Walford welcomes Ted & Joyce
MAGGIE STEED AND CHRISTOPHER TIMOTHY LIFT THE LID ON SQUARE NEWCOMERS JOYCE AND TED…
From Den and Angie to Mick and Linda, Eastenders has always been known for its iconic couples. This week, we greet a new Walford double act, as Joyce and Ted Murray move from a nearby estate to their new home on Albert Square.
The pair are uneasy about relocating, and it’s a bit of a departure for the stars who play them, too. Actress Maggie Steed is best known for her work in theatre, while Christopher Timothy made a name for himself on TV as James Herriot in All Creatures Great & Small and as Mac Mcguire in Doctors. So, how are the actors settling into soapland?
What was it like walking on to the Eastenders set for the first time?
Maggie It’s always strange walking on to a set that you recognise so much, but you very soon get used to it!
Did you know any of the cast already?
Christopher I knew Bonnie Langford [Carmel], though we’d never worked together. I’d also met Natalie Cassidy [aka Sonia] at the BAFTA Awards quite a few years ago. I actually went up to her and said, “I hope you don’t mind, but I think you’re great in Eastenders”. I like the way she works. She takes it as seriously as you should, but she doesn’t take herself too seriously – and that’s the answer, I reckon.
And how about you, Maggie?
Maggie I’m an old friend of Jenna Russell, who plays Michelle. We were in a series called Born And Bred together for the BBC about 15 years ago. I also know Ian Lavender [Derek] from drama school a very long time ago, so that’s funny!
Have you worked with each other before?
Christopher No, but Maggie had a place in my heart after she did the ITV drama Shine On
Harvey Moon. I’d seen her in other things, of course, but I thought that was great, and that she was really special. When
Eastenders said that it was Maggie coming in to play opposite me, I was over the moon.
Maggie I was thrilled when I heard it was Chris, and it’s very nice to come into the programme with somebody else, as well. The both of us have lots in common and we respect each other a great deal, and that’s a saviour. If you didn’t have someone like that, you really wouldn’t be in with much of a chance!
On the surface, Joyce and Ted remind us of the much-missed Pam and Les Coker – who were totally adorable, but also had a few skeletons in their closets! We get a similar impression from the Murrays, when Ted breaks his promise of a fresh start to Joyce, and brings a piece of their past to the Square with them…
Can you describe Ted and Joyce?
Christopher He’s 80 years old, and Ted and Joyce have been married nearly 60 years, so their big anniversary is coming up. I think they’re very normal and hugely identifiable. A lot of people will recognise Ted and Joyce and say, “Yes, my grandad is like that”.
Maggie I think Joyce is a very good woman, and she adores Ted. She is quite determined in her own way, but she’s very softhearted at the same time. She can get worried and frightened about things, but I think when push comes to shove, Joyce can be pretty strong as well.
Christopher They’re affectionate and take the rise out of each other, but then I think that’s what every successful marriage is like. I like them as people, which is vital – otherwise you wouldn’t be able to play them very well.
The couple’s move to Albert Square is forced after it’s decided that their block of flats is to be knocked down – which we suspect is something to do with Max’s evil plans. But anyway, Joyce and Ted aren’t thrilled about it…
Talk us through their arrival on the Square.
Christopher Ted is concerned Joyce isn’t happy about the move, but then when you get to a certain age you don’t really want to up sticks. Ted says it will all be okay.
Maggie They’ve been living in this council block since the 60s and loved it. It’s the sort of place they would have gone to after living with an outside lavvy, so it would have been heaven! They brought their kids up there and have memories – and now it’s just going to be pulled down.
Will you tune in when your first episode goes out?
Christopher I expect so. We shall see what people think. You’re only as good as what you did last, and I haven’t got any less nervous as I’ve got older!
Joyce and Ted are very normal and identifable Christopher