In the press

July 3rd - Girls just want to have fun

July 8th - TV Lynne faces drinks charge

July 24th - One More Chance.  Question and Answers with Alex Ferns

July 31st Just Good friends

Oh brother

August 7th - Confessions of a soap star- Jessie wallace.

August 9th - Slaters hit Albert Sq. pay dirt

August 25th - Enders KAT'S GOT THE CREAM

Changing Man

Name that tune

In The Press

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July 1st

All about Soap issue23- Movie Magic

What did you first see at the cinema?

It was a kids film called "the amazing Mr Blunden".  I must have only been six or seven and I remember being quite scared as I got separated from the grown-ups I went with.  I started crying!

What's your favourite film of all time?

"One flew over the cuckoo's nest" It's just a fantastic film and Jack Nicholson stars in it so its got it all really.  I've got the film on video at home and I have probably watched it about five times.

Name the worst film you've seen.

I thought "Bicentennial Man" was stupid.  Robin Williams plays a robot who wants to marry a human, and you're supposed to sympathise with him because it's difficult for him to be with the person he loves.  It was a bit too bizarre for me, and snogging a robot isn't really on is it?

Do you like watching scary films?

I prefer thrillers or something with a more psychological edge.  I saw the exorcist recently for the first time and found that really scary.  It was brilliant but I did keep thinking who on earth would let their little girl play the part?  I'm not surprised the actress went a bit mad.

Do you cry at films?

Oh, yes.  I like a weepie.  I don't mind being seen having a bit of a cry in the cinema.  One film I cried at was the Italian movie "life is beautiful".  It's a lovely story and I wept buckets.

Did you ever snog in the back row of the cinema?

No.  I was a bit slow with the old dating game.  In the days when you were allowed to smoke in cinemas my mates and I would sit at the back and puff away.  People used to see me and threaten to tell my mum.

Have you ever walked out of a film?

No.  But if I'd seen "Bicentennial Man" at the cinema instead of on video I would have definitely walked out- I don't think I would have lasted two seconds!

Is there any actress you really admire?

I think Susan Sarandon is brilliant.  I loved her in "White Palace".  I like everything about her, not only her acting, but her politics too.  She's dead cool.

Do you have a favourite actor?

I have to say Jack Nicholson as he is in one of my all-time favourite films.  And Ray Wintone is a great English actor- plus he's a mate of mine.

Who is your favourite film character?

George Bailey, the character played by James Stewart in "It's a Wonderful life".  He's a good guy who sacrifices everything for the people he loves.

If a film was being made of your life, who would you like to play the starring role?

Jessie Wallace, who plays my East-End sister Kat.  I know I'm slowly turning into her, and I reckon she could definitely be me.

Did you ever sneak into see films when you were underage?

I used to try but as I was small for my age it wasn't easy and I didn't ever get away with it.  However my sister used to rent out  horror videos so I saw a few things like "Driller Killer" when I was about 13.  I didn't think it was horrible, I must have been quite a hard child.

July 3rd

What's on TV issue 27 - Girls just want to have fun

Unrequited love- there's no pain quite like it when you're a teenager.  Especially when the object of your affection lives practically on your doorstep and you bump into him every time you venture outside.  Especially when he took your virginity, then made you out to be a liar when you told his girlfriend.

It's little wonder that poor Zoe Slater's been feeling so miserable.  This week she pours her heart out to her big sister about how much Jamie Mitchell has hurt her- still oblivious that her confidante is really her mum.

No stranger to heartbreak herself, Kat is sympathetic, and decides that what young Zoe needs is a night on the town. So the pair of them don their glad rags and head off in search of fun.

Kat being Kat, it's not long before they attract the attention of a couple of lads.  They end up going for a meal together as a foursome.  But if the men think their luck is in, they couldn't be more wrong.  In fact, the evening ends up costing them dearly when Zoe and Kat do a runner before the bill arrives.

The experience proved to be just the tonic Zoe needed.  She can't remember the last time she had so much fun.  But it's not over yet.  Later in the week, she and Kat bump into the boys again and Kat wastes no time in putting them straight: She and Zoe aren't on the menu, they got what they wanted, namely a free meal and a laugh- so the lads might as well sling their hooks!

July 8th

Sunday Mirror - TV Lynne faces drink charge

Eastenders star Elaine Lordan has been charged with drink driving after being stopped on a motorway at midnight.  The 34 -year old actress, who plays straight laced Lynne Slater in the soap, is due to appear in court this week.  She was given a roadside breath test then arrested when police pulled her up on the A1(M) at Barnet, Herts last Wednesday.

Elaine, who lives in Highbury North London, was charged, released on bail and will appear before St Albans Magistrates on Tuesday.

The actress says her TV character is boring.  She recently told the Sunday Mirror;  "She's a bit straight isn't she?  I wouldn't fancy going on a night out with her."

Elaine has also said she likes a drink and once went skinny dipping.  She said, "I like getting drunk, on planes for instance.  We went to Spain for a holiday one year and when we arrived in the hotel, I was so far gone I took all my clothes off and dived into the pool."

July 24th

Soaplife issue 25 - one more chance - Question and Answers with Alex Ferns

Trevor Morgan moves into Albert Square and gets a job at the Vic  Why?

He arrives to arrange his divorce from Little mo, but his real motive is to get her back.  He's determined to convince her that he loves her, and he lands a job at the Vic.  He also starts going to counselling and asks mo to go with him.  When she does, he breaks down and tells her he hates the way he's treated her.  She says she'll go back to him- if he changes.

Could Trevor ever really change?

he goes to the sessions thinking he's not going to change, but he's forced to face some home truths about himself.

How can he justify trying to win Mo back when he's treated her so badly?

initially it was about manipulation as he couldn't stand the idea of Mo getting away from him.  He has front to move into the square and take on the Slater family, but he believes he can win Mo back as, in a twisted way, he does love her.

How do the Slaters and Billy Mitchell react when they see Trevor?

The Slaters don't like him and they lock horns immediately.  As for Billy?  Well Trevor wants Billy out of the way so he can work on Mo, and Billy wants him out of the way as he thinks Trevor can't change his ways - although that's the pot calling the kettle black as people seem to have forgot Billy's violent history with Jamie.  I suppose Billy has changed for the better recently though...

Do you think that  Trevor could do that kind of character U-turn?

There's a 50-50 chance.  He could lose it and leave a burning square behind him orhe could try to make a future for him and Mo.  If he was to leave though I hope it would be in a really dramatic way.

What's it like playing a hated figure?

I was worried about the reaction, but it's been fine.  People haven't confused me with my TV character - thankfully.

Was the impact of the story a surprise?

You can't touch on issues like domestic violence on a big show without making an impact.  But when you consider the frightening statistics - that an act of domestic violence was committed in a UK house on average every two minutes last year- then it's good we can draw attention to such issues in a responsible way that may actually help people.

Are you enjoying life in Eastenders?

It was spooky at first as I used to watch those people in my living room and then I was working with them!  Fortunately, I'm now past the jaw dropping stage.

Will you be around for a while yet?

I'm her until Christmas and I'd like to stay longer, but I think Trevor would have to change for that to happen.  I'd like to see it though, as I think it's important that he has some chance of redemption.

July 31st - Inside Soap issue 185

Just Good Friends?

Lynne Slater and Beppe di Marco have become close pals over the last few months, confiding problems and exchanging advice on each other's disastrous love lives.  While Lynne puts up with her reluctant fiancé from hell, Garry Hobbs, Beppe has a string of failed flings behind him and, recently their friendship has been bordering on flirtatious.  So when Beppe asks Lynne to baby-sit Joe for him while he goes on a hot date this fortnight, Lynne is happy to oblige, and can't hide her amusement when Beppe returns home at the end of the night with a complete bimbo.  But could Lynne's laughter be hiding deeper feelings for Walford's own Italian stallion?

Oh brother - Charlie is forced to play matchmaker for Peggy and Harry

When recently-widowed Charlie Slater arrived in Albert Square a year ago, his brood of daughters quickly set about trying to fix him up with one of Walford's available women.  But just when the cuddly cabbie looked set to reveal his true feelings for close friends Peggy Mitchell, who should arrive in town to sweep the former Queen Vic landlady off her feet but Charlie's brother, 'flash' Harry Slater!

This fortnight, after a brief trip home to his bar in Menorca, Harry returns to Albert Square.  And not only does he again thwart Charlie's romantic ambitions, he even enlists his brother to help him woo Peggy.

"Charlie is a man who was happily married and never tempted to stray for umpteen years," explains Derek Martin, who plays the frustrated cabbie.  "So he's a bit out of practice, whereas Harry is the man about town, the impresario who runs a nightclub in Menorca - he's probably chatting up women every night and day when he's over in his bar!"

With their friendship an important source of support for both parties, it's only natural that when Peggy has doubts about Harry's commitment, she should turn to Charlie.  But little does she know the awkward situation she's putting her friend in.

"Out of loyalty to his brother, Charlie agrees to help Harry by telling Peggy his intentions are honourable," reveals former Eldorado star Derek.  "But all the time he's itching to say 'forget him, what about me?'  Charlie wants to tell Peggy that he really likes her and he wishes they could get together, but he can't- he's not that type of bloke.  Being an old gambler I think the odds on Charlie getting lucky with Peggy must be 25-1 against!"

So if Charlie looks set to be unlucky in love, what would Derek like the future to hold for his character?

"It would be nice for him to have a little win on the lottery," he concludes.  "Not a massive win, but enough so he can chuck his old cab in and get a new one, and give his girls a few quid each to go on holiday.  That's what I'd like for Charlie- and some kind of happiness, because he still misses his wife terribly."

August 7th

All About Soap issue 24 :- confessions of a soap star

Jessie Wallace

"Probably my worst moment was on stage when I ended revealing a little too much!  I was playing Nell Gwynn in Playhouse Creatures and in one scene I had to pull a sixpence out of my basque.  But just as I took it out, my boob came out too!  I had to think pretty quickly, so I just tucked it back in and carried on!  Everyone went a bit quiet and I only got a few little comments afterwards, but I thought it was hilarious.  I think I managed to save myself from being too embarrassed by trying to make it look as if it was just part of the drama!"

August 9th

The Daily Mirror - Slaters hit Albert Square pay dirt

Eastenders bosses have secretly signed the Slater sisters on double-your-money contracts, it has been revealed.  Senior executives on the BBC soap hope the deals will stop them moving onto ITV.

Both Ross Kemp and Martin Kemp were poached from Eastenders in multi-million pound golden handcuff deals.  Now Beeb chiefs are pinning their hopes on the Slater girls, who only moved into Albert Square last year.

Actresses Jessie Wallace (Kat), Michelle Ryan (Zoe), Elaine Lordan (Lynne) and Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth) have all signed two year deals.  Each will make £250,000 - putting them near the soaps big earners.

An Eastenders insider said, "There is a mood of panic here, to say the least, so bosses weren't in a mood to lose them.  The deals are pretty big for relative newcomers but audiences love them."

Producers have also promised the girls a series of high profile storylines.  Next month Kat will admit her uncle Harry Slater, played by Michael Elphick, fathered her daughter Zoe.

Saturday 25th August - The Sun Online

Trevor Morgan has had more chances than he deserves with Little Mo.  But when his former lover Donna gives birth to his first child this month, will his wife decide that enough is enough?

"Little Mo and Trevor have been getting on really well recently," smiles Alex Ferns, who plays the Walford Barman.  "Being back with his wife is Trevor's ultimate aim, but he's confused when Donna comes back into the picture again as she is bearing his child.  He is really desperate to see his baby, but he believes Little Mo will be devastated if he does.  As he doesn't want to lose her he feels that he's willing to forego his only child for that."

Little Mo decides that she needs to speak to Donna for herself and visits her in hospital.  On 31st August, she even ends up being present for Trevor's baby's birth.  "Trevor is outraged when he discovers that his wife has been visiting his ex," reveals Alex.  "He knows that Donna wouldn't have had a nice word to say about him, and he doesn't want Little Mo to hear the truth about him from her."

Trevor gets even angrier when he finds out that his wife sent flowers that he gave her on to Donna in hospital!  "That's when he really loses it," says Alex.  "Trevor has been defied and typically he can't handle it."

But when Trevor's violent streak rears its ugly head, it is Garry who ends up getting hit when he tries to intervene!  "Little Mo isn't as scared of Trevor as she used to be," explains Alex.  "Rather than run away she starts to talk to Trevor about his child and he suddenly realises all the terrible things he has done to her.  He completely breaks down and finally sees how wrong he has been."

Against the advice of her family, Little Mo thinks Trevor may have woken up to himself at last- and she thinks the best way to help him change is for them to try for a baby!  "Trevor would love to have a child with Little Mo," smiles Alex.  "He'll finally have the family that he never had.  Having a baby is also another thing to attach Little Mo to him.

Trevor's determined to make things work with her and he thinks they need to start afresh away from Walford- and her family.  Trevor feels very insecure around the Slaters, they have a closeness that he knows he will never be a part of."

But with such a bad track record, will Trevor be able to keep his temper under control?  And will the Slaters let Little Mo move away with him?  "I think it will take a lot of therapy before Trevor can learn to control himself," says Alex.  "Especially when Little Mo starts working in the B&B and is surrounded by other men.  I'd like Trevor to change towards Little Mo, but only time will tell whether or not he can."

All About soap issue 25. Name that tune - Elaine Lordan

"There is no way I can narrow all the music I like down to just one song.  White Ladder by David Gray is my favourite album though.  Listening to it is like going on a journey.  He wrote music for the film This Years Love, which I was in, but I never got to meet him.  The thing I hate is when you don't get lyrics with CDs because I end up singing the wrong words!  I was in a pub with my mates once and High Fidelity from Fame came on.  I was showing off and started singing, but I was singing High Penelope instead of Fidelity.  I'm always doing stuff like that!"