Bill Treacher

"Arthur Fowler"

On Treacher's initial reluctance to take the part of Arthur:: "I thought I'd never see my family. My home is a couple of hours drive from the studio. I asked the producer, Julia Smith, 'Am I really right for this role?' She said, 'It was written with you in mind.'"
On Arthur's wardrobe and having grown up in the real East End :: "East Enders are rather sharp dressers. Arthur looks like he was clothed by Oxfam (the charity that recycles used clothes)."
On what Treacher would like to acting-wise:: "I've done a lot of plays in the West End. I'd like to do more comedy."
On Arthur's on-screen, extra-marital affair with Christine Hewitt:: "The producer Leonard Lewis told me 'This Christmas, you're going to be found in bed together.' It gave Arthur a spring in his step. Liz Power, who portrayed Christine, is a very nice person to work with."
On preparation for EastEnders shooting:: "I'm often up at 4 a.m., studying. I might as well work--the mind is receptive at that hour."
On the Fowlers as a tight-knit TV family:: "Let's face it, the Fowlers have been through quite a lot. Of course, we have a go at each other occasionally. But if anyone slags us off we close ranks."