When a soap opera ends, you want to go out on the highest note possible, and what better way to go out than at the pinnacle of the largest plot to have wrapped up on EastEnders in years?
When Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) defended Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), stabbed a furious Keanu Taylor as he throttled his ex-wife, heartburn suffering fans were left stunned on Christmas night.
After learning on the day of the wedding that Keanu was the one who planned the kidnapping that left her completely broken, Sharon informed Keanu that Albie is not his child.
Fans of EastEnders have been teased with a Christmas Day murder for almost 11 months, in which six of the most recognisable women on the show conspired to cover up the death of a man who had done wrong.
Even though Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) is still a nasty guy, he might be The Six’s escape route if they manage to get away with killing Keanu.
However, as they hide the body and Keanu is still missing, Danny’s character leaves behind a trail of detonated bombs that will inform the plot for the ensuing year.
In response to his major leave, Danny has described his role in the story as a “privilege” and acknowledged that maintaining the concealment was very challenging.
How hard has it been to keep this a secret?
It’s been really challenging! I feel like I’ve lied a lot to my family and friends and made a lot of excuses (laughs)!
However, I’ve done my best to keep everything under wraps so that the plot will hopefully have the greatest potential impact on the audience. Hopefully, this has paid off.
How did you feel when you finally read the Christmas Day episode after working up to this storyline for months?
The episode that airs on Christmas Day is excellent. It has a lot going on and can stand alone. The script had excellent writing, and each character had a compelling plot that ran the entire length of the programme.
The episode is a true emotional rollercoaster for my character, filled with highs and lows. It was such a joy to participate in.
You burst onto our screens as Keanu Taylor back in 2017, and you’ve had some amazing storylines during your time on the show. What are some of your favourite storyline moments?
There have been a tonne, and it’s been such a pleasure to work with such a tremendous group of people over the years, meet some amazing colleagues, and also form some wonderful friendships.
The moment the Taylors pulled onto Albert Square in the back of a van, with Bronson the dog jumping out, comes to mind. The Taylors’ arrival alone is a highly famous image that will always be ingrained in my memories of the programme. The 35th anniversary boat stunt was another unforgettable event.
Walford weddings are notoriously eventful. How was it filming those wedding scenes?
It was fantastic and really enjoyable. The staff and cast were outstanding. Being a part of such a classic EastEnders storyline—where things don’t go as planned—was a lot of fun.
Letitia Dean looked stunning as she walked down the aisle, and it was a pleasure to film. Filming those sequences with her and witnessing the growth of our characters was incredible. For them, it has been a long trip.
I believe that Keanu has always desired it, as well as the opportunity to wed Sharon. It obviously didn’t go as planned in typical EastEnders fashion!
How does it feel to have been involved in such a talked about storyline for your exit?
Being a part of it was fantastic. I hope the plot has been entertaining for the audience. Even though I’m only a small component of the larger picture, I hope that my contribution has had some influence.
Do your family know, or are they going to find out live on Christmas Day?
Only a few people of my family are aware. To put it mildly, I’ve been rather evasive in my responses, thus the majority of my family is in the dark. On Christmas Day, I’m anticipating a tonne of texts, calls, and tears from my grandparents! [Giggles]
Please accept my sincere apologies to each and every one of my friends and family members—many of whom will be surprised on Christmas Day!
You’ve been a favourite character amongst the viewers since you joined. What will you remember about your time in EastEnders?
It has been amazing. From the actions of my character to the drama he has gotten himself into, the danger he has put himself in, and the women he has gotten himself into over the years. Though it’s been quite the trek, the ride has been quite the rollercoaster.
Lastly, are there any keepsakes you’ve taken from the set to remind you of Keanu Taylor?
Indeed! I have taken his filthy ‘Taylors Autos’ mechanic dungarees! [Giggles]
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