Ex-Enders star Todd Carty talks about his new role in Spamalot and ponders playing a Cockney in Corrie!
Are you having fun touring in Spamalot?
“I’m loving it. We started in January and I couldn’t wait to hang out with the Knights of the Round Table again!”
What’s the most fun about playing King Arthur’s trusty assistant, Patsy?
“One of the best things is knowing you’ll be singing ‘Always Look On the Bright Side of Life’ every performance and that people are going to join in. As soon as they hear me say, ‘Cheer up Sire, you know what they say…’, the audience gets involved and the reaction is brilliant.”
Do you enjoy the buzz of a live audience?
“I love the immediacy of it. I come offstage feeling so good while the audience go out with smiles on their faces. I can’t believe I’m paid to be so silly!”
Do you miss being away from home?
“Of course but you get used to it. I’ve toured for many years now and I love being able to bring a much-loved show like Spamalot to audiences across the country.”
Do you still get recognised as Mark Fowler in EastEnders?
“Yes but it tends to be a generational thing. For the over-forties, it’s usually more Grange Hill or Tucker’s Luck, while kids know me from Dancing On Ice or Celebrity MasterChef. Those inbetween recognise me for playing Mark and also for bad cop Gabriel in The Bill.”
Would you join Emmerdale or Corrie?
“Both soaps have featured characters from London, so who knows? They know where I am if they want to get in touch!”
