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.
Denne historien er fra April 15, 2024-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 15, 2024-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SEASONAL SHOPPING
Get in the festive spirit with a visit to one of the UK's best Christmas markets.
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here are some of the steps we can take to help protect ourselves
'If it wasn't for psychiatrist, I wouldn't be a sitting here'
Comedian Ruby Wax shares her long-term struggles with mental health as she backs a brand new campaign to inspire and help others
I'm happy to be the one who says no'
TV presenter Helen Skelton might love the adrenaline rush of a new adventure, but when she's not busy breaking Guinness World Records she has learned how to take the pressure off herself
My daughter is excited to see Daddy covered in bugs'
I'm A Celebrity star Alan Halsall on how his loved ones feel about his Aussie adventure and what he will miss most while away
'We enjoy doing things together - we motivate and encourage one another'
Race Across The World stars Kelly Brook and her husband Jeremy Parisi on letting the cameras into their private life with their new reality series and taking on their toughest challenge yet
"They'd need to be Christian - but I'm hoping I'll find someone who will treat me right'
MAFS UK'S Sacha Jones says she's devastated following her heartbreaking split from \"husband\" Ross McCarthy
THE ROYAL WEEK
Armistice Day was remembered, entertainers were honoured and the King celebrated his birthday
KATE'S NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE
\"This is Kate's night,\" a royal expert tells OK!, as the Princess of Wales reveals she will be hosting her annual carol service this year
I'm in awe of my baby boy - he is truly a blessing'
JLS singer Oritsé Williams and his wife Kazz introduce baby son Shiva to the world in our exclusive OK! shoot