Die-hard EastEnders fans could have their wish of starring in the BBC One show come true in the near future. Soap bosses are preparing to feature one of London’s most popular events for the first time ever in a special episode.
Jay Brown’s late wife Lola Pearce made an appearance at Christmas via a pre-recorded video message, announcing to the Mitchells that she had signed Jay up to run the London Marathon with Honey Mitchell before she died in May. Now, in an EastEnders first, the marathon will be integrated into the show, giving fans a chance to appear on screen.
Jay, played by Jamie Borthwick, and Honey, played by Emma Barton, will run the 26.2 mile course in character as they act out scenes that will air in the following week’s episode. As they run along the route, fans who line the streets to support the runners could be seen on screen as a BBC camera crew follows their progress.
This won’t be the first time Jamie and Emma have run the London Marathon together. In 2019, the two soap stars joined Scott Mitchell, husband of the late EastEnders actress Dame Barbara Windsor, to run the race in tribute to the Peggy Mitchell star.
Speaking of Jay and Honey’s marathon storyline, a source told The Irish Sun: The marathon is such a huge part of the London calendar and so it was time it featured in EastEnders. And as bosses plotted Jay would take part, they hit on the ingenious idea of asking Jamie to do it for real. Jamie was a bit surprised – it was quite an undertaking. And he’s committed to rigorous training for months. But he’s a great sport and loves his job, so didn’t need asking twice. Jamie and Emma’s participation in the London Marathon is also expected to raise funds for charity.
EastEnders fans will surely be thrilled at the opportunity to see their favorite show incorporate such a significant event as the London Marathon. The integration of real-life participants running the marathon as their characters adds a unique and exciting element to the storyline.
The London Marathon holds a special place in the hearts of many, and its inclusion in EastEnders allows for a wider audience to engage with the iconic event. Fans who line the streets to support the runners on race day now have an additional reason to cheer as they might catch a glimpse of themselves on screen.
This unprecedented move by the EastEnders production team demonstrates their dedication to creating innovative and memorable storylines. It also showcases their commitment to engaging with fans in new and exciting ways.
As the London Marathon approaches on Sunday, April 21, viewers eagerly anticipate the special episode of EastEnders that will showcase Jay and Honey’s marathon journey. This exciting opportunity for fans to appear in the show adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the already highly anticipated event.
The integration of the London Marathon into EastEnders is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of both the show and the marathon. It is sure to captivate audiences and further solidify EastEnders’ place in British television history.
