Jump to content

Anthony Moon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 82.43.77.59 (talk) at 09:20, 24 October 2011. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Anthony Moon
EastEnders character
Portrayed byMatt Lapinskas
Duration2011—
First appearance25 July 2011
ClassificationPresent; regular
Introduced byBryan Kirkwood
Spin-off
appearances		EastEnders: E20 (2011)
In-universe information
OccupationAntiques shop manager
FatherEddie Moon
MotherColeen Moon
BrothersTyler Moon
SistersFrancesca Moon
Half-brothersCraig Moon
Michael Moon
NephewsTommy Moon
Other relativesAlfie Moon

Anthony Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Matt Lapinskas. Anthony is the son of Eddie Moon (David Essex), half brother of Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd) and Craig Moon (Elliot Rosen), brother of Tyler Moon (Tony Discipline), and cousin of Alfie Moon (Shane Richie). The character made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 25 July 2011. As well as appearing in EastEnders, Anthony appears in its spin off show, EastEnders E20, in which Lapinskas said 'broke him in'. When cast, in the role, Lapinskas said 'he was over the moon' and that this 'was his dream role'. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said, "Both Tony and Matt are fabulous additions to the show. Headed up by David Essex, the Moon clan are on their way to becoming an established family in the Square."

Anthony, along with brother Tyler, were both announced as new characters in May 2011, being played by Lapinskas and Discipline respectively, though Tyler made his debut at an earlier date. Described as someone who "will rely on his brains and natural wit to find a more sensitive solution to any conflict", it is found out that Anthony has a betting problem before his character arrived in Walford, which is later a focus to one of the storylines. Lapinskas said of his relationship with half brother Michael, saying that Anthony 'idolises' him and that Michael 'corrupted' Anthony. When Eddie leaves, Anthony takes charge of his antiques business.

Storylines

EastEnders

Anthony poses as a member of the local council in order to help Eddie eject a squatter from some premises they want to move their antiques business into. He then decides to remain in Walford and helps his father set up the business. Anthony buys some candlesticks from Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell), though she does not know their true value and accuses him of scamming her when she finds out how much they are really worth. Eddie sells them on for £8000, and when Tyler decides to take part in an unlicensed boxing match, Michael convinces Anthony that Tyler can win and it would be a good idea to place a bet on him, knowing that Anthony suffers with a gambling problem. Anthony steals the £8000 from Eddie's safe. Michael is not impressed, however, when he smugly reveals he bet on Tyler's opponent to win,[2] as he has researched him and found out he is tough. During the fight, however, Tyler narrowly wins so Anthony has to confess to Eddie that he has lost the money. Shortly after he does, Tyler collapses and has a seizure, so is rushed to hospital. Eddie is sickened by Anthony's actions and tells him he wishes he was dying in a hospital bed, rather than Tyler. Distraught, Anthony storms out and attends a party run by Mandy Salter (Nicola Stapleton), culminating in him kissing her. Afterwards, Anthony returns to the hospital to learn that Tyler has been taken for a life-saving operation and is furious that Eddie was not around. Eddie then admits that his children would be better off without him.

EastEnders: E20

Anthony is first seen in Episode 8 of EastEnders: E20 where he is supervising Faith Olubunmi (Modupe Adeyeye), Ava Bourne (Sophie Colquhoun) and Donnie Lester (Samuell Benta) while they do community service in The Queen Victoria. Anthony says how pretty the pair are and makes a joke of Ava fancying Donnie and he attempts to attack Anthony but he stops him. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) say it makes a change for someone show the ladies some respect. He starts to chat Ava up but Donnie interferes once again and Anthony simply ignores him.[3]

Creation and development

Casting

The character was announced on 10 May 2011, along with Tyler, and will be played by actor Matt Lapinskas.[4] He is the brother of Tyler Moon, half-brother to Michael Moon and son on Eddie Moon.[5] Anthony was described as someone who "will rely on his brains and natural wit to find a more sensitive solution to any conflict"[6] and the two new brothers are said to be "a couple of likely lads who are more than likely to cause a stir in Albert Square."[6]

"What I hope we’ve created in Tyler and Anthony are blokes you might see in the pub on a Friday night with an appetite for life – and for women."

—Kirkwood describing the Moon brothers' personality[7]

Although Anthony shares some personality traits with Tyler, he is more calm.[6] A source told Inside Soap that Anthony is likeable but would cause problems for the Moon family by making enemies,[8] and the two brothers would be "heart-throbs" and "ladykillers".[9] 22-year-old Lapinskas said of his casting: "I'm absolutely over the moon! It's has been my lifetime ambition to be on EastEnders—I have watched it growing up with my nan, who is a big fan. I'm so pleased to get my first TV role, I just didn't believe it would be so big. I've met some of the cast I will be working with who were very friendly and welcoming and I can't wait to start filming."[6] Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said, "Both Tony and Matt are fabulous additions to the show. Headed up by David Essex, the Moon clan are on their way to becoming an established family in the Square."[6] Lapinskas made his first appearance as Anthony on 25 July 2011.[10]

Lapinskas said that he was nervous about his first EastEnders debut. In an interview with Soap Life, Lapinskas confirmed that he is "over the moon" about his new part as joining EastEnders is a "lifelong ambition". He was asked he he was nervous and he replied: "Very! As a young actor coming straight out of drama school, there's a lot of weight on your shoulders. I shot a couple of episodes of E20 before I started EastEnders so that broke me in. I'm lucky because Steve McFadden is my mentor and he's been showing me the ropes. He sat me down and told me all the dos and don'ts. Basically he said you have to behave and keep focused."[11]

Character development

Executive Producer Bryan Kirkwood said that the Moon brothers will bring a new element to the show. Bryan told Inside Soap magazine: "There's been no shortage of brilliant and sexy women in EastEnders over the past few years and it was about time there were some blokes to join them. Tony and Matt are great actors, and the fact that they're easy on the eye is a great advantage". He continued: "What the brothers bring is romance and fun, because that's something we've been a little short-changed on in EastEnders recently. The Moons are a very interesting family to work with - they're all big characters. It's a great new era for that clan". Kirkwood said that "there is more to the pair than meets the eye". He added: "There are a couple of buried secrets between Eddie and his sons, which will give us a big story for the summer. Michael - who has a difficult relationship with his dad - holds a grudge about things in their past, and there'll be consequences for all concerned".[12]

"Anthony Moon’s a good looking, well groomed & reliable young lad. Like many of the Moon clan, he can turn on the charm with the ladies, but deep down, he is a romantic like his father and likes to fall in love."

—The BBC's description of Anthony Moon[13]

Asked whether Lapinskas was prepared for fame, he replied: "It's quite surreal. My mentor is Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) and he's told me what the dos and don'ts are. Basically, behave and keep focused. And he said you can either be a celebrity or an actor, and I want to be an actor. So I'm not going to be seen falling out of clubs late at night". Lapinskas asked whether it was good working with David Essex, he added: "My auntie and mum are massive fans, so when I said he would be playing my dad, they were like, "Oh my God"! He's such a nice guy, really chilled out".[14]

Lapinskas has revealed he and his co-stars Tony Discipline and David Essex have formed their own musical trio. The actor said: "I play guitar and write and sing my own songs - and I'm teaching Tony to play at the moment. On my third or fourth day on set David Essex knocked on my door and came in, and we had a little trio with the guitar and singing - it was really nice". Lapinskas says he admired David Essex who plays his on-screen father. He replied: "He's a gentleman - you'll never find a nicer guy," Matt said. "Right at the start he'd give me a tap on the shoulder like a dad would and say 'Well done, I'm proud of you'".[15]

EastEnders has described Anthony as a "well groomed & reliable young lad"[13] and the "more calm and collected" Moon brother.[16] Anthony and Tyler's different personalities are teased in the promotional video, which sees them recalling a prank Tyler played on his older brother before he mocks Anthony's inability to speak to a "gorgeous" girl. Tyler said in-video: "People look at us, and I know what they are thinking," Anthony says. "How can them two be brothers? How can one be such a doofus and the other so well refined?" Hinting at his relationship with Eddie, Anthony then admits that his father said not to go to university as it was a "mug's game", adding: 'The only thing I've learned is - you shouldn't listen to dad".[16]

Storyline development

Lapinskas revealed the details of his character, Anthony's background. He says that Anthony worships his older brother Michael. In an interview with Inside Soap, Lapinskas teased the "dynamic" that viewers can expect between Anthony and Michael, who has "stirred up Albert Square with his erratic behaviour over the past few months". The actor explained: "Anthony just idolises him. When they were little, Michael corrupted Anthony into really looking up to him. The fact of the matter is that Michael has his own business and has all this money coming in, without having to worry about all the family politics, so Anthony's in awe of that. Also, Michael has this incredible confidence". Lapinskas asked whether if Anthony has a good relation ship with his on-screen father, Eddie. he replied: "Yes, he does - and he wants to show his dad that he's the man to take over the [family] business. For Anthony, his main interest is the antiques emporium - forget the girls! That said, if he does take over from Eddie, then maybe there could be time for a lady in his life for once. There might be somebody new for him".[17]

Inside Soap magazine has said Anthony's brother Michael sees Anthony's arrival in Walford an opportunity to get back at his father, Eddie. An EastEnders source told the magazine, "Anthony is willing to listen to Michael's side of the story. He's going to be shocked when he hears why his sibling loathes their dad."[18] Rachel Tarley from the Metro said "it's nice to have a bit of fresh blood in the soap, especially since the appearance of another one of his siblings always seems to leave Michael a little more demented than he was before.[19]

Reception

Inside Soap held a poll to see which of the new Moon family members, Eddie, Tyler or Anthony, its readers were most looking forward to seeing. Anthony came third with 12% of the vote.[20] During an Inside Soap feature on the Moon brothers vs the Mitchell brothers, Kate Woodward said "Two sexy brothers to shake up Albert Square? That sounds familiar! But are Anthony and Tyler really the new Grant and Phil Mitchell?"[21] Lapinskas commented on this, saying "It's a lot of pressure to put us both under, but what a duo to be compared to! [...] Phil and Grant were in the show together for at least 10 years, and they were fantastic—so to be linked to them is phenomenal. It really is a lot to live up to, but Tony and I are hoping to come in with out own energy and bring something completely new to EastEnders.[21]

References

  1. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel. "Ian finds Mandy Salter at a strip club". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  2. ^ Director: Clive Arnold; Executive Producer: Bryan Kirkwood; Writer: Jeff Povey (15 September 2011). "Episode dated 15/09/2011". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |city= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "EastEnders: E20 - Series 3 - Episode 8". EastEnders. BBC Online. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Former Brooklands student joins Eastenders cast". Elmbridge: Elmbridge Today. 19 May 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
  5. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (31 May 2011). "David Essex (Eddie Moon, 'EastEnders')". Digital Spy. London: Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
  6. ^ a b c d e Kilkelly, Daniel (10 May 2011). "'EastEnders' reveals new Moon arrivals". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 10 May 2011.
  7. ^ "Moon Men will be winners, says Kirkwood". Walford Web. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  8. ^ Kelly, Kirsty (19 May 2011). "Alfie Moon's relatives join 'EastEnders'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
  9. ^ "EastEnders welcomes new Moons in early June". What's on TV. IPC Media. 19 May 2011. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
  10. ^ Director: Michael Owen Morris; Executive Producer: Bryan Kirkwood; Writer: Peter Mattessi (25 July 2011). "Episode dated 25/07/2011". EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. {{cite episode}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |city= (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (20 July 2011). "Matt Lapinskas: 'I was nervous over EastEnders debut'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  12. ^ "Moon men reclaim Albert Square". MSN. 13 June 2011. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
  13. ^ a b "Anthony Moon played by Matt Lapinskas". EastEnders. BBC Online. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  14. ^ Stewart, Tony. "Matt Lapinskas: "You won't see me falling out of clubs"". Daily Mirror. Trinity Mirror. Retrieved 9 October 2011.
  15. ^ "Matt Lapinskas reveals Moon musical trio". What's on TV. IPC Media. 18 September 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2011.
  16. ^ a b Love, Ryan (12 July 2011). "'EastEnders' teases Anthony, Tyler Moon relationship: Video". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 10 October 2011.
  17. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (19 July 2011). "'EastEnders' newcomer Anthony 'was corrupted by Michael'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  18. ^ "10 plots you can't miss this summer". Inside Soap (28). Hachette Filipacchi UK: 7. 16–22 July 2011. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: date format (link)
  19. ^ Tarley, Rachel (25 July 2011). "EastEnders: Anthony Moon arrives as Eddie's stall goes up in flames". Metro. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
  20. ^ "Your verdict". Inside Soap (24). Hachette Filipacchi UK: 97. 18–24 June 2011. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: date format (link)
  21. ^ a b Woodward, Kate (23–29 July 2011). "Well hello, Anthony!". Inside Soap (29). Hachette Filipacchi UK: 4–5. {{cite journal}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)CS1 maint: date format (link)

See also

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Anthony_Moon&oldid=457117845"