EastEnders icon ‘wracked with nerves’ as she reveals excitement over ‘massive never before been done’ storyline

EastEnders icon Emma Barton has revealed her unease ahead of upcoming scenes that will see her character Honey Mitchell run the London Marathon.

In the show, Honey and Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) are running the marathon in memory of his late wife Lola (Danielle Harold), who died after a long battle with a terminal brain tumour last year.

However, in real life, actors Emma Barton and Jamie Borthwick will actually be running the marathon, and have chosen to support their own causes close to their hearts.

Emma and Jamie will both run parts of the event in character to film scenes live from the route on the day which will feature on the show.

Separate from their on-screen participation, Emma Barton will be running on behalf of BBC Children in Need, and Jamie Borthwick will be running on behalf of Prostate Cancer UK.

Ahead of the episode, which will air next Monday, Emma has spoken of anxieties she’s facing for both the run, and the special instalment.

‘It’s pretty exciting because it’s never been done before!’ she said.

‘It’s a massive thing, the marathon. We’re a London based show and we’re doing something that’s never been achieved before. So, it is very exciting. It’s very nerve wracking.

Ahead of the episode, which will air next Monday, Emma has spoken of anxieties she’s facing for both the run, and the special instalment.

‘It’s pretty exciting because it’s never been done before!’ she said.

‘It’s a massive thing, the marathon. We’re a London based show and we’re doing something that’s never been achieved before. So, it is very exciting. It’s very nerve wracking.

‘This time round, I’ve made sure I’ve done as much as I possibly can – all the strength training and sticking very strictly to a programme. Fingers crossed we’ll be okay!’

She also spoke of being the last remaining female member of the Mitchell clan.

‘The Mitchell women are renowned for being extremely strong. We’ve seen some really strong sides of Honey when she’s needed to, and especially when it comes to her family, that’s when she really will step up.

‘As Honey’s grown over the years, we have seen that and I think she’s got a good pact with Phil now.

‘I think he suddenly got a bit more respect for her, and she has him [but] I need a new phrase rather than “Get out my pub!”’