EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has opened up about her experience
working with Phil Mitchell actor Steve McFadden over the years.
Cassidy, who has played Sonia Fowler on the ITV soap since 1993,
hailed McFadden’s character as the “best TV villain” during an appearance on the Off the Telly: What Shall We Watch? podcast with Joanna Page. She also shared some more insight into what it’s like working with the actor and, of course, facing off against Phil.
“I don’t care what – whoever’s listening, I don’t care what soap you’re in to but – and I know I’m biased but I think Steve McFadden, who plays Phil Mitchell, is the best TV villain,” she said.
Cassidy added that she’s actually “frightened of Phil” because McFadden is “so good at what he does”, saying: “I’m very good friends with Steve, but as soon as I step on set and Phil is there, you can’t help but not be scared of Phil.”
She continued: “He just commands respect, I feel, and he commands the room in a way that I, personally, think for me, Steve is one of the best actors I’ve worked with just because I want to be on top of it. I want to be on top of my game.
“I just want to do the best that I can when I’m around him because he’s so good. And I think Phil as a character, what he’s been through – affairs and prison and alcoholic and a heroin addict and a crack head – I just think he’s done everything.
“He’s smashed up the pub, you know, set fire to things and him and his brother Grant. But he’s just kinda stood the test of time, and I really, really think he’s brilliant, and he’s my favourite TV villain.”
Recalling one of Sonia’s “tear ups” with Phil over two decades ago and how it felt facing off against him, Cassidy said: “I’d helped Lisa, get away, run away, and Phil comes to the door and bashes the door down and is like: ‘Where’s my baby?! Where’s Lisa?! Where is she?!’
“And Sonia’s like ‘I don’t know; I don’t know’. We did all this kind of, you know, him pushing me, and it was brilliant. Screaming, I was like ‘I have made it now’. Once you’ve done a scene like that with Steve McFadden, you have made it.”
Natalie Cassidy recently discussed her admiration for Steve McFadden, who portrays the notorious Phil Mitchell on EastEnders. In an interview on the Off the Telly: What Shall We Watch? podcast with Joanna Page, Cassidy praised McFadden’s portrayal of Phil as the ultimate TV villain. She shared her feelings of intimidation when working alongside him on set, mentioning that despite their off-screen friendship, McFadden’s performance as Phil is so convincing that she can’t help but feel scared of him while filming. Cassidy went on to commend McFadden’s acting skills, stating that he commands respect and presence on set. She highlighted the intense scenes she has shared with him over the years, including one memorable confrontation where Sonia faced off against Phil in a dramatic showdown. Cassidy recalled the adrenaline and excitement of filming such scenes, emphasizing how working with McFadden pushes her to elevate her own performance.Reflecting on Phil Mitchell’s character arc, Cassidy acknowledged the complexities and challenges that have shaped Phil’s journey on the show. From affairs to addiction issues, Phil has been through a rollercoaster of storylines that have solidified his status as a legendary TV villain. Cassidy expressed her admiration for McFadden’s ability to breathe life into such a multifaceted character, making Phil a riveting and enduring presence on EastEnders.As Cassidy delved into the dynamics of her on-screen interactions with McFadden, she shared insights into the collaborative process of creating authentic and compelling performances. She emphasized the importance of being fully present and engaged while sharing scenes with McFadden, crediting him as a source of inspiration and motivation to constantly push herself as an actress.Overall, Cassidy’s appreciation for Steve McFadden’s portrayal of Phil Mitchell underscores the impact that talented actors can have on their colleagues and audiences alike. The symbiotic relationship between Cassidy and McFadden on set exemplifies the collaborative spirit that fuels the success of long-running soap operas like EastEnders. The timeless allure of a captivating TV villain like Phil Mitchell continues to captivate viewers and inspire actors to deliver their best work.
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Source: New York Post
