The importance of STORYTELLING

COLIN SALMON on George Knight's turmoil and his first year in soap

- ALISON SLADE

EASTENDERS

MONDAY-THURSDAY, 7.30PM, BBC1 SOAP

When George Knight’s adoptive parents, Eddie and Gloria, arrived in Walford earlier this year, it sparked a chain of events that not even the most ardent of soap fans could’ve predicted.

The former boxing champ discovered the couple had acquired him via ‘farming’ – an illegal process in which white families were paid to take in Black children – and he went on to learn that Eddie was to stand trial for murdering his biological father, Henry Asare.

As Eddie’s court case reaches its climax and George deals with recent revelations, EastEnders star Colin Salmon, 62, joined TV Times for an exclusive interview to talk about a storyline like no other…

How would you describe George’s emotions as Eddie’s trial draws to a close?

His emotions change almost day-to-day. There’s sadness and anger, and mixed emotions as well – after what Eddie and Gloria have done, George still can’t help but love them. That’s what I find interesting about this journey; it’s not black and white. He’s trying to find his balance. That’s sort of the issue.

It is apparent that Gloria (Elizabeth Counsell) has been as much a victim of Eddie’s bullying as George has. Have bridges been built between the two?

Absolutely. They were each other’s refuge. George and Gloria have both been there when Eddie has done wrong, and they’ve been scared together. And he loves her for giving him love, because she did show him love.