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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders star slams BBC soap actors in savage 'haven't got a clue' swipe
Former EastEnders star Jamie Foreman, who played Derek Branning on the BBC show, has taken a swipe at his soap colleagues as he claimed they 'wouldn't last two minutes' outside of Albert Square Former EastEnders actor Jamie Foreman, who portrayed Derek Branning, launched a stinging critique of his ex-cast mates, claiming they "wouldn't last two minutes" in varied acting roles. He also shared how an older actress from the BBC's beloved drama agreed with his stern assessment. Jamie graced Albert Square from November 2011 until December 2012, where his character's scandalous affair with Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace), married to Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), captivated audiences. Derek's tenure ended abruptly with a heart attack in the Christmas Day episode. Since then, the actor, now 67, has not shied away from expressing his thoughts about fellow performers from the show. During an appearance on The Lewis Nicholls Show, he said: "The discipline on the set is just... it is just... I was sitting with an older actress on there who is unfortunately not with us any more. "We are sitting on the set and she lent over to me and she went 'haven't got a f***ing clue have they?' And we are watching all these young (actors) thinking they are the bee's knees, you know." Jamie continued his pointed remarks noting: "And the discipline, and directors are going (clears throat) and I am sitting there... would not last two minutes outside of here and invariably none of them do." With a laugh, he wrapped up his musings: "They always end up having to go back so I think I gave a very bad clue there didn't I? I think I have just grassed myself right up on that one." Jamie, who has graced our screens in Double Decker Driving School and Birds of a Feather, opened up further about his stint on EastEnders, describing it as "just another job" and "far from a highlight" of his acting career. He revealed that he had been approached "many times" to join the soap but only agreed when they consented to a one-year term. However, Jamie, whose film credits include Rise of the Footsoldier and Oliver Twist, expressed disappointment with the soap's management, alleging that they "made promises they never kept". The actor shared the gruelling schedule of once filming up to 36 scenes a day, which "burnt him out", despite assurances that he wouldn't have to work Saturdays, stating: "I did every Saturday. I was the first in, last out every day." Despite his experiences, he recognised the significance of EastEnders for its audience, acknowledging its "iconic" status and the respect it commands, particularly for the BBC. Following the release of the podcast on YouTube, viewers shared their thoughts, with one commenting: "Fantastic interview. Jamie Foreman so underrated as an actor." Another viewer admitted to having preconceptions about Jamie, saying: "I had misconceptions of Jamie, thinking he would be cocky etc. Dignified, lovely man, I absolutely have the utmost respect for Jamie. Beautiful guy." A third chimed in with praise, remarking: "Great interview and what a talented, humble bloke." EastEnders continues to captivate audiences, airing Monday to Thursday at 7:30 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders star slams soap and says show was 'far from a highlight' of career
Jamie Foreman, who starred in EastEnders as Derek Branning from 2011 - 2012, has spoken out about his time on the soap, saying it 'wasn't the highlight of his career' Former EastEnders star Jamie Foreman, who played Derek Branning in the BBC soap has criticised his time on the show. The star, who played the role of a Branning brother from November 2011 until December 2012 has said the role was "far from a career highlight". Despite only being on the soap for a year, Derek Branning had a number of memorable storylines, including his affair with Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace), who was married to Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) at the time. In 2012, Derek starred as a main part of the Christmas Day episode, in which he had a heart attack and died. However, despite the huge storylines, actor Jamie Foreman has revealed his time on the soap wasn't a "highlight" in his career at all. Speaking on the Lewis Nicholls Show, Jamie said: 'I'm going to be a little bit controversial here. I don't see EastEnders as anywhere near the highlight of my career. It was another job. "And I know how iconic it is for people out there, and I respect it and what it represents, especially for the BBC. But for me… they'd asked me so many times before.' Jamie then revealed he was out filming in Germany when he got the phone call offering him the role - "again." He was then told he'd be "joining the best family," and could join for however long he wanted. "I said, 'I only want to do it for a year,'" he said. Explaining his reasoning behind his short stint, Jamie revealed he didn't want to get burn out, or become "trapped" when he had other work behind him. However, Jamie went on to reveal that the soap "made promises they never kept". Jamie claims he was told he wouldn't have to work on Saturdays - although he later claimed: "I did every Saturday. I was the first in, last out every day.' Speaking on the long hours, Jamie revealed he once filmed "36 scenes in a day," claiming working on a soap "burnt him out." Despite this, Jamie said he was thankful for the experience, although it was "far from a highlight of his career." Since departing Walford, Jamie has Double Decker Driving School, Birds of a Feather and Porters, to name a few.
