Daran Little
@DaranLittle
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storyteller. , my life is an open book - well thumbed with a few pages missing.
Malaga, Spain
Joined September 2009
Anyone else down with something that feels like Covid but isn’t???.
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14 years ago we rescued each other at Battersea Dogs Home. Today we're having our last journey before I lay to rest just outside my bedroom window. I'll spend the rest of my life saying 'good night good boy' to you. Sleep well Matty
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Want to know how wonderful Helen Worth is? She was the first person I came out to, sitting in tears in her dressing room. She held me tight and said “your adventures are just beginning”. Wishing her all my love on her next adventure
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People ask my why I left LA to come back to live in London. Sarah Lancashire just phoned to say she was driving past my flat soon so I leant out of the window and waved and she flashed her lights. THATS why I moved back to London!!!.
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A year ago us #EastEnders writers producers and story team promised to guard the identity of the cuff links wearer. No leaks no spoilers, for the love of the show and our millions of faithful viewers. So brilliant that you’re all still guessing. Here’s to the reveal at 9.45!.
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Never take the NHS for granted. Here in the US I had two scans and have to pay 16k for my share of the bill (my insurance paying over 40k towards it. that’s two scans that would have been free in the UK.
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38 years ago I took the day off art school to ensure I’d be home in time to watch the first episode of EastEnders. I had no idea I’d end up putting words into the mouths of Kathy and Sharon. Hope you enjoy my episode tonight. Love you Enders ❤️❤️ #Eastenders
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Soap is full of under-rated actors and actresses. They seldom get short-listed for awards but their solid performances are the back-bone of shows. I have two episodes airing this week. As always it was an honour writing for Linda Henry who delivers every word to perfection.
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Today would have been Pat Phoenix’s 100th birthday. Taken back before I knew who I was. “You’ll figure it out” she told me. Forever my Queen.
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I'm heartbroken. but smiling at a memory -.Lynda: I once had sex on a two-person plane. Me: what about the pilot?.Lynda: Who do you think I was having sex with????.Sleep well my beautiful, supportive, loving friend
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I’m blocking those who accuse me of hating EE characters. We spend our time coming up with stories and characters, creating balance, listening to viewers and trying to keep a 38yr old soap fresh and relevant. It’s the best it’s been for years. Honoured & proud to be part of it.
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Karen Taylor lived in my head for a year before I was able to bring her and her clan to screen. @loustar76 put the flesh on her bones and made her brilliantly whole. Was very sad to write her exit but wow, does Lorraine deliver!! A five star heart wrenching performance x
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It’s good to remember that soaps were built on the backs of older female characters. Strong women, not written as camp but real. The Yolande story on #EastEnders shows the power these characters and actresses have is still relevant today. Elder stories are as important as youth.
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This picture sums up a lot about why I love writing EastEnders. an incredible iconic character who appeared in ep 1, three characters born on the show, a gay couple, Lou Beale's muslim great-grandson, a trumpet-playing kid who's grown into a stalwart. family, heart, love.
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I know it may not be a very 21st Century thing to say, but I’m a Christian and would love to wish you all a very peaceful and joyful Easter… x.
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Thank you all for your wonderful words of support. My boy is at peace now with his Batman toy next to him. Now the cat has a smug ‘I won’ look on his face.
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For those who ask if #madeinchelsea is scripted. I'd suggest watching the last five minutes of tonight's episode. Raw emotion @BinkyFelstead.
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I’ve been getting a lot of love over a Classic Corrie that’s just aired. Can’t believe it’s 20 years since I wrote it. I based the whole ep around Jack and Annie Walkers 25th wedding anniversary in 1962 and this was the scene I most wanted to write: didn’t get any notes on it!!
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Yes I loved Annie/Deirdre and Maggie/Blanche. They occupied my heart and my writing brain… and still do. #Corrie
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Just because I keep being asked… 15 years ago I left Corrie to work on Enders. My future is with EastEnders which I’m passionate about and have no thoughts on returning to the cobbles. Thanks.
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In 1985 I did work experience at #EastEnders and took this photo of June Brown. 30 years on I write for her. #EELive
http://t.co/pB8rTp9OuA.
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Ok, gotta admit. this is one of my favourite scenes I've ever written for any show. We needed three scene story to fill an episode so I pitched this and the producers never changed a word. It's all about knowing the characters inside out.
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The actors on @bbceastenders are always incredible, but I need to give a shout out to Diane Parish for giving such a complex and haunting performance as Denise. When writers have such a talented cast to write for half the work is done #EastEnders.
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Oh darling John Savident. So many happy memories forever in my heart. Rest in peace my friend, Big D xx
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Thanks for all the #EastEnders love. here's to the next ten months. who do you think is dead?.
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In 1985 when I was doing work experience at Enders Dot had a crutch and I had to hold it for her. June would yell ‘Daran, grab me crotch” and laugh! Years later when I wrote the vicar washing her feet she insisted Dot had to say she had ugly feet. God bless dear lady xx
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Bianca Jackson, Mo Harris, Chrissie Watts, Jane Beale and now David Wicks! Which other #EastEnders icons will be popping back to say hello and help celebrate 40 years of EastEnders?.
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from the first line I knew I'd written this. loved writing for Gail and Eileen. and now I love writing for Kat, Sharon, Elaine, Kathy, Cindy, Denise, Yolanda, Stacey, Kim, Honey, Linda, Lauren, Mo, Suki, Jean. the list goes on and on (EastEnders - full of icon females).
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20 odd years ago. Geoff Hinsliff said to me, "So Daran. Ivy is the alcoholic and I'm the one who ends up legless?" He then burst out laughing. you either get this, or you don't, but the happy memories I have with him will forever last.
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this was horrible. Bryan didn't want to leave. I stood watching this scene being filmed comforting Barbara Knox who was crying. Less than two months later Bryan himself was dead. A wonderful man of God, a terrific friend, kind and generous and forever in my heart.
25 years ago today: Alf Roberts passes away peacefully at Nick Tilsley's 18th birthday party
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I'm so glad the 22 years I worked on #Corrie were with the best. sensational actors who knew drama and comedy who went hand in hand. and now I proudly say the same, after 14 years, of the #EastEnders actors, writers and producers I work with.
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Flying into the UK tomorrow (keeping everything crossed) - my first time back home in 2 years. Going to be meeting 2 of my granddaughters for the first time and telling my sons face to face how proud I am of them. Excited, me? yep!!.
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I wrote this 20 years ago. I'm old.
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May 20th is always etched on my heart as the birthdays of two wonderful ladies. Sensational Liz Bradley who took me to my first tea at the Ritz, and my beloved Betty Driver who took me into life and I ended up writing her autobiography. So much love
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I wrote this and I’ve written tomorrow’s EastEnders and I’m here to tell you Kat has gone no where. Same Kat, just now facing uncharted waters with her son.
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Saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Kenwright. Every Mothers Day he sent screen mum Betty Driver flowers. Personally he was a mentor who was always ready with a smile and a hug xx.
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This is one of my favourite scenes I’ve ever written for any show. Didn’t change a word from first draft. When you have actors like this everything is perfection.
The Book Club👏📚📙📕📘📒I’m having a Classic Corrie day catching up as I’m STILL 7 episodes behind due to watching Wimbledon…and from the past week we look back at the brilliant writing of @DaranLittle 🤴.First broadcast 27th February 2005 Episode 5970 .@Beverleycallard
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you wanna blow your mind further? at one stage we planned to flood the street - like a massive flood that killed people and had everyone sat on their roofs but it was way too expensive.
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After four years of living in LA I’ve decided I miss seeing my family grow up much more than I’ll miss the view from my house. Two weeks today I Ieave Tinseltown to migrate back home to London. It’s been fun but I can’t wait to start the new chapter - with no outside space!!
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Just been commissioned to write my 200th episode of #EastEnders. I wrote 109 episodes of #ClassicCoronationStreet . these figures make me happy.
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I had the utter joy of creating the Taylor family after they’d lived in my head for a couple of years. Last nights episode had me in tears. Rest in Peace Keanu ❤️
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I’m feeling very blessed. This week two episodes I’d written were transmitted. One written twenty years ago. Both centered on incredible soap female characters. All I can wish is that I’m still at it in twenty years time. #EastEnders #Corrie
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Maybe it’s because I’m still an emotional wreck after last nights EastEnders but I’m really fed up of constantly being accused of hating gay characters on the show. In my 35 year career in soap I’ve created and supported endless gay characters. Just, back off will you?
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39 years ago I took the day off art school to make sure I’d be home in time to watch the first episode of #EastEnders Now it’s part of my DNA. Happy Birthday old girl xx.
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All the talk about Adam Barlow’s hair… Adam was the first character I created on Coronation Street. I named him Adam because “Ken wouldn’t know him from Adam”.
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I’ve written tonight and Thursday’s #EastEnders and had a blast doing so. A pinch of Mick, a dollop of Sharon and a sprinkle of Suki all mixed together and served with a garnish of Frankie and a side order of Ian.
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Ahhhh I got to write the last #EastEnders episode of 2023 … quite a few residents will be happy to see the back of this year!!.
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Just found this little note from Thora Hird. Ahhh bless her
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My gut feeling is Sue won't want to stay long without Helen. No insider knowledge, just a feeling.
@DaranLittle #CoronationStreet It will be emotional for these two to depart later in the year. The casting producers even got it right in the 1970s by the resemblance both have. Even on Mothers Day each year Helen sends Sue a Mothers Day Card @corriepodcast @ConversationStr
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EastEnders = icon characters played by world-class actors and actresses, all capable of headlining their own tv shows. The week's episodes have been an absolute joy to watch 🥰.
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How it started and how its going. 34 years in the business darling!
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I love writing EastEnders. I love writing the women of EastEnders and in just seven days time you’ll see just how much I love writing them. #EastEnders.
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Got three mates apparently going into the Jungle this year. But I won’t be watching any of it. Politicians are not celebrities and I’ll not watch, or vote for, any reality show that gives them airtime. But all the best Sam, Alan and Grace. #ImAceleb.
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All the posts about Helen Worth leaving fascinating. such an outpouring of love, it's as if she's died! Got me thinking that's she's probably the first 'icon' character to leave the soap since social media startedthe previous one, I think, was Julie Goodyear after 25 years.
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When the vet said he had dementia I was ready for the constant peeing, but the barking at corners and endless pacing is the hardest thing, combined with the deafness and blindness. but we're both learning to grow with the situation, he just wants to be at my side
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How I’d say goodbye to Gail: have her do a Deirdre / Shirley Valentine. Falls for a Greek guy on holiday and heads off to be with him and run his cafe.
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I’m so excited to see this weeks Enders. Yes, I know what’s going to happen and that makes it doubly exciting. Thrilled me old mucker @missmcollins is back, and is a joy to write for. I bloody love this show and bloody love my job!!!
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I've got EastEnders eps going out today and tomorrow. I get to write chained up Bianca in her giant egg box, and Kathy overhears Mo and Yolanda gossiping and goes all Lou Beale on them.
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At Christmas I celebrate Jesus' birth and at Easter the fact he died for my sins. I've been ridiculed in the past for those believes but they are just that - what I believe in, so with love in my heart I wish you all a Happy Easter x.
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feeling nostalgic. this was taken at Helen Worth's wedding.
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Sad to hear Johnny Briggs has passed. Always a gentleman, always respectful and generous. I was worried about his reaction when I was told I was writing Mike Baldwin’s death but he said he wouldn’t hold it against me, and then joked he could always return as a ghost. RIP Sir.
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When you know what you’re next going to be writing on EastEnders and you can’t stop grinning. Can’t wait to get cracking - like an excited kid who can’t wait til Christmas!!!.
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So, a few months ago I mentioned something at an Enders story conference which @chris_clenshaw jumped on, ran with and with the fantastic story office elves @TheRoryJohn and @KyriZindilis fleshed out. I wrote what was in my head and tonight you can watch it on #EastEnders . gulp.
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Thanks for all the lovely and kind words today. I don’t often let people get to me and appreciate the love. EastEnders is my happy place and always will be.
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Very sad to hear of the passing of dear Adele Rose. She wrote her first Coronation Street episode in 1961 and remained the only female writer for 25 years. She was devastated when she was fired in 1997. For 36 years she reigned as the First Lady of Coronation Street. Pure class.
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The thing about Pride - and this hits me every year - is I’ve never felt part of it. I don’t have a group of gay friends who do fantastic things together. I dont want to feel part of a community. I just happen to be gay, it’s not something I’m proud of. Am I alone?.
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1/2 Just heard that John Stevenson has died. Totally devastated by this. Tony Warren aside, John was the greatest writer to ever work on Coronation Street. The creator of Mike Baldwin, Alec Gilroy, Jack Duckworth, Fred Elliott, Ashley Peacock and so many others. Taught me so …
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. I just watched my #EastEnders eps for next week. @MaxBowden and lovely Gillian T DELIVER!!!!!!!
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And I was there as her guest!!! Me, Freda her sister and her agent Morris.
#OnThisDay in 2000- Betty Driver collected her MBE at an investiture at Buckingham Palace. #Corrie #ClassicCorrie #CoronationStreet
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I’m very proud to have written this episode.
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From ages 7 til 14 I had a front door key and was left unsupervised all Summer. Often I’d lose the key and just sit outside the flat all day waiting for my mum to come home from work. Today it would be called abuse. Then it was called the 1970s.
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I can actually remember sitting at my desk and wondering how I wanted to start the episode. in my head I saw Blanche, Deirdre and Ken at the breakfast table. They started to speak and I just wrote down what they said. .
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Just realized I wrote tonight’s Enders!! I wrote tomorrows too - tune in to see who got shot!!!!.
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Same staircase, same iconic character, same me… different story nine years apart
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Yesterday during an EastEnders meeting I had a 35year career high when I suggested something that had half the room absolutely horrified, the other half pissing themselves and one writer turned beetroot red and I feared I’d killed him. I’ve peaked. It’s downhill from now on.
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Today is an amazing day. After a year of waiting, of another grandchild born, of navigating the incredibly expensive visa process since Brexit, my family is at Manchester airport waiting to move here to Spain to live with me in our forever home.
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Couple of years ago when I sat at my desk and called the homeless woman in my script Rita I had no idea Rita the Homeless Woman was going to end up talked about so much !!! #TheTraitors.
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I watched Monday”s ep and can’t stop thinking about it. It’s exactly as I pictured it in my head when I wrote it. Cannot wait to see what my lovely followers think of it!!! 2 days to go… everything WILL change.
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Just came across this photo from 1995!!! Taken at Julie’s leaving party when the fireworks on her leaving cake set off the fire alarm!!
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I am having the best time writing Sam. Disturbingly so.
Sam is returning to Walford, bringing all the Mitchell mischief and mayhem with her. Kim Medcalf has said: “She’s a brilliant character and I can’t wait to get back in The Square this spring.” And we can't wait to see her explosive return! #EastEnders #News
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The joy of writing #EastEnders is putting words in the mouths of an incredible ensemble cast and knowing they’ll deliver those words exactly as I hear them in my head. Gillian Wright’s rich and complex portrayal as Jean Slater never ceases to emotionally punch me in the guts.
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I'm an immigrant living in Spain. Ex-pat is a label I reject - if you've moved to another country you're an immigrant. I migrated because the weather, politics, homophobia, anger in the air was bad for my mental health. I'm blessed to have been able to choose where I live.
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Every 9th Dec Tony would call me to say ‘happy Birthday’ to celebrate Coronation Street’s anniversary. Happy Birthday Tony xx
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This scene wrote itself! I had so much fun putting it to paper and have my mates Di and Helen deliver the lines.
I’m so obsessed with Denise Fox and Gail Platt competing over who’s had the most miserable life
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I've got three EastEnders going out this week - all Sam / Sharon / Kat related - loved every second writing for them and thrilled with the results. yet I still get told (by tv commissioners) that as a man I shouldn't be writing for women.
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Actually buried it with him today as well as his lead.
@DaranLittle Love the picture of Matty and his Batman doll - looks quite well used and chewed - do you still have the Batman doll? 🥰 xx.
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Random Louis Walsh story. Twenty years ago I took a twink with 4% body fat to a dinner party. Louis asked him if he wanted to be in a boy band and I left without him. Louis said “you don’t mind do you Daran?” Nope.
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Lying in my Covid bed and thinking of my last Thanksgiving in America. Two hours into cooking the turkey and making all the trimmings my husband walked into to kitchen and announced he only wanted a salad. It was at that precise point I decided to divorce him. True fact.
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It’s taken me a weekend but I’ve managed to rebuild my lego street in time for the police station which is released Jan 1st!! Just gotta put the people in place, but not until I’ve decided their storylines!!
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So, my next episode is something a little bit different and a big tribute to the icon women of Walford….
In a flash. everything changes. 💥.#EastEnders - 7.30pm - Monday 20th February - @BBCOne & @BBCiPlayer.
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I have the best job in the world putting words into these icon ladies' mouths. today I've channelled Sharon so much my lip has started to quiver as only her's can.
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A special lady is celebrating her birthday. For over 30 years she has supported me, cried, laughed and danced with me. She has poured out love and generosity to me and fought and defended my name. Love you @Beverleycallard & @jonmmac - always in my heart.
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Tish has just about forgiven me for this scene!! 🤣🤣🤣.
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