Former EastEnders star Shaun Williamson has revealed for the first time that he has secret son with a circus juggler he met 30 years ago.
Shaun, who is best known for playing Barry Evans on the soap, made the revelations in his new book, A Matter of Facts where he also admitted to quitting the role over fears he wasn’t being taken seriously as an actor.
Shaun is already the father to two grown up children with his ex-wife Melanie Sacre, but says finding out about his other son was “the most frightening but amazing discovery [he’d] ever made.”
“I was stunned. I was shaking when I went to meet him,” he said. “We shook hands, drank together, had some food, played pool and then had a big hug at the end of the night."
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EastEnders spoilers: is Denise Fox having an affair? SLIDER
EastEnders spoilers
The week begins with Isaac Baptiste reeling following his meeting with the school about the drugs. It's not long before an altercation with Phil begins but when Denise overhears what's happening she jumps in to defend Isaac by pointing out Phil's history.
EastEnders spoilers
When Sheree Trueman hears what's happened she thanks Denise for defending Isaac. She then mentions Chantelle's death and it hits a chord with Denise…
EastEnders spoilers
Later, Jack goes to the salon to pick Denise up but she's nowhere to be found… He starts becoming suspicious of her whereabouts.
EastEnders spoilers
Later when Isaac bumps into Jack and Amy Mitchell he blames them for causing his suspension. Jack then threatens Isaac, leaving Amy worried about her dad's behaviour and if he'll lose his job.
EastEnders spoilers
At the end of the week Jack arrives home and confronts Denise over her odd behaviour – and asks if she's having an affair.
EastEnders spoilers
Meanwhile Ian is determined to land a catering contract so he decides to host his business meeting at home, hoping to impress Sharmaine from the council.
EastEnders spoilers
However when Bobby arrives to help his dad, Sharmaine discovers that he is the person who has been in touch about setting up a "Lucy Beale Foundation".
EastEnders spoilers
Ian (not wanting to miss an opportunity) capitalises on Bobby's idea but things take a turn when Max storms in… He accuses Ian of stealing his business and life savings.
EastEnders spoilers
Max then threatens Ian - he wants his money back with interest or he will destroy him.
EastEnders spoilers
The following day, Max tells Bobby he wants to help out with the 'Lucy Beale Foundation' and that he has called the Gazette to spread the word. When Ian catches wind he warns Max to stop playing games with the Beale family.
EastEnders spoilers
Max denies he's doing that but he will if he doesn't get his money…
EastEnders spoilers
Ian's week take another turn when he bumps into Kathy Beale who has a go at him for missing the appointment with the solicitor about their wills – but while signing things Ian gets a shock.
EastEnders spoilers
He then takes matters into his own hands and tells Max that he doesn't have his money but will in a couple of weeks.
EastEnders spoilers
Over at the Vic, Kheerat Panesar tries to explain himself to Karen – but how will she react?Later, Karen and Mitch search through old family photos for Chantelle's funeral and it's not long before they're both in tears.
EastEnders spoilers
As emotions run high, they lean in to kiss – just as Gray Atkins arrives.
EastEnders spoilers
At the end of the week, Gray tells Mitch that he's made his life hell – trying to turn Chantelle against him and brands him a terrible father. Mitch then breaks down in tears when he realises Gray is telling the truth.
EastEnders spoilers
Frankie looks after Ollie Carter at the Prince Albert but when Mick arrives he's shocked to find her taking photos of him. He later discovers that she has lots of photos of Ollie and the family.
EastEnders spoilers
He then tells Frankie she should delete them as Linda Carter would worry about privacy.
EastEnders spoilers
Frankie – wanting a full-time job at the Prince Albert – decides to host a Drag Bingo to impress Kathy. When Tina asks Mick to work behind the bar, it's clear he's suspicious towards Frankie. Especially when she starts to ask him questions about his family.
EastEnders spoilers
At the Drag Bingo, Mick worries about Linda being around so much alcohol and makes her a mocktail.
EastEnders spoilers
Sick of her husband constantly watching, Linda has a moment of weakness and takes a sip of an alcohol – however she's horrified at what she's done especially when it dawns on her that Max Branning saw her.
EastEnders spoilers
She later opens up to him about her struggles…
EastEnders spoilers
Elsewhere when Tina and Frankie go to get more booze for the event, there's a moment between them and Tina leans in for a kiss.
EastEnders spoilers
Rainie and Stuart prepare for their wedding and while the groom is excited about their big day, the bridge is very much stressed over a mix up with her dress.
EastEnders spoilers
At the ceremony, Stuart patiently waits for his bride in the hearse but an electrical fault locks him in with no escape – will they make it down the aisle?
EastEnders spoilers
Callum looks through some paperwork but when Danny Hardcastle turns up he accuses him of stitching him up for the warehouse job.
EastEnders spoilers
It's not long before Phil arrives and Danny immediately tells him that he caught Callum looking through his paperwork and accuses him of being a grass.
EastEnders spoilers
Meanwhile Ben is angry with Callum about being late to the wedding and assumes it was to do with his dad leading to more tension.
EastEnders spoilers
At the end of the week, Callum struggles after the fatal car accident and has been set up with a support officer.
EastEnders spoilers
Jags Panesar is having an existential crisis about his job as a rent collector but Habiba tells him to stand up for what he believes or they have no future.
EastEnders spoilers
Later, Suki is furious about Jags' leniency and forces her son to go back but when he refuses, Suki shows her true colours.
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“When we emailed and spoke, I was racked with all emotions, guilt, insecurity. He said, ‘Hi, my name’s Gary, I’m in Northern Ireland. I’ve been told you’re my dad’.
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“The next move was to get the swabs of DNA,” he continued. “This took a week. And when the results came back that there was a 99.999 per cent match, it all fell into place. In the coming weeks I invited him to meet my family. We now see him four or five times a year. He gets on so well with Joe and Sophie.
"And he’s moved to England now to be closer. He’s a lovely lad, great fun and very funny. It’s quite amazing.
“He said he never thought in a million years that Barry from EastEnders could be his dad.”