The beloved actress, who has portrayed Kat Slater on BBC’s flagship soap opera EastEnders since 2000, 

recently shared her thoughts on the challenges of creating such a high-energy, multi-episode television show. With the iconic series celebrating its 40th anniversary,

she took the opportunity to highlight the immense effort involved in producing a show that airs on multiple days each week.

Speaking with Radio Times, the actress expressed her surprise at how some big-name film stars fail to appreciate the demanding nature of soap operas. 

She pointed out that despite the rigorous schedules and extensive content required, many renowned actors entering the world of soaps don’t always realize the scale of the challenge.

“I don’t understand it. You get huge film actors coming in and they don’t realize how hard it is to produce what we do,” she said. 

Reflecting on the words of legendary actress Joan Collins, she recalled a time when Collins presented at the British Soap Awards and emphasized the importance of being a working actor. “Joan Collins said, ‘A successful actor is a working actor,’ and soaps are a fabulous thing to be a part of,” the actress added. Her remarks underscore the unique nature of soap operas and their crucial role in the television industry, where actors often play long-running roles, contributing significantly to the success of these serialized dramas.

As a long-standing fixture on EastEnders, Kat Slater’s character has become synonymous with the show itself. However, the actress was also asked to reflect on the legendary performances that inspired her growing up. She revealed that one of her earliest soap opera idols was Elsie Tanner, the no-nonsense character played by Pat Phoenix on Coronation Street. Phoenix’s portrayal of Tanner left a lasting impression on the actress.

“I thought she was stunning. The character just jumped out at me,” the actress said. Elsie Tanner, one of the original characters on Coronation Street, was known for her strength, wit, and her ability to stand her ground in any situation, something the actress admired from a young age. Tanner’s unflinching nature and memorable style made her a staple of British television, and her portrayal of a working-class woman who didn’t mince her words resonated with viewers across the country.

The actress also shared her experiences portraying the legendary Pat Phoenix in the 2010 drama The Road to Coronation Street, which dramatized the creation of the beloved series. “When I played Pat Phoenix in The Road to Coronation Street, there was a scene where the cleaning lady watches rehearsals on the monitor and gets really invested – and producers realized this was the people’s drama. Everyone can relate to soaps,” she explained. For the actress, this experience highlighted how soaps have the unique ability to connect with audiences on a deep level, often through relatable characters and ongoing storylines.

It was clear that the actress has always had a passion for the soap genre. Reflecting on her childhood, she admitted that even as a young viewer, she was immediately captivated by the dynamic, fast-paced world of soap operas. Coronation Street’s inaugural episode left an indelible mark on her, particularly its gripping moments of intrigue and drama, such as the mysterious death of a man and a violent confrontation at the local pub.

Having worked in soaps for over two decades, the actress is well aware of the specific challenges that come with the territory. However, her love for the genre has only grown stronger over time. Soap operas remain a vital part of British television culture, with EastEnders continuing to attract a dedicated fanbase year after year.

As EastEnders celebrates 40 years of captivating audiences, the actress’s reflections serve as a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and heart that go into producing such a beloved show. Whether it’s the challenge of balancing multiple storylines, working long hours, or living with a character for years, soap operas like EastEnders continue to offer compelling stories that speak to the heart of British society.

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