Eddie Moon
Encyclopedia
Edward "Eddie" Moon is a fictional character
from the BBC
soap opera
EastEnders
, played by David Essex
. Eddie is the father of Michael Moon
(Steve John Shepherd
), Tyler Moon
(Tony Discipline) and Anthony Moon
(Matt Lapinskas). Along with his children, Eddie was introduced to bring a "new generation" of the Moon family to the programme. Essex began filming in April 2011 and first appeared on screen on 3 June 2011. His initial contract will end in August, and Essex hopes he will be able to return to the role. The character has been described as cheeky, likeable and charismatic, and has a dark past. Through the series' narrative, it is revealed that there is a rift between Michael and Eddie, because Michael blames his father for the death of his mother, who killed herself when Michael was left alone with her. Eddie is also a love interest for Carol Jackson
(Lindsey Coulson
) and Vanessa Gold
(Zöe Lucker
).
Critics have responded mostly positively to the character, with Jaci Stephen from the Daily Mail
calling the casting "inspired" and praising Essex's comic timing in the role. Tony Stewart from the Daily Mirror praised his "grand entrance" to the series, and a reporter from the Evening Chronicle
said Eddie would bring a "breath of fresh air" to the soap. However, Jim Shelley
from the Daily Mirror branded the character a "cliche". The character departed on 6 October 2011.
(Shane Richie
). He decides to visit Alfie as he has not seen him for fifteen years and wants to see Alfie's son Tommy, but is hit by Carol Jackson
's (Lindsey Coulson
) car outside The Queen Victoria
public house. When he comes to, he argues with Carol, and Alfie's wife Kat Moon
(Jessie Wallace
) asks who he is. At that point, Alfie enters and recognises Eddie. Kat does not want Eddie to stay around for long as she does not want him to know that Michael is Tommy's real father. Michael enters the pub and sees Eddie, who greets his son but Michael leaves immediately. Alfie later tells Eddie that Tommy is his grandson. The next day, Eddie and Carol talk but he defends his son when she says she thinks Michael has a mean streak. He gives Kat some money for Tommy before leaving, but does not go far and bonds with Carol's grandson Liam Butcher
(James Forde
). Kat finds Eddie and invites him to stay. They attend Michael's boxing club where he tells Michael he should have told him about having a grandson. Michael gives Eddie some money, telling him to take his family far away. Eddie asks Michael what it will take for him to get over what happened, and later tells Michael's girlfriend Roxy Mitchell
(Rita Simons) that he does not remember why they fell out five years ago. Roxy and Eddie bond and Michael is annoyed. Michael repeatedly tells Eddie to leave Walford and stay away from him, Tommy and Roxy, but Kat tells him he can stay at for as long as he wants. Michael tells Roxy that Eddie murdered his mother, Maggie. Eddie confirms this to Roxy, but says he was not there at the time, explaining that he left a six-year-old Michael with her, knowing he should not have done, and she took an overdose and died, and Michael still blames him. He later helps Carol fix a blocked sink at the café, and she invites him for tea after he bonds further with Liam. Liam skips school and Eddie helps him with a hobby. Carol is annoyed that Liam did not go to school but thanks Eddie for spending time with Liam by kissing him. Eddie's son Tyler
arrives in Walford, meaning he misses a meeting with Michael to try to make amends. Michael refuses Eddie's apology.
Eddie sends Kat and Alfie on holiday to Spain and looks after the pub in their absence. He teaches Liam about antiques, but thinks he may have to move back to Upton Park as there is nowhere in Walford to move his business to. When Carol discovers that Eddie has allowed Liam to skip school, they argue and Carol tells him to stay away from her and Liam. Eddie then discovers that someone is squatting in a local lock-up and decides to try to take over the premises. Eddie asks Liam to watch his stock, which he leaves in the gardens. Eddie's son, Anthony
(Matt Lapinskas), poses as a member of the council to force the squatter out. Eddie then finds his stock is on fire and is unable to extinguish the flames. He confronts Michael, thinking he started the fire, but Lola Pearce
(Danielle Harold) confesses to Liam that she did, which was in revenge for comments Anthony and Tyler made about her grandfather Billy Mitchell
(Perry Fenwick
). Eddie finds out it was Lola and confronts her. Eddie and Michael seemingly make amends but Eddie is unaware that Michael has a plan. He later receives a letter which intrigues Jean Slater
(Gillian Wright
), and she becomes fascinated by Eddie. When she tells him she knows his secret, meaning that he wears silk underwear, Eddie assumes she read the letter and shouts at her. Eddie moves into a house on Albert Square, and tells Michael that he likes Carol. They are set up by Eddie's sons to spend time alone and are caught under a blanket by Tyler and Anthony.
When Vanessa Gold
(Zoe Lucker
) is left humiliated after her partner's affair with his ex-wife, Eddie is kind to her, and Michael sees this as an opportunity, paying Vanessa to break Eddie's heart, which Vanessa accepts. Eventually, Eddie and Vanessa kiss and have sex but she starts to like him for real. She finds out Tyler is entering an unlicenced boxing match, and tells Eddie this. Although Eddie is angry, he decides to support Tyler after Michael convinces him there will be a proper doctor and referee present. Carol sees Eddie and Vanessa together, and after Tyler wins the fight, he collapses and suffers a seizure. Eddie then finds out that Anthony bet £8000 from the business on Tyler to lose. Eddie tells Anthony he wishes Anthony was the one in hospital instead of Tyler. When Eddie speaks to Michael, Michael blames Eddie for the events because Tyler worships is father. Michael then tells Eddie he knows about Eddie's other child after finding a photograph of Eddie, a woman and a baby with a date of birth on the back, and says that Eddie cheated on his mother, causing her to kill herself. Eddie then speaks to Carol and she rejects him, calling him a monster for cheating with Vanessa. Eddie then promises Michael he will tell him the truth about everything. It transpires that Maggie had hoped Michael would find her and save her life. Michael and Eddie then make amends until Vanessa, with whom Eddie now has a relationship, reveals that Michael paid her to break his heart and arranged Tyler's fight so Tyler would end up hurt. Eddie later reveals this to Tyler and Anthony, who turn against Michael, and Michael is left distraught. Eddie convinces Vanessa to steal cash from Michael, planning to move to Spain with his family. However, Tyler and Anthony refuse to leave and Eddie dumps Vanessa, telling her the police are looking for her. Eddie then collects Craig and they go to Spain to meet Frankie, Eddie's daughter.
(Steve John Shepherd
). It was stated that Eddie's other children would arrive after him, and his "fractured" relationship with Michael would be explored. Of his role, Essex said, "Being an East-Ender myself, I'm really excited to be joining the Square. Eddie Moon is a great character and I can't wait to get to grips with the role and work with such a fantastic cast. I'm really pleased that I've been able to make filming work around my tour dates this time." Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood
said that Essex would "bring warmth and charisma to the role of Eddie Moon" and added that Eddie and the return of Michael will bring "a new generation of the Moon family to Walford." Essex had been cast as Jack Edwards six years previously, but withdrew from the role due to a clash with his touring schedule. He revealed "[T]he character [...] wasn't as interesting as this one. I think we would've made something out of it, but there's much more texture and weight to this." On 27 February 2011, Essex told Elaine Paige on Sunday
that he would start filming as Eddie in April and that the character and his storylines were being brainstormed. He revealed that his initial contract would end in August 2011 and although he could stay on longer, he said there are other acting and touring projects "pulling me out of EastEnders, but emotionally, I'm here." He later revealed that Eddie would remain on screen until October. He hoped that he would return and become a regular returning character, joking that he would be an "occasional Mooner". He said that joining the cast was "daunting" and a "great adventure" that was "taking over [his] life", and because he was writing a film score at the same time as filming for EastEnders, it was "tricky" and he found it difficult to adjust.
Eddie's sons, Tyler (Tony Discipline) and Anthony (Matt Lapinskas), were announced on 10 May 2011, and Kirwood said that the Moon family were "on their way to becoming an established family in the Square." Writers were banned from getting Essex to sing in the programme, as producers wanted to concentrate on his acting rather than his singing. Kirkwood later said, "[Essex] is a legend in his own right. I can't wait for the audience reaction when he hits the screens in a few weeks. I'm hoping viewers come to love him." Essex said that he was determined to show off his acting skills and explained: "It's important to me that Eddie is a character and not David Essex. Because of my track record it might be difficult for some people to differentiate the two, and that's going to be a challenge. But my fans are thrilled I've joined EastEnders—it means that they get to see me on the telly rather than waiting for my next tour!" However, Essex admitted, "Eddie Moon is not a million miles from David Essex", saying that he had tweaked the character's accent and had brought some of himself into the role. Essex made his first on-screen appearance in the episode broadcast on 3 June 2011.
that Eddie is "a strong character", who is an ex-boxer. Essex said Eddie's chequered past would unfold and opined that "He's not a bad guy". He also explained that Eddie is separated from his wife, and that Tyler and Anthony are Michael's half brothers. Eddie works as an antiques dealer and also has a daughter, Francesca, referred to as Frankie in the series.
that the rift between Michael and Eddie is because Michael's mother committed suicide and Michael found her body but he is convinced that Eddie killed her. Essex confirmed that Michael blames Eddie for the death.
It was reported by The Sun that Eddie would be a love interest for Carol Jackson
(Lindsey Coulson
). Eddie and Carol meet in Eddie's second episode when he arrives in Walford and she hits him with her car. Essex explained: "Afterwards, Eddie and Carol have a bit of a discussion about that—she reckons that she just nudged him, but he reckons that she hit him! We see Eddie get thrown up into the air in that scene. I've done my own stunts for films in the past, but I didn't do that one!" A source told The Sun that Eddie and Carol are attracted to each other but they are both too busy to start a relationship, though Carol is flattered when Eddie makes a move on her and their relationship could develop at a later time. Essex told Soaplife
: "There's a spark between [Eddie] and Carol. He starts off pushing her away but they get closer when he helps out with Liam. Carol thanks Eddie and he kisses her."
On 18 July 2011 it was reported that Eddie would become the target of an arson attack when he sets up new premises for his antiques business, but his entire stock is destroyed by fire, and Eddie will blame Michael for it. A source from the series said, "This is a really dramatic plot for David. He can really get his teeth into it. Despite being an Albert Square regular for only a few weeks, he has already started to establish himself as one of the most popular characters in the show. [...] Eddie will be seen celebrating with his boys when suddenly he sees his stock go up in flames. [...] He is determined he knows who is to blame—but is he right?"
praised the casting of Essex in the role, saying, "There is always a frisson of excitement when a big star joins a soap. [...] None, however, has excited me as much as the arrival of David Essex in EastEnders. It is inspired casting, not only because the part of Eddie Moon fits Essex like a glove, but because he brings a gravitas to the show. And those eyes. Goodness, those beautiful eyes." Stephen went on to positively review Eddie's arrival, saying, "It made for a great start to the week, with David Essex's exquisite comic timing bringing some light-hearted relief to the rather heavy Moon/Mitchell stuff of late." Tony Stewart from the Daily Mirror also positively reviewed Eddie's arrival in Albert Square, saying, "Dressed in a smart, black three-piece whistle and flute [suit] and a white button-down collar shirt, the dapper grey-haired man looks like he could have been a guest at a Big, Fat Gypsy Wedding. But within four minutes of arriving in Albert Square on Monday, he's been knocked over by Carol's car as he snatches Roxy's toddler Amy from its path. Although there have been reports that this newcomer has been banned from singing in the Vic, within 15 minutes he's croaking out a line from the Leyton Orient supporters' song. This is the grand entrance of former 70s teen idol David Essex[.]" Converseley, Jim Shelley
, also from the Daily Mirror, criticised Eddie's arrival, saying, "on Monday they blessed us with the arrival of Whispering David Essex as Eddie Moon, the latest example of the Long-Lost Relative Who Has Never Been Mentioned Before that is routine in soaps nowadays. [...] Eddie had been in EastEnders three whole minutes before the writers unleashed the bi-annual cliche of The Mean & Moody New Guy Saving A Child Running Out In Front Of A Car. [...] Eddie spent the week ticking off the components of that great EastEnders cliche, the 'rough diamond'/silver-tongued 'ladies' man.' (See also Dennis Watts, Michael Moon, Johnny Allen
, Max
& Jack Branning
, Steve Owen et al.)" A reporter from the Metro called the character "mischievous", and another from the Evening Chronicle
called him "a pleasant, charming character", adding "It seems as if a little bit of Essex will brighten up the East End for a while. [...] [A]s far as I can tell, [he] will be a breath of fresh air in a soap that sometimes forgets to have a laugh."
Inside Soap
held a poll to see which of the new Moon family members, Eddie, Tyler or Anthony, its readers were most looking forward to seeing. Eddie came first in the poll with 74% of the votes. Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap praised Eddie, saying, "If there's one thing EastEnders has been missing recently, it's a strong patriarch to go up against Walford's gobby ladies. Enter David Essex as charming Eddie Moon—whose presence has caused something of a stir among [viewers]."
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
EastEnders
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
, played by David Essex
David Essex
David Essex OBE is an English musician, singer-songwriter and actor. Since the 1970s, Essex has attained nineteen Top 40 singles in the UK , and sixteen Top 40 albums...
. Eddie is the father of Michael Moon
Michael Moon (EastEnders)
Michael Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve John Shepherd. The character is a second cousin once removed of Alfie Moon , who first appears on 1 October 2010 after Alfie's return. He is also the father to Tommy Moon, whose mother is Alfie's wife Kat...
(Steve John Shepherd
Steve John Shepherd
-Career:Shepherd first became known in 1996, when he played the role of Jo, the law clerk, in the critically acclaimed BBC drama This Life. He remained in the role for two series...
), Tyler Moon
Tyler Moon
Tyler Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Tony Discipline. Tyler is the son of Eddie Moon , half brother of Michael and Craig Moon , brother of Anthony Moon and cousin of Alfie Moon...
(Tony Discipline) and Anthony Moon
Anthony Moon
Anthony Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Matt Lapinskas. Anthony is the son of Eddie Moon , half brother of Michael Moon and Craig Moon , brother of Tyler Moon , and cousin of Alfie Moon...
(Matt Lapinskas). Along with his children, Eddie was introduced to bring a "new generation" of the Moon family to the programme. Essex began filming in April 2011 and first appeared on screen on 3 June 2011. His initial contract will end in August, and Essex hopes he will be able to return to the role. The character has been described as cheeky, likeable and charismatic, and has a dark past. Through the series' narrative, it is revealed that there is a rift between Michael and Eddie, because Michael blames his father for the death of his mother, who killed herself when Michael was left alone with her. Eddie is also a love interest for Carol Jackson
Carol Jackson
Carol Ann Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lindsey Coulson. The character was introduced in 1993 as part of a new problem family. Coulson decided to quit the role in 1997, but she returned temporarily in 1999 as part of a storyline that marked Carol's...
(Lindsey Coulson
Lindsey Coulson
Lindsey Coulson is an English actress, best known for her role as Carol Jackson in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.- Career :...
) and Vanessa Gold
Vanessa Gold
Vanessa Gold is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She is portrayed by Zöe Lucker, and has appeared in EastEnders since 4 June 2010. A "dynamic and assured" businesswoman, Vanessa was created by series consultant Simon Ashdown to be "a Zöe Lucker-type"...
(Zöe Lucker
Zöe Lucker
Zöe Elizabeth Lucker is an English actress best known for playing the roles of Tanya Turner on ITV's Footballers' Wives and Vanessa Gold in EastEnders.-Career:...
).
Critics have responded mostly positively to the character, with Jaci Stephen from the Daily Mail
Daily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
calling the casting "inspired" and praising Essex's comic timing in the role. Tony Stewart from the Daily Mirror praised his "grand entrance" to the series, and a reporter from the Evening Chronicle
Evening Chronicle
The Evening Chronicle is a daily, evening newspaper produced in Newcastle upon Tyne, covering Tyne and Wear, southern Northumberland and northern County Durham. It was founded in 1885 by Joseph Cowen...
said Eddie would bring a "breath of fresh air" to the soap. However, Jim Shelley
Jim Shelley (TV critic)
Jim Shelley is a British television critic who writes a column for the Daily Mirror each Monday titled Shelleyvision. Prior to writing for the Daily Mirror he wrote for The Guardian and his collection of reviews "Interference: Tapehead vs. Television" was published by Atlantic Books...
from the Daily Mirror branded the character a "cliche". The character departed on 6 October 2011.
Storylines
Eddie is first seen reading a newspaper mentioning his second cousin Alfie MoonAlfie Moon
Alfred William "Alfie" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Shane Richie. He made his first appearance on 21 November 2002, and left on 25 December 2005...
(Shane Richie
Shane Richie
Shane Richie is an English actor, comedian, singer and media personality, known for his portrayal of the character Alfie Moon in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders.-Early life and career beginnings:...
). He decides to visit Alfie as he has not seen him for fifteen years and wants to see Alfie's son Tommy, but is hit by Carol Jackson
Carol Jackson
Carol Ann Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lindsey Coulson. The character was introduced in 1993 as part of a new problem family. Coulson decided to quit the role in 1997, but she returned temporarily in 1999 as part of a storyline that marked Carol's...
's (Lindsey Coulson
Lindsey Coulson
Lindsey Coulson is an English actress, best known for her role as Carol Jackson in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.- Career :...
) car outside The Queen Victoria
The Queen Victoria
The Queen Victoria is a fictional Victorian public house in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders. It has the fictional address of 46 Albert Square, Walford, London E20.-Appearance and development:...
public house. When he comes to, he argues with Carol, and Alfie's wife Kat Moon
Kat Moon
Kathleen "Kat" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jessie Wallace. She was also played by Kate Peck in a flashback in 2001. She appeared in the show from September 2000 to November 2004, then returned in May 2005...
(Jessie Wallace
Jessie Wallace
Jessie Wallace is an English actress best known for her portrayal as Kat Moon in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.-Early life:...
) asks who he is. At that point, Alfie enters and recognises Eddie. Kat does not want Eddie to stay around for long as she does not want him to know that Michael is Tommy's real father. Michael enters the pub and sees Eddie, who greets his son but Michael leaves immediately. Alfie later tells Eddie that Tommy is his grandson. The next day, Eddie and Carol talk but he defends his son when she says she thinks Michael has a mean streak. He gives Kat some money for Tommy before leaving, but does not go far and bonds with Carol's grandson Liam Butcher
Liam Butcher
Liam Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by twins Jack and Tom Godolphin in 1998 and 1999, Gavin and Mitchell Vaughan in 2002, and by Nathaniel Gleed from 2002 to 2004...
(James Forde
James Forde
James Forde is a young British character actor.James Forde is currently starring as Liam Butcher the son of Ricky Butcher and Bianca Jackson in long running soap EastEnders and has been there since April 2008 at the age of ten, taking over the role from Nathaniel Gleed. He is the 6th actor to play...
). Kat finds Eddie and invites him to stay. They attend Michael's boxing club where he tells Michael he should have told him about having a grandson. Michael gives Eddie some money, telling him to take his family far away. Eddie asks Michael what it will take for him to get over what happened, and later tells Michael's girlfriend Roxy Mitchell
Roxy Mitchell
Roxanne Lizette "Roxy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by Rita Simons. Roxy arrived in Walford with her sister Ronnie on 24 July 2007 and decided to move permanently to Walford from Ibiza where they ran a bar together. Roxy is the younger of the two...
(Rita Simons) that he does not remember why they fell out five years ago. Roxy and Eddie bond and Michael is annoyed. Michael repeatedly tells Eddie to leave Walford and stay away from him, Tommy and Roxy, but Kat tells him he can stay at for as long as he wants. Michael tells Roxy that Eddie murdered his mother, Maggie. Eddie confirms this to Roxy, but says he was not there at the time, explaining that he left a six-year-old Michael with her, knowing he should not have done, and she took an overdose and died, and Michael still blames him. He later helps Carol fix a blocked sink at the café, and she invites him for tea after he bonds further with Liam. Liam skips school and Eddie helps him with a hobby. Carol is annoyed that Liam did not go to school but thanks Eddie for spending time with Liam by kissing him. Eddie's son Tyler
Tyler Moon
Tyler Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Tony Discipline. Tyler is the son of Eddie Moon , half brother of Michael and Craig Moon , brother of Anthony Moon and cousin of Alfie Moon...
arrives in Walford, meaning he misses a meeting with Michael to try to make amends. Michael refuses Eddie's apology.
Eddie sends Kat and Alfie on holiday to Spain and looks after the pub in their absence. He teaches Liam about antiques, but thinks he may have to move back to Upton Park as there is nowhere in Walford to move his business to. When Carol discovers that Eddie has allowed Liam to skip school, they argue and Carol tells him to stay away from her and Liam. Eddie then discovers that someone is squatting in a local lock-up and decides to try to take over the premises. Eddie asks Liam to watch his stock, which he leaves in the gardens. Eddie's son, Anthony
Anthony Moon
Anthony Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Matt Lapinskas. Anthony is the son of Eddie Moon , half brother of Michael Moon and Craig Moon , brother of Tyler Moon , and cousin of Alfie Moon...
(Matt Lapinskas), poses as a member of the council to force the squatter out. Eddie then finds his stock is on fire and is unable to extinguish the flames. He confronts Michael, thinking he started the fire, but Lola Pearce
Lola Pearce
Lola Pearce is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Danielle Harold. Lola is the granddaughter of Billy Mitchell and Julie Perkins . Lola made her first appearance on 12 July 2011....
(Danielle Harold) confesses to Liam that she did, which was in revenge for comments Anthony and Tyler made about her grandfather Billy Mitchell
Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)
William "Billy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Perry Fenwick, who made his first appearance on 2 November 1998. Billy was seen when Phil went to visit his godson Jamie. However, he didn't arrive in the Square until 2 August 1999, almost a year after...
(Perry Fenwick
Perry Fenwick
Perry Fenwick is an English film and television actor. He has one sister, Tracey, and two brothers, Faron and Lee. He is, also, the second cousin of Georgina Hagen, who played Lauren Waters in the series of Britannia High....
). Eddie finds out it was Lola and confronts her. Eddie and Michael seemingly make amends but Eddie is unaware that Michael has a plan. He later receives a letter which intrigues Jean Slater
Jean Slater
Jean Elaine Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Gillian Wright. She appeared in December 2004 briefly and in December 2005. She returned as a recurring character in June 2006 and returned again as a regular character from November 2006...
(Gillian Wright
Gillian Wright
Gillian Wright, is an English actress who is best known for portraying the role of Jean Slater on the long running BBC soap opera EastEnders...
), and she becomes fascinated by Eddie. When she tells him she knows his secret, meaning that he wears silk underwear, Eddie assumes she read the letter and shouts at her. Eddie moves into a house on Albert Square, and tells Michael that he likes Carol. They are set up by Eddie's sons to spend time alone and are caught under a blanket by Tyler and Anthony.
When Vanessa Gold
Vanessa Gold
Vanessa Gold is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She is portrayed by Zöe Lucker, and has appeared in EastEnders since 4 June 2010. A "dynamic and assured" businesswoman, Vanessa was created by series consultant Simon Ashdown to be "a Zöe Lucker-type"...
(Zoe Lucker
Zöe Lucker
Zöe Elizabeth Lucker is an English actress best known for playing the roles of Tanya Turner on ITV's Footballers' Wives and Vanessa Gold in EastEnders.-Career:...
) is left humiliated after her partner's affair with his ex-wife, Eddie is kind to her, and Michael sees this as an opportunity, paying Vanessa to break Eddie's heart, which Vanessa accepts. Eventually, Eddie and Vanessa kiss and have sex but she starts to like him for real. She finds out Tyler is entering an unlicenced boxing match, and tells Eddie this. Although Eddie is angry, he decides to support Tyler after Michael convinces him there will be a proper doctor and referee present. Carol sees Eddie and Vanessa together, and after Tyler wins the fight, he collapses and suffers a seizure. Eddie then finds out that Anthony bet £8000 from the business on Tyler to lose. Eddie tells Anthony he wishes Anthony was the one in hospital instead of Tyler. When Eddie speaks to Michael, Michael blames Eddie for the events because Tyler worships is father. Michael then tells Eddie he knows about Eddie's other child after finding a photograph of Eddie, a woman and a baby with a date of birth on the back, and says that Eddie cheated on his mother, causing her to kill herself. Eddie then speaks to Carol and she rejects him, calling him a monster for cheating with Vanessa. Eddie then promises Michael he will tell him the truth about everything. It transpires that Maggie had hoped Michael would find her and save her life. Michael and Eddie then make amends until Vanessa, with whom Eddie now has a relationship, reveals that Michael paid her to break his heart and arranged Tyler's fight so Tyler would end up hurt. Eddie later reveals this to Tyler and Anthony, who turn against Michael, and Michael is left distraught. Eddie convinces Vanessa to steal cash from Michael, planning to move to Spain with his family. However, Tyler and Anthony refuse to leave and Eddie dumps Vanessa, telling her the police are looking for her. Eddie then collects Craig and they go to Spain to meet Frankie, Eddie's daughter.
Creation
On 24 January 2011, it was announced that Essex had been cast in the role of Eddie, the father of Michael MoonMichael Moon (EastEnders)
Michael Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve John Shepherd. The character is a second cousin once removed of Alfie Moon , who first appears on 1 October 2010 after Alfie's return. He is also the father to Tommy Moon, whose mother is Alfie's wife Kat...
(Steve John Shepherd
Steve John Shepherd
-Career:Shepherd first became known in 1996, when he played the role of Jo, the law clerk, in the critically acclaimed BBC drama This Life. He remained in the role for two series...
). It was stated that Eddie's other children would arrive after him, and his "fractured" relationship with Michael would be explored. Of his role, Essex said, "Being an East-Ender myself, I'm really excited to be joining the Square. Eddie Moon is a great character and I can't wait to get to grips with the role and work with such a fantastic cast. I'm really pleased that I've been able to make filming work around my tour dates this time." Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood
Bryan Kirkwood (producer)
Bryan Kirkwood is a Scottish-born British television producer. He was the producer of teen Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks from 2006 until 2009 and has been the executive producer of the BBC soap EastEnders since 2010.- Personal life :...
said that Essex would "bring warmth and charisma to the role of Eddie Moon" and added that Eddie and the return of Michael will bring "a new generation of the Moon family to Walford." Essex had been cast as Jack Edwards six years previously, but withdrew from the role due to a clash with his touring schedule. He revealed "[T]he character [...] wasn't as interesting as this one. I think we would've made something out of it, but there's much more texture and weight to this." On 27 February 2011, Essex told Elaine Paige on Sunday
Elaine Paige on Sunday
Elaine Paige on Sunday is a showtunes radio programme on BBC Radio 2 hosted by the actress Elaine Paige. Launched in September 2004, the show is produced by Malcolm Prince and regularly attracts 3 million listeners.- Guests :...
that he would start filming as Eddie in April and that the character and his storylines were being brainstormed. He revealed that his initial contract would end in August 2011 and although he could stay on longer, he said there are other acting and touring projects "pulling me out of EastEnders, but emotionally, I'm here." He later revealed that Eddie would remain on screen until October. He hoped that he would return and become a regular returning character, joking that he would be an "occasional Mooner". He said that joining the cast was "daunting" and a "great adventure" that was "taking over [his] life", and because he was writing a film score at the same time as filming for EastEnders, it was "tricky" and he found it difficult to adjust.
Eddie's sons, Tyler (Tony Discipline) and Anthony (Matt Lapinskas), were announced on 10 May 2011, and Kirwood said that the Moon family were "on their way to becoming an established family in the Square." Writers were banned from getting Essex to sing in the programme, as producers wanted to concentrate on his acting rather than his singing. Kirkwood later said, "[Essex] is a legend in his own right. I can't wait for the audience reaction when he hits the screens in a few weeks. I'm hoping viewers come to love him." Essex said that he was determined to show off his acting skills and explained: "It's important to me that Eddie is a character and not David Essex. Because of my track record it might be difficult for some people to differentiate the two, and that's going to be a challenge. But my fans are thrilled I've joined EastEnders—it means that they get to see me on the telly rather than waiting for my next tour!" However, Essex admitted, "Eddie Moon is not a million miles from David Essex", saying that he had tweaked the character's accent and had brought some of himself into the role. Essex made his first on-screen appearance in the episode broadcast on 3 June 2011.
Characterisation
Eddie is described as a "loveable rogue" who is cheeky, likeable and charismatic. The EastEnders website says he has a dark past that he is trying to escape, and calls him a polite gentleman who makes friends for life, and is popular with the ladies. Essex said that when Eddie was younger, he would have been a "mirror image" of Michael, but has since become more philosophical, and is less hot headed than Michael. Essex told Digital SpyDigital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
that Eddie is "a strong character", who is an ex-boxer. Essex said Eddie's chequered past would unfold and opined that "He's not a bad guy". He also explained that Eddie is separated from his wife, and that Tyler and Anthony are Michael's half brothers. Eddie works as an antiques dealer and also has a daughter, Francesca, referred to as Frankie in the series.
Storyline development
Essex has said that there is a "massive rift" between Eddie and his estranged son, Michael. He explained: "When [Eddie] arrives, he has no idea that Michael is around! Eddie and Michael haven't really spoken for years, but as a father does, Eddie reaches out and reaches out, trying to mend that." Essex opined that Eddie and Michael may be quite similar, but Eddie would not be as manipulative as "the ages are different—with age comes a certain attitude for Eddie that's a bit more philosophical and not so hot-headed." It was revealed by Inside SoapInside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
that the rift between Michael and Eddie is because Michael's mother committed suicide and Michael found her body but he is convinced that Eddie killed her. Essex confirmed that Michael blames Eddie for the death.
It was reported by The Sun that Eddie would be a love interest for Carol Jackson
Carol Jackson
Carol Ann Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lindsey Coulson. The character was introduced in 1993 as part of a new problem family. Coulson decided to quit the role in 1997, but she returned temporarily in 1999 as part of a storyline that marked Carol's...
(Lindsey Coulson
Lindsey Coulson
Lindsey Coulson is an English actress, best known for her role as Carol Jackson in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.- Career :...
). Eddie and Carol meet in Eddie's second episode when he arrives in Walford and she hits him with her car. Essex explained: "Afterwards, Eddie and Carol have a bit of a discussion about that—she reckons that she just nudged him, but he reckons that she hit him! We see Eddie get thrown up into the air in that scene. I've done my own stunts for films in the past, but I didn't do that one!" A source told The Sun that Eddie and Carol are attracted to each other but they are both too busy to start a relationship, though Carol is flattered when Eddie makes a move on her and their relationship could develop at a later time. Essex told Soaplife
Soaplife
Soaplife is a fortnightly UK magazine, released on Tuesday. Storylines of the shows it covers are from soap operas shown in the United Kingdom and from Australia....
: "There's a spark between [Eddie] and Carol. He starts off pushing her away but they get closer when he helps out with Liam. Carol thanks Eddie and he kisses her."
On 18 July 2011 it was reported that Eddie would become the target of an arson attack when he sets up new premises for his antiques business, but his entire stock is destroyed by fire, and Eddie will blame Michael for it. A source from the series said, "This is a really dramatic plot for David. He can really get his teeth into it. Despite being an Albert Square regular for only a few weeks, he has already started to establish himself as one of the most popular characters in the show. [...] Eddie will be seen celebrating with his boys when suddenly he sees his stock go up in flames. [...] He is determined he knows who is to blame—but is he right?"
Reception
Jaci Stephen from the Daily MailDaily Mail
The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper owned by the Daily Mail and General Trust. First published in 1896 by Lord Northcliffe, it is the United Kingdom's second biggest-selling daily newspaper after The Sun. Its sister paper The Mail on Sunday was launched in 1982...
praised the casting of Essex in the role, saying, "There is always a frisson of excitement when a big star joins a soap. [...] None, however, has excited me as much as the arrival of David Essex in EastEnders. It is inspired casting, not only because the part of Eddie Moon fits Essex like a glove, but because he brings a gravitas to the show. And those eyes. Goodness, those beautiful eyes." Stephen went on to positively review Eddie's arrival, saying, "It made for a great start to the week, with David Essex's exquisite comic timing bringing some light-hearted relief to the rather heavy Moon/Mitchell stuff of late." Tony Stewart from the Daily Mirror also positively reviewed Eddie's arrival in Albert Square, saying, "Dressed in a smart, black three-piece whistle and flute [suit] and a white button-down collar shirt, the dapper grey-haired man looks like he could have been a guest at a Big, Fat Gypsy Wedding. But within four minutes of arriving in Albert Square on Monday, he's been knocked over by Carol's car as he snatches Roxy's toddler Amy from its path. Although there have been reports that this newcomer has been banned from singing in the Vic, within 15 minutes he's croaking out a line from the Leyton Orient supporters' song. This is the grand entrance of former 70s teen idol David Essex[.]" Converseley, Jim Shelley
Jim Shelley (TV critic)
Jim Shelley is a British television critic who writes a column for the Daily Mirror each Monday titled Shelleyvision. Prior to writing for the Daily Mirror he wrote for The Guardian and his collection of reviews "Interference: Tapehead vs. Television" was published by Atlantic Books...
, also from the Daily Mirror, criticised Eddie's arrival, saying, "on Monday they blessed us with the arrival of Whispering David Essex as Eddie Moon, the latest example of the Long-Lost Relative Who Has Never Been Mentioned Before that is routine in soaps nowadays. [...] Eddie had been in EastEnders three whole minutes before the writers unleashed the bi-annual cliche of The Mean & Moody New Guy Saving A Child Running Out In Front Of A Car. [...] Eddie spent the week ticking off the components of that great EastEnders cliche, the 'rough diamond'/silver-tongued 'ladies' man.' (See also Dennis Watts, Michael Moon, Johnny Allen
Johnny Allen (EastEnders)
Jonathan "Johnny" Allen is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Billy Murray.-Storylines:Johnny Allen was a businessman and retired gangster, who grew up in Walford but moved away to start up an empire of his own which he named J.A. Enterprises...
, Max
Max Branning
Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jake Wood. He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006.-Backstory:Max is the fifth child and second son of Jim and Reenie Branning...
& Jack Branning
Jack Branning
Jack Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Scott Maslen. He made his first appearance on 29 October 2007. He is the youngest child of Jim and Reenie Branning and the brother of April Branning, Carol Jackson, Derek Branning, Suzy Branning and Max Branning...
, Steve Owen et al.)" A reporter from the Metro called the character "mischievous", and another from the Evening Chronicle
Evening Chronicle
The Evening Chronicle is a daily, evening newspaper produced in Newcastle upon Tyne, covering Tyne and Wear, southern Northumberland and northern County Durham. It was founded in 1885 by Joseph Cowen...
called him "a pleasant, charming character", adding "It seems as if a little bit of Essex will brighten up the East End for a while. [...] [A]s far as I can tell, [he] will be a breath of fresh air in a soap that sometimes forgets to have a laugh."
Inside Soap
Inside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
held a poll to see which of the new Moon family members, Eddie, Tyler or Anthony, its readers were most looking forward to seeing. Eddie came first in the poll with 74% of the votes. Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap praised Eddie, saying, "If there's one thing EastEnders has been missing recently, it's a strong patriarch to go up against Walford's gobby ladies. Enter David Essex as charming Eddie Moon—whose presence has caused something of a stir among [viewers]."