EastEnders actress says goodbye to Albert Square

BY Jasmine Dotiwala

POPULAR EastEnders character Yolande Trueman is to be axed from the series The Voice can exclusively reveal.

Actress Angela Wynter wig days are numbered as producers have decided to terminate the Rastafarian actress’ contract, claiming they have run out of storyline ideas for her Albert Square character, Yolande.

In an exclusive interview with The Voice, Wynter, who has been in the popular BBC soap drama for five years, revealed that she is not sad to leave. She is, however, disappointed with the producer’s excuse for why her character has to be axed.

“I’m not unhappy to leave EastEnders because life is about changes and new beginnings, but I am unhappy about the producers reasoning in how they came to their decision because you can always write stories for people to act,” said Wynter.

“As I told my boss, I am pleased with the work I did in playing Yolande because I made her as believable as possible. As the years progressed Yolande has become a part of the fabric of EastEnders and the wider community who people recognised to be an ultra, super representative of themselves – aunts, sisters and mothers.

“My eyes almost fill every time people tell me how much they love Yolande, because it really makes me appreciate the responsibility that I have been carrying in getting her role right,” Wynter said.

“If it has to end, let it finish on a good note rather then her character becoming weak due to the producers.”

Yolande, the character Wynter based on her sister Merlene who passed away six years ago, arrived on the Square on September 16, 2003, as Patrick Trueman’s love interest after a holiday in Trinidad.

Yolande’s authentic Jamaican accent and assertive, sassy attitude was an instant hit with viewers, especially within the African-Caribbean community.

The holiday romance between Yolande and Patrick, played by Rudolph Walker, developed and they soon became Britain’s most loved black TV couple.

Wynter said she is unable to spill the beans about how Yolande will exit the soap, or what will happen to her beloved husband.

“I can’t tell you anything about how I will be leaving, except for the fact that if I do return I won’t be coming back as a ghost.”

Asked whether or not Patrick will rekindle his relationship with Pat Butcher, Wynter vigorously shook her head, which she perfectly wraps when not playing Yolande.

“Lord God, please, no,” exclaimed the mother of two. “That would be such a disappointment, because it’s imperative to see healthy black couples on screen.

“Patrick and Yolande’s marriage is the only representation of a black union on British TV, which I am very proud to have played.”

Some might wonder whether Wynter is being axed because, following the arrival of Don Gilet, who plays the character Chelsea’s long lost father, Lucas Johnson, EastEnders have exceeded its black quota.

“At the end of the day, everything runs on a quota system,” said the 50-year-old actress. “Presently there are a few black and Asian actors and although it has not been said there could be some truth within that statement.

“If this is true, I am not hurt because I accept that fact that I live in England and it is not ‘our’ TV station where we can be over-weighted with black or Asian actors and have guest appearances from Caucasian actors – because ‘we’ are the guest.”

Thank God Yolande is gone.

Thank God Yolande is gone.

She is one of those characters who changed from a fun loving, vibrant woman to an annoying busybody whose interferance in the lives of others stopped being entertaining and just became annoying...I'm glad she's leaving.

She is one of those characters who changed from a fun loving, vibrant woman to an annoying busybody whose interferance in the lives of others stopped being entertaining and just became annoying...I'm glad she's leaving.

Exactly.

James Sutton is leaving Hollyoaks, I guess with Guy Burnet coming back, us McDeaners will be getting our happy sunset ending. Still, I'm a bit sad it will all happen this fast.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a105739/...-hollyoaks.html

EXCLUSIVE: James Sutton quits 'Hollyoaks'

Monday, June 30 2008, 12:59 BST

By Kris Green, Soaps Editor

Hollyoaks favourite James Sutton has quit the Channel 4 soap, Digital Spy can exclusively confirm.

The 25-year-old, who has captured the hearts of millions since 2006 playing the role of gay student John Paul McQueen, will bow out of the soap in September for pastures new.

His exit will naturally coincide with the brief return of Guy Burnet as John Paul's old flame Craig Dean, who makes a comeback in a bid to rekindle their romance.

When John Paul sees Craig again for the first time since Craig left for Trinity College, Dublin, his life is thrown into complete disarray. Hisfeelings for Craig begin to resurface and he's forced to make thebiggest decision of his life - stay with his fiance; Father Kieron Hobbs (Jake Hendriks), or reunite with his former love.

The situation soon takes a sinister and fatal twist, however, resulting in Craig moving one step closer to the sunset ending he returned for.

Speaking of his decision to quit, Sutton said: "I've had a really great time working on Hollyoaks but after much thought I've decided that it's time to bring it to an end."

He continued: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Bryan Kirkwood and everyone at Hollyoaksfor making my time here so memorable. I'm also really grateful tothe viewers for their continued support and commitment to the characterand the storyline."

Producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "In two short years, James Sutton has achieved amazing success in his role as John Paul McQueen.

"His sensitive and honest portrayal of a young man coming to terms with his sexuality and dealing with the aftermath has captivated viewers andcritics, won many awards and has been at the heart of Hollyoaks' recent success. James will, I'm sure, go on to great things."

Sutton films his final scenes in July and will depart on screen in September.

Earlier this year, John Paul and Craig's affair storyline was honoured at the Stonewall awards.

Edited June 30, 200817 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

James Sutton is leaving Hollyoaks, I guess with Guy Burnet coming back, us McDeaners will be getting our happy sunset ending. Still, I'm a bit sad it will all happen this fast.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a105739/...-hollyoaks.html

YAY I GET MY SUNSET ENDING, DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!

HO was so good today. That last scene with Steph looking in the mirror in her wedding dress, and then seeing Tom's drawings ("my family") and then she breaking down crying on the jukebox that Max gave her. What a heartbreaking scene. Why/how is the dude that killed Max not in custory even if it was an accident?

Wait until you see tomorrow's episode, Toups. The stuff between Steph and OB is so sad. I like that they're prolonging the immediate effect of Max's death and aren't rushing into his funeral. Bryan Kirkwood said the aftermath is going to heavy and good.

Edited July 1, 200817 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

Wait until you see tomorrow's episode, Toups. The stuff between Steph and OB is so sad. I like that they're prolonging the immediate effect of Max's death and aren't rushing into his funeral. Bryan Kirkwood said the aftermath is going to heavy and good.

Thanks for the heads up. HO is the 2nd soap (the other soap being OLTL of course) I'm watching that I can't wait for the next episode.

After wathcing tomorrow's episode, I think you need some back-story to understand who Nial (the man who ran over Max) is. He's the child that Myra McQueen gave up for adoption years ago. He came back into town a few months back to reek havoc on her and her family for giving him up. Obviously, they don't know who he really is. He's jealous that Myra has had other children (Jacqui, Mercedes, Tina, Carmel, John Paul, and Michaela) but gave him up. By the way, giving Nial up is a secret that still haunts Myra to this day. Anyway, over the course of time, he fell for Steph, but she didn't have the same feelings for him. He tried to break Max and Steph up a couple of times and did. One time Steph saw Max with another girl, when their relationship was off, and kissed Nial. However, Max and Steph were able to work things out and get married. But Nial is still obsessed with Steph, he has feelings for her, which she just doesn't have for him. Anyway, I thought you needed the back-story for what happens at the end of tomorrow's episode.

You can clearly see his hurt about being put of for adoption when Tina talks to him about the subject tomorrow. Obviously, Tina doesn't know that Nial is her half-brother. Oh that's another thing, Nial has worked his way into the McQueen family as a friend in order to carry out his "revenge" on them.

The fact that Nial is responsible for "killing" Max adds a completely new dynamic to his feelings for Steph too.

Edited July 1, 200817 yr by Y&RWorldTurner

When did Tanya buries Max alive episode air? The date?

I am currently addicted to the Christian and Oliver storyline on Verbotene Liebe. I dont remember how i found it but im sure it had something to do with gay guys kissing. anyways, this is the most well written gay storyline that I have ever seen in soaps. This is what Nuke fans would die for. I suggest watching their whole story. All the videos have english subtitles. It starts off a little slow but i ended up watching the first 67 videos in one day and I am completely addicted.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CE1738656BCC0E20

I agree, I've found myself drawn in by them too. It feels like a very personal storyline, like it's truly one person falling in love with a specific other person for who they are rather than them just going "I'm hot, you are hot, let's hook up".

Even worse when they are not on I find myself following the whole episodes on youtube because I want to know what's gonna happen to Sarah and Leonard or whether Constantin will donate his kidney. It helps that the men are gorgeous on that show.

Christian:

Gregor:

Sebastian:

Constantin:

Thank God Yolande is gone.

Really?! I actually like Yolande. Ya' know, sometimes characters don't need to do anything, they just need to be available for family and friend dramas. Yolande fit that bill. Yes, she's changed from the woman that arrived, but that's a change that naturally occurred after Patrick cheated on her - she's toughened up. Life does that to some people. Now they're gonna have to come up with a plausible reason for her to leave.

When did Tanya buries Max alive episode air? The date?

Friday March 21, she buried him alive. Monday March 24, she dug him up.

Some people might be interested to know that, Neighbours is conducting a writing contest for UKer's only. I entered, as it seems like a pretty cool opportunity that doesn't come along very often.

Get involved...

We are looking for the biggest fans and the best new writing talent to join a trial that will explore how online audiences can participate in the the creative development of the hit Australian drama Neighbours.

This will be your chance to see how your favourite television show is written, and take part in the process.

We're looking for UK fans to:

- watch exclusive Neighbours episodes not yet seen on UK television

- explore the Neighbours universe in an online environment where you can explore off-camera phone conversations, SMS, email and blog entries

- get involved in the writing of the show by suggesting storylines, writing dialogue and recording your own material

- help us rate the contributions of both the professional writing team and fellow fans

- give us feedback on how you find the writing process

As well as giving your exclusive access to the future storylines you'll also have the opportunity to get real feedback from the professional writers behind Neighbours and The Bill. We'll also be offering a variety of prizes including flights to Australia, cash prizes and exclusive Neighbours goodies.

This trial will be home-based allowing you to manage your participation in your own spare time. To take part you'll need a home computer, a broadband connection and approximately 8 spare hours a week over a three week period. Some participants will also be invited to a post-trial workshop at our London Head Office.

If you are interested send your name, age, home town and a contact telephone number to [email protected]

Wow. A show reaching out to encourage fans AND future writers? Brilliant and amazing. And unprecedented in the US.

Really?! I actually like Yolande. Ya' know, sometimes characters don't need to do anything, they just need to be available for family and friend dramas. Yolande fit that bill. Yes, she's changed from the woman that arrived, but that's a change that naturally occurred after Patrick cheated on her - she's toughened up. Life does that to some people. Now they're gonna have to come up with a plausible reason for her to leave.

Oh, I always hated the dumb character called Patrick. He was a total bore! And I understand her behaviour, it's only that she took it to a level she shouldn't have, playing the hurt diva and messing with Libby and her sister's lives... I am glad she's gone.

Friday March 21, she buried him alive. Monday March 24, she dug him up.

Some people might be interested to know that, Neighbours is conducting a writing contest for UKer's only. I entered, as it seems like a pretty cool opportunity that doesn't come along very often.

Wow. A show reaching out to encourage fans AND future writers? Brilliant and amazing. And unprecedented in the US.

I posted about a similar contest a few pages back. This is not a first one.