EastEnders and Bond star Colin Salmon hints at soap feud after joining BBC show
EASTENDERS newbie Colin Salmon has hinted at a soap feud as his debut scenes hit screens.
The actor, 60, who has played MI6 chief of staff Charles Robinson in three 007 Bond films, arrives in Albert Square today.
In the BBC One soap, Colin plays former boxer George Knight, a dad of two and pal of Phil Mitchell, who arrives to help run the Queen Vic pub.
He told Thursday’s Good Morning Britain how one initial scene saw him making a speech to the cast.
Talking about the Albert Square set he said: “It’s a bit daunting actually.
“Because one of my first scenes I am making a speech to the whole cast.
“And I was a bit nervous actually. But they were sitting there looking at me with open hearts and support.”
Good Morning Britain host Ben Shephard joked of a feud as he said: “Ah they’re not sitting there going ‘come on Hollywood’?” to which Colin replied: “Well maybe one or two of them.
“But we will give them time.”
Hinting the angst was a joke, he then let out a giggle.
Previously Colin has opened up on the heartbreaking reason he has joined the soap.
His wife, artist and illustrator Fiona Hawthorne, has a rare lung disease which means she needs an oxygen tank.
Asked why he has taken the role, the actor said: “I can’t be far from home.
“It’s a no-brainer. The universe has been really kind.”
He also said that as an East End boy himself he understood the importance of the show.
“Everybody who I’ve told I’m doing this has got really excited,” he said.