Former EastEnders star Jamie Foreman, who played Derek Branning on the BBC show, has taken a swipe at his soap colleagues as he claimed they ‘wouldn’t last two minutes’ outside of Albert Square

Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) having a row with David Wicks (Michael French) in EastEnders
Former EastEnders actor Jamie Foreman, who portrayed Derek Branning, launched a stinging critique of his ex-cast mates, claiming they “wouldn’t last two minutes” in varied acting roles. He also shared how an older actress from the BBC’s beloved drama agreed with his stern assessment.

Jamie graced Albert Square from November 2011 until December 2012, where his character’s scandalous affair with Kat Slater (played by Jessie Wallace), married to Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), captivated audiences. Derek’s tenure ended abruptly with a heart attack in the Christmas Day episode.

Since then, the actor, now 67, has not shied away from expressing his thoughts about fellow performers from the show.

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EastEnders
Max Branning (Jake Wood), Jack Branning (Scott Malsen) and Derek Branning (Jamie Foreman) filming a scene together (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
During an appearance on The Lewis Nicholls Show, he said: “The discipline on the set is just… it is just… I was sitting with an older actress on there who is unfortunately not with us any more.

“We are sitting on the set and she lent over to me and she went ‘haven’t got a f***ing clue have they?’ And we are watching all these young (actors) thinking they are the bee’s knees, you know.”

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Jamie continued his pointed remarks noting: “And the discipline, and directors are going (clears throat) and I am sitting there… would not last two minutes outside of here and invariably none of them do.”

With a laugh, he wrapped up his musings: “They always end up having to go back so I think I gave a very bad clue there didn’t I? I think I have just grassed myself right up on that one.”

Jamie, who has graced our screens in Double Decker Driving School and Birds of a Feather, opened up further about his stint on EastEnders, describing it as “just another job” and “far from a highlight” of his acting career.

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He revealed that he had been approached “many times” to join the soap but only agreed when they consented to a one-year term.

Jamie Foreman
Jamie Foreman wrote a book called Gangsters, Gun and Me (Image: The Daily Mirror)
However, Jamie, whose film credits include Rise of the Footsoldier and Oliver Twist, expressed disappointment with the soap’s management, alleging that they “made promises they never kept”.

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The actor shared the gruelling schedule of once filming up to 36 scenes a day, which “burnt him out”, despite assurances that he wouldn’t have to work Saturdays, stating: “I did every Saturday. I was the first in, last out every day.”

Despite his experiences, he recognised the significance of EastEnders for its audience, acknowledging its “iconic” status and the respect it commands, particularly for the BBC.

Following the release of the podcast on YouTube, viewers shared their thoughts, with one commenting: “Fantastic interview. Jamie Foreman so underrated as an actor.”

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Another viewer admitted to having preconceptions about Jamie, saying: “I had misconceptions of Jamie, thinking he would be cocky etc. Dignified, lovely man, I absolutely have the utmost respect for Jamie. Beautiful guy.”

A third chimed in with praise, remarking: “Great interview and what a talented, humble bloke.”

EastEnders continues to captivate audiences, airing Monday to Thursday at 7:30 pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.