“We knew Pride would be special!”
Max Bowden Tony Clay, Walford celebrates Pride
to get a good sleep and learn lines with zero distractions. We created something that I feel extremely proud of.
What was the EastEnders viewers’ reaction?
I came off social media after my final episode aired. I had to mourn my character, and all the changes happening in my life. When I came back, the reception was so heartwarming. Chantelle was a loved character, it really was an honour to play her.
Do you tune in to see how Mac and Mia are doing?
I actually tried to watch EastEnders the Monday after Chantelle died, and I couldn’t. It took me a while before
I was able to hear that theme tune and my heart not sink. As for Mia and Mac – ah, even hearing those two names together makes me feel emotional now!
Do you have a message for everyone who voted for you?
The biggest thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope the message of the storyline helps people to continue having conversations, and raising awareness around domestic violence. Thank you!
and aka Ben and Callum, fly the flag for Walford’s feel-good win…
his year it felt right to celebrate a happy, positive moment – and what a scoop for
EastEnders’
first LGBTQ+ party…
“This is the toughest year in my lifetime – so to know that EastEnders
has given viewers a positive outlet is special,” shares Max Bowden, who plays Ben. “EastEnders is great at leading the charge with issues that might be considered taboo. We should all be able to express our love for whomever we wish!”
“We knew Pride would be special, and myself and Max had wicked scenes,” adds Tony Clay, aka Callum. “We instantly built up our friendship while filming some very powerful moments.”
There is nothing Ballum fans want more than a wedding – but will they ever make it down aisle?
“Walford is full of surprises, so maybe one day,” grins Max. “Tony would love to be a Mitchell!”
“If the credits were rolled with the name ‘Callum Mitchell’, we’ll have made something there!” adds Tony. “To Inside Soap readers, thank you for voting for us!”
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It’s twice lucky for the lady behind Karen… uring a time when we’ve needed to keep our spirits up, the Square’s Lorraine Stanley (aka Karen) is over the moon to have scooped the gong for Funniest Performance – and for the second year running, too!
DCongratulations, Lou! You’ve done the double!
I know, I can’t believe it – I was in shock when EastEnders told me! I honestly thought that I wasn’t going to win it this year, so it was a big surprise. I’m chuffed to bits, so thank you to everyone who voted!
Where will you be popping your trophy?
My mum has my Inside Soap Award from last year, so it’s only right that this one goes to her again. I tell you what your awards are good for: if anyone breaks into her house, they’re sharp and heavy! [Laughs]
Ha ha! You have to go for the hat-trick next year now…
The hat-trick is on! Although, Kim Fox is back in Walford now, and I think Tameka [Empson, who plays her] will elbow me over. She’s been off the scene for a couple of years, so that’s why I’ve been winning it!
Did you consider it more important than ever to keep people’s spirits up this year?
Oh, definitely, and I humour everything the writers give me. I still want a scene in Karen’s double bath, fag in one hand, can of beer in the other – and then for either Billy or Mitch to pop up from under the bubbles! That’s a ‘duff duff’ right there!
Why do you think EastEnders viewers have taken Karen into their hearts?
I just think she’s one of those people you can’t help but laugh at. It’s her whole look as well. Everyone knows a Karen – that type where you go, “Oh, my God”, and actually, they’re the most fun people to be around.
Ironically, Karen isn’t having a fun time at the moment…
That’s what I was thinking! It’s all been tragedy – from saying goodbye to Keanu, to giving her grandson back to Sharon and losing Chantelle.
How do you think Karen will feel when the penny finally drops about Gray?
She’ll wanna kill him, won’t she? It’ll be a mixture of emotions from anger to guilt to all sorts, and I genuinely don’t know how that is going to play out. It’s really exciting not knowing, actually.
Will you be voting for Jess Plummer (aka Chantelle) to do a trial in this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity…?
[Laughs] Definitely! I’ll be rooting for her. Can you imagine being in that freezing-cold castle?!