EastEnders star says cross-dressing storyline helped viewers ‘find acceptance’
Roger Sloman has discussed the reaction fans have had to the storyline.
EastEnders fans were stunned when it was finally revealed that undertaker Les Coker has a female alter ego called Christine back in October.
However, actor Roger Sloman – who plays Les – quickly won praise for his emotionally charged portrayal of the role.
The actor recently opened up about fan reaction to the story, explaining how it has helped viewer’s who may be going through a similar experience.
“I’ve had a lot of great feedback from people because of the storyline,” he told the Daily Star Sunday.
“They send me letters. It’s been really nice.
“People have said there is now more acceptance for people who cross-dress,” he added.
“And there was some feedback from people who it has really affected.”
“People have been saying they have started telling more people about their cross-dressing when they never would have done before.
“It’s great to be involved in a storyline that helps people.”
Sloman also discussed the impact of the revelation on wife Pam – played by Lin Blakely – as she has struggles to accept Christine.
“We’ve had a great reaction to the storyline. It’s been very warm,” he said.
“It’s an interesting situation because they are a couple who have been together for a long time.
“I think there’s a sadness as well for people because Pam and Les were a happy couple.”
Speaking for the first about his character’s second life last year, Sloman told how he used former boxing promoter Kellie Maloney’s autobiography on transitioning as inspiration.
“I got Kellie Maloney’s book to read during all this and it was interesting what she went through,” he told The Sun.
“To feel like you are living a lie, keeping all those secrets and then to break it to your family, wow.”
The actor also said that he hopes EastEnders can help its millions of viewers to understand the issue more.
