John Partridge spills on EastEnders, Celebrity Big Brother and ‘David is dead’
Actor John Partridge joins Inside Soap’s Laura-Jayne Tyler for a candid chat about his new play The Code, his trailblazing role as Christian in EastEnders, and unforgettable reality TV moments from Celebrity Big Brother.
From Hollywood’s closeted history to the challenges LGBTQ+ actors still face today, John speaks with honesty, humour and passion. He also looks back on EastEnders’ iconic Chryed love story, shares heartfelt memories of his fans, and relives THAT chaotic Celebrity Big Brother moment involving Angie Bowie and David Gest.
Whether you’re a soap fan, theatre lover, or reality TV nostalgist, this is an interview not to miss.
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🎭 Book tickets for The Code now: southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-code/
📌 Full Video Chapters
00:00 – Intro: Welcoming John Partridge
00:49 – The Code: A play about fame and secrecy in Hollywood
02:26 – Playing Billy Haynes: Hollywood’s first openly gay actor
04:00 – Love, loss, and authenticity: Billy & Jimmy’s story
05:10 – Power, sexuality, and survival in old Hollywood
06:42 – The ongoing challenges for openly gay actors today
07:40 – John’s EastEnders casting and being outed in the press
11:19 – Should gay roles go to gay actors? John’s evolving view
13:16 – Reflecting on Christian & Syed’s groundbreaking EastEnders storyline
16:20 – Pride and backlash: telling gay stories in primetime
18:05 – Fans, Chryed legacy, and enduring soap supercouples
19:28 – Soap characters and carrying them for life
21:30 – Judging on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical show
23:41 – Fame, reality TV, and the cost of chasing stardom
26:34 – Where are the stories for older LGBTQ+ characters?
27:06 – Celebrity Big Brother chaos: “David is dead!”
30:58 – The brutal reality of life in the Big Brother house
32:00 – David Gest’s kindness and unseen moments
33:23 – Saving Scotty T’s life in the house
34:46 – Why CBB was John’s toughest professional experience
35:20 – Memories with Inside Soap and a touching photo shoot with his mum
36:15 – Closing thoughts on The Code and the power of soap
39:55 – Why you need to Google “David is dead” if you haven’t seen it
40:38 – Emmerdale drama: Mack’s bunker reveal and Caleb’s blackmail
41:27 – Mack & Aaron reunited: the “Marron” bromance
43:04 – Villain worship, Caleb, and bunker theories
43:33 – Mack’s many “resurrections” and the bunker beard
44:18 – Stacey & Max: a reunion fans can’t miss
45:25 – Soap Christmas chaos vs. real Christmas boredom
46:00 – Stacey’s exit plans and Max’s return
47:14 – Coronation Street live tour
48:24 – Ben Shephard surprises Patti Clare live on stage
49:00 – Dame Barbara Knox’s rare stage appearance
49:51 – Corrie tour moves nationwide – surprises each night
50:14 – How to book tickets for An Audience with Coronation Street
50:40 – Wrap-up and teaser for next week’s Soap Scoop
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