EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders' George Russo has teased his "menacing" role as Eric Mitchell in the BBC One soap's upcoming flashback episode.
The one-off episode will be set in the winter of 1979 and follow the Mitchell clan as they're hit hard by a Britain in economic turmoil. While Peggy struggles to take care of Phil, Grant and Sam, her marriage to Eric hits the rocks.
Speaking about the character, who has always been mentioned but never been seen on-screen before, Russo said that Eric had "some issues" and described him as "menacing".
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"When you play a part like that you sort of have to find some sort of sympathy for the character you’re playing otherwise you play it at all one level, and one tone, with no layers," he said.
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"Not to make excuses for him, I think he’s come up hard and made bad decisions and he takes that out on his family. He’s in this sort of emotional pain and it comes out sideways and his family suffer because of his bad decisions.
"He is resentful as well. For me it was exciting because I had a lot of scope and room to play and develop the character."
As for how he prepared for the role, Russo explained that while "every role has its own unique preparation", there are some things that he does "consistently" for them all.
He shared: "It’s such a great job I’ve got because it’s an excuse to watch great films and study great performances. I have a graphic design, illustration background so I use images, watch lots of films and print lots of images and use music as well."
The "main" song that Russo said he would listen to is 'Folsom Prison Blues' by Johnny Cash, as it "sort of encapsulates the character".
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The actor continued that finding "the right piece of music" can "get you in the zone", and then "over time" you begin to "to collate imagery and clothing that may be right for the character, and little pieces of jewellery, anything that may bring the character to life".
"It’s an interesting time, I’m kind of familiar with the era, the winter of discontent, the 70s. My dad is of that era, I’ve got family members of that time, I’m from the East End," he added. "I grew up in that environment so I sort of drew upon that as well."
These scenes air next Monday, September 5 on BBC One.
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
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