EastEnders actress Diane Parish recently opened up about her early days on the popular BBC soap, revealing that her first role on the show was less than enjoyable. Parish, who has since become a prominent figure on EastEnders as Denise Fox, recalled her time playing the character Lola Christie in the late 90s as "excruciating."
A Forgotten Stint
In an interview on the BBC programme Secrets From The Square, Parish admitted that many viewers may have forgotten about her brief appearance as Lola Christie. The character, a singer, appeared on Albert Square auditioning for a role in Mick McFarlane's band. Although the role lasted for 27 episodes over six months in 1998, Parish found it to be a challenging experience.
A Struggle with Singing
Diane Parish revealed that one of the main reasons she found the role of Lola Christie difficult was the amount of singing required. As a non-singer, Parish felt out of her depth and described the experience as "horrible." Despite her co-star Patsy Palmer's attempts to offer moral support, Parish admitted that she was not convinced by her own singing abilities.
Moving On to Bigger Things
Although her early role on EastEnders was not a pleasant experience, Diane Parish has since become a beloved figure on the show. Her character Denise Fox has been at the center of some of the soap's most dramatic storylines, including the recent Christmas The Six storyline. Parish's portrayal of Denise has cemented her status as one of EastEnders' biggest stars.
As Diane Parish reflects on her early days on EastEnders, her journey from a forgettable role to a prominent soap star serves as a testament to her talent and resilience in the competitive world of television.
