Michael Moon (EastEnders)

Michael Moon
EastEnders character
Portrayed by	Steve John Shepherd
Introduced by	Bryan Kirkwood
Duration	2010—
First appearance	1 October 2010
Classification	Present; regular
Profile
Occupation	Businessman
Family Father Eddie Moon Mother Maggie Moon Brothers Craig Moon Half brothers Tyler Moon Anthony Moon Half sisters Francesca Moon Sons Tommy Moon Other relatives Alfie Moon

Michael Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve John Shepherd. The character is a second cousin once removed of Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), who first appears on 1 October 2010 after Alfie's return. He is also the father to Tommy Moon, whose mother is Alfie's wife Kat (Jessie Wallace). Michael is later joined by his father Eddie Moon (David Essex) and half brothers Tyler (Tony Discipline) and Anthony (Matt Lapinskas), and Michael's personality will be further explored with their arrival. Michael is described as a competitive and manipulative risk-taker who lives dangerously. He is a charmer with an eye for the ladies, but is willing to stab anyone in the back. He has a relationship with Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) but is disliked by Roxy's sister Ronnie (Samantha Womack), because when her son James died, she secretly swapped him with Tommy. He later becomes obsessed with Ronnie and sets her up to make sure she goes to prison. He also had a feud with his father.

Storylines

Michael arrives in Albert Square to loan money to his cousin Alfie Moon for the lease of The Queen Victoria public house. Alfie's wife Kat (Jessie Wallace) is not pleased to see him and insists that she and Alfie pay Michael back the money but Alfie wants to make him a business partner. Michael realises the baby Kat is carrying is his, and tells Alfie that he might find it hard to cope with someone else's child. He also tells Kat that Alfie will not want to raise someone else's child and tells her they would make a good family. Later, Kat thinks Michael has told Alfie it is his child but he has not so Michael says he is planning to go back to Spain. Michael goes to hospital with Kat after a minor incident and before he leaves, he says he has left her some money and a letter in the caravan, but Alfie finds it. Kat later agrees to go to Spain with Michael, but when Alfie tells Michael to look after Kat and the baby, Kat changes her mind. Michael leaves.

He returns a few months later, wanting to see his son Tommy, however, Alfie explains that he died from cot death. Michael leaves and is reunited with Max (Jake Wood) and Jack (Scott Maslen), with whom he attended school, and stays with Jack, meeting his wife Ronnie (Samantha Womack). The next day Ronnie's sister Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) takes an interest in Michael and he buys her drinks. Kat tries to get Michael to show his feelings and desperately kisses him, but he rejects her and leaves, not knowing that Alfie has seen this. When Roxy tells Ronnie she and Michael could become a couple and Jack reveals that he and Michael are planning to open a boxing club, Ronnie falsely claims that Michael came onto her, in an attempt to drive him out of Walford. Jack punches Michael and Roxy tells him to stay away from her, and later Ronnie convinces Jack to buy Michael's half of the lease in the boxing club, but Michael tells him that Ronnie is obsessed with him. When Ronnie's lies are revealed, Michael and Jack reconcile. Michael sleeps with Roxy but is caught by her friend Christian Clarke (John Partridge) and his partner Syed Masood (Marc Elliot). Michael incorrectly assumes that Christian is Roxy's partner, so leaves and meets another woman, Jenny Ashwood (Tracey Pretty), which upsets Roxy.

Michael and Jack open the boxing club. Ronnie attempts to rid Walford of Michael by asking Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) for help. Phil locks Michael in a van and leaves him at an abandoned warehouse. However, Michael escapes in time for the opening of the club. He starts a proper relationship with Roxy and helps Kat and Alfie reunite when their relationship breaks down. Later, after a night in the pub with Jack, he sees Ronnie and kisses her, thinking that she is playing the chase with him. However, Ronnie rejects him, making him more eager to win her. The next day, Michael sees Ronnie again and makes her feel very uncomfortable. When Ronnie reveals that her son James is in fact Tommy, and she secretly swapped the babies after James died of cot death, Michael shows little emotion and gets on with his everyday life. Jack is angry at him for this as he would love to be Michael as he has a son and Jack does not. They fight, which leads to Michael being hurt. His relationship with Roxy suffers after this, but they soon reconcile, until Michael's father Eddie Moon (David Essex) arrives in Walford to visit Alfie. Although Eddie talks to Michael as if there is nothing wrong, Michael repeatedly tells his father to leave Walford and to stay away from him, Tommy and Roxy. Eventually, Michael tells Roxy that Eddie murdered his mother. However, it transpires that she killed herself when Eddie left her alone with a seven-year-old Michael, and Michael blames his father for her death. Eddie's attempts to make amends are all turned down, and Michael rejects his half-brother Tyler (Tony Discipline) when he arrives in Walford. He then starts sleepwalking and Ronnie helps him when he cuts his hand. The next night, he pretends to sleepwalk and gets into bed with Ronnie. He then starts telling Jack and Ronnie lies about Kat and Alfie and vice versa, leading to Alfie punching Jack. He goes through Ronnie's underwear drawer, and buys Roxy the same perfume as Ronnie, causing an argument when he tries to force her to wear it.

Ronnie tells Michael that he is the only person who understands her, and he tries to kiss her but she rejects him. Michael sees Jay Mitchell (Jamie Borthwick) and Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald) leaving The Queen Victoria after breaking into it, but tells Kat, Alfie and Eddie that he saw Ronnie running from the scene. Ronnie confronts Michael about this, and asks him to tell Roxy the truth about everything. However, everyone believes Michael when he takes Ronnie's locket and pretends to find it in Tommy's pram. He then takes Roxy's phone and offers to look after Tommy, so he can text Ronnie from the phone asking to meet Roxy at the playground, where he leaves Tommy. He then calls Kat who finds Ronnie holding the baby. Roxy refuses to believe Ronnie until she sees the text message on Ronnie's phone, and Michael admits to setting Ronnie up after Roxy confronts him, saying that he needed to make sure that Ronnie went to prison. Roxy ends their relationship and tells Jack, who punches Michael. When Eddie's stock is burnt, he accuses Michael, who remains poker-faced. Eddie then suggests to Jack that Michael and Ronnie had sex, leading to Jack beating Michael, which Eddie witnesses, but walks away. Eddie and Michael seemingly make amends, but Eddie is unaware that it is part of a scheme, which includes paying a boxer to allow Tyler to believe he is a talented boxer.

When Michael sees Vanessa Gold (Zöe Lucker) ejected by her fiancé Max Branning's (Jake Wood) family, he watches as Eddie helps Vanessa. Michael and Vanessa later talk, and he offers to pay Vanessa to break Eddie's heart in revenge for destroying his mother's life. Meanwhile, when going through Eddie's things, he finds a photo of a young Eddie and a woman, holding a baby, with the name Craig and the date 13/3/1976 written on the back. Michael sets up an unlicenced boxing match between Tyler and a superior boxer, Artie Stiller (Maurice Lee), and convinces Tyler he can win. Vanessa finds out about this and wonders what Michael is trying to do, and he explains that his mother died on a particular date when Tyler's boxing match will be, the date he wants Carol to break up with Eddie. He threatens Vanessa so she will continue with the plan. Michael then convinces his other brother Anthony) (Matt Lapinskas), who has had a gambling problem in the past, to place a bet on Tyler, and he takes £8000 from Eddie's safe to do so. Eddie discovers about the fight, but Michael assures him it will be fine as there will be a doctor and a proper referee. He also promises Jack he will find a new opponent. However, he does not do so, and also does not find a doctor. Michael is pleased when Jack sees Vanessa and Eddie together and tells Carol about it. During the fight, Tyler is knocked down several times during the fight but continues to get up and eventually wins, but then collapses and has a seizure. Anthony then confesses to Eddie that he took the money to bet against Tyler, so has lost it all.

At the hospital, Michael is angry at Eddie and laments him for being such a terrible father, before telling him he knows that he cheated on his mother as he has discovered he has a half-brother. Eddie tells him he has got it wrong and takes Michael to see Craig Moon (Elliott Rosen), who has Down's Syndrome, and Eddie reveals is his full-brother, who he placed into a care home. After talking with Craig, Michael accuses Eddie of rejecting him but Eddie reveals the truth about Michael's mother's suicide, informing Michael that she used him to get back at Eddie. After this, Michael apologises to Eddie and the two reconcile. Vanessa pays Michael a visit for her money but he said the deals off. Vanessa threatens to reveal the deal to Eddie so he pays her as long as she keep away from his family. Vanessa ignores this however, and reveals Michael's scheming to Eddie. Eddie then exposes Michael's actions to his brothers before leaving Walford, leaving Michael utterly devastated and entirely rejected by his family. At his lowest point, he has sex with Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), regains his composure, and the couple embark on a relationship. When Janine discovers her father kept a huge secret from her when he was alive, she tells Michael it must be because she is unloveable, to which Michael says he loves her.

Creation and development

Casting and introduction

Shepherd's casting in the role of Michael was announced on 28 July 2010. Shepherd said of his casting: "I can vividly remember watching the first ever episode of EastEnders and I'm very excited to be joining such a fantastic and iconic programme. Michael Moon will be an exciting character to play".^[1] Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood explained that he had been a fan of Shepherd for many years, adding: "He's a fantastic signing for EastEnders, an exciting addition to the Moon family, and is set to cause a big splash in Albert Square from the moment he arrives."^[1] Shepherd's contract was a long-running negotiation and he received confirmation whilst filming Waking the Dead.^[2] His first appearance on screen was on 1 October 2010.^[3]

Personality

Michael is described as a competitive and manipulative risk-taker who lives dangerously, and a charmer with an eye for the ladies, but he is willing to stab anyone in the back.^[1] Shepherd said that "on the surface he's a loveable, cheeky chappy, but underneath he has hidden depths which will be exciting to explore."^[1] Shepherd opined that viewers would be unlikely to vote for him in polls such as 'sexiest male' because his character is "duplicitous": "I think viewers tend to fall in love with the character you play, and if they go for a duplicitous rogue, I'd be very surprised!"^[4] He told What's on TV that Michael can be mercenary and has a cruel streak, but "there's darkness and light to him, really. Some moments you can see him being really quite cruel and then the next he can be quite compassionate and thoughtful."^[5] He told We Love Telly that "[Michael] takes pride in the way he dresses and he's always been quite successful with the ladies."^[6] Daniel Kileklly from Digital Spy called Michael "enigmatic", and said he has a nasty side.^[7] Kirkwood compared Michael to Ronnie and Roxy's father, Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb), saying they approach life and treat people in similar ways.^[8] The EastEnders website additionally calls Michael a "sinister", "flashy" and "jealous" man who "wouldn't think twice about screwing people over—even those he loves".^[9]

Storyline development

Although Michael leaves Walford when he is rejected by Kat, he returns to see his son, Tommy. Shepherd told Buzz magazine that Michael has feelings for Kat but respects the fact she is married, though finds it hard to resist temptation. He is also attracted to Roxy but does not want to be tied down.^[10] When Alfie sees Kat kissing Michael, he feels embarrassed and shocked, but also concerned about Alfie and Kat's marriage, which Shepherd said shows a new side to Michael.^[11] After going on a date with Roxy, Shepherd said that Michael likes her no-nonsense, feisty nature and her wild side, adding that they make a good couple.^[12] Kirkwood said that "Roxy's a little girl lost and Michael could be the worst possible man for her. But how long will it take her to realise that?"^[8] Speaking of Ronnie's dislike of Michael, Shepherd said "He can't work out why Ronnie doesn't like him, so he assumes she must fancy him."^[13]

On 24 January 2011, it was announced that David Essex had joined the cast as Michael's father, Eddie, with whom Michael has a "fractured relationship".^[14] Shepherd said that Eddie's arrival will allow the reasons behind Michael's behaviour and his personality to be explored.^[13] Shepherd explained that animosity between Michael and Eddie exists because of "something dark and it's still very raw for Michael. It's made him the person he is today. It's why he is so damaged. And dangerous."^[15] He added that Eddie's return would stir up bad memories which could have a "damaging effect on Michael's relationships with the people around him".^[15] It was announced on the 10 May 2011 that Michael's half brothers^[16] were being introduced; Tony Discipline playing Tyler Moon, and Matt Lapinskas playing Anthony Moon.^[17] Kirkwood said, "The Moon clan are on their way to becoming an established family in the Square."^[17] It was revealed by Inside Soap that the rift between the two is because Michael's mother committed suicide and Michael found her body but he is convinced that Eddie killed her.^[18]

In May 2011, it was reported that Michael would develop an obsession with Ronnie and start to stalk her, with scenes including him sneaking into her bedroom to watch her sleep and going through her underwear drawer. It was also reported that Michael would spread lies about Ronnie, and ask Roxy to wear the same perfume as her sister. A source told the Daily Star, "Everyone knows Michael has a mean streak but he is set to get a whole lot worse. He's trying to meddle in as many people's lives as possible. It seems he wants Ronnie all to himself. But what exactly is he up to?"^[7] The storyline is reportedly being filmed as of May 2011.^[7]

Reception

Michael was called "creepy and a bit slimy" by a writer for website Holy Soap.^[19] In May 2011, Shepherd was nominated in the Best Soap Newcomer category at the 2011 TV Choice Awards for his portrayal of Michael.^[20]

See also

• List of EastEnders characters (2010)
• List of soap opera villains

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Kilkelly, Daniel (28 July 2010). "Alfie Moon's cousin to arrive in 'Enders". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a251698/alfie-moons-cousin-to-arrive-in-enders.html. Retrieved 27 July 2010. 
2. ^ "Enders' Steve: Murder and sex scenes are the same". What's on TV (London: IPC Media). 18 March 2011. http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/eastenders/news/enders-steve-murder-and-sex-scenes-are-the-same/12185. Retrieved 26 May 2011. 
3. ^ "Episode dated 01/10/2010". Director: Michael Owen Morris; Executive Producer: Bryan Kirkwood; Writer: Wendy Granditer. EastEnders. BBC. BBC One. 1 October 2010.
4. ^ Daniels, Colin (5 February 2011). "Shepherd 'would be surprised to win awards'". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a302203/shepherd-would-be-surprised-to-win-awards.html. Retrieved 20 February 2011. 
5. ^ "The hard word from the East End men". What's on TV (IPC Media). 1 February 2011. http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/soaps/eastenders/interviews/the-hard-word-from-the-east-end-men/11729. Retrieved 9 March 2011. 
6. ^ Stewart, Tony (18 March 2011). "EastEnders – The hunk of Walford". We Love Telly (London: Trinity Mirror). http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/we-love-telly/2011/03/eastenders---the-hunk-of-walfo.html. Retrieved 26 May 2011. 
7. ^ ^{a b c} Kilkelly, Daniel (25 May 2011). "'EastEnders' Michael 'to show darker side'". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a321428/eastenders-michael-to-show-darker-side.html. Retrieved 26 May 2011. 
8. ^ ^{a b} Kilkelly, Daniel (22 March 2011). "Roxy, Michael troubles ahead on 'EastEnders'?". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/scoop/a310472/roxy-michael-troubles-ahead-on-eastenders.html. Retrieved 26 May 2011. 
9. ^ "Michael Moon played by Steve John Shepherd". EastEnders. London: BBC Online. http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/characters/michael-moon.shtml. Retrieved 26 May 2011. 
10. ^ "Steve John Shepherd gives us a Buzz". Buzz (London: News Group Newspapers) (19): 29. 29 January 2011. 
11. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (2 February 2011). "'EastEnders' Michael 'to show new side'". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a301731/eastenders-michael-to-show-new-side.html. Retrieved 2 February 2011. 
12. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (3 February 2011). "'Enders star hints at Michael, Roxy future". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a301954/enders-star-hints-at-michael-roxy-future.html. Retrieved 5 February 2011. 
13. ^ ^{a b} Kilkelly, Daniel (21 March 2011). "'Enders star discusses Michael future". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a310100/enders-star-discusses-michael-future.html. Retrieved 22 March 2011. 
14. ^ Percival, Jenny (24 January 2011). "Singer David Essex to join EastEnders as Alfie Moon's uncle". The Guardian (London: Guardian News and Media). http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/jan/24/david-essex-is-eastenders-eddie-moon. Retrieved 26 May 2011. 
15. ^ ^{a b} Kilkelly, Daniel (31 May 2011). "'EastEnders' star: 'Moon family secret is dark'". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a322392/eastenders-star-moon-family-secret-is-dark.html. Retrieved 2 June 2011. 
16. ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (31 May 2011). "David Essex (Eddie Moon, 'EastEnders')". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/interviews/a322231/david-essex-eddie-moon-eastenders.html. Retrieved 31 May 2011. 
17. ^ ^{a b} Kilkelly, Daniel (10 May 2011). "'EastEnders' reveals new Moon arrivals". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a318629/eastenders-reveals-new-moon-arrivals.html. Retrieved 10 May 2011. 
18. ^ In this week's issue. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved on 7 June 2011.
19. ^ "Moon takes shine to Ronnie?". Holy Soap (Channel 5). 26 May 2011. http://holysoap.channel5.com/eastenders/news/moon-takes-shine-to-ronnie-14346. Retrieved 26 May 2011. 
20. ^ Wightman, Catriona (18 May 2011). "In Full: TV Choice Awards 2011 – Nominees". Digital Spy (London: Hachette Filipacchi UK). http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a320175/in-full-tv-choice-awards-2011-nominees.html. Retrieved 26 May 2011. 

External links

• Michael Moon at BBC Online