EastEnders star Toby-Alexander Smith has described Dame Joan Collins as a “formidable woman” after starring alongside the Hollywood legend in the new film A Murder Between Friends.
The 35-year-old actor, best known for playing Walford villain Gray Atkins, portrays Sydney in the countryside murder mystery. Dame Joan, 93, leads the cast as celebrity true-crime star and amateur sleuth Francesca Carlyle.
Reflecting on their time together, Toby said it was an honour to share the screen with such an iconic performer.
“She’s so gracious, professional and sharp,” he said. “She probably knew her lines better than anyone else in the cast. She walked onto the set, owned the space and had this incredible gravitas.”
Toby also praised Joan for generously sharing stories from her decades-long career. However, the most valuable lesson he learned was the importance of traditional professionalism.
“Be on time and know your lines,” he explained. “It sounds clichéd, but that discipline and proper on-set etiquette will always put you in a strong position.”
A Murder Between Friends follows six old friends whose relaxing countryside getaway turns deadly when one member of the group is found murdered. As suspicion and tension grow, they turn to their famous hostess for help identifying the killer before another victim is claimed.
The film is available on digital platforms from June 15.
Meanwhile, Toby has also addressed speculation that Gray Atkins could make a dramatic return to EastEnders, four years after the character was sent to prison for murdering Chantelle Atkins, Tina Carter and Kush Kazemi.
“Never say never,” he said. “Gray was such a psychologically complex character, and exploring what four years in prison may have done to him would be fascinating.”
