EastEnders' Emma Barton has spoken frankly in a new interview, sharing her thoughts on love after divorce, her co-star's death and the emotional moments on the iconic BBC soap's set.
First appearing on our screens in 2005 as Honey Edwards (later Mitchell) in EastEnders, Emma has been a firm favourite on the BBC soap ever since.
Recalling her screen test for the role, the 46-year-old star remembered 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.
"Just standing in that famous pub made my legs tremble," Emma told OK! "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 said. "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."
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Emma also opened up about the profound impact that late Dame Barbara Windsor had on her life and career. The iconic actress, known for her role as Peggy Mitchell, tragically passed away in 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
First appearing on our screens in 2005 as Honey Edwards (later Mitchell) in EastEnders, Emma has been a firm favourite on the BBC soap ever since (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)"Barbara was the queen of our show, and I think she was also a queen in many people's hearts," Emma fondly recalled. "What I remember about Barbara is that she was just so professional and had this tremendous work ethic. She knew everyone's name not just the cast, but the whole crew. I learned so much from her. I was always a fan of the Carry On films and would ask her things. She just loved to talk about those times."
Emma also shared a touching memento she received from Barbara: "Not long before she got ill, she gave me a framed black and white picture of herself from one of the films, which she signed for me with a lovely message. That picture is now on the wall in my living room, so her memory lives on."
As for her character Honey, Emma has portrayed her through various ups and downs over the years. Most recently, Honey was left heartbroken when Lola Pearce, played by Danielle Harold, died from a brain tumour. Discussing the challenging scenes, Emma revealed: "It was very hard for two reasons. Firstly, we were losing our friend Danielle, who was leaving the show.
"Then also, we had to understand what happens when someone has a brain tumour, and what they and their families are going through, because I've never experienced that in my personal life. So there were some very tough and emotional scenes, and at times we had to take a break from filming just to be able to compose ourselves."
Now, Honey and Jay Brown, portrayed by Jamie Borthwick, will participate in the London Marathon in memory of Lola. The plot follows them through their training and the marathon itself, as they continue to deal with their loss.
In a twist of art imitating life, Emma and Jamie will also run in the TCS London Marathon in reality (some parts in character, to capture footage for the soap), raising funds for Children In Need and Prostate Cancer UK respectively.
Off-screen, Emma has faced her own challenges. Shortly after joining EastEnders, she divorced her lawyer husband, Nigel Stoat, following three years of marriage. Fortunately, she found love again last year with rock singer and record producer, Jason Perry, after connecting on a dating app.
"I'm very happy," she beamed. "I have a lovely boyfriend in Jason and I'm in a very happy place right now. I'm looking forward to our future together."
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