Were you already going to a drama school like Anna Scher, which trained many EastEnders alumni?
JA: Yeah, I went to Anna Scher. It’s basically a youth theatre group after school and an acting agency for young actors. It’s for kids off the street, as compared to kids whose parents have loads of money and can send them to fancy drama schools. WG: How old were you when you started at Anna Scher? JA: Eight. WG: Back then, did you realise you were going to be an actor? JA: I just enjoyed it really. I remember being in the Nativity play. I didn’t think too much about it [that he was going to eventually make his living as an actor]. WG: Were you surprised when you got the job? JA: Yeah. I was still in what you called “elementary” school. I got called to the headmaster’s office, and I thought I was in trouble. My mum cried she was so happy. WG: Was watching EastEnders a ritual in your household? JA: Sure. I sort of have memories of dancing to the theme song while I was still in diapers. WG: Did you have favourite characters? JA: I vaguely remember Grant, Phil and Sharon, and also Arthur
