Can you sum up Tony in three words?

Devious, manipulative and calculating.

How different is Tony from other characters you’ve played in the past?

Well, I’ve never played a paedophile before! I’ve never played anybody so far removed from myself. Most characters I’ve done have been versions of me, but I could not be playing anyone more different. That is the main reason why I took it, because in that respect it’s daunting.

How do you feel about playing Tony?

It’s the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced as an actor. The connotations that go with playing such a controversial part are massive, but it’s just acting. I’m aware that there will be public reaction to the character and probably to myself, but that’s all part of being on a soap. You can go from being mildly recognisable to some people and then recognisable to 10 million people.

Why was Tony in prison?

There was this guy who Tony took exception to, as he was coming on to Whitney . He reacted in his own special way and beat him to a pulp.

Does Tony love Bianca?

Unfortunately not. When Tony met Bianca , she was in an incredibly vulnerable position. He met her when she was drunk and he gave her a lift home. That was when he first saw Whitney and realised that this was a very vulnerable family situation.

From talking to the NSPCC very extensively, we know it’s the way these people operate. They don’t just groom their victims, but they need to groom the entire family to get their trust, which is what Tony did to Bianca. He manipulated her into falling for him.

Bianca is a means to an end. Not only is she a way in to abusing Whitney, but she’s also his cover. As far as everybody’s concerned - he’s a normal fella in a relationship. It keeps him anonymous.

Why do you think Bianca loves him so much?

He built himself up to be this hero, as Bianca was pregnant with Morgan when they met. He said to Bianca: “Whatever happens when that child is born, I’ll be that child’s father.” He’s on Morgan’s birth certificate, so he’s built himself up to be this saviour to the family, when, unfortunately it’s quite the opposite.

Does he love Morgan as his own child?

Paedophiles and abusers have specific targets. None of the other children are of any interest to him in terms of abuse. He's brilliant with the younger kids and he’s not a threat to them. His brain’s not wired right, but there’s obviously a bond there, as he's brought Morgan up from birth.

Whitney idolises Tony - how does he feel about her?

When Tony first met Whitney she was twelve years old and that’s when the grooming started. Before he went to prison he was infatuated with her. He does love her in his own perverse way.

Tony’s manipulated her to believe that it's a secret affair, rather than her being abused. In the year that he’s been inside, Whitney’s gone from being a girl to a young woman, so he may be losing interest.

Are you worried about how fans may react to the character?

I think fans of EastEnders will hate Tony and that's what they are supposed to do. From time to time members of the public may confuse reality with the soap, but I'm an actor, not Tony. I'm a bit worried about that, but I’m a big boy. I’ll get a big hat and a pair of sunglasses!

How have you prepared for this role?

I sat down with Diederick Santer, the Executive Producer, writers and story producers to work out a back story for Tony - who he was, where he comes from and why he does what he does.

I’ve done a lot of research with the NSPCC, and read a few case studies, but I have to feel confident enough knowing Tony. I have to take the words that I’m given and see that as enough to create the character on the screen.

How different is starring in EastEnders to other dramas and soaps?

I’ve done two series of Burn it , Shameless, Holby Blue, Holby City and The Bill, so I’ve been in a few TV roles. What is different about EastEnders for me is that I’ve never worked so concentrated on a built set before. You’ll get on set at, like, 8.30am and then do one scene after another in the same location. You’ve got five cameras on you. In other films and series I’ve done, you’ve got one or two cameras on you at the most.

How do you wind down after a tough scene?

Well, you work, work and work and then go home. You don’t get much time to wind down between scenes. When I go home I just want to leave Tony in EastEnders behind until the morning.

I do quite a bit of running though and play five-a-side football which is a really good stress reliever.

Do you think it’s important to cover serious issues like this in EastEnders?

They do have a responsibility to cover issues that happen in every day life. Unfortunately, people like Tony do exist. This storyline happens and it’s depressingly common. So, I do think it’s important that they do it.

It’s important that it’s done correctly which is why the NSPCC are involved. Everything that I’ve got from them has been covered in the scripts and on screen, so it's realistic.

The problem with child abuse is that you never really know that someone is an abuser or a paedophile until they do it. The only way that they’re ever going to get caught is if somebody tells. So, if people recognise something on EastEnders that is happening in their lives and it means that they pick up the phone to NSPCC or Childline , then it’s worth doing.

Please contact the NSPCC or Childline if you are affected by or wish to seek advice.

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