EastEnders star Emma Barton has been a beloved character on the BBC soap for almost 20 years. In a recent interview, she opened up about her experiences on the show, including the sad loss of co-star June Brown. Emma reflected on her time working alongside iconic actors such as Barbara Windsor and Pam St Clement, who she looked up to. She also shared the profound impact that late Dame Barbara Windsor had on her life and career, recalling her professionalism and work ethic on set.
Emma’s character, Honey Mitchell, has been through various ups and downs over the years, including a recent storyline where she faced the death of a friend. Emma discussed how emotional and challenging it was to film those scenes, as she had to understand the complexities of dealing with a brain tumour, which she had not experienced in her personal life. She also shared details about an upcoming plot where Honey and another character will participate in the London Marathon in memory of their late friend.
In addition to her on-screen challenges, Emma has faced personal struggles as well. Shortly after joining EastEnders, she went through a divorce from her lawyer husband after three years of marriage. However, she found love again last year with rock singer Jason Perry. Emma expressed her happiness and positivity about her current relationship, stating that she is looking forward to their future together. She also shared how her co-star June Brown’s death in 2022 affected her deeply, as she had learned so much from working alongside such talented actors.
Acknowledging her co-stars and friends who have passed away, Emma remembered the late Dame Barbara Windsor’s impact on her life. She praised Barbara’s professionalism and work ethic, highlighting the way she knew everyone’s name on set. Emma also shared a touching memory of Barbara giving her a framed picture of herself from one of the Carry On films, which she proudly displayed in her living room as a tribute to her memory. Through these memories and experiences, Emma reflected on the friendships and mentorship she had received during her time on EastEnders.
In the interview, Emma touched on the challenges of filming emotional scenes on the iconic soap opera. She shared that some moments were so tough and intense that the cast had to take breaks to compose themselves. Despite the difficulties, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside talented actors and to grow as a performer. Emma also looked ahead to future storylines on the show, including the marathon plot where she will run both on screen and in real life to raise funds for charity. Her positive outlook and determination to overcome personal challenges and professional obstacles were evident in her words.
