A quick chat with Fatboy from 'Enders: E20'

Ahead of the fourth outing of EastEnders: E20 being uploaded to the BBC soap's official website this evening, here's a brief chat with the second star of the show, Ricky Norwood, who plays gangsta wannabe Arthur 'Fatboy' Chubb.

What's it like being part of E20?
"It's fantastic being on the show. I never thought EastEnders would be possible for me. It's a bit surreal, a bit like a dream when you're walking around the set. EastEnders has always been on in my house, so to finally be part of something this big is awesome."

How is E20 different from the main show?
"It's different for a number of reasons. It's shot differently for a start - that's the biggest thing you notice. On the main show, the cameras are usually on a track or smooth, whereas E20 was filming with four cameras that are handheld. It's shot very edgily and with loads of energy. Also, the scripts have been written by people aged between 18 and 22, so there's a whole new aspect of East London life being portrayed through that."

What's the feel of it?
"Energetic, fast-paced and young. The energy that comes with younger people comes across on camera. Also, the complexity of young people is played out, too. Although someone might be brash and very outgoing, they can be very vulnerable inside."

Do you think online drama is the way forward?
"It's definitely an exciting way to show drama. In today's day and age, technology's moving as fast as anything. A lot of people are online and a good proportion of people have computers. I usually go home and stick on iPlayer after a day's work and catch up on my favourite shows. Online programmes are accessible when you want them, so they're not scheduled. It allows viewers to experience drama any time they want."

Do you think online communities are important?
"Definitely. I don't really see the difference between online communities and the terrestrial community, though. Most people have grown up with TV and the internet's just an extension of that now. Online communities are definitely important, but it's just a progression."

How would you describe your character?
"With Fatboy, he loved to talk a lot. He's a wannabe, too. He wants to be a gangsta at times, he wants to be street, a caring person, a player, a womaniser, the businessman… There are so many things that he wants to be and that shifts depending on the situation. He always has a plan - the one with the quick ideas to solve problems. There are so many parts to him - he's not limited to certain characteristics."

You're one of the three going into the main show - how does Fatboy transition across?
"At the beginning, I only thought it was going to be for E20 and it was only when I got the call to say I had the part that they told me I'd be going into the main show. There's an initial three-month contract and depending on how successful everything is will depend on what happens afterwards. There's a possibility of a six-month contract."

Who's been your favourite main show character/actor to work with?
"It has to be Rudolph Walker and Adam Woodyatt. They're fantastic to play against."

Let me know your views on EastEnders: E20 using the usual form below!

> Click here to read my recent interview with Bunmi Mojekwu who plays Mercy Olubunmi