Joyner, Jo. who reprises her quirky role in Shakespeare and Hathaway, discusses her teenage twins, married life, and whether she’d ever go back to Walford…
If there’s one thing we love on TV, it’s a cosy crime drama — and Jo Joyner promises us that the new run of Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators won’t disappoint. In an exclusive catch-up with OK!, the actress, who played Tanya Branning on EastEnders on and off for over a decade, says the show is about to deliver its “biggest and best” series yet.
“Oh, we’ve got a Cluedo episode, with everyone contained in one house and we’re trying to discover who the murderer is, a live shopping channel episode which is hilarious, a horror convention…,” she laughs. “We went away for a couple of years and now can’t wait to be back.” Here, Jo, 48, also opens up about being a busy mum to teenage twins — and reveals the secret to keeping romance alive with her actor husband Neil Madden.
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Hi, Jo! What’s up with you? Are you ready to embrace autumn completely?
Funnily enough, my daughter managed to burn the pumpkin candle the other day. So, yes, I think I’m ready to embrace the cozy season.
Are it difficult for you to leave your husband Neil and your twins Edie and Freddie because you’ve recently been filming abroad?
Now that the kids are older, the job is a feast or famine. They are amazing, and I spent a year and a half away from home. When I can, I return home when they stop by. I am aware of the fact that my kids are very good at putting up with a lot. Not a typical way of living. The mothers of the majority of their friends are present. But they’ve grown up with it, and they appear to be extremely well-travelled and accustomed to bringing their belongings in a bag before embarking on an adventure.
We were in Australia for the summer a few years ago. And FaceTime makes it all easier. They’re 15 now, they have a busier social life than me! I’ve been at home a lot since February, so we’re all good — I made up for it and we all had a great summer together.
What’s it like to live with two 15-year-olds?
I adore it. My kids have always been so approachable. They actually don’t row with one another. We have a sibling tradition of ours, and my husband and I used to be like that. They are very similar and not currently moody. Nothing I say is cool, of course, but they’re never rude or moody. That will probably hit as I wait.
Do you believe either of them will elude your advice?
They aren’t doing drama, neither are they currently taking GCSEs this year. I’m aware of this, but I find it hard to believe. Imagine that they might end up working as mature adults!
Is it a blessing or a curse that you and Neil work in the same field?
A true blessing, I say. It’s great to have someone who appreciates the industry you work in, celebrates it, and is as excited about seeing you at the theater. My closest friend is him. He loves his own company, so I think it works because I’m the one who has worked a lot over the years because I enjoy being around lots of people constantly. He enjoys some home tranquility.
Is marriage a key to your success, then, if you can spend time apart?
I think so, yes. Then we love coming back to each other. And talking, communication is key. Luckily we were really good friends for years, before we became a couple. We’ve always been able to talk about anything. And we obviously still fancy each other — that helps. It’s always good to fancy your own husband!
The big 5 is only a few years away, folks. Ever consider it?
Really, I don’t. Because I still have about 28 in my head, it seems absurd. Thankfully, we now know more about nutrition, fitness, and mental health than we did when I was younger. I exercise a lot and have this amazing infrared sauna, which is my new best friend, at home, which makes me feel more fit and better than ever. I would be very happy if you had shown me a photo of me in my 20s and said, “This is what you’re going to look like at 50,” and that this is what your life would be like.
Do you believe that women are still subject to a lot of pressure to look or age differently?
You, in my opinion, feel the pressure you put on yourself. I’m not concerned about it. Why would someone pretend to be 25 when they are not? In this manner, misery is concealed. I adore that my daughter is a strong, healthy, and fit person growing up in a society where being strong, healthy, and fit is valued rather than the terrible “heroin chic” I witnessed growing up.
Are you anticipating Shakespeare and Hathaway’s return?
We genuinely had the best time filming this show, and I’m so happy to be back. You can slip back into the comfortable shoes that the characters have on them so easily. Luella, the main character in my life, is such a happy and optimistic dog. And it’s even funnier than ever this season.
Do you really see yourself in Luella?
I’m very positive like her, the glass is always half-full – but I’m not as high maintenance. I love my gardening too much to get my nails done.
Do you enjoy comedy? Shakespeare & Hathaway is very funny.
I agree. It stands out from other cozy crime shows by doing that. I won a Rose d’Or award for comedy while running a sketch show just before I entered EastEnders, so I sort of jumped right in the comedy before drama category.
Speaking of EastEnders , with Jake Woods returning to the Square and everyone calling for you to return – would you consider it?
I’ve always said never say never, you know? I am definitely way too busy in the next year to be coming back, so I won’t be returning with Jake. But yeah, I see my EastEnders family and it’s always so lovely to catch up. But a return to Walford? Not at the moment, let’s say that.
Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators premieres on U& Alibi on Wednesday, September 24th, at 8 p.m.
Source: Mirror
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