EASTENDERS actor Shane Richie has revealed that there will be new trauma for Alfie Moon.
He admitted that the long-running BBC One soap opera is set to air more about Alfie’s prostate cancer
diagnosis and its consequences.
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Shane, 60, has played Alfie Moon on EastEnders for over two decades after he first joined the serial drama in 2002.
However, the TV personality admitted that they are about to embark on a huge storyline, that could be utterly heartbreaking for Alfie – and fans.
Speaking on the red carpet at the 2024 National Television Awards, he was asked what upcoming storylines he was most excited for.
He told The Sun Online: “Alfie playing the prostate cancer. Exciting is the wrong word, but just bringing that to the forefront of, you know, doing on the British soap is really important to the producers and to me.
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“We’re about to cover the erectile dysfunction story, which I didn’t think we would do, but that ties in with prostate cancer.”
When asked if delivering tough and heavy scenes like his current storyline was tough, he replied: “Yeah. But I mean, you know, you do your homework, and the Beeb [BBC] and certainly the producers are very good at doing their research.”
He also spoke about his current storyline alongside Jessie Wallace, 52, who plays his ex-wife Kat Slater.
“The story that myself, that Kat and Alfie are playing at the moment is with our son Tommy.
“And [it’s] about teenager angst and violence in the family. So that’s what’s about to hit the screen pretty soon.”
EastEnders’ Alfie Moon’s reveals devastating diagnosis to Phil
Both he and his co-star also admitted that they are excited about the upcoming special live episode to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the soap.
However, Shane revealed that even the cast do not know what to expect, as he claimed: “We’re pretty much in the dark about it.”
“We found out, I think, 48 hours before the general public found out. So it’s all pretty hush-hush about what’s going to happen.
“We’re not privy to information just yet, but I think in the next couple of weeks, we’ll know [more].”
Ant and Dec took home Presenter Award for the millionth time, Strictly bagged the Talent Show gong and I’m A Celebrity triumphed in the Entertainment category.
Kate Garraway scooping the authored documentary award for Derek’s Story was entirely deserved, but not a total shock either as she’d already done the same two years ago with Caring for Derek.
There were a few curveballs.
Emmerdale beating Goliath soaps EastEnders and Corrie was unexpected, particularly as the rivals have both boasted big storylines recently.
And though there was no doubting how hugely moving Mr Bates Vs The Post Office was for viewers this year, it was still stunning to see them bag three awards.
Does the general lack of surprises diminish the thrill of the NTAs? Not at all.
It remains one of the few awards shows which actually gauges what the majority of Brits are actually watching.
We live in a bewildering world where scandals often rock shows, in an age where streaming means the shared experience is diminished and ratings are hard to decipher.
But year in, year out NTA voters leave us in no doubt which shows they adore, which ones they’ve fallen out of love with, and which celebrities they’re prepared to back.
Look at how quickly relatively new shows like The Traitors, Bridgerton and The 1% Club have been embraced by NTA voters.
They aren’t interested in PR stunts and promotion, in highbrow actors and writers lauded by their fellow luvvies, and they certainly can’t stand having what they ought to be watching dictated to them.
They tell us all loud and clear, every year, who they consider to be the best – and woe betide any telly exec who ignores them.
