EastEnders' History of LGBTQ+ Representation
The fictional town of Walford introduced its first Pride parade in 2019 under executive producer Kate Oates.
This followed decades after EastEnders broadcast the first gay kiss on a British soap opera, which drew significant media and political backlash at the time.
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"In that community, we were quite surprised at the shock it caused. A gay kiss on a soap.
Is that such a big thing?"
La Voix emphasized the social importance of television representation for individuals living in isolated areas.
"A lot of people will be watching these soaps in areas that might have never seen a gay pride or a gay bar."
She highlighted how visibility on popular programming can assist viewers processing their own identities.
"In these communities, there might be people that are desperately wanting to come out, so it's really important that gay characters are shown."
The aesthetic of the show's female characters has historically served as a creative influence for drag performers.
"It's always had an underlying campness, from the lamé blouses of Pat Butcher to Bianca's silver jacket on the market square to Sharon being the sort of character that wears false eyelashes even when she's on the way to the launderette in the morning," said La Voix.
Filming with Familiar Faces
During filming, La Voix shared scenes alongside current cast members Harriet Thorpe and Michelle Collins, both of whom she has worked with previously in theater and pantomime productions.
"Harriet has been the biggest advocate of mine, she's come to every gig I've done since I started.
And I've done panto with Michelle twice, so it was great to have them there to support me."
The actress admitted to taking a small memento from the set. "I did steal a beer mat from the Queen Vic!"
said La Voix. The episode concludes with typical dramatic tension, leaving the final sequence unconfirmed by the guest star.
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"I'm not saying whether La Voix gets the 'doof doof' at the end of the episode," teased La Voix, "but it will be full of drama and intrigue…"
