A FORMER Walford regular has been speaking out about the gruelling conditions that actors have to endure to bring us our favourite soaps.
Michael Greco played policeman Beppe di Marco in Eastenders from 1998 until 2002 and he’s now opened up about his time on the square.
Michael joined the cast at Beppe di Marco in 1998[/caption]
He was a regular character on the square for five years[/caption]
In a recent interview with the Fruity Slots website, he revealed how difficult it is to maintain the sheer level of filming required for a soap and how the job really took a toll on him.
He said: “It’s a really tough life as a soap actor, where three to four episodes have to be filmed in one week. It’s hard work and people don’t realise that soap actors are great because they work constantly.
“They do a long shift, continuously doing scene after scene after scene, and then they have to go home and learn their lines for the next day, which is like homework.”
He wanted to highlight the hard work put in across the cast, saying: “They don’t give soap actors enough credit, especially the older generation actors who probably should be retiring and want to put their feet up.”
Although it may seem like the life of a soap star would be one of parties and glamour, Michael was keen to dispel this myth.
“I had a lot of lines and dialogue on EastEnders, so I didn’t really have a social life. I never went out. Sometimes you’d have 25 scenes a day.
“Say you got home at 6pm or 7pm, you were knackered, mentally and physically exhausted, then you’d be trying to learn your lines for the following day.
“Learning lines when you’re tired is difficult, it doesn’t go in. It’s a really tough life.”
Beppe certainly packed in plenty of storylines during his five years on the square, quickly establishing himself as an enemy to resident hard men, Phil and Grant Mitchel.
He also managed to fit in a tragic love affair with Grant’s put upon wife, Tiffany, before also becoming co-owner of the square’s nightclub, the E20.
Michael left the soap in 2002 and quickly moved away from acting; spending six years playing professional poker and he regularly won big.
He reminisced: “I remember when I won $250,000 one day, I put it in my rucksack and walked to my hotel.
EastEnders’ 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford’s past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Coming up this year…
Ross Kemp – Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
Micheal’s character Beppe left the square very much alive and well and the actor hasn’t ruled out potentially returning to the square one day.
Speaking of a potential return he said: “I wouldn’t say no, because I live 20 minutes up the road from the studios.
“Also because it was a great show and five of the best years of my life. They’ve not asked me back yet but if they did, I would take the call.”
The 54 year old has now left the glamour of the poker tour behind to settle down and start a family with his partner, Helen Harris.
But hard work is also still very much part of Michael’s life as he recently revealed his ripped abs from his fitness and nutrition regime.
He’s recently shared the results of a successful fitness routine[/caption]
