Soap superstardom for Jersey actor

Friday 17 April 2015

A Jersey actor has had a big break and is heading for Albert Square this summer to take on the role of Eastenders’ new heart-throb.

Jonny Labey will play Paul Coker – the fun-loving grandson of undertakers Les and Pam and says he's thrilled to have got the job.

He's been making headlines since Eastenders bosses confirmed he will make his first appearance in June with his character swapping the sunshine of life as a club rep in a holiday resort for the streets of Walford.

Jonny said: “I am overjoyed to have been given the role of Paul Coker and am thrilled to be joining the show at such a significant time as it marks its 30th anniversary.

“I know I’ve got a lot of work to do to live up to the talent I shall be working with, but I have never felt more welcome and cannot wait to get started.”

He's the second actor from Jersey to hit the big time in the last few years - the Island's Henry Cavill will be back on the silver screen for his second outing as Superman next year, and is about to appear as Napoleon Solo in the rebooted Man from UNCLE franchise.

The show’s executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said: “Jonny’s a sensitive, clever and intuitive actor and has fitted in to his new Walford family with ease.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing the trouble that Paul will cause for his grandparents as he uncovers some secrets from the past and sets one heart in particular racing.”

His onscreen grandparents Roger Sloman and Lin Blakley became regulars on the soap in April last year.