Shane’s World

Alfie Moon first set foot in Bridge Street back in 2002, and it’s been five years since he, and wife Kat, took off on a road trip across the US. In February this year, EastEnders confirmed that Shane Richie would be reprising his role, and Ellie caught up with the actor ahead of his return to Elstree to reminisce about his most memorable storylines to date, and how his return came about.

How did you land the role of Alfie initially? Were you asked to be seen by then exec Louise Berridge?

My manager put me up to be seen by Julia Crampsie, who duly met me. At first I was to be seen for a character they were casting but after they had met me Julia, John Yorke and Tony Jordan said that they wanted to create a character especially for me, so Tony created ‘Alfie.’

Can you share with us some of your own favourite Alfie moments from your previous stint?

Taking Nana Moon back to the beaches for her war memories, Fighting for Kat’s love at the church when she was to marry Andy Hunter, Running through Walford looking for a condom, Nana dying in Alfie’s arms at Christmas. To be honest too many to call!!

Kat and Alfie were a hugely popular couple - what do you think it was about them that the audience loved?

I think because they were characters with terrific stories to tell. Sometimes at each other’s throats, sometimes thick as thieves!

There was a long period of will they/won’t they between them. Did you ever wish the writers would hurry up and get them together?

I never question the writers or producers with storylines as they do it on a daily basis and understand the media. I’m just grateful the story was happening and enjoyed every minute of it.

Do you think it was always the plan to get those two characters together, or was this something that was born from your first scene with Jessie?

I honestly don’t know! But I think the chemistry was seen on camera and the writers and Lou [Berridge] and John [Yorke] the producers picked up on it and developed it!

Did it feel strange when Alfie then struck up a relationship with Kat’s sister, Little Mo?

No, Alfie was at a very low place and some tender understanding from Mo felt natural at that time.

The episode where Alfie had to search for a condom was very surreal for EastEnders. What was it like to film? Was it as surreal filming it, as it was to watch it back?

When I first got the script I laughed out loud as I totally got the plot, and Alfie’s sheer desperation when Kat asks the sensible question at a very heated amorous point … “Alfie you have got a condom haven’t you?” “Oh shit! Nooo!!”

That episode with Alfie and Nana, which was set in Normandy, was incredible. We recently chatted to writer Sarah Phelps who told us how much she enjoyed writing it. How did it feel to have the opportunity to take part in something like that, and what was it like working with Hilda Braid?

It was one of my highlights as it was so well written and directed and genuinely brought a lump to my throat! Hilda was a lovely, lovely lady and we laughed, especially on the ferry travelling over to France. We talked about all the icons she had worked with over the years, especially in the height of radio. She’s still missed.

The whole storyline of Nana’s death was incredibly touching, in particular, the episode where Nana died. Is it true you cried real tears in that episode?

It was the Christmas special and suddenly it hit me that I wouldn’t be working with Hilda again. She had become family in real life, going to my parties at home. One weekend I put her in charge of the BBQ (at her request). Every time someone went for something she would say, ‘just a minute dear, I don’t think it’s ready yet and you have to be so careful with undercooked meat!’ We also went to some opening nights in the West End together. I cried real tears and I’m pleased as she was lovely and she’s missed!

It’s been five years since we last saw you as Alfie. Have you watched the show much since leaving?

I have watched whenever I’m home, mainly the omnibus Sunday transmission. I was filming a drama in the EastEnd and had Sunday evening shoots so I got to my trailer mid afternoon and watched Easties. Then had something to eat going to make up after ready for the night filming. It became a routine and no one understood at first why I asked to arrive before my call time on these Sundays. However, it soon became obvious as the theme tune floated out of the trailer!

How did your return come about? And how do you feel to be returning to the show?

My manager called me. It was totally unexpected and came out of the blue! The main problem was he had to move or cancel work in order to make it work. I had a new project for theatre producer Bill Kenwright and Phil [Dale, my manager] had to take a meeting with him to see if he would stall the new musical. I remember waiting for his phone call after the meeting as we didn’t know how Bill would take it, as writers had been contracted and we had taken many meetings etc. Phil’s phone call came as [a] relief as he told me Bill totally understood!

I’m thrilled to be returning and can’t wait to see what’s in store for Alfie!

Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Shane!