EastEnders legend Jessie Wallace has shared a behind-the-scenes secret about the Queen Vic, revealing how the iconic pub was adapted for late star Barbara Windsor
EastEnders star Jessie Wallace has disclosed a unique alteration to the Queen Vic made especially for the late soap icon Barbara Windsor.
Jessie, who plays Kat Slater, is once again pulling pints at the Queen Vic after acquiring the legendary pub with cousin Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) in recent storylines.
Speaking to Radio Times, Jessie expressed her sense of belonging behind the bar: “I stepped behind that bar and felt like I’d come home.”
She likened the bar to a “stage” revealing that a platform was installed behind it for Barbara, who portrayed the memorable Queen Vic landlady Peggy Mitchell on the BBC soap for many years.
“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.
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Jessie also mentioned that this represents a “fresh start” for both Kat and the Slater clan, although “mayhem” ensues right from the outset of their new chapter at the Queen Vic.
The drama kicked off with Kat’s first day as landlady being disrupted by a police visit, and she’s been juggling issues ever since her husband Alfie Moon’s (Shane Ritchie) return to Walford.
Yet, there’s even more excitement ahead, as Kat is soon to be reunited with her long-lost daughter Zoe (Michelle Ryan), who makes a comeback to Walford after two decades away, reports Plymouth Live.
Zoe Slater made a fleeting comeback to EastEnders in June, with the storyline revealing she had been in touch with Stacey and found herself in deep trouble. This led Stacey to reach out to Alfie, who swiftly flew off to Barcelona in an attempt to find Zoe after she fled from them.
The details of how Zoe will return to Walford remain under wraps, especially since Alfie came back without her in recent episodes. It’s been years since Zoe and Kat laid eyes on each other, their relationship having been tumultuous throughout the years.
EastEnders enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation for the on-screen reunion of the pair, and Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat, has shared that her real-life reunion with Michelle Ryan brought her to tears.
“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 reminisced.
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