Stars of the popular BBC soap EastEnders will be showing a whole new side to themselves over the holidays as they pick up the mic and belt out some songs for an Albert Square musical extravaganza. Onscreen pub landlord Shane Richie will host the programme which was filmed on the set of the soap and is to be screened on Christmas Eve.
Among those showcasing their vocal talents are Jill Halfpenny, the actress behind Phil’s straight-talking wife Kate, and Pam St Clements, who plays brassy café worker Pat Evans. “She is brilliant – viewers won’t believe it,” said one insider of Pam’s performance of Santa Baby.
Also participating in the show are former EastEnders Mike Reid and Michelle Gayle, plus guests Lulu and Liberty X.
While his co-stars throw themselves into the fun of the festive season, fellow Albert Square resident Dalip Tahil, who plays Elvis-mad patriarch Dan Ferreira, is facing problems. With his application to stay and work in the country rejected, the Indian actor is facing deportation.
Ex-government minister Keith Vaz has tabled a Commons motion on behalf of the TV star urging Home Secretary David Blunkett to intervene to stop India-born Mr Tahil being ejected from the UK.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
