EastEnders star Larry Lamb has revealed that his on-screen character Archie Mitchell, one of soap's most notorious villains, was inspired by his own father, Ronald, a terrifying bully who made his childhood a living hell.
In an exclusive interview, the 62-year-old actor described his father as a 'skilled psychological bully' who would loom over him and threaten him constantly. One of his most disturbing memories is seeing his mother standing with tea leaves on her head and hot tea dripping down her face after a row with his father.
Larry's parents split when he was nine, and his relationship with his father deteriorated further. They hadn't spoken for 15 years before Ronald died last year, and Larry did not attend the funeral.
The actor admitted he feared repeating the pattern of abuse with his own son George, now 30. He said his son's mother spotted signs that he was in danger of repeating his father's behaviour, which was a 'shock' that made him change his ways.
Larry now has a close relationship with George, as well as two young daughters with his partner Clare Burt. He said he keeps active and healthy to be around for his children as long as possible.
