James Bond actor Colin Salmon has joined the cast of EastEnders as boxer George Knight. The 61-year-old’s character moves into the Queen Vic alongside girlfriend Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorne).
Ahead of joining the BBC soap opera, Colin described how his wife of 35 years, Fiona Hawthorne, was instrumental in him accepting the part. Fiona is currently battling lung disease.
Colin said: “It’s a no-brainer. My wife’s not well so I can’t be far from home.” Are you excited to see Colin in EastEnders? Let us know in the comments.
Read more: BBC EastEnders: Iconic character set for 'bombshell' return
Colin added: “I was born in the Mothers’ Hospital, in Clapton Pond, decades ago, and I’m an East Ender and it was a big show for us growing up. Everybody I’ve told I’m doing this has got really excited.
“The universe has been really kind and I’m loving it. It’s like a meeting of theatre, film and telly – it’s a different genre. You’ve got to work hard. I like working hard and I’m happy.”
In an interview with The Mirror, Colin described how, on his first day, he was helped by Phil Mitchell actor Steve McFadden. “He’s brilliant,” he said. “His advice was ‘Just get it done. Be ready’. He is the boss. He’s the alpha but he’s there on the sofa, smiling and chatting with everybody. It’s not like he’s distant. So he’s the dude”
EastEnders is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
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