| Keanu Taylor | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EastEnders character | |||||||||||||
| Portrayed by | Danny Walters | ||||||||||||
| Duration | 2017– | ||||||||||||
| First appearance | Episode 5511 15 June 2017 | ||||||||||||
| Classification | Future; regular | ||||||||||||
| Introduced by | Sean O'Connor | ||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
Keanu Taylor is a character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Danny Walters. He is part of the Taylor family, introduced to the series on 15 June 2017, along with his mother Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and siblings Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs).
Storylines
editKeanu and his family move into Albert Square, having moved from Walford Towers. The residents are horrified by their rowdy behaviour.[1] Soon, Keanu's 15-year-old half-sister, Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris) is revealed to be pregnant, and Keanu is supportive.[2] Keanu's mother, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), later overhears Keanu telling Bernadette that he will support her financially and keep their secret.[3] This leads to Karen asking Keanu if he is the father, but Keanu is shocked that she would think that he would do that to his sister, and tells her that the father is a boy in Bernadette's year at school.[4]
Development
editCasting and introduction
editWalters was cast in the role of Keanu six months after he left his role of Tiger Dyke in Benidorm.[5] Subsequently, the character of Keanu and casting of Walters in the role were announced on 10 May 2017 after Walters had already been filming for a few weeks, along with other members of the Taylor family, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs). Of his casting, Walters said, "I feel so privileged to already feel a part of the team. Everyone has been so friendly and kind and gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome and supported. There has been a huge buzz surrounding the new family and I am so excited to see what the future holds for the Taylors. Keanu is very grateful to live at no. 23 Albert Square and will try his very best not to disturb the peace in the Square."[6] Sean O'Connor, the executive producer of EastEnders who introduced the family, stated that he was "hugely excited" at the arrival of the Taylors, calling them "noisy, brash and not-to-be-messed-with", and revealing that Karen has brought up her children, including Keanu, with no support or money, but said that they "have love and warmth in spades".[6]
O'Connor later said that the Taylors "feel very different to the other characters" and "they bring the breath of fresh air that the Jacksons did". He added, "The writers are loving writing for them as they're such great characters and they're all played by amazing actors."[7]
Characterisation and appearance
editKeanu works as an apprentice car mechanic.[5] He is described as a "charming and happy-go-lucky lad" who is protective of his siblings and sees himself as the man of the house.[8] Walters revealed he is the only member of the family who brings in any money, and is mature for his age because he had to "grow up quickly" without a father figure. Walters also said that Keanu works hard and has morals. Stanley opined that Karen had "raised a good son" in Keanu.[5]
Walters had a ponytail before he started filming, but O'Connor wanted his head shaved, so it was cropped during Walters' first time in costume and make-up.[5]
Reception
edit- 2017 Inside Soap Awards
References
edit- ^ Executive Producer: Sean O'Connor; Director: Richard Lynn; Writer: Daran Little (15 June 2017). "Episode dated 15/06/2017". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
{{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter|serieslink=ignored (|series-link=suggested) (help) - ^ Executive Producer: Sean O'Connor; Director: Waris Islam; Writer: Colin Wyatt (6 July 2017). "Episode dated 06/07/2017". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
{{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter|serieslink=ignored (|series-link=suggested) (help) - ^ Executive Producer: Sean O'Connor; Director: Waris Islam; Writer: Daran Little (7 July 2017). "Episode dated 07/07/2017". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
{{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter|serieslink=ignored (|series-link=suggested) (help) - ^ Executive Producer: Sean O'Connor; Director: David Moor; Writer: Daran Little (10 July 2017). "Episode dated 10/07/2017". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One.
{{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter|serieslink=ignored (|series-link=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d Jones, Allison (10–16 June 2017). "It's all about family!". Inside Soap. 2017 (23): 42–44.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ a b Lindsay, Duncan (10 May 2017). "EastEnders spoilers Soap casts a new family that will change Walford forever". Metro. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
- ^ Lindsay, Duncan (16 May 2017). "Spoilers EastEnders boss first interview on show changes and future". Metro. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (10 May 2017). "EastEnders spoilers: All-new family revealed as the Taylors arrive with "explosive" storylines". Digital Spy. Retrieved 13 June 2017.
Category:EastEnders characters
Category:Fictional characters introduced in 2017