EastEnders#spoilers Eastenders spoilers for next week from 11th – 14th March 2024 EastEnders’ Jake Wood ‘daunted’ over singing in new project Wood is rehearsing in front of PJ Harvey for theatre play London Tide. “Jake Wood Talks About Being Daunted Over Singing for London Tide” In a recent interview, EastEnders’ very own Jake Wood opened up about feeling “daunted” by the prospect of singing in his new project, the theatre play London Tide. The actor, known for his role as Max Branning on the popular British soap, is now challenging himself in a whole new way by taking on a singing role in front of none other than legendary musician PJ Harvey. Wood’s decision to step out of his comfort zone and tackle singing in a theatre production reflects his commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new creative avenues. Fans of Wood and EastEnders alike are sure to be intrigued by this exciting new venture. Stay tuned for more updates on Jake Wood as he prepares for London Tide and overcomes his nerves to deliver a memorable performance on stage. Who knows, this may just be the start of a whole new chapter in Wood’s career! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes insights into your favorite stars’ latest projects.
EastEnders star Jake Wood has opened up about singing on stage for his new project, a theatre adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Our Mutual Friend.
Debuting on April 10 at London’s National Theatre, London Tide condenses Dickens’s final novel in a two-hour story “of love and lost fortune”, as Wood explained on The One Show yesterday (March 5).
Ben Power’s adaptation combines Dickens’s social satire, a murder mystery and the music of singer-songwriter PJ Harvey, who co-composed 12 new songs for the play.
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Wood, who plays waterman Gaffer Hexman, revealed he was a little apprehensive about performing his solo song on stage.
“It’s a little bit daunting ’cause I’m not a trained singer,” the Max Branning actor said, adding that singing in front of PJ Harvey during rehearsals “is a little bit intimidating”.
“It should be fine,” he then said.
“I was never a trained dancer and I got to the semifinals of Strictly Come Dancing [in 2014 with pro partner Janette Manrara],” he said. “So I’m hoping it will be okay.”
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Speaking about working with PJ Harvey ahead of opening night, Wood praised the musician, describing her as “a musical genius”.
“She’s there for the rehearsal period, so she’s singing every day,” he said. “So we’ve got our sort of private concert at the moment. It doesn’t feel like work.”
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Wood continued: “These songs are amazing. They’re sort like a breath in the action, ’cause the play moves very quickly and the songs allow you to know how the characters are feeling.”
“Her music is ethereal and beautiful, she is a musical genius,” he said.
EastEnders has hinted at Whitney Dean and Zack Hudson going their separate ways following their tensions over newcomer Britney Wainwright.
Zack received some tough words of warning from Lauren Branning in Thursday’s episode, which has been released early on BBC iPlayer ahead of the 7.30pm BBC One airing.
The latest visit to Albert Square saw Zack fear for his future with Whitney after his drunken attempt to kiss her best friend Lauren.
Zack’s big mistake had followed arguments with Whitney over whether they should take on the responsibility of fostering Britney, a neglected young girl they’d met while visiting Bianca Jackson in Milton Keynes.
In Thursday’s edition, Zack sought advice from his friend and boss Ravi Gulati as he confided in him about the near-kiss with Lauren. Ravi suggested that he should persuade Lauren to keep quiet rather than telling Whitney the truth.
Lauren was torn over what to do, especially after spotting Zack flirting with a female customer while he was on shift at Walford East.
As Zack realised that Lauren was likely to tell Whitney, he prepared to take a trip back to Milton Keynes to come clean and face the music.
Just as Zack was about to leave, Lauren changed her mind following a chat with her cousin Penny. She assured Zack that his secret was safe and she wouldn’t tell Whitney – as long as he behaved himself from now on.
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Just when it seemed that the issue had been resolved, Lauren pressured Zack to have a serious think about whether he and Whitney want the same things.
The couple are expecting a child together. With Zack determined to make this work, he indicated that he’d reluctantly support Whitney’s desire to have Britney in their lives too.
However, Lauren told him: “This isn’t something you can just do lightly, Zack – taking on a kid. Whitney’s going to have her whole heart in this. They’re a package deal.”
When Zack promised that he’d do what it takes, Lauren left him with food for thought as she replied: “And that’s what Britney deserves, is it? Someone taking her on because they feel like they have to?
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“You and Whit, you’re bonded over all this really traumatic stuff. I know you’ve got this baby, I get that. I just feel like it seems you don’t even want the same things.
“There’s a little girl at stake here. And before you rush into committing to anything else, you need to think about it. I mean, is all this going to end in tears for all of you?”
Shona McGarty announced in July last year that she’d decided to leave her role as Whitney and her final scenes will air early this year.
