Eastenders General News Thread

Rita Simons has claimed she loves the trauma of EastEnders.
Rita's co-star Samantha Womack - who played her sister Ronnie Mitchell - reportedly left the soap because she found it exhausting acting stressed and miserable all the time. But Rita, who plays party-loving Roxy, told the Daily Express she enjoys the gritty storylines.
The 34-year-old actress said: "That's not the reason why Samantha left the show, but she needed a break from Ronnie as it was hard for her to come in every day and cry and scream, dealing with death and rape.
"I didn't have it as bad as her - I get to play a drunk slapper!
"I'm getting my fair bit of trauma now but I love it. Pile the trauma on me."


PA

Former EastEnders star Neil McDermott will join the cast of Shrek: The Musical next year, it has been announced.

The actor, who played Walford's Ryan Malloy, is taking over the role of Lord Farquaad in the production at London's Theatre Royal.

McDermott will appear in the part from February 2012, succeeding current Farquaad actor Nigel Harman.

Meanwhile, West End actor Dean Chisnall is taking over from Nigel Lindsay in the lead role of Shrek.

Shrek: The Musical has been running in the West End since May. Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh is currently appearing as Princess Fiona in the show.

McDermott bowed out from EastEnders earlier this year after two years in the role of Ryan.

EastEnders bosses have defended their portrayal of homosexual issues after George Michael branded recent storylines "insulting" to the gay community.

The openly-gay singer made his remarks on Twitter after watching last night's episode, which saw Christian Clarke's relationship with Syed Masood hit the rocks after he was falsely accused of molesting schoolboy Ben Mitchell.

Ben's father Phil (Steve McFadden) has struggled to come to terms with his son's sexuality in recent weeks and he reacted furiously to the teenager's allegation, storming round to Christian's home with a baseball bat.

Meanwhile, EastEnders' Christian and Syed storyline has explored the challenges faced by the couple after they fell in love. Syed (Marc Elliott) took months to accept his sexuality and was later disowned by his strict Muslim parents after finally deciding to build a life with Christian.

Michael told his online followers last night: "It's official.....George Michael has had enough of.... EastEnders. ARE THEY F**KING KIDDING! Gay people deserve better than the BBC's pathetic attempts to 'represent' us.

"Message to gay kids in Britain. The East End of London is one of the best places on earth to be a modern gay man or couple. The relationship between Sayed [sic] and Christian is the most insulting piece of bulls**t on British television right now.

"Insulting to the gay community, insulting to the Muslim community, and in the meantime, terrifying every gay child that is struggling to come to terms with their sexuality, and the prospect of coming out to their family, whatever their religion.

"So far, Christian has been beaten up 3 times that I can remember, and is now accused of child molestation. Sayed has been disowned and is now mistreating his partner shamelessly, presumably because he is now a confused bisexual after all. Total f**king bulls**t."

However, an EastEnders spokesperson told Digital Spy: "EastEnders reflects a wide range of issues. All soap characters face their own trials and tribulations in order to create drama, however EastEnders viewers will know that this is a story about Phil Mitchell who, while struggling with his own relationship with his son, will do anything to protect him."

EastEnders' Christian and Syed storyline has built up a dedicated fanbase since its launch in 2009. Fans of the pair also recently raised more than £2,000 for the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity Stonewall after being inspired by their plot.

Meanwhile, John Partridge - who plays Christian - won the 'Entertainer of the Year' prize at last year's Stonewall Awards, which celebrate those who have made a positive impact on the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Former Coronation Street star Danny Young has revealed he'd really like to play a proper East End lad in EastEnders.
The actor - currently touring the country with Alex Reid and former Hollyoaks hunk Marcus Patric in strip show Wildboyz - played cockney footballer Warren Baldwin in Corrie, but would like to do more soap work in Albert Square.
Danny told Inside Soap magazine: "I would have liked to have given Warren a bad-boy side.
"I returned to Coronation Street for some episodes in 2006 but if I did another soap now, it would be EastEnders - I'd like to play a cheeky chappy."
But the 24-year-old actor said he still misses the Street, where he appeared as the beloved son of Frankie and Danny Baldwin, played by Debra Stephenson and Bradley Walsh.
He said: "We had such a laugh as the Baldwins. I learned a lot from Bradley Walsh - his comic timing was spot on."

PA

EastEnders character Billy Mitchell will carry the Olympic torch on the show.

The hapless East Londoner, who is portrayed by actor Perry Fenwick, will be granted his long-term wish when he runs the torch through fictional Albert Square on July 23 next year, just before the Olympic opening ceremony on July 27.

Fenwick told The Mirror: "When we first discussed the storyline, my initial thought was that I'll now have to get fit.

"While this may be a fictional one-off for Billy Mitchell, it's a real once in a lifetime opportunity for me and I am thrilled that Walford and Albert Square will be part of this amazing event."

Billy and fellow EastEnder character Fatboy (Ricky Norwood) were both initially in the running for the torchbearer role, but Fenwick won the opportunity.

London 2012 chairman Lord Sebastian Coe said: "Today's announcement is a great addition to the Olympic torch relay route. I'm sure the people of Walford will now start planning their celebrations to welcome the flame to Albert Square.

"Along with people right round the UK, the residents of Albert Square will be getting involved to make this their moment to shine."

During the 70-day Olympic torch relay, 1,018 communities will be visited and it will travel about 8,000 miles. David Beckham said earlier this year that he was "proud to nominate" sportswoman Gabriella Roseje as one of 8,000 torchbearers because of her "inspiring" work with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

EastEnders cast member Tony Discipline is to face trial over assault claims.

Discipline, 22, is accused of breaking a 21-year-old's jaw and assaulting the man's cousin in May, the month it was announced he was joining the BBC One soap.

The incident occurred near celebrity nightclub Merah in London, reports the Evening Standard.

The actor, who plays Tyler Moon, denies grievous bodily harm and common assault.

Discipline was today bailed to appear at Southwark crown court on December 23.

Reports first emerged of the alleged fight in July, when it was claimed that the star was being questioned by the police.

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Originally Posted by Perdita

EastEnders cast member Tony Discipline is to face trial over assault claims.

Discipline, 22, is accused of breaking a 21-year-old's jaw and assaulting the man's cousin in May, the month it was announced he was joining the BBC One soap.

The incident occurred near celebrity nightclub Merah in London, reports the Evening Standard.

The actor, who plays Tyler Moon, denies grievous bodily harm and common assault.

Discipline was today bailed to appear at Southwark crown court on December 23.

Reports first emerged of the alleged fight in July, when it was claimed that the star was being questioned by the police.

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I just do not get it,,,, they fire people on EE for lesser things, this is a pretty serious charge, and he has not been FIRED from EE ?????

EastEnders star June Brown has revealed that she will perform on stage with Brighton Gay Men's Chorus at their 'Pull a Cracker' Christmas Show.

The actress, who plays Dot Branning in the soap, said that she thinks the December 11 performance at the Brighton Dome will be a great way to mark the festive season.

Brown told The Argus: "I'm really looking forward to joining the Brighton Gay Men's Chorus for their Christmas show. I can't think of a better way to kick-start the festive season while raising money for such worthy charities as the Chorus and the Sussex Beacon."

Comedian Zoe Lyons will compere the show, while cabaret singer Lorraine Bowen and vocalist Jodie Spencer will also make special appearances.

Lyons said: "I am totally delighted to be part of the Brighton Gay Men's Chorus show at the Dome, particularly as it is helping to raise funds for Sussex Beacon who provide such vital services for men and women living with HIV/AIDS.

"As well as continuing to provide excellent outpatient facilities there is an urgent need to raise money to keep the inpatient ward open. By coming to 'Pull a Cracker', the audience will not only be getting right into the Yuletime swing but also contributing towards another great cause this Christmas."

Brighton Gay Men's Chorus hope that the event will help challenge prejudices and raise awareness of issues within their community.

EastEnders star Steve McFadden is reportedly the highest earning celebrity appearing in panto this year.

The actor, who plays Phil Mitchell in the BBC soap, will earn £200,000 to take on the role of Captain Hook in Peter Pan at The New Victoria Theatre, Woking, the Daily Star Sunday reports.

His former EastEnders colleague Larry Lamb will earn £150,000 playing Abanazar in Aladdin, while Jedward will pocket that amount each to star in Jedward And The Beanstalk in Dublin.

A source said: "Steve is one of the soap world's most well-known villains. He's a massive audience puller and this is reflected in his fee. The soap's bosses were happy to let him take time out to do the panto.

"He was the one everyone wanted this year as he really does get bums on seats. Everyone knows who Phil Mitchell is and EastEnders is one of the biggest shows on TV, so to have him star in your panto is massive.

"He's a great villain on TV so you can imagine what he's like in front of a live audience - everyone loves him. They really don't get better than him when it comes to playing the typical pantomime baddie."

Other top earning celebrities appearing in panto this Christmas are David Hasselhoff, who is getting £125,000 plus a luxury hotel room to stay in for the duration of his version of Peter Pan. Pamela Anderson is reportedly being paid £125,000 to play the Genie in Aladdin.

McFadden's Peter Pan co-star, The Only Way Is Essex's Harry Derbidge, will receive just £15,000 in comparison.

Chloe Madeley is starring as Beauty in Beauty And The Beast for £10,000, Ray Quinn will get £30,000 for playing Prince Charming in Cinderella and Gareth Gates will earn £40,000 as the lead in Aladdin.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood is also said to be getting £50,000 as the Wicked Queen in Cinderella.

"The top earners really can't refuse the big-money offers. If the offer comes in they'll do everything in their power to juggle other work commitments," the source added. "It's a very lucrative job to get and if your star is rising or you're a household name then you can get big bucks."

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?