“We’re just like sisters in real life!”
DIANE PARISH & TAMEKA EMPSON
Diane Parish? 2006. “We finish work and get in our Do me a favour! cars – then pick up the phone! I’m I can’t stand her!” jokes Auntie Diane to Tam’s daughter, and Tameka Empson, as she’s Auntie Tameka to my kids.”
we ask whether she “We always have each other’s and Di are like sisters backs,” adds Tameka, who was even when they’re not cast as Kim in 2009. “To have that playing Walford’s Denise and Kim. relationship for such a long time, and “I can’t bear her!” Di shoots back, to grow like sisters in real life, is lovely.”
doubling up with laughter as the pair As the fun-loving ladies tell us banter in the way only true friends do. that they can’t imagine not working In fact, it’s suitably fitting that the together, we’re reminded that the Eurythmics/aretha Franklin tune past year has seen Denise and Kim’s Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves close bond take a battering. While is blasting out of the make-up room the pair grew apart, Denise went to where Tameka and Diane are sat hell and back – falling on hard times side-by-side singing along, bringing and struggling to feed herself, in a a party atmosphere to our shoot. story that saw a woman of strength “We’re super-tight,” explains Di, and resilience hit rock bottom.
who has been playing Denise since We imagine it was as tough to act out as it was to watch, which may be why Di – with whom we chat first – is leading the charge for Eastenders in our Best Actress category…
Diane, how does it feel to be nominated, given the disastrous year Denise has had?
It’s been a roller coaster ride! I’ve had romance, I’ve had tragedy, I’ve had loss… and in quite a concentrated period of time. I hope people have run with it – and of course it is lovely to be nominated in your Awards.
Was the poverty storyline challenging to film?
The scene where Denise took the chicken out of the bin and ate it in the Square just tore the guts out of me. In that moment I felt really sad for her, and I think it was very much a turning point.
What reaction have you had from the viewing public?
The people I come across in the street are always really positive. Denise’s story wasn’t the most palatable issue, and some will say, “That would never happen to her”, but sadly we live in a society where this is happening.
On a lighter note, you’re paired up on screen with Sexiest Male nominee Davood Ghadami, who plays Kush. That must be nice!
It’s fun every time I have a scene with him, and we always give each other a little high five when we know it’s gone well. For me, Davood’s beauty comes from the inside. He is just the kindest human being – and that’s what makes him sexy, no matter how many times he takes his shirt off!
Which happens quite often! So Diane, how did you prepare for Denise and Kush’s steamy scenes?
We just get on and do them, darling! I’m sure people see them and go, “Aye aye!”, but it’s just work to us. The two of us are so beyond feeling embarrassed about it now that we just laugh in each other’s faces.
We need to talk about Denise having Phil’s baby. What a great twist!
I know! I usually behave myself in the executive producer’s office, but when our boss at the time told me, I ran around screaming and needed a little lie-down on the f loor [laughs]. Even now Steve [Mcfadden, who plays Phil] will jokingly say to me, “We got a baby together” and I just reply, “I know, darling!”.
Would you like to see Denise and Phil reconnect with baby Ray?
Definitely! Kush still doesn’t know that Phil is the dad, and it presents so much drama for the likes of Sharon, Ben and Louise as well. The fallout could be massive. Ray Mitchell will turn up in the Square one day looking for his old man, I’m sure!
While Denise has dealt with endless drama and heartache, Kim has ditched her party lifestyle in favour of making her house a home with husband Vincent and their daughter, Pearl. However, Kim’s new level-headedness hasn’t diminished her hilarious personality, with reigning Funniest Female Tameka earning yet another nod in the category…
Are you hoping to retain your Funniest Female crown, Tameka?
It is very nice to be nominated again! I’m not blasé about it – I’m always keeping myself on my toes and I don’t take things for granted. And I love Inside
Soap, so if I can do it again, yes please.
What’s been the funniest thing you’ve filmed this year?
The pancake race was very good.
I think Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian, tried to get a stunt person in [laughs].
Didn’t work out. But yes, it was all very competitive that day. I trained like Usain Bolt for it!
Do you ever have an off day when you’re just not feeling funny?
With Kim, I can’t underplay her. So when I’m really tired, I tend not to talk between scenes – I just sit there and I save what little energy I have for it. She’s a lot of work, but I love her.
Is Kim in danger of being upstaged by her adorable daughter, Pearl?
She is such a lovely little girl, and really coming into her own now. She does try to speak and take over the scenes, and I just have to allow her. She’s not upstaging me just yet, but yes, she’s trying! I keep telling her, “I gave birth to you live” [during ‘live week’ for Eastenders’
30th anniversary]. And she does listen to me, which is lovely. We’ll have to talk about her following in my Funniest Female footsteps when the time comes…
Would you like Kim and Vincent to have more babies?
More Pearls? I really don’t know about that! Can you imagine, giving birth live again? Do me a favour!
As a former Strictly contestant, do you have any tips for Davood?
Listen, my phone is always on for Davood. I’ve already spoken to him. He was a bit nervous, but that’s because he doesn’t know the routines yet. The best thing to do is take them slowly and get the right steps, and then you can finesse it. It’s a nice family show with the sparkle and the glitz – and he’s got my vote!