An interview with Tameka Empson (Kim Fox)

After returning to Albert Square in the wake of the Lucas ordeal, Kim Fox - played by the actress and comedienne Tameka Empson - has certainly made her presence felt in Walford.

Recently, Kim’s been running a ‘pub’ from a living room, her caravan has caused a huge commotion and she’s been generally flirting her way around town. And after recently recovering from a nasty bout of ‘Jamaican Flu’, Kim has wasted no time in causing more trouble on the Square - where it seems no man is safe from her lips!

A relatively new addition to EastEnders, Tameka is also well known for being one of the comediennes in the hit BBC comedy sketch show 3 Non Blondes. She has also appeared in the sitcom Beautiful People and the ITV1 thriller Whitechapel.

Aside from TV work, Empson has appeared in several movies including playing the role of Sharonda in the recently released StreetDance 3D. She is also a regular performer at the Hackney Empire - where she has appeared in the annual pantomime there since 2004.

We caught up with the hilarious Tameka this week to talk about Kim’s relationship with Denise, her fashion sense and planting that smacker on Ricky.

You have now firmly established yourself as a full time character in EastEnders. You must be really pleased?

“Really, really pleased. I’ve always been a fan of EastEnders and to be a part of it is truly great!”

We also know you from the hit BBC comedy show; 3 Non Blondes. Is EastEnders something you have always wanted to do?

“Years ago, I said to a friend that I wanted to be in EastEnders when I grow up, now that I’ve grown up it’s come true.”

Kim certainly has a larger than life personality – it must be great fun playing her?

“It’s hilarious playing her! Some of the lines she has - let alone the clothes (if you can call them that) make me stop and question: ‘Can I really say or do that?’ - Then I say: ‘Of course, it’s Kim not me!’ I can get away with a lot playing her.”

Are there any similarities between the real you and Kim?

“We like to have a good time, love to pamper ourselves (manicures and pedicures) and make an effort when we go out. Having said that, Kim likes to make an effort all the time - she’s high maintenance.”

Have you ever met anyone like Kim in real life?

“Yes I have. It was only when I saw her wear an outfit like I wore for Kim that I said: ‘Oh my gosh - you’re a real life Kim!’ She was loud, ballsy, a flirt and she could drink! My Kim is not a drunk - she just likes a drink here and there, that’s all.”

What would be your funniest Kim Fox moment in EastEnders so far?

“There are so many to choose from. I think when Kim and her boyfriend Dexter went round to Denise’s house before her wedding to get the party started and Libby hid all the alcohol. It didn’t stop them draining out their ’filled-to-the-brim’ Hip Flasks. I nearly choked to death doing that scene!”

How would you describe Kim’s current relationship with her sister Denise? Have they got any closer since the Lucas ordeal?

“I think Denise and Kim’s relationship is almost starting all over again from when they were younger. They have been out of contact for years and then the Lucas ordeal happened and it left them both feeling very different about themselves, where they are in their lives, and realising that need each other more than ever. I think they are making up for lost time and slowly closing the gap of time between them.”

You know Don Gilet well. What was it like working with him during the filming of the major Lucas storyline?

“If you know Don, you’ll know that he’s a funny guy and likes to joke around - but you also know that he is a great actor. I loved working with him in the Lucas storyline. I don’t get to do much drama but working with him in the scene where Kim has a go at Lucas for letting down Denise was really good. The choices he made to play him gave the scene more depth and also the storyline and the characters. It’s good to work with good actors.”

Kim seems to put up a front and hides her true emotions in difficult situations – why do you think she does this? – Is there a deeper side to her?

“She doesn’t want to be seen as vulnerable or needy. She’s been let down before and has told herself that she can’t let anyone in to see her that way. She puts on a front so no one will mess with her. She doesn’t allow herself to get too emotional as she’s afraid of where it will take her, she doesn’t want to be out of control.”

We have seen Kim running her own ‘pub’ from the front room. Do you think she would like to run a more permanent boozer to rival the Queen Vic in the future?

“I think she would for a while but then get fed up of serving and want to do more drinking with the punters. She’s a people person you see.”

Kim’s been a bit naughty recently! Tell us about her smooch with Ricky at the party…

“Well, Kim’s still new to the square and gatecrashes the party. She has a few drinks and Ricky looks tasty - what can I say!”

So is Ricky Kim’s ideal man then?

“I don’t think there is one type of ideal man for Kim.”

Bianca’s not going to be very happy if she finds out is she?

“She’s loud in stereo when she finds out!”

What does the future hold for Kim on EastEnders? – Is there anything you can tell us?

“Well, you’ll see her get close to someone - will it work or won’t it? You’ll see her get angry - be afraid, and of course more outrageous outfits!”

So are we going to see Kim causing yet more trouble on the Square?

“Of course! - It’s EastEnders!”

Thanks for chatting to Walford Web Tameka!

“Thanks for having me Walford Web!”