Dean: We fear the Ender
EASTENDERS actor Dean Gaffney has admitted the soap’s stars fear their new boss will wield the axe to get the ailing show back on form.
But while some of the actors make a final exit, an “iconic” character would make a comeback at Christmas, he said.
Ex-Corrie boss Kate Oates joined the BBC this month, taking charge of EastEnders, Holby City and Casualty.
And Dean, 40, who plays Robbie Jackson, said: “Of course Kate will make changes, that’s inevitable.
“I think you wouldn’t be human if you weren’t worried when your contract comes up for renewal.
“Mine doesn’t come up for a while, so I’m OK for the moment, but it’s squeaky bum time for every actor – no one is bigger than any show.” Enders is now behind Coronation Street and Emmerdale in the ratings and has been losing out on DEAN GAFFNEY STAR OF EASTENDERS
Boss Kate Oates awards. Speaking at the Inside Soap Awards – where Corrie dominated with eight gongs – Dean, whose character once flirted with Rainie, played by Tanya Franks, 51, said Kate had issued a rallying cry to the cast.
He said: “She was saying how EastEnders is a big show and we need to carry on moving forward. She had fighting talk – it was great to hear.”
Kate, who has been a producer on Emmerdale as well as Coronation Street, replaced John Yorke, who stepped in to run Enders on a temporary basis in 2017.
Dean, said: “It’s a cliche to say, but whatever she touches turns to gold.
“I think if you’ve run three of the biggest shows in soap history – the accolades speak for themselves. She’s 38. To do that at her age is incredible.
“John’s been great, but we’re all excited to have a commander in chief.”
He refused to say who the big name returning at Christmas would be, but said it was a “good friend” of his.
He said: “I think they’re iconic with EastEnders. It’s good to have this person back. Their storyline at Christmas will be very interesting.”
Kate will make changes. That is inevitable