Actor John Partridge joins Inside Soap’s Laura-Jayne Tyler for a candid chat about his new play The Code, his trailblazing role as Christian in EastEnders, and unforgettable reality TV moments from Celebrity Big Brother.

From Hollywood’s closeted history to the challenges LGBTQ+ actors still face today, John speaks with honesty, humour and passion. He also looks back on EastEnders’ iconic Chryed love story, shares heartfelt memories of his fans, and relives THAT chaotic Celebrity Big Brother moment involving Angie Bowie and David Gest.

Whether you’re a soap fan, theatre lover, or reality TV nostalgist, this is an interview not to miss.

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🎭 Book tickets for The Code now: southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/the-code/

📌 Full Video Chapters

00:00 – Intro: Welcoming John Partridge

00:49 – The Code: A play about fame and secrecy in Hollywood

02:26 – Playing Billy Haynes: Hollywood’s first openly gay actor

04:00 – Love, loss, and authenticity: Billy & Jimmy’s story

05:10 – Power, sexuality, and survival in old Hollywood

06:42 – The ongoing challenges for openly gay actors today

07:40 – John’s EastEnders casting and being outed in the press

11:19 – Should gay roles go to gay actors? John’s evolving view

13:16 – Reflecting on Christian & Syed’s groundbreaking EastEnders storyline

16:20 – Pride and backlash: telling gay stories in primetime

18:05 – Fans, Chryed legacy, and enduring soap supercouples

19:28 – Soap characters and carrying them for life

21:30 – Judging on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical show

23:41 – Fame, reality TV, and the cost of chasing stardom

26:34 – Where are the stories for older LGBTQ+ characters?

27:06 – Celebrity Big Brother chaos: “David is dead!”

30:58 – The brutal reality of life in the Big Brother house

32:00 – David Gest’s kindness and unseen moments

33:23 – Saving Scotty T’s life in the house

34:46 – Why CBB was John’s toughest professional experience

35:20 – Memories with Inside Soap and a touching photo shoot with his mum

36:15 – Closing thoughts on The Code and the power of soap

39:55 – Why you need to Google “David is dead” if you haven’t seen it

40:38 – Emmerdale drama: Mack’s bunker reveal and Caleb’s blackmail

41:27 – Mack & Aaron reunited: the “Marron” bromance

43:04 – Villain worship, Caleb, and bunker theories

43:33 – Mack’s many “resurrections” and the bunker beard

44:18 – Stacey & Max: a reunion fans can’t miss

45:25 – Soap Christmas chaos vs. real Christmas boredom

46:00 – Stacey’s exit plans and Max’s return

47:14 – Coronation Street live tour

48:24 – Ben Shephard surprises Patti Clare live on stage

49:00 – Dame Barbara Knox’s rare stage appearance

49:51 – Corrie tour moves nationwide – surprises each night

50:14 – How to book tickets for An Audience with Coronation Street

50:40 – Wrap-up and teaser for next week’s Soap Scoop

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