Dr Legg Tells You Why You Should Buy Albert Square & Me
Foreword By Leonard Fenton
EastEnders, when it was first transmitted in February 1985, was an
instant success – a phenomenon in British television. We who took part
in it had no idea that it would appeal to such a wide range of
viewers. Apart from its following in homes throughout the U.K,
university students would flock to their common rooms to watch it. And
then there was the Christmas episode, which had 30 million viewers –
half the population.
We actors were proud to be involved in the project, and I remember
how we wanted to influence the behaviour of our characters. My wish
was that Dr. Legg would marry and become part of a family like the
others on the Square, but alas that was not to be. He would remain a
loner.
And that is how he was when WNYC introduced the programme to New
York. Those were heady days. Five of the cast were delighted to be
invited over in January 1989 to meet fans at Harvey’s Chelsea
Restaurant. Our hands went into overdrive as we signed photographs and
were dazzled by flashing cameras. The folks at WNYC welcomed us warmly
and introduced us to many fans – one of whom was special – she threw
a splendid party for us in her large
apartment on Broadway.
It was exhilarating to find that we had such a loyal fan-base in
New York, with fans that responded enthusiastically when Larry Jaffee
and Dan Abramson published the first issue of the Walford Gazette in
1992. I met Larry when he came over to England on Gazette business
about seven years later. We had a meal, exchanged news about
EastEnders in New York and London, and he came to see a stage play,
Zadie’s Shoes, I was in at the time.
Since that time he has followed the happenings in EastEnders with
great dedication and kept in touch with the cast. I personally
appreciate all the fine work Larry has done and wish him every success
in his future endeavours.
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