Kathy Burke, the beloved 60-year-old comedian known for her sharp wit and unapologetic 

humor, has made it clear that she has no interest in ever joining the cast of EastEnders, despite being offered a role. Burke, who shares a close friendship with Perry Fenwick — famous for portraying Billy Mitchell on the long-running BBC soap — didn’t hold back her 

true feelings about the show during an episode of her podcast, Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wake.

During the episode, Kathy candidly admitted that she outright despises the series, explaining that she couldn’t imagine herself becoming part of the iconic Albert Square. She revealed, with her characteristic bluntness, “I was asked to do EastEnders, and no, no, no — I f****** hate EastEnders.” Her dislike runs so deep that even hearing the show’s recognizable theme tune is enough to trigger an immediate and visceral reaction. She described how, if she happens to come across the show while channel surfing, she can’t help but respond with an involuntary “EEUURGHH,” a sound of disgust that leaves no doubt about her feelings.

Despite her strong personal aversion to the soap, Kathy made a point to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the cast and crew who bring the series to life. She offered an apology to those involved in the production, emphasizing that while she has nothing but respect for their efforts, the show itself simply isn’t for her. “Sorry to everybody involved,” she said, adding, “I know everyone’s got a job to do — I admire you all greatly, but nah!” It’s a classic Burke balance of honesty and empathy — brutally truthful yet still recognizing the craft and commitment behind the scenes.

Her friendship with Perry Fenwick, a longtime staple of EastEnders, added an interesting layer to the conversation. Perry even made an appearance on Kathy’s podcast in 2023, where he opened up about his harrowing childhood experiences and his journey to becoming a soap star. The 62-year-old actor shared deeply personal stories, reflecting on how much of his early life was spent in and out of hospitals due to several near-death incidents.

He recounted a particularly shocking event from when he was just three years old. Curious and playful, young Perry was experimenting with a bowl of soapy water on the floor. In a moment of childlike wonder — and dangerous misjudgment — he decided to dip his fingers into the water and then stick them into an electrical socket. The result was a severe electric shock that sent him flying across the room. His mother, who was watching television nearby, witnessed the terrifying sight of her son being hurled to the other side of the room by the force of the shock.

Perry didn’t stop there — his childhood seemed filled with brushes with disaster. He also shared a memory of falling from a bridge near his home. He described the local iron bridge, which had become the setting for a daring challenge among kids in the area. The challenge was to walk over the arch of the bridge, a risky feat that Perry attempted. However, he lost his balance and plummeted from a height of around 25 to 30 feet.

Miraculously, he survived, thanks to a stroke of luck. Beneath the bridge ran a small stream with muddy banks. By sheer fortune, someone had started a DIY project and had removed some of the railway sleepers that usually lined the area. Had those heavy wooden beams still been in place, Perry acknowledged, the fall could have been fatal. Reflecting on the incident, he recognized how fortunate he had been — especially considering this all took place in the 1960s when safety measures and emergency care were far less advanced than they are today.

Kathy Burke’s refusal to join EastEnders may come as a surprise to fans who admire her versatility as an actress and comedian. However, her honesty is part of what makes her so beloved. While she may never set foot in Albert Square, her admiration for the people who do is evident — even if she can’t stand the show itself. Meanwhile, her conversation with Perry Fenwick offered listeners a touching insight into his resilience, showing that behind the familiar face of Billy Mitchell is a man who overcame extraordinary challenges to get where he is today.

Kathy’s blunt humor, paired with Perry’s heartfelt stories, made for an unforgettable podcast episode — one that perfectly blended laughter with emotional depth, proving once again why Burke remains such an authentic and compelling voice in British entertainment.

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