“There’s a lot more to learn about the family...”
DANNY WALTERS & ZACK MORRIS
Getting Danny Walters and Zack Morris to stay still for our photo shoot proves to be rather a problem once the music starts, as the two stars – who play brothers Keanu and Keegan – give us their best moves. But will Eastenders dance to victory thanks to the rough-and-ready addition of the Taylor family to the Square this year? And will Danny top the leader board in his nominations as Best Newcomer and Sexiest Male?
Hi, boys! How are you settling into life in Walford?
Zack It’s been great. It’s so good for me to have a family in the show. When I first come in, Keegan was this little sod out of nowhere, but having the Taylors lets viewers see just why he is the way he is.
Danny We’ve really bonded as a family, and a lot of that is down to Lorraine [Stanley, who plays mum Karen]. She’s been so solid in our family, and it’s kept us together as actors. She deserves an award!
What’s it like being recognised?
Zack I’ve got used to it now, but it took me a little while. I live in the same area I’ve always lived in, doing everyday things. People would shout, “Hey Keegan!”, then I’d realise they were talking to me. But I enjoy it, it’s good. It’s nice to have the support.
Danny Being in Benidorm was lucky for me because it gave me a certain amount of fame, but not too quickly.
Eastenders is completely different. But it’s very humbling to get recognised for something I love doing and that I’m passionate about. It’s lovely.
What’s been your favourite story to film so far?
Zack Either the prom night, or the recent stuff with Bernadette’s miscarriage, as you see a different side to Keegan and all the Taylors.
Danny Yeah, you see a different side to every single one of us.
Would Keanu and Keegan be friends of yours?
Zack I would probably be friends with Keegan, you know. If I heard someone saying what he says, I’d probably end up laughing. He’d also back you up if you needed it.
Danny My main problem is Keanu’s dress sense! But he’s got good morals and a good solid heart. I wouldn’t be seen on a night out with him, though – because he does dress so badly!
How would you cope with having a mum like Karen?
Zack I was having this conversation yesterday, actually! My mum was like, “Can you imagine if I was like Karen in Eastenders, you wouldn’t have it!”. It’s true, I wouldn’t stand for it! [laughs]
Karen loves her kids so much, though – she’d do anything for them.
Danny There are definitely traits of Karen in my mum, bless her! She’s confident, and brash at times, but she shaped me to be the person I am today. But she doesn’t wear her bra straps hanging down like Karen!
When you start on Eastenders, you get another actor as a mentor to help show you the ropes. Who did you guys get?
Zack Jamie Borthwick [who plays Jay]. He’s very wise for such a young guy and has some great advice.
Danny Adam Woodyatt [Ian]. He has been a lot of help to me. He’s great.
Danny, you’ve been nominated for Best Newcomer and Sexiest Male at our Awards this year.
Danny I’m very surprised and shocked by that. When I auditioned for Eastenders, I didn’t expect to be nominated for any awards – that’s not why we do what we do. It’s nice that Zack has also been up for Best Newcomer in other awards, and really I feel it’s a joint prize for all the family. It’s nice to feel that the Taylors are doing something right and we’re getting some recognition.
And what about the Sexiest Male Award? Have you been getting grief from your cast mates?
Zack [laughs] It’s funny, innit?
Danny I’ll tell you what, even my girlfriend was like, “Hmm…”! And my auntie, bless her, she’s got a massive crush on Davood Ghadami [aka Kush, who is also nominated from Eastenders], so she voted for him. I was like, “Auntie, actually I would vote for Davood too!”. I think everyone knows that I’m not going to win with this skinhead! It’s a very small, niche audience. Apparently, some people think Keanu is attractive, but not me or my girlfriend.
Finally, why should people vote for Eastenders as Best Soap?
Zack We’ve got great actors, great talents, and we’re producing some great storylines at the moment.
Danny I think Eastenders provides something different. We have the rough, gritty edge that I think appeals to a lot of the nation. Surely that deserves some votes!