Danny Walters has now filmed his final scenes, with an explosive and memorable death scene (Picture: BBC)
If you leave a soap, you want to go with as big a bang as possible, and what better way to exit than at the culmination of the biggest EastEnders story in years?
Heartburn enduring viewers were left agog on Christmas night when Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) defended Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), stabbing a rampaging Keanu Taylor as he throttled his former bride.
Sharon had told Keanu that Albie isn’t his child, having discovered on the day of the wedding that he was the one who staged the kidnap that left her shattered to the core.
For nearly 11 months, EastEnders fans have been teased with a Christmas Day murder, with six of the show’s most iconic women together covering up the death of a man who had done wrong.
Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) remains in a bad way, and may be the get out clause that The Six need to get away with Keanu’s murder.
But, as they conceal the body and Keanu remains undiscovered, Danny’s character leaves behind a legacy of unexploded bombs that will carry the storyline across the next year.
Describing his involvement in the saga as a ‘privilege’, Danny has responded to his big exit, admitting that keeping up the secrecy was extremely difficult.
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How hard has it been to keep this a secret?
It’s been extremely difficult! I feel like I’ve been very deceitful to my friends and my family and have made many excuses (laughs)!
But, I wanted the storyline to have as much impact as possible for the audience, so I’ve tried my best to keep everything a secret and hopefully that’s paid off.
How did you feel when you finally read the Christmas Day episode after working up to this storyline for months?
The Christmas Day episode is a great episode. It stands alone, and there is so much to it. The writing in the script was fantastic, and every character had such a great storyline throughout the whole episode.
For my character, the episode is a real rollercoaster of emotions from the highs and the lows. It was such a pleasure to be part of.
Keanu had everything and then nothing in the space of a day (Picture: BBC)
You burst onto our screens as Keanu Taylor back in 2017, and you’ve had some amazing storylines during your time on the show. What are some of your favourite storyline moments?
There’s been so many, and it’s been such a privilege to work with such a great cast over the years and to meet some fantastic colleagues, but also to have made some good friends over the years.
I think the arrival of the Taylors, when we first arrived on Albert Square in the back of a van, and with the dog Bronson jumping out. Just the entrance of the Taylors, is a very iconic scene that will always be embedded into my history on the show. Also, the 35th anniversary boat stunt was a very memorable time.
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Walford weddings are notoriously eventful. How was it filming those wedding scenes?
It was great, it was a lot of fun. The cast and crew were fantastic. It was a great storyline to be a part of, and it is that traditional EastEnders wedding in the way it doesn’t go to plan.
Filming it was fantastic and seeing Letitia Dean walk down the aisle, she looked so beautiful. It was amazing to film those scenes with her and to see how far our characters had come. It’s been a big journey for them.
I think Keanu has always wanted that and wanted Sharon, and to finally have his chance to make her his wife. Obviously in traditional EastEnders style it didn’t go to plan!
Keanu has been through a lot during his Walford stint (Picture: BBC)
How does it feel to have been involved in such a talked about storyline for your exit?
It was great to be a part of. I hope the viewers have enjoyed the storyline. As myself, I’m a small part of the bigger puzzle, but hopefully my piece of this puzzle has made an impact.
Do your family know, or are they going to find out live on Christmas Day?
A handful of my family members know. Let’s just say I’ve been very evasive with the answers I’ve given my family, so most of them don’t know. I’m expecting lots of texts and calls on Christmas Day and tears from my nans! [Laughs]
It will be a shock for a lot of my friends and family on Christmas Day so please send my apologies out to everyone, and all of my friends and family!
You’ve been a favourite character amongst the viewers since you joined. What will you remember about your time in EastEnders?
The saddest of goodbyes – and many fans will miss him (Picture: BBC)
It’s been a blast. From the things my character has done, to the drama that he’s got himself involved in, to the danger he’s got himself involved in, and to the women that he’s got himself involved in over the years. It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride, but what a journey it’s been.
Lastly, are there any keepsakes you’ve taken from the set to remind you of Keanu Taylor?
Yes! I’ve taken his greasy mechanic ‘Taylors Autos’ overalls! [Laughs]
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Danny Walters reflects on the news that he was being killed off in EastEnders.