EVE GETS THE HEAVE-HO!

Walford newcomer Eve is already in a pickle – and there’s more trouble to come, says actress Heather Peace

Stacey and Eve’s sham marriage might be over already in Eastenders this week when Jean gives her daughter’s jailbird bride the boot behind Stacey’s back. Jean’s already worried about Eve’s assault conviction and she takes drastic action when she hears of her ruse to stop Suki evicting the Slaters for stealing.

‘Eve arrives in Walford and immediately wants to help Stacey and her family out by putting Suki in her place,’ says Heather Peace, who plays Eve. ‘Except Eve rarely thinks of the consequences of her actions, so what starts off with the best of intentions could definitely make things worse. In this case, her good deed backfires when Jean decides to kick her out.’

It could have devastating consequences for Eve, who Stacey married to get her out of prison by giving her a stable home.

Whatever happens, Eve will continue to make life tough for the Slaters and Walford’s other residents. ‘She’s loveable, quick-witted and bright, but can’t avoid getting into trouble,’ says Heather.

‘She’s got a temper and is erratic, but she’s fair. So, when she does something questionable we’ll often understand why she’s doing it, even if we wouldn’t do it ourselves.

‘I like to think I’d be friends with Eve in real life, but I don’t think my mum would approve!’

Heather reckons viewers will enjoy the chemistry between Eve and the Slaters. ‘Stacey and Eve have been in prison together off-screen for six months and have become close, but there’s always a worry we wouldn’t connect on-screen,’ says Heather. ‘But I get on like a house on fire with Lacey Turner and Gillian

Wright [Stacey and Jean]. We have the same humour and make each other laugh, so hopefully that comes across. It’s been a joy to come to work. Everyone’s been lovely.’

Best known for her hit role as teacher Nikki Boston in the BBC school drama Waterloo Road between 2012 and 2014, Heather’s other credits include Sally ‘Gracie’ Fields in ITV’S London’s Burning.

Joining Eastenders is yet another highlight for Heather, who’s 46 and was born in West Yorkshire, but her

wife Ellie, with whom she has three children, isn’t so sure. ‘Eastenders was something Ellie watched with her mum and, as she hasn’t missed an episode since her mum passed away, she worries I’m going to ruin watching it for her,’ laughs Heather.

‘Ellie has kindly agreed to run through some lines with me, and begs me not to tell her anything else that’s going on! But, like my parents, she’s just thrilled that I’ve got a cracking role in a cracking soap.’