EastEnders star unveils secret change made to Queen Vic for soap icon Barbara Windsor
A small change was made to the EastEnders set so that soap legend Barbara Windsor's scenes were easier to film
EastEnders star Jessie Wallace has spilled the beans on a secret alteration to the Queen Vic made especially for the late soap icon Barbara Windsor.
Jessie, who plays the feisty Kat Slater, is back pulling pints at the Queen Vic after snapping up the legendary pub with cousin Stacey Slater (played by Lacey Turner) in recent storylines.
Opening up about her return as the landlady of the Queen Vic, Jessie confessed to Radio Times: “I stepped behind that bar and felt like I’d come home.”
She likened the bar to a “stage” and revealed how a special platform was constructed behind it for Barbara, who was beloved for her role as Queen Vic’s own Peggy Mitchell for many years on the BBC show.
“Because Barbara Windsor was quite short, they raised it up a level, so it’s like getting on a stage. The Vic is the centre point of the show,” Jessie explained.
Jessie also mentioned that this marks a “fresh start” for both Kat and the Slater clan, although “mayhem” ensues right from the get-go of their new chapter at the Queen Vic, reports Plymouth Live.
The drama kicked off with Kat’s first day as landlady being disrupted by the police, and she’s been juggling a lot since her husband Alfie Moon’s (Shane Ritchie) comeback to Walford.
Yet, there’s even more excitement ahead, as Kat is set for an emotional reunion with her long-lost daughter Zoe (Michelle Ryan), who makes a dramatic return to Walford after two decades away.
Zoe Slater made a dramatic comeback to EastEnders in June, with a storyline that saw her reaching out to Stacey amidst some serious trouble. The plot thickened as Stacey got in touch with Alfie, who then dashed off to Barcelona in an attempt to find Zoe after she fled from them both.
While viewers are left in suspense about how Zoe will return to Walford, especially since Alfie came back solo in recent scenes, the anticipation is high. It’s been years since Zoe and Kat shared screen time – their last encounter was back in 2005, and their relationship has always been tumultuous.
EastEnders fans are buzzing with excitement over the prospect of the duo’s on-screen reunion. Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat, shared an emotional moment when she reunited with Michelle Ryan, who portrays Zoe, earlier this year.
“I burst out crying. We met for a secret dinner date with Ben Wadey and the Slaters. When I saw Michelle, I cried – we were all very emotional. It was nostalgic and lovely,” Jessie fondly remembered.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
