EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders star Tameka Empson has revealed that viewers will see a new side to her character Kim Fox, as she prepares to marry her partner Howie Danes in the next couple of weeks. Howie and Kim are getting ready to become husband and wife next month, with Cindy and Max also marrying on the same day.
But there is a poignant twist to Kim’s nuptials, as her sister Denise is currently in hospital undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment for blood cancer. Kim was tempted to postpone her wedding, but Denise insisted she goes ahead with it, fearing she won’t make it to the new date.
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It was touch and go for Denise this week, as she was put into a medically induced coma to fight an infection. While there is fresh hope of a stem cell match from newly discovered half-brother Darnell, there’s still a question mark about whether Denise will make Kim’s wedding.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Tameka opens up about Kim’s iconic wedding proceedings, and the unexpected way she will involve her unwell sister in the big event.
Check out our video with Michelle at the top of the page, then read our full DS Q&A below…
Hi, Tameka! Kim and Howie’s wedding is around the corner – how is Kim feeling?
“Oh, she is elated. It is the wedding of the century, of course. And she’s letting everybody know, whether they know her or not, that she’s getting married. It’s going to be spectacular!”
Kim and Howie have had a wild ride – engaged, then split up, now getting married…
“I think Kim is ecstatic, because it’s been a long time, do you know what I mean? Howie is a good guy, but he just had to prove himself, and they’ve had a lot of ups and downs and rough patches. But now they’ve come together, and they’ll be together forever!”
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Is there anything you can tell us about Kim’s wedding dress?
“Well, I think it’s going to blow your mind! I don’t think anyone’s actually ready for the direction that Kim is taking her wedding. The wedding dress is one thing, but she is also accompanied… I don’t know if I should say anything more.
“I don’t know if I should say Cowboy Carter, I don’t know if I should say that! I don’t know if I should say Beyoncé might be a bit jealous, I don’t know if I should say that! I don’t know what I should really say, but watch it.”
This is really Kim’s time to shine…
“Can Kim help it if she shines? She can’t. But all eyes will be on her on the day.”
What can you say about Denise’s role in Kim’s wedding? Kim is desperate for her sister to be there…
“Even though Kim is very happy that she is getting married and the whole world will know about it, she does want her sister there. And what she decides to do is to incorporate her sister in a way that you wouldn’t think possible – but because it’s Kim, she’s breaking the barriers. It’s a one-time thing, you can only get one wedding day, so by hook or by crook, she’s getting Denise involved in her wedding. So she will be a part of it.”
What has been your experience of playing out Denise’s cancer story alongside Diane?
“That’s the thing about soap, we do stories that people actually experience in one way or another, directly or indirectly. Diane and myself are very close, and to put ourselves in these roles in this storyline has been quite hard, because we both know people who are going through similar things. We just try and do the best that we can to relay their story.
“But it’s been very emotional and very draining – more for Diane than myself. But being on the other side supporting somebody who is going through it has been hard as well. I think you will find that Kim tackles it in a very positive way, and I think she’s been forced to grow up a little bit.
“She’s not letting her down, she’s not letting her family down. She is the glue and she does plough through to get everybody around to support her. So it’s challenging for Kim, but I think people will appreciate her efforts.”
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What has it been like expanding the Fox-Trueman clan by bringing in Denise’s half-brother Darnell?
“I think Kim was really upset that she wasn’t the person to be matched with Denise, but the fact that she’s found Darnell is also good, so she’s got a half-brother now. The family is extending, and I think at the moment, she’s just happy that he’s there. But it’s EastEnders, isn’t it. How long will that last? Is he a baddie or a goodie? Who knows? But for now, he’s a goodie.”
What can you tease about what that dynamic will be like, and also with Darnell’s daughter Grace?
“With Darnell, who Kim has only just met, so far so good. He’s very tall, for Kim and for myself, I have to look up! I think we have to try and talk to people about bringing him down a bit, I don’t know if that’s good for my eyeline! [laughs].
“And the young lady, I haven’t met yet – but of course, she’ll be a Kimfluencer follower! She’ll take her under her wing!”
We know that Sean Slater is returning soon – is it nice to see old faces coming back to the show?
“Do you know what? As a fan of the show myself, it’s so nice when you see people return. You see people and you think, ‘oh my gosh, I remember you!’. And then you realise that you don’t really know them, it’s only because you’ve seen them before. So I think the viewers are going to love seeing their favourites coming back. Some they know, some they don’t know…”
Is there anything else you can tease about what is coming up for Kim?
“You will see a slightly different side to Kim, being a married woman now, I have to say. Growing up a little bit – but the fun will still be there! The fun, the Kimfluencing, it will still be there.”
For free and confidential support and information on blood cancer and life after a diagnosis, contact Blood Cancer UK online, by phone on 0808 2080 888 or via email at support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
EastEnders airs on Mondays – Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.