A marathon milestone! LONDON MARATHON
Eastenders actors Jamie Borthwick and Emma Barton on running the London Marathon – in character as Jay and Honey…
Q How does it feel to be running the London Marathon
while filming Eastenders? A Emma: It’s pretty exciting as it’s never been done before. And nerve-racking! Jamie: I’m really honoured to have been asked. There are a lot of cast members who would be up for it, so I’m pleased they chose Lola’s storyline to be involved.
Q Jay and Honey are running in honour of Lola, who died from a brain tumour. Which charities are you supporting in real life?
A Jamie: I’m running for Prostate Cancer UK. Both my dad, uncle and cousin have been diagnosed in the last two years, but thankfully, it was caught early. They’re all-clear and alive and well. Emma: I’m running for Children in Need. I don’t have kids of my own, so if I can give as much to the charity for them to support kids and teenagers across the country, that’s a real buzz for me. Q Where on the route are you filming? A Emma: The start line, Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and then the finish line. We’re treating it as a live episode. We’ve practised in our costumes but thankfully, Jamie and I aren’t speaking as Jay and Honey while we’re running! Q What training have you done? A Emma: I run four times a week and try to do Pilates or a weight-training session as well. It’s pretty exhausting but I feel ready. Although I am frightened that I’m going to get a cold or not get enough sleep. Jamie: My training isn’t as strategic as Emma’s! She’s going to be zooming off in front of me! I’ve just tried to get a lot in when I can. I’m naturally quite fit. Q Is there anything you’re worried about? A Emma: The weather – I don’t want it too hot and I don’t want it pouring with rain. I’m also worried about the cameras missing us but I can’t control that. We just want to enjoy it and we’ve got to focus on the fact we’re Honey and Jay, not Emma and Jamie!