From East End to U-bend - October 2014
For three years Marc Elliott had the nation gripped with his EastEnders’ storyline revolving around his character Syed Masood having a gay affair with Christian Clarke, but after he decided to leave the prime time soap his career could easily have gone down the toilet.
Instead the Crouch End resident has found himself singing about lavatories in satirical musical Urinetown, which has raised eyebrows with its unusual title and storyline about people having to pay to pee because of a water shortage.
“There’s a part of me that’s a bit bonkers,” admits the 34 year old, “ and likes the fact it isn’t a traditional musical.
“I play a sycophantic little worm, Mr McQueen, who is part of the corporation squeezing the public as hard as possible.”
Although it may seem an unusual choice, the show has already proved a smahs-hit on Broadway and enjoyed a sell-out run at St James Theatre in London before transferring to Apollo Theatre due to demand.
It is also actually a step back to his roots for Marc, who was born in Shakespeare’s hometown Stratford-upon-Avon and started out on the stage.
He was born to a Scottish father and Anglo-Indian mother. “My heritage is really strange, “ says the former Warwick School pupil, who has a twin sister Sophie, “I think I’m one sixteenth Indian. I’d love to do Who Do You Think You Are?”
It was his mum who took him along to drama school as a young boy and his first ever role was a carrot in a school play, but it was when he got to don a purple toga for a role in Julius Caesar that he was bitten by the bug.
“I knew it was acting for me from then on.”
At first he lacked the confidence to follow his dream, completing a degree in English at Queen Mary’s in Mile End and then taking a job in a BT call centre, which he says was “a joy”.
His ‘serendipitous” break came after a friend of his mum’s asked him to join a touring production of Romeo and Juliet and that landed him an agent and springboarded him into more theatre and eventually television, with roles in Holby City and The Bill.
Then in 2008 he landed the part in EastEnders, although he confesses he never really watched the soap, before, during or after he starred in it.
Marc, who is straight, says of playing a gay Muslim: “I had lots of letters from Catholics and Muslims and others saying it helped them get up the courage to come out.
“I wasn’t expecting such a big reaction and the BBC was worried it would offend, but I think we did it justice.”
But it wasn’t the emotional storylines or journey from Hackney, where he was living at the time, to Elstree that Marc found hardest: “Ordering an orange juice in the Queen Vic was actually the kind of scene I found most difficult, having to be natural and in character doing such a mundane thing.”
He was in almost 300 episodes before deciding to leave in November 2012 and says: “I thought I had done enough and my character had reached its limit and it didn’t provide that challenge to me anymore.”
But the role is already far in the past for him: “I move on quite quickly so have forgotten how it felt to have four hours sleep and do 12 hours of filming.”
Marc is relishing being back on stage and has already signed up to star in City of Angels after his role in Urinetown has ended. So it seems he has now been bitten by the musical bug.
“Sometimes the prospect of doing a show hundreds of times scares the bejesus out of you, but with this one I look forward to it every night.
“It is so madcap and there’s something for everyone and, excuse the pun, it takes the piss out of itself.”
Credit Laura Enfield-Features Writer
http://www.haringeyindependent.co.uk/leisure/theatre/11521760.From_East_End_to_U_bend_for_former_soap_actor/
For three years Marc Elliott had the nation gripped with his EastEnders’ storyline revolving around his character Syed Masood having a gay affair with Christian Clarke, but after he decided to leave the prime time soap his career could easily have gone down the toilet.
Instead the Crouch End resident has found himself singing about lavatories in satirical musical Urinetown, which has raised eyebrows with its unusual title and storyline about people having to pay to pee because of a water shortage.
“There’s a part of me that’s a bit bonkers,” admits the 34 year old, “ and likes the fact it isn’t a traditional musical.
“I play a sycophantic little worm, Mr McQueen, who is part of the corporation squeezing the public as hard as possible.”
Although it may seem an unusual choice, the show has already proved a smahs-hit on Broadway and enjoyed a sell-out run at St James Theatre in London before transferring to Apollo Theatre due to demand.
It is also actually a step back to his roots for Marc, who was born in Shakespeare’s hometown Stratford-upon-Avon and started out on the stage.
He was born to a Scottish father and Anglo-Indian mother. “My heritage is really strange, “ says the former Warwick School pupil, who has a twin sister Sophie, “I think I’m one sixteenth Indian. I’d love to do Who Do You Think You Are?”
It was his mum who took him along to drama school as a young boy and his first ever role was a carrot in a school play, but it was when he got to don a purple toga for a role in Julius Caesar that he was bitten by the bug.
“I knew it was acting for me from then on.”
At first he lacked the confidence to follow his dream, completing a degree in English at Queen Mary’s in Mile End and then taking a job in a BT call centre, which he says was “a joy”.
His ‘serendipitous” break came after a friend of his mum’s asked him to join a touring production of Romeo and Juliet and that landed him an agent and springboarded him into more theatre and eventually television, with roles in Holby City and The Bill.
Then in 2008 he landed the part in EastEnders, although he confesses he never really watched the soap, before, during or after he starred in it.
Marc, who is straight, says of playing a gay Muslim: “I had lots of letters from Catholics and Muslims and others saying it helped them get up the courage to come out.
“I wasn’t expecting such a big reaction and the BBC was worried it would offend, but I think we did it justice.”
But it wasn’t the emotional storylines or journey from Hackney, where he was living at the time, to Elstree that Marc found hardest: “Ordering an orange juice in the Queen Vic was actually the kind of scene I found most difficult, having to be natural and in character doing such a mundane thing.”
He was in almost 300 episodes before deciding to leave in November 2012 and says: “I thought I had done enough and my character had reached its limit and it didn’t provide that challenge to me anymore.”
But the role is already far in the past for him: “I move on quite quickly so have forgotten how it felt to have four hours sleep and do 12 hours of filming.”
Marc is relishing being back on stage and has already signed up to star in City of Angels after his role in Urinetown has ended. So it seems he has now been bitten by the musical bug.
“Sometimes the prospect of doing a show hundreds of times scares the bejesus out of you, but with this one I look forward to it every night.
“It is so madcap and there’s something for everyone and, excuse the pun, it takes the piss out of itself.”
Credit Laura Enfield-Features Writer
http://www.haringeyindependent.co.uk/leisure/theatre/11521760.From_East_End_to_U_bend_for_former_soap_actor/
Warwick actor in Alan Bennett play - 11/09/06
When actor Marc Elliot last wore a school blazer and tie he was a pupil at Warwick School and was "a lot naughtier" than his current character, Akthar, in The History Boys. Akthar is one of an unruly bunch of bright and funny sixth-form boys pursuing a place at an Oxbridge university during the 1980s in the multi-award winning Alan Bennett play. It opens the autumn season of entertainment at Warwick Arts Centre this month as part of its national tour.
Describing the role as "absolutely brilliant" Elliot, now 26, is loving every minute of the run so far. He said: "I love the stage and the audience reaction is so big that if you come in tired on an evening the audience will pick you up for two-and-a-half hours. It is well-worth coming to see, all of the boys are terrific - it's brilliant.
"The banter on stage is like it is in real life - it's dangerous though, there is always someone who wants to have a drink after the show - there will probably be a few bleary eyes on opening night!" Watching Elliot on his opening night at Warwick Arts Centre will be a character from his past which he was prompted to get back in touch with after watching The History Boys for the first time. Watching the interaction between the teachers and pupils during the classroom scenes reminded him of a Warwick School teacher called Mr Stookes who he says made a large impact on him. He said: "I wrote him a letter to say 'thank-you' for being an inspiration to me as a teacher. Since then we have been in touch and hopefully he is coming to see the show at the Warwick Arts Centre."
Since its creation, the play has had national and international tours and has now been turned into a film which will be screened in October. And with the hectic programme of performances have come accolades in abundance including Olivier Awards, Critics' Circle awards and six Tonys. Elliot will be taking on the role of Akhtar for the second time, along with four other cast members, but insists it is a completely different show with 11 new faces taking to the stage.
While studying at Warwick School and living in Stratford Elliot had his passion for acting ignited by the RSC at the tender age of 11.
He said: "Because I was a Stratford boy I was lucky to get into the RSC four times. At 16 I was in Lord of the Flies at The Other Place playing the Bastard Jack which was great fun. I was surprised to get it - I have olive skin and brown hair but after reading the book I found out he had ginger hair, so I thought there was no way I was going to be playing that one. "It was a dream job - I was with 30 other boys we were all given spears and had face paints running up and down mountains for six months - it was great fun."
After being introduced into the acting profession at a young age Elliot auditioned for drama school unsuccessfully and instead completed "three years of hard labour" at university in London to the delight of his mother. After graduation, while waiting for his first break Marc returned to his home town of Stratford for six months of "soul-destroying" work at a call centre for British Gas. But once the first job came, they just kept coming and his CV now boasts 16 stage performances, two appearances on television and one on radio. Elliot hints that the current National Theatre production may have legs past its national run, but admits to being in the dark about what form it could take.
http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/local-news/warwick-actor-in-alan-bennett-play-1-1045701
When actor Marc Elliot last wore a school blazer and tie he was a pupil at Warwick School and was "a lot naughtier" than his current character, Akthar, in The History Boys. Akthar is one of an unruly bunch of bright and funny sixth-form boys pursuing a place at an Oxbridge university during the 1980s in the multi-award winning Alan Bennett play. It opens the autumn season of entertainment at Warwick Arts Centre this month as part of its national tour.
Describing the role as "absolutely brilliant" Elliot, now 26, is loving every minute of the run so far. He said: "I love the stage and the audience reaction is so big that if you come in tired on an evening the audience will pick you up for two-and-a-half hours. It is well-worth coming to see, all of the boys are terrific - it's brilliant.
"The banter on stage is like it is in real life - it's dangerous though, there is always someone who wants to have a drink after the show - there will probably be a few bleary eyes on opening night!" Watching Elliot on his opening night at Warwick Arts Centre will be a character from his past which he was prompted to get back in touch with after watching The History Boys for the first time. Watching the interaction between the teachers and pupils during the classroom scenes reminded him of a Warwick School teacher called Mr Stookes who he says made a large impact on him. He said: "I wrote him a letter to say 'thank-you' for being an inspiration to me as a teacher. Since then we have been in touch and hopefully he is coming to see the show at the Warwick Arts Centre."
Since its creation, the play has had national and international tours and has now been turned into a film which will be screened in October. And with the hectic programme of performances have come accolades in abundance including Olivier Awards, Critics' Circle awards and six Tonys. Elliot will be taking on the role of Akhtar for the second time, along with four other cast members, but insists it is a completely different show with 11 new faces taking to the stage.
While studying at Warwick School and living in Stratford Elliot had his passion for acting ignited by the RSC at the tender age of 11.
He said: "Because I was a Stratford boy I was lucky to get into the RSC four times. At 16 I was in Lord of the Flies at The Other Place playing the Bastard Jack which was great fun. I was surprised to get it - I have olive skin and brown hair but after reading the book I found out he had ginger hair, so I thought there was no way I was going to be playing that one. "It was a dream job - I was with 30 other boys we were all given spears and had face paints running up and down mountains for six months - it was great fun."
After being introduced into the acting profession at a young age Elliot auditioned for drama school unsuccessfully and instead completed "three years of hard labour" at university in London to the delight of his mother. After graduation, while waiting for his first break Marc returned to his home town of Stratford for six months of "soul-destroying" work at a call centre for British Gas. But once the first job came, they just kept coming and his CV now boasts 16 stage performances, two appearances on television and one on radio. Elliot hints that the current National Theatre production may have legs past its national run, but admits to being in the dark about what form it could take.
http://www.leamingtoncourier.co.uk/news/local-news/warwick-actor-in-alan-bennett-play-1-1045701
Christian and Syed's Journey...Comes to a Fitting End ? Inside Soap 06/11/12
The fans were devastated to learn that you're both leaving Eastenders. Is it just as sad for you?
Yes, it's really sad - and a few genuine tears were shed in out final scenes. But it's nice that Johnny and I are leaving at the same time. It was a decision that we made together and with the powers to be.
We're desperate to know if they sail off into the sunset together! Are you happy with Christian and Syed's exit?
Yes! I think that, considering the journey they've been on in the last few years, it's a fitting end. There's a two-hander between myself and Johnny in the Agree Bhajee that is really intense. The writer, Pete Lawson, was very careful in looking back over their story, and has written a very detailed argument for both of them I hope it comes across well and explains why the characters have behaved the way they have over the last three-and-a-half years.
Do you think the 'Chryed' fans will be happy with how it all turns out?
I think they've accepted it's time for the characters to hang up their boots - but I'm not sure they'll be 100 percent happy. We'll have to wait and see what the reaction is like!
Does Syed kiss and make up with the Masood clan before he goes?
The family do attempt to reconcile at the end, and Syed gets the acceptence he needs to move on with his life. But it's not the sort of send-off that comes with a huge pat on the back. The relationship between Syed and his parents is healed as much as it can be, let's put it that way.
What are you going to miss the most about being in Eastenders?
I was gutted saying goodbye to the actors who make up the Masood family - they've become such an amazing part of my life outside of work, too.
Did your cast mates give you a good send-off after your final scene?
I had a few drinks which carried on fairly late into the night. It wasn't really an official do, but it was a fun way to say goodbye to everyone I'd worked with.
Did you pinch anything from the set to take home as a memento?
I took Syed's boots away, as they make look six inches taller. The costume department also let me take home a few old scraggly T-shirts that they wouldn't have got a quid for! So I'll still have a little bit of Syed in my wardrobe - but I don't know if I'll be rocking that look outside of the Square!
What are you up to next?
I'm playing Vince in Tape at the Trafalgar Studios in London at the moment, then maybe I'll head off on holiday somewhere hot. After that, I'd love to do Shakespeare on stage.
Finally, will you still be tuning in to Eastenders, and what would you like to see happen next?
Eastenders will always hold a special place in my heart. You never know what will happen next, so watch this space!
The fans were devastated to learn that you're both leaving Eastenders. Is it just as sad for you?
Yes, it's really sad - and a few genuine tears were shed in out final scenes. But it's nice that Johnny and I are leaving at the same time. It was a decision that we made together and with the powers to be.
We're desperate to know if they sail off into the sunset together! Are you happy with Christian and Syed's exit?
Yes! I think that, considering the journey they've been on in the last few years, it's a fitting end. There's a two-hander between myself and Johnny in the Agree Bhajee that is really intense. The writer, Pete Lawson, was very careful in looking back over their story, and has written a very detailed argument for both of them I hope it comes across well and explains why the characters have behaved the way they have over the last three-and-a-half years.
Do you think the 'Chryed' fans will be happy with how it all turns out?
I think they've accepted it's time for the characters to hang up their boots - but I'm not sure they'll be 100 percent happy. We'll have to wait and see what the reaction is like!
Does Syed kiss and make up with the Masood clan before he goes?
The family do attempt to reconcile at the end, and Syed gets the acceptence he needs to move on with his life. But it's not the sort of send-off that comes with a huge pat on the back. The relationship between Syed and his parents is healed as much as it can be, let's put it that way.
What are you going to miss the most about being in Eastenders?
I was gutted saying goodbye to the actors who make up the Masood family - they've become such an amazing part of my life outside of work, too.
Did your cast mates give you a good send-off after your final scene?
I had a few drinks which carried on fairly late into the night. It wasn't really an official do, but it was a fun way to say goodbye to everyone I'd worked with.
Did you pinch anything from the set to take home as a memento?
I took Syed's boots away, as they make look six inches taller. The costume department also let me take home a few old scraggly T-shirts that they wouldn't have got a quid for! So I'll still have a little bit of Syed in my wardrobe - but I don't know if I'll be rocking that look outside of the Square!
What are you up to next?
I'm playing Vince in Tape at the Trafalgar Studios in London at the moment, then maybe I'll head off on holiday somewhere hot. After that, I'd love to do Shakespeare on stage.
Finally, will you still be tuning in to Eastenders, and what would you like to see happen next?
Eastenders will always hold a special place in my heart. You never know what will happen next, so watch this space!
''I don’t want to be remembered as that gay muslim from EastEnders'' 16/10/12
Marc insists he had to quit EastEnders because he was afraid he would only be remembered for playing “the gay muslim”. I don’t want to be remembered as that gay muslim from EastEnders 'proud of role' but fears being typecast Marc broke down taboos when Syed became soap’s first openly gay muslim, sparking 125 complaints when the pair were shown kissing in bed before the 9pm watershed. But after almost four years he admits that, despite his pride at being involved in the role, he feared it would overshadow the rest of his acting career.
Marc, now starring in Tape in London’s West End, said: “I didn’t want to be remembered as that lad from EastEnders, the gay muslim. That’s why you get into the business, to find new characters.” Syed and TV boyfriend Christian were such a hit with EastEnders fans they were nicknamed “Chryed” — although privately Marc had dubbed his character “Dryed” because he thought he was dull. However, his final scenes will be anything but dull as Syed faces the fallout over his fling with Walford newcomer Danny Pennant, played by Gary Lucy. He said: “Syed’s screwing his family over again. And he snogs Danny. Then punches him in the face, as you do in Walford.” But in Tape his character Vince is a violent drug-dealing dropout, the complete opposite of Syed.
Marc admits he was looking for the most challenging role he could find and went straight to the stage without a break after his punishing TV filming schedule. He said: “I chose stage to scare me, stage was a medium I hadn’t done for years, after so many years on telly. “And it’s a meaty role and totally different. Vince is a bit Machiavellian. “This character is wired, in-your-face and unpredictable, all the things that are great to play.”
While Syed might have been an earnest character, the role was significant for highlighting the turmoil faced by people whose sexuality is at odds with their religion. Marc said: “Playing Syed meant I’ve had loads of letters from people of all religions coming to terms with their sexuality. “That’s what I am proud of most, portraying a normal, loving gay relationship. “That’s quite an important thing, it’s normalising it, two men being affectionate with each other. “And when someone tells you they’ve found the strength to tell their parents, you feel proud.” And despite the BBC receiving complaints about his steamier scenes, Marc insists he’s nearly always been warmly received. He said: “The biggest fans of Syed and Christian’s storyline are women who love the love angle.“The BBC and myself anticipated an adverse reaction. I had only one comment in the street in Manchester. Someone called me a n** jockey in the street, which I thought was hilarious.”Marc reveals it took hours to film his steamy EastEnders snogging scenes with Danny — because they could hear cheering when former colleague Cheryl Fergison (who played Heather Trott) went in to the Celebrity Big Brother house at nearby Elstree Studios. He said: “When filming kiss scenes with Danny, we could hear the cheering, so we had to keep doing a few takes. “Gary’s a really nice chap, and great fun. We had a laugh.” Fans will be on the edge of their seats tonight to see whether Syed and Christian actually go through with the wedding. Things are complicated further when Syed’s former wife Amira (Preeya Kalidas) returns to Walford too.
Marc revealed of his exit: “I have a mini fling with Danny... will he, won’t he marry Christian, will he, won’t he leave the Square? “Syed’s been naughty, he’s stolen £15,000 from his mum. And then of course Amira returns. “There is major confrontation between Christian and I about everything because it transpires that something else took place with Danny.”
Even though he’s looking forward to his move away from the soap, Marc said: “The great thing about EastEnders for me is that I struck gold with the Masoods. They’re not mother and father, they’re brother and sister too. They’re like a real family.” And he admitted he’s already missing cast mates — even Steve McFadden who plays hardman Phil Mitchell. “Everyone’s nice on the show, even Phil Mitchell. He’s a pussycat.”
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/4591772/Marc-Elliott-I-quit-EastEnders-because-I-didnt-want-to-be-remembered-as-shows-gay-muslim.html#ixzz29S7lfhla
Syed Arrives in the Square 14/04/09
How did the part come about?
"It was the typical story of the my agent phoning me up and me having an audition at Elstree. They obviously liked me because they had me in again and again after that. The third time, I was on set with Nitin [Ganatra] and Nina [Wadia] to see how we worked as a unit and then it was an agonising waiting period - I waited for a couple of months in the end! They eventually told me just before Christmas that I'd been successful, so that was a nice present!"
Have you watched any of the Masood family build up over the last year-and-a-half?
"Yeah, I'd not watched all of it to be honest, because I'd been doing a lot of theatre, so it was difficult to get to see it. All over Christmas, I was desperately watching to get caught up! The bulk of the Syed storyline, though, has come out within the last month or so, anyway."
Do you feel that you have a big responsibility filling the shoes of a character that viewers will have built their own picture of already?
"I've tried not to think about it! I hope I'm what everyone expects! I was given a biography when I got the part, before we 'hot-seated' the character to make sure we were all on the same page. It's a process all characters go through to decide what they'd do in certain situations, given certain choices and basic things, for example who they'd like or dislike on the Square. That helped to cement the character in my head, though. I say cement, it was very wet cement and still is! Slow-dry cement. He's such a complex character. It's such a collaborative experience. I'm discovering things about Syed at the same time as the rest of the team."
What can you tell us about his backstory?
"Syed's been away from his family for the last four years because his dad Masood told him never to darken the family's doorstep again. His dad took the blame for Syed stealing money from the family business and nearly bankrupting them. All this time, Zainab thought that Masood was responsible for their financial problems. To honour his father's wishes, Syed respectfully went away.
"He's been up north around the Manchester/Leeds area trying to build a property empire. Initially, he was working for an estate agent, but then tried to go out on his own as a property developer. But there's some debate over how successful he's been…"
What happens during Syed's first week on screen?
"Well, he has an alias for a few episodes - he's called 'Bob' in his mother Zainab's phone. Zainab's intrigued to know what he's been up to for the last number of years and I think he feels like he wants to get back in touch with the family again, too. He just wants to heal the rift in the family and his return is an honest one - he's missed them all. That, and the fact he wants money…"
That seems to be the common denominator with Syed…
"It's all about the cash. His drive is to be successful and there's nothing really Machiavellian about him - well, there potentially is - but he just wants the money because he believes he can use it to make more. He's very cocksure and confident about himself, but the absurd thing is that he hasn't learned from his past mistakes."
Is part of it that he wants to show his family how successful he can be?
"Yeah, that's part of it, too. He wants the pats on the back and for his dad to accept that they were wrong about him. Even though it's not explored a great deal in the scripts, I think there's a certain amount of jealousy over Tamwar potentially going to university. Syed probably feels the black sheep of the family and wants to make his mark, too."
How does he end up meeting with his mother?
"They meet at a café away from the Square – it's all very clandestine. She doesn't want Masood to know that she's meeting with their estranged son."
Then there's a showdown at the end of the week between father and son…
"Yeah, there is. Syed's very flexible with the truth. He doesn't lie on purpose - they just happen. It's all because he wants to give a false impression of himself and wants people to be impressed and proud of him. He leads his father up the garden path and he's soon rumbled and falls flat on his face. Syed's attempt at reconciliation is marred by the discovery of more of Syed's lies. As a result, there's another 'never darken our doorstep' moment!"
Then when he returns to the Square the following week, he strikes an interesting alliance…
"Yeah, with Janine…There's an instant connection between the pair of them. A kindred spirits type of thing. There's a bit of a challenge for them both. Then Syed moves in with her…"
You got to film in a swanky apartment, too?
"Yeah, it was in Barnet. Apparently it's worth £1.25m! It was very swanky and it was lovely being on location. When you're at the studios in Elstree, everything happens so much faster. But because we were on location for a few days, it was quite prolonged and I had the luxury of being able to go over my lines with Nina and Nitin."
What was it like walking on the lot for the first time?
"Surreal. It's totally surreal and nervewracking. I think it's because it's so iconic."
How do you think Syed would fare on The Apprentice?
"Probably quite similarly to the other Syed in the second series! He was very cocky and ended up falling flat on his face, much like my Syed! They're probably quite similar. Sir Alan would probably buy Syed's lies for the first few weeks, but then rumble him and say 'You're a loser, you're fired!'"
I hear you're a member of the Nina Wadia fan club?
"I'm on Nina's fan club page on the internet every day. All the hits she gets are all me! Even when I'm working with her, I'm on her website! No, I jest – she's absolutely lovely. I have such a great time working with her and I've already had a ball. She made the transition from 'petrified' on my first day to 'comfortable' in such a short space of time. Everyone's been great, though. Nitin, Himesh [Patel] and Charlie [Brooks] – they've all been absolutely amazing."
It's a shame that Zahra Ahmadi - your screen sister Shabnam - isn't around any more, isn't it?
"Yeah, it's a shame. I don't know if there are any plans to bring her back or not, but I hope she does. It'd be nice to meet my 'sister'! It's be great to see the family together."
Then we have Preeya as your screen girlfriend. What can you tell us about their relationship and how she fits into the Masood equation?
"Well, she's a rich daddy's girl and it's hard not to make the association between Syed and money. There's certainly an honest attraction there and I think he does love her. But the money that her father has might be an additional aspect of their relationship.
"Amira comes in and ruffles a few feathers, especially Zainab's. Obviously with Syed being a mummy's boy, she has to have her say. I don't think Zainab would be happy with anyone that Syed's with - they'd have to be absolutely perfect. Mummy Masood will be doing a lot of meddling and locking horns with Amira."
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/interviews/a152545/marc-elliott-syed-masood-eastenders.html
"It was the typical story of the my agent phoning me up and me having an audition at Elstree. They obviously liked me because they had me in again and again after that. The third time, I was on set with Nitin [Ganatra] and Nina [Wadia] to see how we worked as a unit and then it was an agonising waiting period - I waited for a couple of months in the end! They eventually told me just before Christmas that I'd been successful, so that was a nice present!"
Have you watched any of the Masood family build up over the last year-and-a-half?
"Yeah, I'd not watched all of it to be honest, because I'd been doing a lot of theatre, so it was difficult to get to see it. All over Christmas, I was desperately watching to get caught up! The bulk of the Syed storyline, though, has come out within the last month or so, anyway."
Do you feel that you have a big responsibility filling the shoes of a character that viewers will have built their own picture of already?
"I've tried not to think about it! I hope I'm what everyone expects! I was given a biography when I got the part, before we 'hot-seated' the character to make sure we were all on the same page. It's a process all characters go through to decide what they'd do in certain situations, given certain choices and basic things, for example who they'd like or dislike on the Square. That helped to cement the character in my head, though. I say cement, it was very wet cement and still is! Slow-dry cement. He's such a complex character. It's such a collaborative experience. I'm discovering things about Syed at the same time as the rest of the team."
What can you tell us about his backstory?
"Syed's been away from his family for the last four years because his dad Masood told him never to darken the family's doorstep again. His dad took the blame for Syed stealing money from the family business and nearly bankrupting them. All this time, Zainab thought that Masood was responsible for their financial problems. To honour his father's wishes, Syed respectfully went away.
"He's been up north around the Manchester/Leeds area trying to build a property empire. Initially, he was working for an estate agent, but then tried to go out on his own as a property developer. But there's some debate over how successful he's been…"
What happens during Syed's first week on screen?
"Well, he has an alias for a few episodes - he's called 'Bob' in his mother Zainab's phone. Zainab's intrigued to know what he's been up to for the last number of years and I think he feels like he wants to get back in touch with the family again, too. He just wants to heal the rift in the family and his return is an honest one - he's missed them all. That, and the fact he wants money…"
That seems to be the common denominator with Syed…
"It's all about the cash. His drive is to be successful and there's nothing really Machiavellian about him - well, there potentially is - but he just wants the money because he believes he can use it to make more. He's very cocksure and confident about himself, but the absurd thing is that he hasn't learned from his past mistakes."
Is part of it that he wants to show his family how successful he can be?
"Yeah, that's part of it, too. He wants the pats on the back and for his dad to accept that they were wrong about him. Even though it's not explored a great deal in the scripts, I think there's a certain amount of jealousy over Tamwar potentially going to university. Syed probably feels the black sheep of the family and wants to make his mark, too."
How does he end up meeting with his mother?
"They meet at a café away from the Square – it's all very clandestine. She doesn't want Masood to know that she's meeting with their estranged son."
Then there's a showdown at the end of the week between father and son…
"Yeah, there is. Syed's very flexible with the truth. He doesn't lie on purpose - they just happen. It's all because he wants to give a false impression of himself and wants people to be impressed and proud of him. He leads his father up the garden path and he's soon rumbled and falls flat on his face. Syed's attempt at reconciliation is marred by the discovery of more of Syed's lies. As a result, there's another 'never darken our doorstep' moment!"
Then when he returns to the Square the following week, he strikes an interesting alliance…
"Yeah, with Janine…There's an instant connection between the pair of them. A kindred spirits type of thing. There's a bit of a challenge for them both. Then Syed moves in with her…"
You got to film in a swanky apartment, too?
"Yeah, it was in Barnet. Apparently it's worth £1.25m! It was very swanky and it was lovely being on location. When you're at the studios in Elstree, everything happens so much faster. But because we were on location for a few days, it was quite prolonged and I had the luxury of being able to go over my lines with Nina and Nitin."
What was it like walking on the lot for the first time?
"Surreal. It's totally surreal and nervewracking. I think it's because it's so iconic."
How do you think Syed would fare on The Apprentice?
"Probably quite similarly to the other Syed in the second series! He was very cocky and ended up falling flat on his face, much like my Syed! They're probably quite similar. Sir Alan would probably buy Syed's lies for the first few weeks, but then rumble him and say 'You're a loser, you're fired!'"
I hear you're a member of the Nina Wadia fan club?
"I'm on Nina's fan club page on the internet every day. All the hits she gets are all me! Even when I'm working with her, I'm on her website! No, I jest – she's absolutely lovely. I have such a great time working with her and I've already had a ball. She made the transition from 'petrified' on my first day to 'comfortable' in such a short space of time. Everyone's been great, though. Nitin, Himesh [Patel] and Charlie [Brooks] – they've all been absolutely amazing."
It's a shame that Zahra Ahmadi - your screen sister Shabnam - isn't around any more, isn't it?
"Yeah, it's a shame. I don't know if there are any plans to bring her back or not, but I hope she does. It'd be nice to meet my 'sister'! It's be great to see the family together."
Then we have Preeya as your screen girlfriend. What can you tell us about their relationship and how she fits into the Masood equation?
"Well, she's a rich daddy's girl and it's hard not to make the association between Syed and money. There's certainly an honest attraction there and I think he does love her. But the money that her father has might be an additional aspect of their relationship.
"Amira comes in and ruffles a few feathers, especially Zainab's. Obviously with Syed being a mummy's boy, she has to have her say. I don't think Zainab would be happy with anyone that Syed's with - they'd have to be absolutely perfect. Mummy Masood will be doing a lot of meddling and locking horns with Amira."
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/interviews/a152545/marc-elliott-syed-masood-eastenders.html
A Quick Chat 06/07/10
How does Syed really feel about being gay?
“He would prefer it if he wasn’t gay, but he realises he can’t turn off his feelings for Christian. A lightbulb goes on in his head as his mum Zainab is preparing to be the matchmaker from hell again and explains what the perfect requirements are for a wife. Syed realises that all those things apply to Christian. He kisses his mum on the head, pats his dad, says goodbye to Tamwar and leaves to be with Christian."
Do you think it will be a happy ever after then?
“No! They are very different gay men. Christian is out and proud, but Syed doesn’t want to be public about it. Also, this is a soap, so there has to be some drama to make it interesting. They can’t just be arguing about who emptied the bins or washed the sheets.”
What has been the reaction of people to the storyline?
“I’ve had lots of letters from teenage girls who for some reason, love to see two men getting it on. I got sent a scrapbook from one girl, which charts Syed and Christian’s relationship. It’s massive and must have taken her a lot of time to put together. I was really touched. There was a story in the papers about me getting homophobic comments in the street, but that was absolute rubbish. People have responded really positively. I’ve had lots of letters from gay men saying that they have been through similar experiences and are really pleased we’ve been tackling these issues on TV.”
How do you feel about the kissing scenes?
“I’m quite a touchy-feely person, so I don’t mind doing the physical stuff. I’m happy to snog John. I was happy to snog Preeya who played Amira (even though she wore 6in heels and I’m a bit of a dwarf) and if there was an incest storyline, I’d be more than happy to snog Nina Wadia!”
So life a lot different to you days as a barman, then?
“I was a bloody brilliant barman! And I really enjoyed it. I get really annoyed when I go to a bar and somebody gets served before me even though I’ve been waiting for longer. When I was a barman, I always knew who was next! I can never complain though because people would think, 'It’s that bloke off EastEnders, who does he think he is?' I do miss the bar work.”
You might have to give it up now though?
“Before, I’d dip in and out between acting jobs, but if and when EastEnders comes to an end, I won’t be able to do that because you need to be anonymous. I still hang out with the same friends and go to the same places that I did before I joined EastEnders, but I can’t go anywhere really without people wanting to talk to me. They want photos and autographs and they often go on about how short I am in real-life – I’m 5ft 9in. My friends get more annoyed with it than I do. People are generally really friendly and I’ve learned to wear headphones or talk on the phone when I’m out and about. People tend to ignore you then.”
Do you have any future plans?
“At the moment, I have no plans to leave EastEnders. I’ll either be pushed or go when I think things are getting stale, but I think there’s a lot more to come from Syed.”
What was your first acting job?
“My first job was as Romeo in a tour of Romeo and Juliet that played outdoors. We had to carry all our own costumes, props and even the scenery. And you know what British summers are like. We did quite a few shows during thunderstorms. At one point, Juliet was convulsing with cold when Romeo was supposed to think she was dead. I thought 'Nobody is going to believe that!' EastEnders is definitely the biggest thing I’ve done. I don’t think I got the part of Syed due to my talent. I was in the right place at the right time and I feel grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/eastenders/interviews/a-quick-chat-with-eastenders-marc-elliott/9523
“He would prefer it if he wasn’t gay, but he realises he can’t turn off his feelings for Christian. A lightbulb goes on in his head as his mum Zainab is preparing to be the matchmaker from hell again and explains what the perfect requirements are for a wife. Syed realises that all those things apply to Christian. He kisses his mum on the head, pats his dad, says goodbye to Tamwar and leaves to be with Christian."
Do you think it will be a happy ever after then?
“No! They are very different gay men. Christian is out and proud, but Syed doesn’t want to be public about it. Also, this is a soap, so there has to be some drama to make it interesting. They can’t just be arguing about who emptied the bins or washed the sheets.”
What has been the reaction of people to the storyline?
“I’ve had lots of letters from teenage girls who for some reason, love to see two men getting it on. I got sent a scrapbook from one girl, which charts Syed and Christian’s relationship. It’s massive and must have taken her a lot of time to put together. I was really touched. There was a story in the papers about me getting homophobic comments in the street, but that was absolute rubbish. People have responded really positively. I’ve had lots of letters from gay men saying that they have been through similar experiences and are really pleased we’ve been tackling these issues on TV.”
How do you feel about the kissing scenes?
“I’m quite a touchy-feely person, so I don’t mind doing the physical stuff. I’m happy to snog John. I was happy to snog Preeya who played Amira (even though she wore 6in heels and I’m a bit of a dwarf) and if there was an incest storyline, I’d be more than happy to snog Nina Wadia!”
So life a lot different to you days as a barman, then?
“I was a bloody brilliant barman! And I really enjoyed it. I get really annoyed when I go to a bar and somebody gets served before me even though I’ve been waiting for longer. When I was a barman, I always knew who was next! I can never complain though because people would think, 'It’s that bloke off EastEnders, who does he think he is?' I do miss the bar work.”
You might have to give it up now though?
“Before, I’d dip in and out between acting jobs, but if and when EastEnders comes to an end, I won’t be able to do that because you need to be anonymous. I still hang out with the same friends and go to the same places that I did before I joined EastEnders, but I can’t go anywhere really without people wanting to talk to me. They want photos and autographs and they often go on about how short I am in real-life – I’m 5ft 9in. My friends get more annoyed with it than I do. People are generally really friendly and I’ve learned to wear headphones or talk on the phone when I’m out and about. People tend to ignore you then.”
Do you have any future plans?
“At the moment, I have no plans to leave EastEnders. I’ll either be pushed or go when I think things are getting stale, but I think there’s a lot more to come from Syed.”
What was your first acting job?
“My first job was as Romeo in a tour of Romeo and Juliet that played outdoors. We had to carry all our own costumes, props and even the scenery. And you know what British summers are like. We did quite a few shows during thunderstorms. At one point, Juliet was convulsing with cold when Romeo was supposed to think she was dead. I thought 'Nobody is going to believe that!' EastEnders is definitely the biggest thing I’ve done. I don’t think I got the part of Syed due to my talent. I was in the right place at the right time and I feel grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/eastenders/interviews/a-quick-chat-with-eastenders-marc-elliott/9523
Syed's Suicide Attempt 04/05/10
What's Syed's state of mind at the beginning of next week?
"Syed's family have turned their back on him and he's been ostracised by the community, so he's all alone. He seeks solace in the one place he thinks he’ll be okay - his local mosque. They, in not so many words, tell him where to go, too. He's really in a dark place. He has no wife, no baby, no Christian, no family and the final straw is the reaction he receives at mosque. He's lost."
How does his suicide attempt come about?
"It's really interesting what the writers have done with it. It's not a cry for help and it's not a reckless decision, either. Although it is an attempt on his own life, it's not premeditated in any way. He buys a bottle of vodka to shut his head off from all the problems. He's never drunk alcohol before as it's not part of his culture, so downing a bottle of vodka isn't a good idea…"
Aren't there pills involved? Isn't that part premeditated?
"There are pills, but it's not premeditated in the sense that he goes to get the pills from a cabinet - the pills are just lying on the table while he's getting drunk. He's already off his head on the vodka and starts looking at the pills quite quizzically. You don't see him again until Masood finds him spark out on the floor. So he does take the pills but they're an afterthought on Syed's part, more than anything."
The end of the week's quite shocking...
"Basically, Zainab's talking to Syed while he's semi-conscious on his hospital bed and essentially tells him that she wishes that Masood hadn't found him and wishes that he'd died. It's a spur of the moment thing on her part. It's not vicious - it all comes from a place of love. In her heart of hearts, I don't think she means it. It's all in the heat of the moment. Nina absolutely hated doing it because it's so dark and harsh. We found it quite upsetting to film actually - we were both crying!"
Do you think you could ever see Syed's family accepting Christian as his partner?
"I think that'd be nice, but it's cloud cuckoo land to think that. I really don't think it'll happen. Because of the traditional nature of the family, I can't see them coming to terms with Syed and Christian as a couple. And actually, I don't even think Syed can come to terms with them as a couple. Time will tell, though. It's such a hard thing to reconcile faith with sexuality and make it work.
Do you think Syed and Christian could ever be together?
"Syed and Christian are very different people. Christian's very out and proud whereas Syed isn't that kind of gay man - he's very insecure and doesn't like shouting it from the rooftops. As a couple, if they did get together, that would come between them. Christian would want to be holding hands on the street but Syed wouldn't be comfortable with that. It's not just a religion thing for Syed, it's more about the kind of man he is.
"As for whether they could ever be together... I hope they can be. But if they did, it'd be a rocky road. It won't be all happiness. And if there is happiness, it'll definitely be temporary."
What did you think of the twist which saw Masood turn his back on Christian after the attack?
"It's quite shocking not to help someone in need, especially as the Masoods and Beales have such close ties. It's certainly unforgivable that Masood walked past and there was an element of Masood wanting to wash his hands of everything. It was a great twist, though. I don't think Syed finds out, either. Certainly not in the near future, anyway. Nitin's been excellent through this entire storyline."
What was your reaction when you discovered that Amira left with Syed's baby?
"It was such a shocker! They way they executed it with the whole Amira and Chelsea pregnancy confusion was excellent. And of course, it leaves the door wide open for Preeya if she were to return…"
Do you think Syed will find out that she's pregnant?
"I'd love Qadim to come back. At some point, Qadim will find out that Amira's having Syed's baby because she isn't going to be able to hide it for very long. I'm not sure how Qadim could come back, but it'd be a really interesting dynamic. Ramon [Tikaram] is so commanding in that role. Qadim didn't get Syed the first time, so maybe when he finds out, he could maybe kidnap Syed!"
Is there going to be any happiness for Syed?
"Fingers crossed. Once he's got through the suicide bid and the bit of turmoil in the aftermath, he picks himself back up again. He actually tries to seek help from an unlikely source... I do hope there's more happiness to come, though. Regardless of whether he ends up with Christian, he'll lose his family as the Masoods aren't going to stand by his sexuality."
Do you have the same obsession with checked shirts as Syed?
"Oh my God, I'm wearing one right now! But it's mine. The wardrobes are blurring, though. I'm not really into the wide assortment of coloured t-shirts that I get to wear. There's one that I always dread wearing when I see it on the rail in my dressing room - it's the salmon-pink one. We've have argued, though, over whether it's coral. Maybe we could have a viewer vote on it..."
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/interviews/a217924/marc-elliott-syed-masood-eastenders.html
"Syed's family have turned their back on him and he's been ostracised by the community, so he's all alone. He seeks solace in the one place he thinks he’ll be okay - his local mosque. They, in not so many words, tell him where to go, too. He's really in a dark place. He has no wife, no baby, no Christian, no family and the final straw is the reaction he receives at mosque. He's lost."
How does his suicide attempt come about?
"It's really interesting what the writers have done with it. It's not a cry for help and it's not a reckless decision, either. Although it is an attempt on his own life, it's not premeditated in any way. He buys a bottle of vodka to shut his head off from all the problems. He's never drunk alcohol before as it's not part of his culture, so downing a bottle of vodka isn't a good idea…"
Aren't there pills involved? Isn't that part premeditated?
"There are pills, but it's not premeditated in the sense that he goes to get the pills from a cabinet - the pills are just lying on the table while he's getting drunk. He's already off his head on the vodka and starts looking at the pills quite quizzically. You don't see him again until Masood finds him spark out on the floor. So he does take the pills but they're an afterthought on Syed's part, more than anything."
The end of the week's quite shocking...
"Basically, Zainab's talking to Syed while he's semi-conscious on his hospital bed and essentially tells him that she wishes that Masood hadn't found him and wishes that he'd died. It's a spur of the moment thing on her part. It's not vicious - it all comes from a place of love. In her heart of hearts, I don't think she means it. It's all in the heat of the moment. Nina absolutely hated doing it because it's so dark and harsh. We found it quite upsetting to film actually - we were both crying!"
Do you think you could ever see Syed's family accepting Christian as his partner?
"I think that'd be nice, but it's cloud cuckoo land to think that. I really don't think it'll happen. Because of the traditional nature of the family, I can't see them coming to terms with Syed and Christian as a couple. And actually, I don't even think Syed can come to terms with them as a couple. Time will tell, though. It's such a hard thing to reconcile faith with sexuality and make it work.
Do you think Syed and Christian could ever be together?
"Syed and Christian are very different people. Christian's very out and proud whereas Syed isn't that kind of gay man - he's very insecure and doesn't like shouting it from the rooftops. As a couple, if they did get together, that would come between them. Christian would want to be holding hands on the street but Syed wouldn't be comfortable with that. It's not just a religion thing for Syed, it's more about the kind of man he is.
"As for whether they could ever be together... I hope they can be. But if they did, it'd be a rocky road. It won't be all happiness. And if there is happiness, it'll definitely be temporary."
What did you think of the twist which saw Masood turn his back on Christian after the attack?
"It's quite shocking not to help someone in need, especially as the Masoods and Beales have such close ties. It's certainly unforgivable that Masood walked past and there was an element of Masood wanting to wash his hands of everything. It was a great twist, though. I don't think Syed finds out, either. Certainly not in the near future, anyway. Nitin's been excellent through this entire storyline."
What was your reaction when you discovered that Amira left with Syed's baby?
"It was such a shocker! They way they executed it with the whole Amira and Chelsea pregnancy confusion was excellent. And of course, it leaves the door wide open for Preeya if she were to return…"
Do you think Syed will find out that she's pregnant?
"I'd love Qadim to come back. At some point, Qadim will find out that Amira's having Syed's baby because she isn't going to be able to hide it for very long. I'm not sure how Qadim could come back, but it'd be a really interesting dynamic. Ramon [Tikaram] is so commanding in that role. Qadim didn't get Syed the first time, so maybe when he finds out, he could maybe kidnap Syed!"
Is there going to be any happiness for Syed?
"Fingers crossed. Once he's got through the suicide bid and the bit of turmoil in the aftermath, he picks himself back up again. He actually tries to seek help from an unlikely source... I do hope there's more happiness to come, though. Regardless of whether he ends up with Christian, he'll lose his family as the Masoods aren't going to stand by his sexuality."
Do you have the same obsession with checked shirts as Syed?
"Oh my God, I'm wearing one right now! But it's mine. The wardrobes are blurring, though. I'm not really into the wide assortment of coloured t-shirts that I get to wear. There's one that I always dread wearing when I see it on the rail in my dressing room - it's the salmon-pink one. We've have argued, though, over whether it's coral. Maybe we could have a viewer vote on it..."
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/interviews/a217924/marc-elliott-syed-masood-eastenders.html
Syed's Hits Low Point 04/05/10
Syed Masood downs a bottle of vodka and some pills this week in EastEnders, doesn’t he?
Yes it’s a real ‘will he, won’t he?’ pull through. He’s had a lot of alcohol and pills so he has to have his stomach pumped.
The Masoods can’t cope at all with the news that Syed is gay, can they?
Masood is finding it incredibly hard to come to terms with, and with Zainab I think it’s more of a maternal protection thing, which Nina Wadia has managed to get across brilliantly. I don’t think Zainab’s a homophobe, she’s OK with Christian being who he wants to be but it’s her son she has the issue with. Her terrible downfall is her pride — she can’t bear to lose face.
At least Tamwar is sticking up for his brother.
Poor little Tamwar’s stuck in the middle because he doesn’t really understand what Syed’s done wrong. He feels allegiance to his parents but he can’t help the fact that he still loves his brother. Tamwar’s response is great, he’s very much a modern man, so he sticks by Syed and they have covert meetings. They’ve had a bit of rivalry in the past so it’s nice seeing the two of them coming together.
Zainab loses it this week and says she wishes Syed was dead.
I think it just comes out because there’s a text message from Christian on Syed’s phone when he’s in the hospital. She sees it and thinks if he’s going to continue his affair then he’d be better off dead.
Do you think this storyline will have helped people in a similar situation?
I think it can be quite hard to accept something like this, particularly if you’re from a religious family, so I think to watch Syed’s struggle and realise how difficult it’s been for him may have helped. I’ve had letters to that effect from parents who have said it’s made it easier to accept because they’ve had a better understanding of their son or daughter’s point of view. So that’s a nice compliment.
You have a great screen relationship with John Partridge, who plays Christian.
We do have a laugh, a real hoot, and Johnny’s been great. As soon as I arrived and we found out we were going to be working so much with each other he took me under his wing, as did all of my screen family. The majority of my big scenes have been with the family since I joined and they really helped me.
Do you watch yourself on TV?
I watched some of the New Year's wedding episodes with my mum and twin sister and I was absolutely dreading it because we don’t get to see them beforehand. I’ve done emotional stuff before but nothing that massive so I was petrified. I was also very nervous watching it with my family but they were in floods of tears half way through.
Are you missing Preeya Kalidas, who plays Amira?
I miss her on set but I’m still seeing her, so I’ve not seen the back of her by any means.
It looks as if Amira may be pregnant after all, could she return with a baby?
The door could be well and truly left open for a return.
http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/marc-elliott-eastenders
Yes it’s a real ‘will he, won’t he?’ pull through. He’s had a lot of alcohol and pills so he has to have his stomach pumped.
The Masoods can’t cope at all with the news that Syed is gay, can they?
Masood is finding it incredibly hard to come to terms with, and with Zainab I think it’s more of a maternal protection thing, which Nina Wadia has managed to get across brilliantly. I don’t think Zainab’s a homophobe, she’s OK with Christian being who he wants to be but it’s her son she has the issue with. Her terrible downfall is her pride — she can’t bear to lose face.
At least Tamwar is sticking up for his brother.
Poor little Tamwar’s stuck in the middle because he doesn’t really understand what Syed’s done wrong. He feels allegiance to his parents but he can’t help the fact that he still loves his brother. Tamwar’s response is great, he’s very much a modern man, so he sticks by Syed and they have covert meetings. They’ve had a bit of rivalry in the past so it’s nice seeing the two of them coming together.
Zainab loses it this week and says she wishes Syed was dead.
I think it just comes out because there’s a text message from Christian on Syed’s phone when he’s in the hospital. She sees it and thinks if he’s going to continue his affair then he’d be better off dead.
Do you think this storyline will have helped people in a similar situation?
I think it can be quite hard to accept something like this, particularly if you’re from a religious family, so I think to watch Syed’s struggle and realise how difficult it’s been for him may have helped. I’ve had letters to that effect from parents who have said it’s made it easier to accept because they’ve had a better understanding of their son or daughter’s point of view. So that’s a nice compliment.
You have a great screen relationship with John Partridge, who plays Christian.
We do have a laugh, a real hoot, and Johnny’s been great. As soon as I arrived and we found out we were going to be working so much with each other he took me under his wing, as did all of my screen family. The majority of my big scenes have been with the family since I joined and they really helped me.
Do you watch yourself on TV?
I watched some of the New Year's wedding episodes with my mum and twin sister and I was absolutely dreading it because we don’t get to see them beforehand. I’ve done emotional stuff before but nothing that massive so I was petrified. I was also very nervous watching it with my family but they were in floods of tears half way through.
Are you missing Preeya Kalidas, who plays Amira?
I miss her on set but I’m still seeing her, so I’ve not seen the back of her by any means.
It looks as if Amira may be pregnant after all, could she return with a baby?
The door could be well and truly left open for a return.
http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/marc-elliott-eastenders
Marc on the wedding and Syed's future 01/01/10
Do you think Syed wanted Christian to stop the wedding?
"You know that scene in Four Weddings and a Funeral where the deaf brother breaks it all up? It's a bit like that! Although Syed's a bit of a coward with his current situation, part of him did want Christian to stop the wedding in its tracks and for the truth to spill out. But that'd have meant poor Zainab being distraught. Zainab gave him the ultimatum that if he didn't go through with the wedding, he wouldn't be her son any longer. He's only just got his family back, so he doesn't want to risk that."
Are you pleased that the story team didn't write it so everyone found out?
"Yeah, it's brilliant. And it's far more realistic this way, too. If the wedding hadn't gone ahead and they'd have gone with a 'happily ever after' with these two gay guys who are destined to be together, they'd have done the story a disservice - they need to show the life after the wedding and show how Syed will cope living with a wife who he loves, but not in the way he loves Christian. He has to live with the fact that he's not being true to himself over his sexuality."
How do you think he'll cope?
"It's a very rocky road. From what I've already filmed, there are quite a few rough patches for them. It'll be interesting to see how it develops psychologically between Syed and Amira. Syed's starting to show signs of being quite a cruel character but it's only through his own bitterness and resentment that he starts acting the way he does - it's the way he deals with it. Poor Amira's none the wiser, so Syed's not acting right and she has no idea why. It's a really important story for the bride this one, too, because there are a lot of women - Muslim or otherwise - that are married to gay men and don't know about it."
When they return from their honeymoon, have Syed and Amira consummated their marriage?
"You're uncertain whether they have had sex when they come back from their honeymoon and I didn't know at the point I filmed it whether they had or not. From what I'm filming, though, they have consummated the marriage. Having ticked one box and gone through with the marriage, it's all about having a baby for Syed now. He needs to have the wife, the house, the kids and visit the mosque to prove his masculinity - and reinforce his denial."
It's inevitable that his secret will come out - how do you think it'll be exposed?
"I've no idea! Amira has to find out at some stage, though, doesn't she?"
How would you like to see it happen?
"It'd be quite nice as a confessional as opposed to an all-singing, all-dancing dramatic reveal. I'd like to see Syed come to a point where he's torn between his heart and his head and for him to realise that he has to do what makes him happy, not what makes everyone else happy. Syed needs to come to that point of realisation to prompt him to confess, though. There'll certainly be tears before bedtime. But then there's the other angle - with someone like Lucy Beale, Syed's wondering, 'How long's that little bitch going to keep it quiet?' Jane can be bolchy, too."
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/scoop/a192626/reaction-marc-elliott-on-the-wedding-and-syeds-future.html
"You know that scene in Four Weddings and a Funeral where the deaf brother breaks it all up? It's a bit like that! Although Syed's a bit of a coward with his current situation, part of him did want Christian to stop the wedding in its tracks and for the truth to spill out. But that'd have meant poor Zainab being distraught. Zainab gave him the ultimatum that if he didn't go through with the wedding, he wouldn't be her son any longer. He's only just got his family back, so he doesn't want to risk that."
Are you pleased that the story team didn't write it so everyone found out?
"Yeah, it's brilliant. And it's far more realistic this way, too. If the wedding hadn't gone ahead and they'd have gone with a 'happily ever after' with these two gay guys who are destined to be together, they'd have done the story a disservice - they need to show the life after the wedding and show how Syed will cope living with a wife who he loves, but not in the way he loves Christian. He has to live with the fact that he's not being true to himself over his sexuality."
How do you think he'll cope?
"It's a very rocky road. From what I've already filmed, there are quite a few rough patches for them. It'll be interesting to see how it develops psychologically between Syed and Amira. Syed's starting to show signs of being quite a cruel character but it's only through his own bitterness and resentment that he starts acting the way he does - it's the way he deals with it. Poor Amira's none the wiser, so Syed's not acting right and she has no idea why. It's a really important story for the bride this one, too, because there are a lot of women - Muslim or otherwise - that are married to gay men and don't know about it."
When they return from their honeymoon, have Syed and Amira consummated their marriage?
"You're uncertain whether they have had sex when they come back from their honeymoon and I didn't know at the point I filmed it whether they had or not. From what I'm filming, though, they have consummated the marriage. Having ticked one box and gone through with the marriage, it's all about having a baby for Syed now. He needs to have the wife, the house, the kids and visit the mosque to prove his masculinity - and reinforce his denial."
It's inevitable that his secret will come out - how do you think it'll be exposed?
"I've no idea! Amira has to find out at some stage, though, doesn't she?"
How would you like to see it happen?
"It'd be quite nice as a confessional as opposed to an all-singing, all-dancing dramatic reveal. I'd like to see Syed come to a point where he's torn between his heart and his head and for him to realise that he has to do what makes him happy, not what makes everyone else happy. Syed needs to come to that point of realisation to prompt him to confess, though. There'll certainly be tears before bedtime. But then there's the other angle - with someone like Lucy Beale, Syed's wondering, 'How long's that little bitch going to keep it quiet?' Jane can be bolchy, too."
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/scoop/a192626/reaction-marc-elliott-on-the-wedding-and-syeds-future.html
The wedding 26/09/10
What happens between Syed and Christian on New Year's Eve?
"There's a big old knees up at the Jacksons for New Year and Ricky and Bianca's engagement. Syed's in the kitchen getting himself a drink and he's disturbed just at the stroke of midnight by a retuning Christian. Obviously Amira's desperately dashing across the Square to see in the New Year with Syed, too. Christian and Syed have a bit of a clinch and Amira walks in just afterwards."
Is Syed pleased that Christian's back?
"No, not really - he doesn't want him there. Syed's now got to this stage in his head where he's saying to himself 'right, Christian's out of the picture in Barcelona and although I'm upset, I need to concentrate on doing the 'right thing', getting married, settling down, making mum and dad proud and being a good Muslim'."
When he said to Christian 'I love you' a few weeks ago, did he mean it?
"Absolutely. He said it quietly and seemingly forced because he was under duress but it was more the fact that he didn't want to admit it to himself. Saying it out loud is admitting it to himself, not only to Christian, so it's a big step for him. The vocalisation for Syed has been the hardest thing so far because he's felt it for some time. Saying it makes him vulnerable and gives Christian a lot of power over him."
What happens on the wedding day?
"There's all sorts of dramas and complications. Amira's stolen money from her father Qadim who's turned up having been released from prison, Qadim refuses to give the wedding his blessing, then there's also more confusion over Masood's brother Inzamam. While all this is going on, though, Christian tries once again to meet Syed. Out of curiosity, Syed meets him at the cafe because he knows he wants to be with Christian - and because of that, there'll always be this 'what if...' hanging over him. At the cafe, things don't go according to plan because Christian reminds Syed that he's making a big mistake but Syed's firm - he's made his decision and he's getting married to Amira."
What do they do next?
"As Christian and Syed leave upset, who should clock them? Zainab... She sees the pair together and there's been a couple of occasions over the past few weeks where Zainab's noticed looks between the pair of them, so she's already piecing the puzzle together. This is all partly Amira's fault, though, because she winds up Zainab suggesting that Christian has a thing for Syed - completely unaware that he actually does and it's reciprocated! It's like waving a rag to a bull with Zainab, so she goes to confront Christian about his fascination with Syed and he explodes and reveals that her 'perfect' son have been carrying on for some time and insists that it's not a one-way street..."
Where's Syed at this point?
"Syed, meanwhile, has just arrived at the wedding venue on his white stallion and as he's dismounting from the horse, he gets a phone call from Christian who reveals that he's told Zainab everything. It's utter blind panic for Syed and he doesn't know what to do at all. Zainab then turns up and when she gets out of the car, she shares a look with Syed. It's that look that makes her realise that Christian's telling the truth. Muslim wedding are very traditional, so they have to go through with all the ritualistic parades and afterwards, Zainab collars Syed and asks to speak with him."
Does Syed come clean with his mother?
"At first Syed denies what Christian's told her and claims that it's all rubbish, but Zainab takes it to a whole new level when she starts attacking Christian's name and persona. At that point, Syed flips and orders her not to speak of Christian like she is doing. That then validates what Christian's said."
Does Zainab call the wedding off?
"No, she pushes for it to go ahead! It's not all plain sailing, though. Zainab's a proud woman, so it'd be too much if she lost face during the wedding ceremony of her eldest son, so she pushes him into going ahead with the ceremony. At a traditional Muslim wedding, you say 'qabool hai' - which means 'I accept' - three times to the bride. It's awful for Syed because he's just surrounded by so many different thoughts: Amira's blissfully ignorant of everything, Qadim's not his biggest fan, the imam knows about Syed being gay because he confessed, Zainab's on the front row giving him daggers, Jane and Lucy also know. Of course, the door opens on the third 'qabool hai' and in strolls Christian. Will Syed say the last 'qabool hai' or not?"
How long did it take you to learn to ride a horse?
"I only had three lessons! The director will have done an amazing job making it look like I'm proficient! The horse did get a little spooked by banners and confetti, so I was going sideways for a large portion of the procession! I haven't ridden a horse since. It's a good skill to put on my CV, though."
What was it like working with Ramon Tikaram?
"He's brilliant! I watched the whole of This Life and absolutely loved it. It was quite a seminal programme during my teen years. Preeya [Kalidas] knows him from working on other projects before, so they were already comfortable working with each other. He slotted in perfectly, though. It's been great fun."
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/interviews/a192615/marc-elliott-syed-masood-eastenders.html
"There's a big old knees up at the Jacksons for New Year and Ricky and Bianca's engagement. Syed's in the kitchen getting himself a drink and he's disturbed just at the stroke of midnight by a retuning Christian. Obviously Amira's desperately dashing across the Square to see in the New Year with Syed, too. Christian and Syed have a bit of a clinch and Amira walks in just afterwards."
Is Syed pleased that Christian's back?
"No, not really - he doesn't want him there. Syed's now got to this stage in his head where he's saying to himself 'right, Christian's out of the picture in Barcelona and although I'm upset, I need to concentrate on doing the 'right thing', getting married, settling down, making mum and dad proud and being a good Muslim'."
When he said to Christian 'I love you' a few weeks ago, did he mean it?
"Absolutely. He said it quietly and seemingly forced because he was under duress but it was more the fact that he didn't want to admit it to himself. Saying it out loud is admitting it to himself, not only to Christian, so it's a big step for him. The vocalisation for Syed has been the hardest thing so far because he's felt it for some time. Saying it makes him vulnerable and gives Christian a lot of power over him."
What happens on the wedding day?
"There's all sorts of dramas and complications. Amira's stolen money from her father Qadim who's turned up having been released from prison, Qadim refuses to give the wedding his blessing, then there's also more confusion over Masood's brother Inzamam. While all this is going on, though, Christian tries once again to meet Syed. Out of curiosity, Syed meets him at the cafe because he knows he wants to be with Christian - and because of that, there'll always be this 'what if...' hanging over him. At the cafe, things don't go according to plan because Christian reminds Syed that he's making a big mistake but Syed's firm - he's made his decision and he's getting married to Amira."
What do they do next?
"As Christian and Syed leave upset, who should clock them? Zainab... She sees the pair together and there's been a couple of occasions over the past few weeks where Zainab's noticed looks between the pair of them, so she's already piecing the puzzle together. This is all partly Amira's fault, though, because she winds up Zainab suggesting that Christian has a thing for Syed - completely unaware that he actually does and it's reciprocated! It's like waving a rag to a bull with Zainab, so she goes to confront Christian about his fascination with Syed and he explodes and reveals that her 'perfect' son have been carrying on for some time and insists that it's not a one-way street..."
Where's Syed at this point?
"Syed, meanwhile, has just arrived at the wedding venue on his white stallion and as he's dismounting from the horse, he gets a phone call from Christian who reveals that he's told Zainab everything. It's utter blind panic for Syed and he doesn't know what to do at all. Zainab then turns up and when she gets out of the car, she shares a look with Syed. It's that look that makes her realise that Christian's telling the truth. Muslim wedding are very traditional, so they have to go through with all the ritualistic parades and afterwards, Zainab collars Syed and asks to speak with him."
Does Syed come clean with his mother?
"At first Syed denies what Christian's told her and claims that it's all rubbish, but Zainab takes it to a whole new level when she starts attacking Christian's name and persona. At that point, Syed flips and orders her not to speak of Christian like she is doing. That then validates what Christian's said."
Does Zainab call the wedding off?
"No, she pushes for it to go ahead! It's not all plain sailing, though. Zainab's a proud woman, so it'd be too much if she lost face during the wedding ceremony of her eldest son, so she pushes him into going ahead with the ceremony. At a traditional Muslim wedding, you say 'qabool hai' - which means 'I accept' - three times to the bride. It's awful for Syed because he's just surrounded by so many different thoughts: Amira's blissfully ignorant of everything, Qadim's not his biggest fan, the imam knows about Syed being gay because he confessed, Zainab's on the front row giving him daggers, Jane and Lucy also know. Of course, the door opens on the third 'qabool hai' and in strolls Christian. Will Syed say the last 'qabool hai' or not?"
How long did it take you to learn to ride a horse?
"I only had three lessons! The director will have done an amazing job making it look like I'm proficient! The horse did get a little spooked by banners and confetti, so I was going sideways for a large portion of the procession! I haven't ridden a horse since. It's a good skill to put on my CV, though."
What was it like working with Ramon Tikaram?
"He's brilliant! I watched the whole of This Life and absolutely loved it. It was quite a seminal programme during my teen years. Preeya [Kalidas] knows him from working on other projects before, so they were already comfortable working with each other. He slotted in perfectly, though. It's been great fun."
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/interviews/a192615/marc-elliott-syed-masood-eastenders.html
Marc Unfit Like Syed 09/09/10
EastEnders' actor Marc Elliott admits he doesn't work out because he ''doesn't give a s**t'' - just like his character Syed Masood. Marc Elliott doesn't exercise because he is convinced his 'EastEnders' alter-ego wouldn't want to keep fit.
The 30 -year-old actor - who portrays hunky Syed Masood in the BBC One soap - admits he doesn't "give a s**t" about working out because his character doesn't show interest in looking after his body.
Discussing whether he watches his weight, he told BANG Showbiz: "Nah, I don't give a s**t. I don't think Syed goes to the gym."
Syed has been appearing semi-naked in a large number of scenes lately, since his relationship with Christian Clark (John Partridge) finally came out in the open.
However, Marc doesn't understand why writers of the show keep making him shed his clothes.
He said: "Why not utilise John Partidge a bit more, because he's got the body to flash and show off.
"They're sort of together now and have become boring. I think there's big stuff coming up, but you know how it is. Everyone needs to have their little bit of time off, so it's been very nice having my time off."
Marc is currently preparing to have a break from filming as he travels around the US with pals.
He said: "I'm on holiday from Wednesday next week, to the US. Just doing a massive driving trip around the south of North America with two university friends. Two boys and a girl."
However, Marc is keen to head back to the soap to catch up with new castmates and upcoming storylines.
He added: "It has been scary but I sort of knew my contract wasn't up, so I was alright. I'm a bit out of the loop at the moment. When I get back I'll be able to meet Jesse Wallace and Shane Richie properly. I love Kat and Alfie, I think they're great characters."
http://www.list.co.uk/article/29267-marc-elliott-unfit-like-syed/
Marc Has Baby Fired From Eastenders (or how the press missed a joke) 29/09/11
Marc Elliott had a crying baby fired from the set of 'EastEnders', as he was ''annoyed'' the tot kept stealing his thunder.
Marc Elliott had a crying baby fired from the set of 'EastEnders'.
The 31-year-old actor - who portrays new dad Syed Masood in the BBC One soap - has become the "Alan Sugar of Albert Square" by having certain tots sacked from the show for stealing his thunder.
Marc's on-screen mum Nina Wadia - who plays Zainab Masood in 'EastEnders' - told BANG Showbiz: "We always have one baby actor and one back-up baby, but sometimes the back-up baby is a bit rubbish.
"Marc has turned into the Alan Sugar of Albert Square and gets them fired even for crying a little bit!"
The hunky star - whose gay alter-ego recently revealed a shock when his estranged wife Amira Shah (Preeya Kalidas) returned to the Square with a baby in tow, despite him not knowing she was even pregnant - admitted he gets "annoyed" with the soap's young actors stealing his limelight.
Speaking at Monday night's (26.09.11) Inside Soap Awards - which saw 'EastEnders' bag the Best Soap gong - Marc joked: "Syed is coming to terms with becoming a dad for the first time. I do love having the babies around and they're amazing. But I get annoyed because they're always stealing my limelight.
"One literally wouldn't stop crying."
http://www.list.co.uk/article/37803-marc-elliott-had-baby-fired-from-eastenders/