'EastEnders' is more enjoyable now, says Nicola Stapleton

Published Jan 23 2012, 14:50 GMT  |  By Daniel Kilkelly

EastEnders star Nicola Stapleton has revealed that her second stint on the show is proving to be more enjoyable than the first.

The actress reprised her role as Mandy Salter last summer after 17 years away from Albert Square, during which she took on a variety of other roles.

Reflecting on her comeback, Stapleton told Celebs on Sunday: "I'm having a great time. I'm enjoying it so much more this time round - you're older, wiser, you understand a bit more how the machine works.

"I've spent the last 17 years really grafting my arse off, so it's nice to be back in a situation where I'm in a real routine."

EastEnders fans have seen Mandy embark on a relationship with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) following her return to Walford.

Asked whether she finds the pairing strange due to the age difference, Stapleton replied: "Adam Woodyatt is 43, and Mandy's a couple of years younger than I am, so she's mid-30s, so not really. But it's nice to have everyone thinking that because it gives us juicy storylines to play with."

"I think if we'd immediately put on screen this massive love affair, I don't think anybody would've believed that," she continued. "But I think people can fall in love or fondness can grow over time. It depends what sort of person you are. I mean, I'm not the sort of girl that goes for guys who are strikingly beautiful. I don't like vain men."

EastEnders continues tonight at 8pm on BBC One.

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