also said that she is "really excited" about working in her native accent for Waterloo Road when she begins filming next month.

© BBC Pictures
Ricky Grover has revealed that he has battled dyslexia from a young age, and aims to help other sufferers.

The EastEnders actor - who plays Andrew Cotton in the soap - explained that he was diagnosed with the learning disability late, and was often called "thick" while growing up.

He added that his life may have taken a very different route, due to his stepfather's links with underground crime.

"My stepfather was an armed robber, and for a long time it looked like I was going to go that way too," he told The Daily Record. "When you come from quite a rough area and you grow up having problems reading and writing, you feel like society is against you.

"That's certainly how I felt and you can go astray, to try to get your own back on society. Thank God I never did. I stayed on this side of the fence and I think I got my aggression out in the boxing ring.

"In school, I was just labelled thick. The way I used to deal with it, when the book came round for reading, I'd say 'I'm not reading that, it's rubbish' or storm out or something. Even as an adult, if anyone gave me a form or asked me to write out a cheque, I would go to pieces. I couldn't face it."

Grover explained that he finally decided to learn how to read when he realised he wanted to become an actor.

"I decided out of the blue. It was a brainstorm because I had tried lots of other things. I was a boxer, I was a hairdresser, I didn't know what I wanted to do. I went to a place in East London and said to the teacher there, 'I want to act but I have dyslexia quite bad'.

"I thought she would say, 'Well, fine, you can improvise around the lines', but she said, 'Well, you better learn to read then, hadn't you?' I was gutted but it started me off, getting me to read out loud and face my fears. Even now, I'm not a brilliant reader. I put a lot of my lines into a dictaphone and listen to them and memorise them."

The 50-year-old revealed that his dyslexia cost him a part in the recent remake of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo before landing his role in EastEnders.

"The way I love working is improvising, that is my strength, coming in and ad-libbing. When I was offered EastEnders, I thought, 'Hold on a minute, this has all got to be word for word, and you've got to churn out script after script, and I am not going to be able to do it'. So I kept saying no. They were saying, 'This is going to be brilliant for you, you'll fit right in'.

"When I eventually read the part, I really liked it and I thought, 'I am just going to give it a go'. It has been a great discipline for me because I have had to learn lines and what I didn't realise was they are really good about you being loose, as long as it works.

"Even just last year, I was asked five times to be in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and I kept saying, 'No, it's not for me'. But if I put my hand on heart, the reason I never went to meet them was because I was scared of the speech they had sent me."

Grover added that he tries to help other sufferers of dyslexia whenever he can, saying: "There is still a lot of stigma around dyslexia and I would imagine there are so many talented people out there who are just too scared to make a go of it.

"The good side of it is I can go round my area, or other areas, and say, 'Don't let it hold you back. Anyone can do anything'."

The actor recently said that he cried real tears while filming Heather Trott (Cheryl Fergison)'s death on EastEnders.

A second man has been arrested in connection with the death of Gemma McCluskie.

The 35-year-old was arrested on Friday (March 30). He was released on bail yesterday until a date in May, the BBC reports.

The torso of the former EastEnders actress was discovered in Regent's Canal, near Broadway Market, east London, on March 6.

Her brother Tony was charged with her murder on March 10 following his arrest.

More body parts belonging to Gemma, who played Kerry Skinner in the BBC One soap, have subsequently been found in the canal.

Former co-stars including Dean Gaffney, Brooke Kinsella and Joe Swash have all paid tribute to Gemma since her death.

EastEnders star Chucky Venn has revealed plans to start an exercise club with his co-stars.

The former Footballers' Wives actor, who was cast as Ray Dixon earlier this year, said that the likes of Patsy Palmer (Bianca Butcher) and Tameka Empson (Kim Fox) will join him on a training session.

"I don't have as much time to train now, but I have promised a couple of my castmates that we'll hit the gym together," Venn told Inside Soap.

"Both Patsy Palmer and Tameka Empson are up for it - whenever they're ready. I'm a tough taskmaster - I believe in hard work and dedication! I apply that to everything."

Speaking of his character Ray Dixon's past as a soldier, he added: "I'd like to see Ray's past catch up with him, in the form of an ex-comrade coming to the Square.

"It'd also be interesting to find out who the mother of his daughter Sasha is."

EastEnders star Steve McFadden has signed up for another pantomime.

The actor, best known as Walford hardman Phil Mitchell, will appear in Aladdin at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford later this year, News Shopper reports.

McFadden is taking on the villainous role of Abanazar in the production, which will run between December 8, 2012 and January 6, 2013.

Speaking of the project, McFadden commented: "I am delighted to be playing the part of Abanazar in Dartford this year. Playing the pantomime bad guy is such great fun, and there are lots of opportunities to interact with the audience during the show.

"The Orchard in Dartford has a great reputation - I'm really looking forward to playing there this Christmas."

Jonathan Kiley, executive producer for Qdos Entertainment, added: "As a former British Soap Awards 'Villain of the Year', Steve is certainly well qualified to lead the cast as the pantomime bad guy.

"With 3D sequences, this production has all of the elements of traditional family pantomime that Dartford audiences have come to expect, but also has the added element of an array of outstanding and unmissable visual effects."

McFadden appeared as Captain Hook in a Peter Pan pantomime last Christmas. His EastEnders absence was explained as Phil spent time in jail in the climax to his stalker storyline.

EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt has announced that he will appear in a pantomime this Christmas.

The actor, who has played Ian Beale since EastEnders began, revealed via his Twitter account that he has been cast as Captain Hook in Peter Pan.

Woodyatt tweeted: "Really pleased that I will be playing Captain Hook in the Christmas pantomime this year at the Beck Theatre, Hayes."

He later tweeted that this would be his first pantomime appearance in 18 years.

Woodyatt's fellow EastEnders star Steve McFadden recently signed up for another pantomime, playing the villainous Abanazar in Aladdin.

EastEnders actor Steve McFadden will take part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

According to The Sun, McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell in the series, will join the historic river pageant for the Jubilee on board his boat Barbara.

The pageant is comprised of more than 1,000 vessels, and will work its way down the Thames from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge on June 3.

McFadden, a lifelong royalist, applied to take part alongside friends from lifeboat and lifeguard charity RNLI.

He said: "It's an absolute honour to be taking part in the pageant for the Diamond Jubilee. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and will be a moment in history that will always be remembered.

"I'm really looking forward to being out on the river with friends and family. To mark this historic moment will be extremely special."

McFadden recently signed up for a pantomime in Dartford.

The BBC is considering staging a musical based on EastEnders.

Executives will attend Street of Dreams, the musical based on Coronation Street which starts next month, to see if it could be a suitable option for the BBC One soap, The Observer reports.

Paul O'Grady is the narrator of Street of Dreams, with Russell Watson performing and appearances from Corrie stars such as William Roache and Julie Goodyear. Kym Marsh will play Elsie Tanner.

Phil Murphy, BBC Worldwide's managing director for live entertainment, said: "EastEnders is a lovely idea [for a live event]. I would like more drama. You would need a great script and the stars, but it would be interesting to see it done. If someone came to me for an EastEnders Live, I'd not kick them out of the door."

The BBC's plan is part of the trend for "brand extensions" in TV. Tickets to see BBC Worldwide-licensed productions are expected to reach 3m in the financial year 2012-13.

John Yorke, the BBC drama controller who oversees EastEnders, said: "I am very intrigued. We are in a whole new era of live entertainment, which began, perhaps, with the Strictly Come Dancing tours.

"In this case Street of Dreams is playing in its home town. Conversations are always going on about brand extensions for EastEnders. About nine years ago there was talk of EastEnders the Movie.

"Culturally we've come to accept it, as the BBC becomes more commercial. I'd be cautiously welcoming to the idea of doing it. It is hard to see an EastEnders musical. It would have to be something more gritty, scripted say by Arnold Wesker. I can't see [Dirty] Den and Michelle doing a high-kicking number."

Michael Harrison, producer of the new Susan Boyle musical I Dreamed a Dream, added that audiences want to spend money on something "they know they will like before they go", particularly in recessions.

Birds of a Feather and Yes, Prime Minister have recently been adapted into stage shows.

Following its premiere in Manchester, Street of Dreams will tour in Dublin, Belfast and Newcastle.

© WENN
Denise Van Outen has outlined her desire to join the cast of EastEnders.

The West End actress, best known for hosting The Big Breakfast, revealed that she has had "conversations" with the BBC soap's bosses.

She told the Daily Star Sunday: "I'd love a part in a soap and there have been conversations but I'm not allowed to say anything else at the moment. Working on a soap like EastEnders is something I've always wanted to do.

"You need new challenges, and working on a soap would certainly be a great challenge for me.

"It really is one of my ambitions and hopefully it will happen."

Discussing what sort of character she would want to play, Van Outen added: "I wouldn't want to be a villain though as I couldn't handle being hated. I'd love to be a barmaid."

An EastEnders spokeswoman stated last night: "There are no plans to bring in any female cast members at the moment."

Didn't she play Chrissie ??? How can they bring her back since shes banged up in some woman's prison ?????

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JustJodi

Didn't she play Chrissie ??? How can they bring her back since shes banged up in some woman's prison ?????

---

No, Tracey-Ann Obermann played Chrissie

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JustJodi

Didn't she play Chrissie ??? How can they bring her back since shes banged up in some woman's prison ?????

---

Denise van outen was never in EE...