'We'd have to take a break from filming to compose ourselves'
OK! UK|April 15, 2024
EastEnders star Emma Barton on becoming emotional on set, learning from the late, great soap icons, tackling the London Marathon as Honey and in real life, and finding love after heartbreak
TONY COWELL
'We'd have to take a break from filming to compose ourselves'

The first burst on to our TV screens in 2005 as the doe-eyed Honey Edwards (later Mitchell) in EastEnders – and Emma Barton has been a firm favourite on the BBC soap ever since.

Looking back at her screen test for the role, the 46-year-old – who previously appeared on the small screen in Doctors and Spooks, and on stage in shows including Grease – vividly recalls being “terrified” as she filmed in the iconic Queen Vic pub alongside Perry Fenwick, who plays Billy Mitchell, and Shane Richie, who portrays Alfie Moon. And no wonder – two Walford icons in one room would be enough to intimidate any new cast member.

“Just standing in that famous pub made my legs tremble,” Emma tells us. “But both Perry and Shane were lovely. I will never forget starting my television career and joining EastEnders alongside the likes of Barbara Windsor, Wendy Richard and Pam St Clement. They were all so iconic, and I was in awe of them.

Reminiscing about the huge stars she ended up not only sharing screen-time with, but becoming good friends with, there is one who made a huge mark on the actress – June Brown, aka Dot Cotton.

“When June died in 2022, I was heartbroken,” she says. “I learned so much from watching her work. I’ve been in EastEnders for nearly 20 years now, and I feel so fortunate I got to work alongside these wonderful, gifted actors.”

Emma’s life and career were also hugely impacted by Dame Barbara Windsor, who starred as Peggy Mitchell. Barbara tragically died in 2020 following a battle with Alzheimer’s, but did so much to raise awareness of the cruel disease, alongside her husband, Scott Mitchell.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 15, 2024 من OK! UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 15, 2024 من OK! UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من OK! UK مشاهدة الكل
CALL OF THE WILD
OK! UK

CALL OF THE WILD

Broaden your horizons with a blend of safari and serenity in spectacular Kenya

time-read
3 mins  |
May 20, 2024
HOW TO COPE WITH HAY FEVER
OK! UK

HOW TO COPE WITH HAY FEVER

With sneezing season already in full swing and millions suffering worse than ever, we've got expert advice that's not to be sniffed at

time-read
3 mins  |
May 20, 2024
'Touring is like a travelling circus'
OK! UK

'Touring is like a travelling circus'

Singer-songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae shares the joy of taking her family on the road and explains how the heartbreak of losing her first husband has since helped her to make the most of life

time-read
5 mins  |
May 20, 2024
People feel as if I'm one of their family members. It's such a great feeling of love'
OK! UK

People feel as if I'm one of their family members. It's such a great feeling of love'

Children's television icon Baroness Floella Benjamin on being awarded a BAFTA Fellowship, triumphing over racism, and empowering the younger generation to embrace diversity

time-read
4 mins  |
May 20, 2024
I'm on cloud nine - laughter is the best medicine'
OK! UK

I'm on cloud nine - laughter is the best medicine'

After opening up about a turbulent time in her marriage, Francine Lewis turned it into a positive declaring how it's made her happier than ever

time-read
6 mins  |
May 20, 2024
SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
OK! UK

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

It was a magical night at the Met Gala as the stars lined up in spectacular fashion

time-read
4 mins  |
May 20, 2024
'Mum and Dad got me through the hardest time'
OK! UK

'Mum and Dad got me through the hardest time'

Chloe Madeley on her split from husband James Haskell, their positive co-parenting plan and why she's eternally grateful to Richard and Judy

time-read
6 mins  |
May 20, 2024
HARRY AND MEGHAN VISIT NIGERIA
OK! UK

HARRY AND MEGHAN VISIT NIGERIA

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reunite following Harry's trip to the UK as they receive a warm welcome from crowds in Nigeria

time-read
5 mins  |
May 20, 2024
'I went into survival mode-I was breaking down'
OK! UK

'I went into survival mode-I was breaking down'

Actress Helen Flanagan opens up about tackling her mental health and putting the kids first

time-read
8 mins  |
May 20, 2024
THE ROYAL WEEK
OK! UK

THE ROYAL WEEK

King Charles received a warm welcome back to work and the Duchess of Edinburgh made a heartfelt trip to Ukraine

time-read
2 mins  |
May 13, 2024