Bailey asks Karen to adopt her
We’ve met lots of Eastenders superfans over the years – but star Lorraine Stanley, aka Karen, says she could give them all a run for their money…
Here at Inside Soap, we try not to have favourites – but sometimes, we just can’t help it. Take last year’s Inside Soap
Awards, for instance. All the stars who came along to our party were an absolute delight, and we loved meeting each and every one of them. But almost a year later, everyone in our office is still talking about the time we had with Eastenders’ Lorraine Stanley – aka Karen Taylor – who had such a great night, that she didn’t want to leave!
“I’m the first one in, every time!” she chuckles, as we reminisce with her about last year’s bash. “I’ll be there again this year, hopefully, as it’s going to be party, party, party!”
There could well be cause for Lorraine to celebrate this year, as she’s made it on to the shortlist for Funniest Female (see p34). And as we chat to her about what Karen’s up to on screen right now, the star reveals that bagging this award would mean the world to her…
Congratulations, Lorraine – you have made it on to our awards shortlist! What would it mean to you to win Funniest Female?
It would be better than winning Best Actress for me, because that’s what I’m about. I love to make people laugh, so if I win this award, it means I’m actually funny! And when my fella goes to me, “That’s not funny, Lou, you’re not funny at all”, I can say, “Actually I am, because the Inside Soap readers say I am!”
You tell him! Have you always played funny characters?
No, I never used to get cast in comedy roles, so to be able to be funny on screen has been a real highlight for me. I did a really dark film years ago, then I played some very hard-done-by characters. But comedy is my passion, and what I love doing the most.
This week is more touching than funny for Karen, as young Bailey asks her to be her new mummy! How does Karen react to the youngster’s suggestion?
She’s overwhelmed and teary – she can’t believe it. Obviously she accepts, she’s chuffed to bits. Karen’s a natural mother, so she’s taken Bailey under her wing as one of her own, as she would with anyone. Bailey’s a little piece of Mitch, so Karen does see her as a part of her family as well.
All seems to be going smoothly, but just as Karen agrees to officially adopt Bailey, things go wrong…
Tell us what happens?
I know! Bailey overhears Karen and Mitch talking about the fact that Karen knew what Dinah wanted do – which leaves Bailey absolutely beside herself.
“Comedy is what I’m about – I love to make people laugh…”
So just when you think everything is perfect, and that Karen is going to become her mummy number two – as Bailey says – it all goes pear-shaped.
Then Bailey goes missing…
Karen just can’t believe it – I mean, how would you react? They go on a hunt and find her, so it all works out in the end. Karen has a little trick up her sleeve to help out Bailey.
Would you like Karen to adopt her?
Definitely. Bailey’s one of the family already, so that would just be the next, natural step. There’s always room for a little one! And it’s so good working with Kara-leah [Fernandes, who plays Bailey]. She’s just amazing.
What other Eastenders storylines are you enjoying at the moment?
The Keanu and Sharon plot is brilliant – I’m loving it! I still watch it on the telly. I don’t read it in the scripts, I get a glimpse at what’s going on by talking to people, but I don’t want to know. I’m just as excited to watch it as you are!
We can’t wait for the big reveal, and Phil finding out. Are you excited?
Yes. I don’t know how it’s all going to come out, so we shall see. Phil’s not one to be messed with, is he? My poor son!
Will Karen want to be a part of Sharon’s baby’s life, as well as Louise’s? Both will be her grandchildren, after all…
Definitely. Whatever the situation is, if that baby is her grandchild, then she’ll want to be there. She’s all about family.
What about Karen’s babydaddies? Could we soon meet them?
I’d love that. I’d love to meet Bernie’s dad and see what’s behind that door, because we have no idea what’s there. We can make up stories about it in our heads, but we don’t write the show, so it would be interesting to see what her dad’s all about. Maybe Brad Pitt’s available to play the part? [Laughs]
Now that we’d love to see! Who in the current cast would you like to work with more, though?
Gillian [Wright, who plays Jean]. I haven’t worked with her a lot, and I love what she does. I think she’s one of the best actresses we have in soap – she’s just amazing. We did some stuff together last Christmas, but I’d love to do more.
And who in the cast would you vote for as funniest?
It’s got to be Scott Maslen, who plays Jack. He’s so funny, but his character is so serious. He’s just bonkers in the most beautiful way. Honestly, I love him. I need him at home so he can do a little show for me every so often! He can literally be my Jack in the box.
And finally, do you have a message for everyone who voted you on to our shortlist this year?
Thank you so much to everyone. You’re absolutely amazing – I love you all!