EastEnders’ Jake Moon star reveals surprising lengths to keep return secret

EastEnders’ Jake Moon star reveals surprising lengths to keep return secret

As a seasoned EastEnders viewer who has witnessed the rise and fall of many Walford residents, I must say that the return of Jake Moon was not only unexpected but also a delightful surprise! The show has always had a knack for bringing back familiar faces, but Jake’s reappearance after 17 years was truly a testament to the enduring allure of Albert Square.


On Thursday, the 12th of September, I wasn’t just surprised – I was completely floored by the unexpected return in EastEnders. As a dedicated fan, I’ve come to expect shocking twists, but this one took me off guard!

Following a tumultuous week filled with drama orchestrated by Chrissie Watts, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, nothing could prepare viewers for more excitement in EastEnders – that is, until the climactic ending unfolded.

After leaving prison, Chrissie drove a sporty red convertible around The Queen Vic for a nostalgic glance at her former hangout.

However, surprisingly, a man stepped out from the vehicle who turned out to be no one less than Jake Moon, or rather Joel Beckett – a character last spotted in 2006, leading many enthusiasts to assume that he perished under the guise of a tragic case of mistaken identity.

Thankfully, he was alive and back with his lover.

EastEnders’ Jake Moon star reveals surprising lengths to keep return secret

Intrigued by the recent news, I find myself marveling: “After seventeen long years, I can’t help but wonder how you must be feeling now that your character’s existence has been confirmed, contrary to earlier assumptions of Jake Moon’s demise at Johnny Allen’s hands in 2006. What a remarkable return to the limelight!

Returning felt delightful; the fresh surroundings had a comfortingly familiar feel, as if I’d barely left at all. The charm of Albert Square is something one never forgets.

Has much changed since you left, or was it still largely the same? 

As a cinephile, I have to say that upon my return, The Square wasn’t as shaky this time around – [chuckles]. Instead, it seemed more polished, like an upgrade perhaps. Yet, the sunset still paints a different picture in its new location. It’s almost surreal, stepping onto a fresh set, in a brand-new spot, yet everything somehow feels eerily familiar.

How have you managed to hide this secret for so long? What was their response when you shared the latest news with your loved ones?

The last scene in yesterday’s episode was really thrilling! It seems that many viewers weren’t expecting my return, which makes it even more exciting. Today, I’ve received numerous messages from surprised fans exclaiming, ‘Wow, you’re back!’ The positive reaction has been fantastic.

Did you do any prep to get back into Jake Moon’s shoes once again?

I ended up sporting more cashmere, [chuckles]! Given that I was expected to be deceased, showing up sharp, cruising around in an e-type Jaguar, turned out rather fortunate. It seems he managed to pull through in life, considering the various ways he could have appeared.

EastEnders’ Jake Moon star reveals surprising lengths to keep return secret

What was it like to reconnect with Tracy-Ann and Shane again during filming?

It was truly delightful catching up with Tracy-Ann and Shane after such a long absence. Working alongside Tracy-Ann on that scene made me feel as though no time had passed at all, which was just wonderful. Running into Shane, my dear friend who I haven’t seen in ages, was a joy. We shared a warm embrace; it’s unfortunate we didn’t get to act together this time around.

Did you see any other familiar faces during your time filming?

I was kept hidden from others since it was extremely confidential. I was transported to the studios in a car with tinted windows for costume adjustments and filming sessions, ensuring my presence remained unknown. Later, I was given the chance to practice driving a vehicle. It turned out to be an E-type Jaguar convertible, equipped with a thunderous V12 engine. I drove this noisy machine past all the dressing rooms, so if anyone didn’t know I was there, they certainly did after that!

How did it all come about?

Originally, my representative received a call inquiring if I’d consider returning for a brief visit. They added that this visit would only last one day, and that left me puzzled. After all, what could they possibly shoot in just a day? I initially presumed it might be related to Chrissie, but I envisioned myself standing outside the prison gates instead of being on the Square itself. Frankly, I never anticipated returning to the Square after such a long absence. However, the prospect of spending a single day back there seemed appealing to me. It turned out to be a delightful excursion, as I often found myself remarking while on set.

Is there a chance we could see Jake Moon again?

I’m open to the possibility; the audience will guide me. However, I don’t usually make absolute promises like ‘never’.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

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2024-09-12 22:34