New EastEnders star Vicki Michelle says she's 'the real Queen Vic'

16 March 2023 , 19:30

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Vicki Michelle has joined the cast of EastEnders (Image: PA)

Vicki Michelle says it was “really daunting” joining EastEnders but her co-stars helped her fit in by welcoming her with open arms.

She has been made to feel so at home that she joked the pub in the BBC soap was named after her, adding: “I’m the real Queen Vic.”

The actress, 72, who is best known for her role in sitcom ’Allo ’Allo!, said it has been great fun on EastEnders alongside the likes of Brian Conley and Gillian Taylforth.

Vicki said: “They were really lovely to me. It’s really daunting... All of their camaraderie, all the people were so lovely and supportive.”

She hopes her run as brash Jo Cotton is not short-lived.

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Vicki Michelle jokes that Albert Square's famous pub is named after her (PA)

Vicki with Gordon Kaye on 'Allo 'Allo! (Getty Images)

She said: “The director was great, the script was great, and hopefully the audience will like me. She’s quite feisty.”

Vicki added she joked around on set with on-screen husband Brian by yelling “it’s a puppet” – one of his catchphrases from his 1990s comedy series.

Vicki, who starred with Gorden Kaye in 1980s hit ’Allo ’Allo!, said she has come full circle because the sitcom was filmed in the same place as EastEnders – Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Herts.

At a Campaign to Ban Trophy Hunting reception at Parliament, she added her scenes will air this month. And on the cliffhangers before the soap’s closing theme, she said: “I hope I get a doof doof.”

Ashleigh Rainbird