David Essex as Eddie Moon

http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/a...0_1235425a.jpg

SEVENTIES star David Essex is joining EastEnders as Shane Richie's estranged uncle.
The singer and actor, 63, will play cheeky charmer Eddie Moon - who is Alfie Moon's (Richie) uncle and Michael Moon's (Steve John Shepherd) father.

Single dad Eddie walks into Albert Square later this year with his kids - who are yet to be cast - in tow. David, who was born in Plaistow, East London, was due to join the BBC1 soap in 2005 as Honey Mitchell's dad - but had to pull out due to touring commitments.

But after landing this new role, the Hold Me Close star said: "Being an EastEnder myself, I'm really excited to be joining the Square.

"Eddie's a great character and I can't wait to get to grips with the role and work with such a fantastic cast.

"I'm really pleased that I've been able to make filming work around my tour dates this time."

Eddie is set to be a hit with Walford's residents - but he is hiding a past he wants to forget as he tries to reunite with son Michael.

A source revealed: "Eddie's arrival will shake things up for Michael and Alfie.

"One big bombshell waiting to explode is the revelation Michael is Tommy's (Alfie's wife Kat's son) dad." EastEnders' bosses believe housewives' favourite David - who has had 23 top 30 singles in the UK - is a "brilliant signing".

Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "He is a unique talent with a legion of fans and he will bring warmth and charisma.

"His arrival brings a new generation of the Moon family to Walford."
(c) The Sun

I had such a crush on him when I was young! He is a good actor so hopefully they will make good use of him.

Was he not suppose to join before as Honey's dad?? and backed out due to work or something??

Moonie.. I had a major crush on him too in my younger days

Yes, Siobhan, you are right, he was supposed to play Honey's dad but was on tour at the time. Having lost interest in EE recently, I shall start to take more interest again once he arrives :wub:

I could see him as a Moon

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Originally Posted by tammyy2j

I could see him as a Moon

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So would he be playing Michael's dad??? Tommy's grandfather?? maybe a new love interest for Mo!! mmmm

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Originally Posted by Siobhan

So would he be playing Michael's dad??? Tommy's grandfather?? maybe a new love interest for Mo!! mmmm

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Yes, he is meant to be Michael's dad and therefore Tommy's grandad

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Originally Posted by Siobhan

Was he not suppose to join before as Honey's dad?? and backed out due to work or something??

Moonie.. I had a major crush on him too in my younger days

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Hey we have good taste - what can I say lol.

I had forgotten he was meant to play Honey's Dad but I think he is going to be better as a Moon. Don't see him and Mo together but with EE you never know.......

Well Peggy is gone and you know if she was still there they would have hooked the two of them up.. it is always her getting the old guys...maybe Mo can be lucky this time and we finally get to see Fat Elvis fighting for her :lol:

Now how long do you think the Spencer returning rumour will start up again. This could be an excuse to bring him back.

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Originally Posted by Chloe O'brien

Now how long do you think the Spencer returning rumour will start up again. This could be an excuse to bring him back.

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Heaven Forbid!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by alan45

Heaven Forbid!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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there is another that went walking about too.. Jake I think (Danny got shot by him or have I gotten the two mixed up??) he could come back too!!

Jake was last seen being led away by some hitman Johnny Allen organised from prison,when he had a heart attack it was not clear whether he wanted to call the contract off or not. I think viewers were led to believe that he is dead too now, but as this is soapland, I guess he can easily come back some time too.

ah yeah.. now I remember.. Like Paul Truman but unlike Paul, his body been found was never mentioned on the show... they will all come back.. I mean, Michael was a bit of a mystery.. don't think he was every mentioned when all the moon Family was about...

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Originally Posted by Siobhan

ah yeah.. now I remember.. Like Paul Truman but unlike Paul, his body been found was never mentioned on the show... they will all come back.. I mean, Michael was a bit of a mystery.. don't think he was every mentioned when all the moon Family was about...

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Finding a body doesnt mean you cannot be resurrected on EE

This seems quite approprate then: http://new.music.yahoo.com/david-ess...oon--195557764

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Originally Posted by Siobhan

there is another that went walking about too.. Jake I think (Danny got shot by him or have I gotten the two mixed up??) he could come back too!!

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Does Alfie ever mention Spencer or Jake?

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Originally Posted by tammyy2j

Does Alfie ever mention Spencer or Jake?

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I think he mentioned Spencer once or twice but not the others

Sounds like the Moons will be taking over the Square

Steve John Shepherd has said that he is thrilled over the news that David Essex will play his screen father in EastEnders.

Last month, it was confirmed that the singer and actor had signed up for the role of charismatic Eddie Moon on the BBC soap.

As well as being dad to Shepherd's character Michael, Eddie has other children who will join him on Albert Square later this year.

Reflecting on Essex's casting, Shepherd told All About Soap: "It's absolutely brilliant news. I grew up listening to David Essex - and my mother will be so excited!

"I'm really chuffed that he wants to do it and I'm definitely looking forward to spending some screen time with him."

Eddie's arrival on screen is expected to mark the beginning of a new era for the Moon clan, and his fractured relationship with Michael will be fully explored in the months ahead.


DS

He is not the only one who is thrilled :p :lol:

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Originally Posted by Perdita

Steve John Shepherd has said that he is thrilled over the news that David Essex will play his screen father in EastEnders.

Last month, it was confirmed that the singer and actor had signed up for the role of charismatic Eddie Moon on the BBC soap.

As well as being dad to Shepherd's character Michael, Eddie has other children who will join him on Albert Square later this year.

Reflecting on Essex's casting, Shepherd told All About Soap: \"It's absolutely brilliant news. I grew up listening to David Essex - and my mother will be so excited!

\"I'm really chuffed that he wants to do it and I'm definitely looking forward to spending some screen time with him.\"

Eddie's arrival on screen is expected to mark the beginning of a new era for the Moon clan, and his fractured relationship with Michael will be fully explored in the months ahead.


DS

He is not the only one who is thrilled :p :lol:

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so this is what the guy looks like, hes 2 yrs older than I am LOL http://ltd.uk-plc.net/large/DavidEssex.jpg

awww, he always had and always will have sex appeal to me :p :D

Cheryl Fergison has admitted that EastEnders' female cast members are keen for an on-screen romance with David Essex.

Last month, it was announced that Essex had landed the role of Alfie Moon's charismatic uncle Eddie on the Walford show.

Speaking to Inside Soap, Fergison (Heather Trott) confessed that she and co-star Linda Henry (Shirley Carter) are among those who are eager to land a love storyline with the new recruit.

Fergison explained: "Linda and others have put in their bids, but I think bosses should give him to Heather!"

Eddie's arrival in Walford will mark the beginning of a new era for the Moon clan as he descends on Albert Square with his children in tow.

His son Michael (Steve John Shepherd) is already appearing on screen and the pair's fractured relationship will be explored in the months ahead.

Shane Richie has declared his new on-screen uncle, David Essex, "an absolute legend".
The EastEnders star is about to gain three new family members when uncle Eddie and his two sons arrive in Walford.
Speaking about David Essex, Shane said: "I've been working closely with him and he's an absolute legend and a pleasure to work with, and listen to some of his great stories."
It comes after a traumatic return to Albert Square for Kat and Alfie, with their son being swapped by Ronnie for her dead baby - a storyline that earned Shane and Jessie Wallace the Best On-Screen Partnership Award at the British Soap Awards on Saturday night.
Despite the harrowing storyline, Shane clearly has not lost his sense of humour, joking other pop legends could be joining the cast including David Bowie and Boy George.

:D

Who cares what part he plays, he's mint a true londoner, and that smile, bring it on

http://www.digitalspy.ie/soaps/s2/ea...n-trailer.html

[YOUTUBE]_YIADG5NPiw[/YOUTUBE]

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Originally Posted by tammyy2j

http://www.digitalspy.ie/soaps/s2/ea...n-trailer.html

[YOUTUBE]_YIADG5NPiw[/YOUTUBE]

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Saw this on BBC 1 earlier today, Alfie looks pleased but Michael looks a bit pizzed LOL

SEVENTIES heart-throb David Essex is to hook up with Carol Jackson soon after arriving in Albert Square.

The singer, 63 - who makes his EastEnders entrance on Friday as Alfie Moon's uncle Eddie - has an instant connection with Carol (Lindsey Coulson).

Eddie becomes the hero of the hour when he drags Roxy Mitchell's little daughter Amy out of the way of Carol's car - and later gets chatting to the cafe manager.

The pair realise there's chemistry between them, and after weeks of flirting they share a tender kiss.

A soap insider told TV Biz: "Eddie and Carol have a spark and she is delighted when he makes a move on her.

"The attraction is there but they both have too much on their plates to start a proper relationship for now.

"Eddie is desperate to build bridges with his estranged son Michael, although he's not interested in forgiving what's happened between them in the past and tries to pay him off to leave Walford.

"Carol's also got a lot on her mind with her dad Jim going into an old people's home. There's every chance that things will develop between them in the future.

"But for now their relationship has to be put on a backburner because the timing isn't any good."

For actress Lindsey, 51, above, the storyline is a dream come true.

Lindsey told how, in her teens, she was a huge fan of David Essex - spotted buying a mop after filming on Friday. She said: "I went to all his concerts. Don't tell him - I was 14. He was lovely!"

Eddie will soon be joined by his two sons Anthony and Tyler, played by Matt Lapinskas and Tony Discipline.


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz1No8vcE2Y

Found a photo of the NEW MOON 's LOL http://www.walfordweb.co.uk/ww/image...ony-discipline

Wonder if the Moon's are going to be the new MITCHELLs ????????

Same photo as the one here : http://www.soapboards.co.uk/forums/s...d-Anthony-Moon :)

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Originally Posted by Perdita

SEVENTIES heart-throb David Essex is to hook up with Carol Jackson soon after arriving in Albert Square.

The singer, 63 - who makes his EastEnders entrance on Friday as Alfie Moon's uncle Eddie - has an instant connection with Carol (Lindsey Coulson).

Eddie becomes the hero of the hour when he drags Roxy Mitchell's little daughter Amy out of the way of Carol's car - and later gets chatting to the cafe manager.

The pair realise there's chemistry between them, and after weeks of flirting they share a tender kiss.

A soap insider told TV Biz: \"Eddie and Carol have a spark and she is delighted when he makes a move on her.

\"The attraction is there but they both have too much on their plates to start a proper relationship for now.

\"Eddie is desperate to build bridges with his estranged son Michael, although he's not interested in forgiving what's happened between them in the past and tries to pay him off to leave Walford.

\"Carol's also got a lot on her mind with her dad Jim going into an old people's home. There's every chance that things will develop between them in the future.

\"But for now their relationship has to be put on a backburner because the timing isn't any good.\"

For actress Lindsey, 51, above, the storyline is a dream come true.

Lindsey told how, in her teens, she was a huge fan of David Essex - spotted buying a mop after filming on Friday. She said: \"I went to all his concerts. Don't tell him - I was 14. He was lovely!\"

Eddie will soon be joined by his two sons Anthony and Tyler, played by Matt Lapinskas and Tony Discipline.


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...#ixzz1No8vcE2Y

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I thought he was to get with Shirley

whoopsie sorry Perdita ...my bad :-(

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Originally Posted by JustJodi

whoopsie sorry Perdita ...my bad :-(

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No worries, Jodi, I was just looking forward to a new picture :)

Well we do need some new eye candy on the show :-P

I hope his character is more like Alfie and not a sour puss like Michael

Singer and actor David Essex makes his EastEnders debut this Friday as viewers get their first glimpse of his character Eddie Moon. Eddie then makes his long-awaited arrival in Walford on Monday, keen to see his nephew Alfie and meet baby Tommy for the first time. However, Eddie is unaware that his son Michael is also staying in the area and some deep-rooted animosity between the pair looks set to scupper any chance of a happy Moon family reunion... We recently caught up with David to hear all about his new Albert Square role.

How are you finding life at EastEnders?
"I am enjoying it. It's a lot of work to start off with because you're basically introducing yourself to the show, so it's been fast and furious, but it's been enjoyable. Everyone's been very welcoming and I'm full of respect for the actors in this, because there's very little rehearsal time and the performances they bring to the piece are extraordinary."

Were you a fan of EastEnders before you joined the show?
"I like EastEnders, yes. If I didn't respect the show, I wouldn't have gone into it. I'd been due to appear before in another role, and the reason that didn't happen was a timing issue, really - I had an album and then a rock tour to do."

Now that you're playing Eddie Moon, are you glad that the previous role didn't happen in hindsight?
"Well, I think we probably could have made something out of that character, who was Honey's father. But the character of Eddie has much more texture - there's a lot more weight to this character."

What can we expect from Eddie Moon?
"Eddie is a strong character. He's an ex-boxer, he has a chequered past, which will unfold. He's not a bad guy, but there's a massive rift between Eddie and his son Michael. We see Eddie for the first time in a café, where he spots the name of his nephew Alfie in a newspaper and decides to go to see him. When he arrives, he has no idea that Michael is around! Eddie and Michael haven't really spoken for years, but as a father does, Eddie reaches out and reaches out, trying to mend that."

Is Eddie quite different to Michael?
"I think he is, yes. I don't want to speak for Steve John Shepherd, who plays Michael, but I think his character is a lot more manipulative. Maybe they were a bit more of a mirror image a few years back. I suspect that the seeds are the same, but the ages are different - with age comes a certain attitude for Eddie that's a bit more philosophical and not so hot-headed. I've been working with Steve a lot and I've actually just done a scene with him that was very powerful. They're very dramatic, the scenes between Michael and Eddie."

Could Eddie heal the rift with Michael eventually?
"Well, Eddie is reaching out and reaching out and he may eventually make some inroads, but Michael is the type of character who broods and has a lot on his mind, so we'll have to wait and see."

Eddie has quite a heroic entrance as he saves Amy from being run over, doesn't he?
"Yeah, Eddie gets knocked down by Carol as he's trying to save Amy from being run over by her. Afterwards, Eddie and Carol have a bit of a discussion about that - she reckons that she just nudged him, but he reckons that she hit him! We see Eddie get thrown up into the air in that scene. I've done my own stunts for films in the past, but I didn't do that one!"

Is Eddie a single man?
"He is, yes. He's separated from a wife, but we don't know about her yet. What we do know is that the two newcomers who are coming in, Tyler and Anthony, are Michael's half-brothers, so there's been two different relationships there. It's an enormous family tree to get used to! Once Eddie starts settling in on the Square, we may also see a bit of a spark between Eddie and Carol."

Are you enjoying working with Tony Discipline and Matt Lapinskas, who play Tyler and Anthony?
"Yes, but I've only worked with Tony so far, as Tyler arrives first. I'm trying to make him feel comfortable, because it's an extraordinary thing to come into as a young actor, but he's doing brilliantly. Shane Richie and I have both been taking care of him. I've met Matt too, and we're all having a good laugh."

How does EastEnders compare to projects that you've done in the past?
"As I say, I am enjoying it. I've never done anything like this type of work before as when you're doing a film you have a lot of time, when you're doing a stage show you have rehearsals, but here you don't really know what you're doing until a day before - and then you do it! But I suppose the way that it's so fast is part of the reason why I'm enjoying it. It's a great adventure for me - it's something different."

Have you enjoyed working with the EastEnders cast?
"It's daunting, isn't it? Some of the cast have been here for more than 20 years, so it's like coming into a new school. But they've been tremendously respectful and very welcoming. Jake Wood, who plays Max, has been my mentor. He advised me that when I have free time, I should look over the lines in my dressing room and things like that. I haven't worked with any of the cast before as it's a world that I haven't been involved in, but that's what makes it quite interesting for me. And since I've started, I've worked with almost everyone in the cast now. I'm just about to do a little scene with June Brown, which I'm looking forward to!"

What's the most challenging part of working on the show?
"It's important to me that Eddie is a character and it's not David Essex. I suppose because I have such a track record, it may be difficult for people to see that it's not David Essex and it is Eddie - that's the main challenge. But fans that I have already seem thrilled that I'm joining the show as it means they can watch me on TV every night!"

How long will you be sticking around in EastEnders for?
"I finish filming in August as I'll be doing a tour with the play All the Fun of the Fair. I'm not sure what will happen after that - we've been having some chats to see where it's going and if Eddie can come back. There's talk of All the Fun of the Fair becoming a film next year, which would be good, and I'm also supposed to be doing another film about boxing. So there is a lot going on but I'm here and I'm enjoying myself. I'll be on-screen until the autumn."

David Essex's first EastEnders episode airs this Friday at 8pm on BBC One. Eddie then makes his arrival in Walford on Monday, June 6.

David Essex has revealed that his EastEnders character Eddie Moon will face a tough battle to get back on good terms with his son Michael in the coming months.

Eddie arrives on Albert Square next Monday and receives a warm welcome from his nephew Alfie (Shane Richie), but Michael is not pleased to see his father and makes it clear that he wants him to leave.

When Essex's casting in EastEnders was announced earlier this year, show bosses promised that the fractured relationship between Eddie and Michael (Steve John Shepherd) would be fully explored on screen.

Speaking of the pair's troubles, Essex commented: "Eddie is a strong character. He's an ex-boxer, he has a chequered past, which will unfold. He's not a bad guy, but there's a massive rift between Eddie and his son Michael. We see Eddie for the first time in a café, where he spots the name of his nephew Alfie in a newspaper and decides to go to see him.

"When he arrives, he has no idea that Michael is around! Eddie and Michael haven't really spoken for years, but as a father does, Eddie reaches out and reaches out, trying to mend that."

"I've been working with Steve a lot and I've actually just done a scene with him that was very powerful," he continued. "They're very dramatic, the scenes between Michael and Eddie."

Essex added that it could be possible for Eddie to fix the problems with his son if he perseveres.

He said: "Well, Eddie is reaching out and reaching out and he may eventually make some inroads, but Michael is the type of character who broods and has a lot on his mind, so we'll have to wait and see."

I hope the actor can live up to portraying Michael. I like it when characters can develop in depth.

EastEnders newcomer Eddie Moon makes a heroic entrance onto Albert Square in tonight's episode of the soap.

Turning up outside the Queen Vic to see Alfie, Kat and the new addition to the family, Eddie is startled when he spots that little Amy has wandered out into the road and is about to be knocked down by Carol.

Revealing how Eddie steps in to prevent disaster, David Essex - who plays the character - said recently: "Eddie gets knocked down by Carol as he's trying to save Amy from being run over by her. Afterwards, Eddie and Carol have a bit of a discussion about that - she reckons that she just nudged him, but he reckons that she hit him!

"We see Eddie get thrown up into the air in that scene. I've done my own stunts for films in the past, but I didn't do that one!"

Later, as Eddie gets settled in, he receives a warm welcome from Alfie but his son Michael doesn't seem at all pleased to see him. But why?

http://i2.cdnds.net/11/21/550w_eastenders_4223_2.jpg

David Essex has admitted that his EastEnders role has taken over his life.

The 63-year-old singer made his on-screen debut as Michael Moon's estranged father Eddie at the end of Friday night's episode and will make his first appearance in Albert Square tonight.

Essex told The Mirror: "It takes over your life, I didn't realise how much. I was foolishly doing a film score at the same time for the first couple of weeks so I was only sleeping for an hour a night.

"I'm here all day every day because I'm in everything at the moment. I get up at 6am which is a shock for an old rock star, we normally don't get up 'til the sun goes down, we're like vampires. It was a bit strange at the beginning, but now I'm fine."

Discussing his character, Essex admitted that he has adapted Eddie to be more like himself.

"I've tweaked the accent a bit, and Eddie Moon is not a million miles from David Essex," he said. "Any actor who says their character is nothing like themselves - unless they're playing Quasimodo - is probably telling a fib. You bring yourself to it."

Essex recently admitted that joining the BBC soap was "daunting" but praised the "tremendously respectful and very welcoming" cast for making him feel comfortable.