EastEnders’s Roger Sloman – aka Les Coker – explains why his character betrays Pam

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS EASTENDERS SPOILERS WHICH SOME SOAP FANS MAY WISH TO AVOID

Les and Pam Coker EastEnders

by Francesca Battson |
Published on

The Cokers have had a turbulent year since moving to Albert Square, especially when Pam found out about her husband Les’ cross-dressing last year.

After getting back together when Les (Roger Sloman) agreed not to continue cross-dressing as alter ego Christine, viewers will know that hiding away from who he truly is has been hard on him.

And he was soon caught by grandson Paul (Jonny Labey) when he couldn’t bear to let go of Christine, and decided to dress in her clothes in the middle of the night.

However, the couple’s relationship is set to soon break down once again, when Pam (Lin Blakley) realises the truth – and their huge row leads to a health scare.

Speaking to Inside Soap, Roger explained: "By burning Christine's clothes in front of Pam a few months back, Les was declaring that it was over and he was moving on.

“So this is another betrayal for his wife, and Les feels awful."

Roger goes on to explain that Les is under a lot of pressure as the pair are being blackmailed by Aunt Babe (Annette Badland) and Les doesn’t feel he can talk to his wife about how he is truly feeling and therefore has been dealing with it all by himself.

Pam Coker and Aunt Babe EastEnders
©BBC

This amount of stress has made Les seek out Christine once again to find some peace, but Roger revealed that Pam is “a long way off accepting [her]”.

Roger continued: "Everything Les has done has been for Pam and their marriage. But he is under a lot of pressure.

“He doesn't feel he can talk to Pam about the Christine situation - he has been dealing with it by himself. And it is that kind of stress which makes him feel he has to go to Christine in order to find some peace.”

And sure enough, the stress of the blackmail from Babe and not being able to open up to his wife, causes Les to suffer a heart attack.

Pam is left with the decision to call an ambulance knowing he will be taken to hospital in a dress and makeup, and the possibility of other members of Walford seeing.

But the real question is, will Les pull through?

EastEnders airs these scenes Tuesday 28 June at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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