Category: EastEnders
Date: 01.10.2005
Printable version
The BBC today announced that David Essex will be joining EastEnders.
Essex will appear for a fixed period to play Jack Edwards, father of new arrival Honey (Emma Barton) in early 2006.
Few details are known about the new character at this stage although it is understood he will be a colourful charmer who arrives in Walford to be with his daughter during an important time in her life.
Essex said of his new role: "Coming from the East end it will be good to go back there."
Kate Harwood, Executive Producer for EastEnders, added: "David is an extremely gifted and charismatic actor. His character Jack is going to bring some real sparkle to the square.
"Following the great news about Phil Daniels, this is another exciting signing for the show."
Biography
It was his role as Jesus in Godspell that first shot David to fame.
He went on to star in the lead role of David Puttnam's seminal rock rise and fall films, That'll Be The Day and its sequel Stardust.
Popular roles followed in television series Rock Follies; as Che Guevara in the musical Evita and David's own musical foray, Mutiny!
Throughout the Seventies, Essex also enjoyed a successful recording career, both in Britain and in the USA, with number one hits including Rock On; Hold Me Close; Gonna Make You A Star and Silver Dream Machine.
Born David Cook in London in 1947, he grew up in Canning Town where he was a member of the West Ham Juniors for a time.
David spent his childhood holidays working the fun-fairs before embarking on a career in music, playing drums in a band during the Sixties whilst working in factories before enjoying his first success in Godspell, for which he won the Variety Club of Great Britain's award for Most Promising Newcomer.
David has continued to enjoy successes both as a recording artist and on stage.
In 1999 he was awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to charity.
