Meet the famous Eastenders duo

Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie speak to Aisling Hussey about tackling different roles and filming in Ireland.

Aisling Hussey

3 February 2016

Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace pictured at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin.

Actor Shane Richie.

Actress Jessie Wallace.

Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace pictured at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin.

Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace pictured at The Bord Gais Energy Theatre.

Kat and Alfie’s chemistry on Eastenders has made them one of television’s most-loved couples, and in real life the duo share the same spark.When Irish Country Living meets Jessie and Shane, they bicker just like an old married couple – mostly due to Shane’s teasing – but are obviously the best of friends.

Kat and Alfie’s chemistry on Eastenders has made them one of television’s most-loved couples, and in real life the duo share the same spark.

When Irish Country Living meets Jessie and Shane, they bicker just like an old married couple – mostly due to Shane’s teasing – but are obviously the best of friends.

“We’ve only got each other,” says Shane “If you’re out on a limb, whether you’re at an awards show or filming in the middle of an Irish village, who would you want with you? You’d want a mate, wouldn’t you? That’s my best mate."

Jessie adds: “We’re used to being together all day. We could have the first scene of the day together and the last scene together. We could spend the whole day together, sitting in the dressing room.”

After 13 years together on Eastenders, they are tackling new roles on stage in The Perfect Murder, which runs in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this February. Playing Victor and Joan Smiley, the dark comedy tells the story of a couple in crisis, and is as far removed from Kat and Alfie as you can get.

“I hope people aren’t coming to see Kat and Alfie, because they’ll get a shock,” says Shane.

“These two characters are very different to Kat and Alfie. I think that’s what attracted us to the role. We would have been reluctant to do it if they were a loving couple. The fact that one of them tries to kill the other is… it’s macabre, very dark. It’s a descent into madness.”

Shane hopes that, despite the differences between their screen and stage characters, Eastenders fans will come and see the show.

“I hope that all ages come to see it, and those who don’t necessarily come to the theatre but are fans of Kat and Alfie, because it could be their introduction to theatre,” he says. “But don’t come if you’re easily scared.”

This is Shane and Jessie’s first project together away from Eastenders – are there plans for more?

“We want to do a panto,” says Shane.

“We could both be the ugly sisters,” quips Jessie.

Ireland

Panto plans aside, the pair will be spending four months in Ireland this year in a mystery village to film a six-part series as Kat and Alfie. Fans of the show will remember Kat discovering she has a long-lost son, and the show will focus on her search for him, as well as Alfie dealing with his brain tumour.

“Kat and Alfie turn up in this little village, where we’re in the middle of this dark secret,” says Shane.

“It’s never happened in any soap and fans of Eastenders will love it. On its own merit it will stand up too, because this whole world that Kat and Alfie show up in is more Broadchurch than Albert Square.”

This begs the question – will things every run smooth for Kat and Alfie? The answer, we’re afraid, is an empathetic no.

“Otherwise we’d just be boring,” offers Jessie by way of explanation.

“From cot deaths, rape, murder, twins being born, a brain tumour – they come through it together,” adds Shane. “It gives hope to people. If Kat and Alfie go through that, then maybe we can as well. That’s been the beauty of them, their history.”

The Perfect Murder will come to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from 15-20 February. Visit www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie or call the box office on 01- 677-7999 for bookings.