5 MINUTES WITH...

S Club 7 singer and former Primeval actress Hannah Spearritt, 37, who’s back in Walford this week as Karen Taylor’s younger sister, Kandice…

What brings Kandice back to the Square? It’s a bit of role reversal this time, and Kandice is in need of Karen’s help – desperately! We see a completely different side of her. But that’s all I can say for now… How excited were you to be invited back? I couldn’t wait to go back! And getting such a positive response last time gave me a lot more confidence. I got to do my first scene in The Queen Vic this time, which was a nice box to tick. It’s completely surreal being on set, and something I never anticipated! Have you felt star-struck by anyone? Years ago, I met Dot Cotton [aka actress June Brown], in the café. I think I was there for a Top Of The Pops thing, and I was definitely a bit star-struck. I remember hearing her voice, and she was really posh. I watched and watched Eastenders when I was a kid – obsessively! Which cast members have taken you under their wing? Lorraine [Stanley, who recently won Best Newcomer at The British Soap Awards for her role as Karen Taylor] has been looking after me, and I’ve known Danny [Walters, who plays Keanu] for years, so it’s nice to bump into him again. Kandice wears some crazy outfits... The ski costume is to do with a charity event she’s trying to get out of. It’s ridiculous, but hopefully humorous too. In real life, you’re more likely to find me in a pair of ripped jeans. Finally, can you tell us, is there ever a party like an S Club Party? Of course not! [laughs]. And we are due an S Club Party. Next year it’s our 20th anniversary – can you believe that? Watch this space…