Halfway is back but injured…
WALFORD RETURNEE TONY CLAY IS BUZZING TO BE BACK ON THE SQUARE…
Stolen loot was at the heart of the Walford heist earlier this year, but we can all agree that the real treasure to emerge from the bonkers plot was the introduction of Callum ‘Halfway’ Highway. Square chiefs had clearly found a diamond in the rough with actor Tony Clay, who initially signed up to play the hapless fella for eight weeks before bosses invited him back to be a regular character…
Congrats on your return to
Eastenders, Tony! Is it a case of ‘back by popular demand’?
I hope so! I did the first stint, which was mad – I shot Mick on New Year’s Day, so that was one way of announcing myself! On Twitter the response was, “You better not have killed Mick – how dare you!” – it was scary [laughs]! But now people seem to really like Halfway, and I was asked to come back.
When did you realise that Halfway was such a popular character?
I think around Valentine’s Day, after the audience saw that he was a bit of a hapless romantic! There’s usually a bit of dopiness when you’re falling for someone, so I think his relationship with Whitney resonated with people.
Are you like Halfway in real life?
I’m very cool, calm and collected… No, I’m only joking! I suppose I am a little bit like him. He just wants to do good things and feel included. I promise I’m not as dopey as he is, though!
Was it quite daunting joining Eastenders when you did?
Yes and no. I was looking at people that I’d grown up watching, thinking, ‘That’s Phil Mitchell!’ – then I was jumping out the back of a van at Steve [Mcfadden, who plays him] and all
those other incredible actors. It was mad, but everyone was so lovely to me that the nerves went away quite quickly.
After helping to bail the Carters out of their predicament with Aidan Maguire, Halfway put his budding romance with Whitney on hold to go back to the Army. This week he makes his longawaited return – and she’s hoping they can pick up where they left off…
What is it that brings Halfway back to Walford?
I don’t think he’s ever really had a place to call home before, but that is what the Square is to him now. He wants to pursue his relationship with Whitney, plus the Carters make him feel like a part of the family.
What is it like working with the actors who make up the Carters?
They’re like my surrogate Eastenders family! Kellie [Bright, who plays Linda] is such a warm and lovely person, and has really looked out for me. To be fair, everyone has been my mentor since I’ve been on the show. I think people took one look at my mad haircut and thought, ‘We need to look out for him’!
Is that not normally how you would wear your hair then?
No, I had this haircut for Halfway! At first I thought, ‘Oh no, what have I done?’, but I’ve realised it adds character. Now he’s with Whitney, she might be the type of girl to say, “Okay, let’s take you to the barbers”!
What is the best reaction you’ve had since joining the show?
I was on the train with my girlfriend when this other girl just looked at me and said, “Oh my God – Halfway!” and stared at me for a bit until I said, “Hello – you all right?”. I didn’t know what else to do! Eventually she said, “Can I get a selfie” and I said, “Of course!”.
Is it odd for your girlfriend when that sort of thing happens?
She’s not part of the industry, but she gets it. It doesn’t seem to faze her – though I’m sure when we’re out she must be thinking, ‘Why are people looking at us?’. She’s a beautiful girl, so people are more likely looking at her!
Halfway’s brother Stuart is joining him in Walford. What can you tell us about their relationship?
I think there is a need from Halfway’s side to feel included by his brother. Stuart isn’t as dopey, he’s more cluedup. Ricky [Champ, who plays Stuart] has a lovely energy about him, and the dynamic between us feels great.
The Carters are like my surrogate Eastenders family!