TELEVISION / Soap stars search for the after-life
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Is there life after soap? The answer is: yes, if you can establish a niche for yourself in the crowded TV drama market. The most successful have been variations of that old standby, the professional lovable rogue. Since vacating the proprietorship of theQueen Vic as "Dirty Den" Watts on EastEnders, Leslie Grantham has been able to play his trademark rough diamond - first in BBC1's thriller, The Paradise Club, and now in 99-1, Carlton's pacey detective drama that returns tonight for a second seri es.
Nick Berry, another escapee from the Walford pub, represents the brand leader; his laddish policeman on Heartbeat is reported to have made him the highest paid actor on television.
The parade of ex-soap lads knows no end. Chris Ellison, Burnside on The Bill, has broken out of Sun Hill nick to star as a sparky sports promoter in Ellington. Kristian Schmid, Todd from Neighbours, features in the re-make of The Tomorrow People, which started yesterday. And Mark Little, Ramsey Street's Joe Mangel, is enjoying an afterlife as a presenter of The Big Breakfast and, more improbably, as a stand-up comedian.
Others have been less fortunate. Anita Dobson, who played Den's wife Angie on EastEnders, has for obvious reasons been unable to find lovable rogue parts and has stumbled through a string of forgettable dramas. Does anyone remember her hairdressing sitcom, Split Ends? I thought not.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments