James Alexandrou

It's the end of an era on Friday when EastEnders' Martin Fowler leaves Albert Square - but the big question is: who goes with him?

In an exclusive online interview, James Alexandrou chats with DS about working with Natalie Cassidy (Sonia Jackson), what it's been like working on the show for 11 years and what the future holds.

What's it been like working with Natalie all these years?
"I've literally grown up with Natalie, and I see her like a sister, we're related somehow - we're so close. We've grown up, we've had so many experiences together. Getting girlfriends, boyfriends, going to parties together, talking about these things, getting drunk underage at these parties when you're not meant to, all sorts. We've been through so much together. I love her to bits, like she's part of my family."

Any stand out moments with Natalie?
"It's hard, that, to pick one among ten years of memories. There's not a nicer person or a funnier person than Natalie Cassidy."

Is the door being left open for your return?
"Apparently so - we've had the nudge nudge, wink wink that maybe we might be able to come back one day. "

Is that something you'd definitely consider?
"Yeah, why not, it's one of the biggest shows on British TV for the past twenty years, so why not."

You've been with EastEnders for ten years. How do you think Martin's developed as a character?
"Martin's grown from a young rebellious kid into quite a reasonable man, quite a reasonable, straightforward thinking man, and one with a family. He's come out the other side of it quite well. He's been through a lot, and in reality he might be absolutely off his rocker by this point, but he's held it together and done the right things in the right way."

Has he been an enjoyable character to play?
"Yeah, absolutely, as a kid I got to smash windows and break into cars and do things as a fourteen, fifteen year old teenager that you want to do, be destructive. As he grew up into an adult, I've been offered wonderful storylines with Wendy, Natalie and Toddy Carty, and all these wonderful actors I've got to work with. I've had the time of my life - started to think 'why am I leaving' now!"

Looking back at your time with EastEnders, do you wish you'd had more female action?
"I dunno, I think he's done pretty well really - he's messed around his whole life - though that's not really true - he's not much of a Lothario. Martin was always an awkward lover - he was never good at pulling girls."

Is there anyone you wish he'd got involved with?
"Um, I couldn't choose. I couldn't offer you a preference!"

Looking beyond EastEnders, what have you got lined up? I hear you're involved in a documentary.
"Oh no, that was just a little project I did on my own. I got a tiny little crew of about two or three people, didn't go anywhere or do anything, just in my home - just something to keep me busy. It's just something I'm interested in - directing and stuff - I've really enjoyed it, and hopefully I've got time to do it next year."

What are your ambitions in your line of work?
"In a general, vague sort of way, I just want to be in the industry in some sort of way. I want to carry on acting, I should think I'll do that. The directing thing, getting onto the other side of the camera - I'm absolutely enamoured with that, so I want to try and further that in some way in the next few years."

Any projects lined up yet on the other side of EastEnders?
"Not as such yet. It's a funny old game - you're still working, on screen, but early next year I'll be - inverted commas - 'meeting people'."

Have you got any ambitions to work with any particular actors or actresses?
"I dunno, you could sit here and spout off a million names, it's all fantasy really. But there's some really great TV at the moment, it's great to see people like Ray Winstone doing some great dramas. People like that - if I got the opportunity to work with any of the great actors."

Anything you'd like to do on a personal note?
"I'm really looking forward to doing some theatre next year, something totally different, something that will actually get you a bit of cred within the industry - it's something I've never done, never touched before, since I was ten years old."

Were you approached for Soapstar Superstar?
"No. I can't sing, I can't dance, and to be honest with you, if I go on a reality TV show, please shoot me."

No following of Dean Gaffney into the jungle then?
"No, absolutely not. Good for Dean, he's done brilliantly, I've loved watching him - he's f*cking hilarious."

Thanks for chatting, James!

Don't miss EastEnders, tomorrow (Friday, February 2) on BBC One at 8.00pm.