Joan Collins’ A Murder Between Friends co-star has labeled her a “formidable woman.”
EastEnders actor Toby-Alexander Smith will appear opposite Joan in the upcoming murder mystery. The legendary actress is taking on the role of “showbiz sleuth” Francesca Carlyle.
Praising Collins
In an interview with The Daily Mail, Toby opened up about working with the 93-year-old. He called it a “huge honor.”
He said, “Oh, it was amazing, it’s obviously so iconic, and there’s a reason why she’s sustained her career for as long as she has.”
“Just being on set with someone and sharing that screen, it’s a huge honor, but it’s just an experience that, you know, as an actor, you sort of pinch yourself because you don’t start out your career, ever anticipating working with someone on that sort of level.”
“So it was amazing, and she’s so gracious and professional and sharp. She probably knew her lines better than anyone else in the cast, she was just fantastic, yeah.”
Surprises from Collins
Asked if there was anything about Joan that surprised him, Toby had an answer. “I think literally just how sharp she is, she was just totally on it, she just walked onto set, owned the space, she’s got this real sort of gravitas, she’s the tour de force.”
“And again, just how lovely and generous she was with her stories and anecdotes. You know, she’s worked with all these incredible people over the years, and she’s just a bit of a formidable woman.”
Valuable Advice
As for whether or not Joan gave him any advice, Toby said there was one thing. The acting veteran always stressed to him the importance of “old school professionalism.”
He continued, “I know it sounds so cliché, but you’d be surprised how many actors don’t turn up on time, don’t know their lines. It just stands the test of time, that professionalism and that discipline, on set etiquette, you know, will always put you in a good position for the rest of your career for sure.”
A Murder Between Friends is due for release on digital streaming platforms today. The film also stars Nadia Bjorlin, Jacob Young, Trent Garrett, and Hana Vagnerová.