Anthony Moon
Encyclopedia
Anthony Moon is a fictional character
from the BBC
soap opera
EastEnders
, played by Matt Lapinskas. Anthony is the son of Eddie Moon
(David Essex
), half brother of Michael Moon
(Steve John Shepherd
) and Craig Moon (Elliot Rosen), brother of Tyler Moon (Tony Discipline
), and cousin of Alfie Moon
(Shane Richie
). The character made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 25 July 2011.
As well as appearing in EastEnders, Anthony appears in its spin off show, EastEnders: E20
, which Lapinskas said "broke him in". When cast in the role, Lapinskas said he was "over the moon" and that this was his "dream role". Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood
said, "Both Tony and Matt are fabulous additions to the show. Headed up by David Essex, the Moon clan are on their way to becoming an established family in the Square."
Anthony, along with brother Tyler, were both announced as new characters in May 2011, being played by Lapinskas and Discipline respectively, though Tyler made his debut at an earlier date. Described as someone who "will rely on his brains and natural wit to find a more sensitive solution to any conflict", it is found out that Anthony has a betting problem before his character arrived in Walford, which is later a focus to one of the storylines. Lapinskas said of his relationship with half-brother Michael that Anthony "idolises" him, and that Michael "corrupted" Anthony. When Eddie leaves, Anthony takes charge of his antiques business.
), though she does not know their true value and accuses him of scamming her when she finds out how much they are really worth. Eddie sells them on for £8000, and when Tyler decides to take part in an unlicensed boxing match, Michael convinces Anthony that Tyler can win and it would be a good idea to place a bet on him, knowing that Anthony suffers with a gambling problem. Anthony steals the £8000 from Eddie's safe. Michael is not impressed, however, when he smugly reveals he bet on Tyler's opponent to win, as he has researched him and found out he is tough. During the fight, however, Tyler narrowly wins so Anthony has to confess to Eddie that he has lost the money. Shortly after he does, Tyler collapses and has a seizure, so is rushed to hospital. Eddie is sickened by Anthony's actions and tells him he wishes he was dying in a hospital bed, rather than Tyler. Distraught, Anthony storms out and attends a party run by Mandy Salter
(Nicola Stapleton
), culminating in him kissing her. Afterwards, Anthony returns to the hospital to learn that Tyler has been taken for a life-saving operation and is furious that Eddie was not around. Eddie then admits that his children would be better off without him. Tyler survives and recovers, but the brothers ae told by Eddie that Michael set up an unfair fight to punish the family, leading Tyler and Anthony to reject Michael. Eddie then leaves Walford, leaving Tyler and Anthony the antiques business, and free run of the house.
When Jodie Gold
(Kylie Babbington
) and Poppy Meadow
(Rachel Bright
) become homeless, Anthony asks them to move in with him and Tyler. The girls move in, and it soon emerges that Poppy is attracted to Anthony. Anthony prefers Jodie, but despite this, he asks Poppy out on a date. After he and Jodie talk, Anthony suddenly kisses her, but she pulls away immediately. Jodie later reveals she is moving out and later confesses that she and Anthony kissed, which greatly upsets Poppy. They make up the following day and Jodie leaves and Poppy leaves to move back with her mother, upsetting Anthony.
. In episode 8, he is supervising Faith Olubunmi (Modupe Adeyeye), Ava Bourne (Sophie Colquhoun) and Donnie Lester (Samuell Benta
) while they do community service in The Queen Victoria
. Anthony says how pretty the pair are and makes a joke of Ava fancying Donnie and he attempts to attack Anthony but he stops him. Phil Mitchell
(Steve McFadden
) say it makes a change for someone show the ladies some respect. He starts to chat Ava up but Donnie interferes once again and Anthony simply ignores him.
that Anthony is likeable but would cause problems for the Moon family by making enemies, and the two brothers would be "heart-throbs" and "ladykillers". 22-year-old Lapinskas said of his casting: "I'm absolutely over the moon! It's has been my lifetime ambition to be on EastEnders—I have watched it growing up with my nan, who is a big fan. I'm so pleased to get my first TV role, I just didn't believe it would be so big. I've met some of the cast I will be working with who were very friendly and welcoming and I can't wait to start filming." Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood
said, "Both Tony and Matt are fabulous additions to the show. Headed up by David Essex, the Moon clan are on their way to becoming an established family in the Square." Lapinskas made his first appearance as Anthony on 25 July 2011.
Lapinskas said that he was nervous about his first EastEnders
debut. In an interview with Soap Life, Lapinskas confirmed that he is "over the moon" about his new part as joining EastEnders is a "lifelong ambition". He was asked he he was nervous and he replied: "Very! As a young actor coming straight out of drama school, there's a lot of weight on your shoulders. I shot a couple of episodes of E20 before I started EastEnders so that broke me in. I'm lucky because Steve McFadden
is my mentor and he's been showing me the ropes. He sat me down and told me all the dos and don'ts. Basically he said you have to behave and keep focused."
Asked whether Lapinskas was prepared for fame, he replied: "It's quite surreal. My mentor is Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) and he's told me what the dos and don'ts are. Basically, behave and keep focused. And he said you can either be a celebrity or an actor, and I want to be an actor. So I'm not going to be seen falling out of clubs late at night". Lapinskas asked whether it was good working with David Essex, he added: "My auntie and mum are massive fans, so when I said he would be playing my dad, they were like, "Oh my God"! He's such a nice guy, really chilled out".
Lapinskas has revealed he and his co-stars Tony Discipline and David Essex have formed their own musical trio. The actor said: "I play guitar and write and sing my own songs – and I'm teaching Tony to play at the moment. On my third or fourth day on set David Essex knocked on my door and came in, and we had a little trio with the guitar and singing – it was really nice". Lapinskas says he admired David Essex who plays his on-screen father. He replied: "He's a gentleman – you'll never find a nicer guy," Matt said. "Right at the start he'd give me a tap on the shoulder like a dad would and say 'Well done, I'm proud of you'".
EastEnders has described Anthony as a "well groomed & reliable young lad" and the "more calm and collected" Moon brother. Anthony and Tyler's different personalities are teased in the promotional video, which sees them recalling a prank Tyler played on his older brother before he mocks Anthony's inability to speak to a "gorgeous" girl. Tyler said in-video: "People look at us, and I know what they are thinking," Anthony says. "How can them two be brothers? How can one be such a doofus and the other so well refined?" Hinting at his relationship with Eddie, Anthony then admits that his father said not to go to university as it was a "mug's game", adding: 'The only thing I've learned is – you shouldn't listen to dad".
, Lapinskas teased the "dynamic" that viewers can expect between Anthony and Michael, who has "stirred up Albert Square with his erratic behaviour over the past few months". The actor explained: "Anthony just idolises him. When they were little, Michael corrupted Anthony into really looking up to him. The fact of the matter is that Michael has his own business and has all this money coming in, without having to worry about all the family politics, so Anthony's in awe of that. Also, Michael has this incredible confidence". Lapinskas asked whether if Anthony has a good relation ship with his on-screen father, Eddie. he replied: "Yes, he does – and he wants to show his dad that he's the man to take over the [family] business. For Anthony, his main interest is the antiques emporium – forget the girls! That said, if he does take over from Eddie, then maybe there could be time for a lady in his life for once. There might be somebody new for him".
Inside Soap magazine has said Anthony's brother Michael sees Anthony's arrival in Walford an opportunity to get back at his father, Eddie. An EastEnders source told the magazine, "Anthony is willing to listen to Michael's side of the story. He's going to be shocked when he hears why his sibling loathes their dad." Rachel Tarley from the Metro said "it's nice to have a bit of fresh blood in the soap, especially since the appearance of another one of his siblings always seems to leave Michael a little more demented than he was before.
In October 2011, Anthony becomes involved in a love triangle with Jodie Gold
(Kylie Babbington
) and her best friend, Poppy Meadow
(Rachel Bright
). Although Poppy is going out with Anthony, Anthony has feelings for Jodie, which leads to them kissing. Laspinskas explained, "Poppy falls for Anthony and he's just pleased that somebody likes him. He gets the feeling that Jodie likes him too, but Poppy puts him on the spot and says, 'Jodie says you have something to ask me' and he says what he thinks is expected and asks her out." However, discussing his kiss with Jodie, he continued: "[Anthony and Jodie] get on really well and Anthony thinks he's in there and goes for it. She kisses him back, but then she pushes him off angrily. Poppy's her mate and she knows she likes Anthony, so she walks off." He revealed that Anthony goes back out with Poppy, though Jodie is angry with herself for kissing Anthony and betraying Poppy, so decides she is going to leave London.
and Phil Mitchell
?" Lapinskas commented on this, saying "It's a lot of pressure to put us both under, but what a duo to be compared to! [...] Phil and Grant were in the show together for at least 10 years, and they were fantastic—so to be linked to them is phenomenal. It really is a lot to live up to, but Tony and I are hoping to come in with out own energy and bring something completely new to EastEnders.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
EastEnders
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
, played by Matt Lapinskas. Anthony is the son of Eddie Moon
Eddie Moon
Edward "Eddie" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by David Essex. Eddie is the father of Michael Moon , Tyler Moon and Anthony Moon . Along with his children, Eddie was introduced to bring a "new generation" of the Moon family to the programme...
(David Essex
David Essex
David Essex OBE is an English musician, singer-songwriter and actor. Since the 1970s, Essex has attained nineteen Top 40 singles in the UK , and sixteen Top 40 albums...
), half brother of Michael Moon
Michael Moon (EastEnders)
Michael Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve John Shepherd. The character is a second cousin once removed of Alfie Moon , who first appears on 1 October 2010 after Alfie's return. He is also the father to Tommy Moon, whose mother is Alfie's wife Kat...
(Steve John Shepherd
Steve John Shepherd
-Career:Shepherd first became known in 1996, when he played the role of Jo, the law clerk, in the critically acclaimed BBC drama This Life. He remained in the role for two series...
) and Craig Moon (Elliot Rosen), brother of Tyler Moon (Tony Discipline
Tony Discipline
Tony Discipline is an English actor. His best known role to date is the character of Tyler Moon, the youngest son of already established character Eddie Moon and on-screen brother of Anthony and Michael Moon .-Career:Discipline has had only one major role to date, Tyler Moon...
), and cousin of Alfie Moon
Alfie Moon
Alfred William "Alfie" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Shane Richie. He made his first appearance on 21 November 2002, and left on 25 December 2005...
(Shane Richie
Shane Richie
Shane Richie is an English actor, comedian, singer and media personality, known for his portrayal of the character Alfie Moon in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders.-Early life and career beginnings:...
). The character made his first appearance in the episode broadcast on 25 July 2011.
As well as appearing in EastEnders, Anthony appears in its spin off show, EastEnders: E20
EastEnders: E20
EastEnders: E20 is a British Internet soap opera, which began airing on 8 January 2010. A spin-off from the established BBC soap EastEnders, it is set in EastEnders regular setting of Albert Square, a Victorian square in the fictional borough of Walford, in the East End of London...
, which Lapinskas said "broke him in". When cast in the role, Lapinskas said he was "over the moon" and that this was his "dream role". Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood
Bryan Kirkwood (producer)
Bryan Kirkwood is a Scottish-born British television producer. He was the producer of teen Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks from 2006 until 2009 and has been the executive producer of the BBC soap EastEnders since 2010.- Personal life :...
said, "Both Tony and Matt are fabulous additions to the show. Headed up by David Essex, the Moon clan are on their way to becoming an established family in the Square."
Anthony, along with brother Tyler, were both announced as new characters in May 2011, being played by Lapinskas and Discipline respectively, though Tyler made his debut at an earlier date. Described as someone who "will rely on his brains and natural wit to find a more sensitive solution to any conflict", it is found out that Anthony has a betting problem before his character arrived in Walford, which is later a focus to one of the storylines. Lapinskas said of his relationship with half-brother Michael that Anthony "idolises" him, and that Michael "corrupted" Anthony. When Eddie leaves, Anthony takes charge of his antiques business.
EastEnders
Anthony poses as a member of the local council in order to help Eddie eject a squatter from some premises they want to move their antiques business into. He then decides to remain in Walford and helps his father set up the business. Anthony buys some candlesticks from Cora Cross (Ann MitchellAnn Mitchell
Ann Mitchell is one of Britain's leading stage and television actresses. In 2011, she was cast as Cora Cross in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, the mother of Tanya Jessop and Rainie Cross. She was only to appear originally for 4 episodes but returned on 28 July 2011 as a regular character...
), though she does not know their true value and accuses him of scamming her when she finds out how much they are really worth. Eddie sells them on for £8000, and when Tyler decides to take part in an unlicensed boxing match, Michael convinces Anthony that Tyler can win and it would be a good idea to place a bet on him, knowing that Anthony suffers with a gambling problem. Anthony steals the £8000 from Eddie's safe. Michael is not impressed, however, when he smugly reveals he bet on Tyler's opponent to win, as he has researched him and found out he is tough. During the fight, however, Tyler narrowly wins so Anthony has to confess to Eddie that he has lost the money. Shortly after he does, Tyler collapses and has a seizure, so is rushed to hospital. Eddie is sickened by Anthony's actions and tells him he wishes he was dying in a hospital bed, rather than Tyler. Distraught, Anthony storms out and attends a party run by Mandy Salter
Mandy Salter
Mandy Salter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nicola Stapleton. Introduced on 12 March 1992, Mandy was portrayed as a teenage tearaway. She was featured in storylines about homelessness, child and drug abuse. Her relationship with Aidan Brosnan was one of the...
(Nicola Stapleton
Nicola Stapleton
Nicola Kathleen Stapleton is an English actress. Stapleton began her career at an early age. She is most famous for her work on British television, in particular her roles as Mandy Salter in BBC's EastEnders and Janine Nebeski in ITV's Bad Girls.-Early life:Stapleton grew up off East Street, which...
), culminating in him kissing her. Afterwards, Anthony returns to the hospital to learn that Tyler has been taken for a life-saving operation and is furious that Eddie was not around. Eddie then admits that his children would be better off without him. Tyler survives and recovers, but the brothers ae told by Eddie that Michael set up an unfair fight to punish the family, leading Tyler and Anthony to reject Michael. Eddie then leaves Walford, leaving Tyler and Anthony the antiques business, and free run of the house.
When Jodie Gold
Jodie Gold
Jodie Gold is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kylie Babbington. She first appeared on screen on 7 June 2010. On 24 October 2011, it was announced Babbington's contract would not be renewed and Jodie departed on 14 November 2011, along with Poppy Meadow...
(Kylie Babbington
Kylie Babbington
Kylie Jane Babbington is a British actress.Babbington was born in Havering, London in 1987. She studied acting and musical theatre at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and appeared in productions of Assassins, Elergies, Essex Girls and Odin.In 2010 she was cast in the BBC soap opera...
) and Poppy Meadow
Poppy Meadow
Poppy Meadow is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Rachel Bright. She was introduced on 11 January 2011 as the best friend of established character Jodie Gold , in several scenes which filled in for those cut from a controversial baby-swap storyline...
(Rachel Bright
Rachel Bright
Rachel Bright is a British actress.-Career:Bright graduated from the Birmingham School of Acting in 2007 and has since been based in London...
) become homeless, Anthony asks them to move in with him and Tyler. The girls move in, and it soon emerges that Poppy is attracted to Anthony. Anthony prefers Jodie, but despite this, he asks Poppy out on a date. After he and Jodie talk, Anthony suddenly kisses her, but she pulls away immediately. Jodie later reveals she is moving out and later confesses that she and Anthony kissed, which greatly upsets Poppy. They make up the following day and Jodie leaves and Poppy leaves to move back with her mother, upsetting Anthony.
EastEnders: E20
Anthony appears in the third series of the spin-off series EastEnders: E20EastEnders: E20
EastEnders: E20 is a British Internet soap opera, which began airing on 8 January 2010. A spin-off from the established BBC soap EastEnders, it is set in EastEnders regular setting of Albert Square, a Victorian square in the fictional borough of Walford, in the East End of London...
. In episode 8, he is supervising Faith Olubunmi (Modupe Adeyeye), Ava Bourne (Sophie Colquhoun) and Donnie Lester (Samuell Benta
Samuell Benta
Samuell Alexander Benta is a British actor who portrays Will Aston, the Black Ranger in Power Rangers: Operation Overdrive. He has also appeared in advertisements for Coca-Cola and the hit BBC series Hotel Babylon...
) while they do community service in The Queen Victoria
The Queen Victoria
The Queen Victoria is a fictional Victorian public house in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders. It has the fictional address of 46 Albert Square, Walford, London E20.-Appearance and development:...
. Anthony says how pretty the pair are and makes a joke of Ava fancying Donnie and he attempts to attack Anthony but he stops him. Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
(Steve McFadden
Steve McFadden
Steve McFadden is an English actor, known for his role as Phil Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, which he has played since1990.-Early life:...
) say it makes a change for someone show the ladies some respect. He starts to chat Ava up but Donnie interferes once again and Anthony simply ignores him.
Casting
The character was announced on 10 May 2011, along with Tyler, and will be played by actor Matt Lapinskas. He is the brother of Tyler Moon, half-brother to Michael Moon and son on Eddie Moon. Anthony was described as someone who "will rely on his brains and natural wit to find a more sensitive solution to any conflict" and the two new brothers are said to be "a couple of likely lads who are more than likely to cause a stir in Albert Square." Although Anthony shares some personality traits with Tyler, he is more calm. A source told Inside SoapInside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
that Anthony is likeable but would cause problems for the Moon family by making enemies, and the two brothers would be "heart-throbs" and "ladykillers". 22-year-old Lapinskas said of his casting: "I'm absolutely over the moon! It's has been my lifetime ambition to be on EastEnders—I have watched it growing up with my nan, who is a big fan. I'm so pleased to get my first TV role, I just didn't believe it would be so big. I've met some of the cast I will be working with who were very friendly and welcoming and I can't wait to start filming." Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood
Bryan Kirkwood (producer)
Bryan Kirkwood is a Scottish-born British television producer. He was the producer of teen Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks from 2006 until 2009 and has been the executive producer of the BBC soap EastEnders since 2010.- Personal life :...
said, "Both Tony and Matt are fabulous additions to the show. Headed up by David Essex, the Moon clan are on their way to becoming an established family in the Square." Lapinskas made his first appearance as Anthony on 25 July 2011.
Lapinskas said that he was nervous about his first EastEnders
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
debut. In an interview with Soap Life, Lapinskas confirmed that he is "over the moon" about his new part as joining EastEnders is a "lifelong ambition". He was asked he he was nervous and he replied: "Very! As a young actor coming straight out of drama school, there's a lot of weight on your shoulders. I shot a couple of episodes of E20 before I started EastEnders so that broke me in. I'm lucky because Steve McFadden
Steve McFadden
Steve McFadden is an English actor, known for his role as Phil Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, which he has played since1990.-Early life:...
is my mentor and he's been showing me the ropes. He sat me down and told me all the dos and don'ts. Basically he said you have to behave and keep focused."
Character development
Executive Producer Bryan Kirkwood said that the Moon brothers will bring a new element to the show. Bryan told Inside Soap magazine: "There's been no shortage of brilliant and sexy women in EastEnders over the past few years and it was about time there were some blokes to join them. Tony and Matt are great actors, and the fact that they're easy on the eye is a great advantage". He continued: "What the brothers bring is romance and fun, because that's something we've been a little short-changed on in EastEnders recently. The Moons are a very interesting family to work with – they're all big characters. It's a great new era for that clan". Kirkwood said that "there is more to the pair than meets the eye". He added: "There are a couple of buried secrets between Eddie and his sons, which will give us a big story for the summer. Michael – who has a difficult relationship with his dad – holds a grudge about things in their past, and there'll be consequences for all concerned".Asked whether Lapinskas was prepared for fame, he replied: "It's quite surreal. My mentor is Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) and he's told me what the dos and don'ts are. Basically, behave and keep focused. And he said you can either be a celebrity or an actor, and I want to be an actor. So I'm not going to be seen falling out of clubs late at night". Lapinskas asked whether it was good working with David Essex, he added: "My auntie and mum are massive fans, so when I said he would be playing my dad, they were like, "Oh my God"! He's such a nice guy, really chilled out".
Lapinskas has revealed he and his co-stars Tony Discipline and David Essex have formed their own musical trio. The actor said: "I play guitar and write and sing my own songs – and I'm teaching Tony to play at the moment. On my third or fourth day on set David Essex knocked on my door and came in, and we had a little trio with the guitar and singing – it was really nice". Lapinskas says he admired David Essex who plays his on-screen father. He replied: "He's a gentleman – you'll never find a nicer guy," Matt said. "Right at the start he'd give me a tap on the shoulder like a dad would and say 'Well done, I'm proud of you'".
EastEnders has described Anthony as a "well groomed & reliable young lad" and the "more calm and collected" Moon brother. Anthony and Tyler's different personalities are teased in the promotional video, which sees them recalling a prank Tyler played on his older brother before he mocks Anthony's inability to speak to a "gorgeous" girl. Tyler said in-video: "People look at us, and I know what they are thinking," Anthony says. "How can them two be brothers? How can one be such a doofus and the other so well refined?" Hinting at his relationship with Eddie, Anthony then admits that his father said not to go to university as it was a "mug's game", adding: 'The only thing I've learned is – you shouldn't listen to dad".
Storyline development
Lapinskas revealed the details of his character, Anthony's background. He says that Anthony worships his older brother Michael. In an interview with Inside SoapInside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
, Lapinskas teased the "dynamic" that viewers can expect between Anthony and Michael, who has "stirred up Albert Square with his erratic behaviour over the past few months". The actor explained: "Anthony just idolises him. When they were little, Michael corrupted Anthony into really looking up to him. The fact of the matter is that Michael has his own business and has all this money coming in, without having to worry about all the family politics, so Anthony's in awe of that. Also, Michael has this incredible confidence". Lapinskas asked whether if Anthony has a good relation ship with his on-screen father, Eddie. he replied: "Yes, he does – and he wants to show his dad that he's the man to take over the [family] business. For Anthony, his main interest is the antiques emporium – forget the girls! That said, if he does take over from Eddie, then maybe there could be time for a lady in his life for once. There might be somebody new for him".
Inside Soap magazine has said Anthony's brother Michael sees Anthony's arrival in Walford an opportunity to get back at his father, Eddie. An EastEnders source told the magazine, "Anthony is willing to listen to Michael's side of the story. He's going to be shocked when he hears why his sibling loathes their dad." Rachel Tarley from the Metro said "it's nice to have a bit of fresh blood in the soap, especially since the appearance of another one of his siblings always seems to leave Michael a little more demented than he was before.
In October 2011, Anthony becomes involved in a love triangle with Jodie Gold
Jodie Gold
Jodie Gold is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kylie Babbington. She first appeared on screen on 7 June 2010. On 24 October 2011, it was announced Babbington's contract would not be renewed and Jodie departed on 14 November 2011, along with Poppy Meadow...
(Kylie Babbington
Kylie Babbington
Kylie Jane Babbington is a British actress.Babbington was born in Havering, London in 1987. She studied acting and musical theatre at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and appeared in productions of Assassins, Elergies, Essex Girls and Odin.In 2010 she was cast in the BBC soap opera...
) and her best friend, Poppy Meadow
Poppy Meadow
Poppy Meadow is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Rachel Bright. She was introduced on 11 January 2011 as the best friend of established character Jodie Gold , in several scenes which filled in for those cut from a controversial baby-swap storyline...
(Rachel Bright
Rachel Bright
Rachel Bright is a British actress.-Career:Bright graduated from the Birmingham School of Acting in 2007 and has since been based in London...
). Although Poppy is going out with Anthony, Anthony has feelings for Jodie, which leads to them kissing. Laspinskas explained, "Poppy falls for Anthony and he's just pleased that somebody likes him. He gets the feeling that Jodie likes him too, but Poppy puts him on the spot and says, 'Jodie says you have something to ask me' and he says what he thinks is expected and asks her out." However, discussing his kiss with Jodie, he continued: "[Anthony and Jodie] get on really well and Anthony thinks he's in there and goes for it. She kisses him back, but then she pushes him off angrily. Poppy's her mate and she knows she likes Anthony, so she walks off." He revealed that Anthony goes back out with Poppy, though Jodie is angry with herself for kissing Anthony and betraying Poppy, so decides she is going to leave London.
Reception
Inside Soap held a poll to see which of the new Moon family members, Eddie, Tyler or Anthony, its readers were most looking forward to seeing. Anthony came third with 12% of the vote. During an Inside Soap feature on the Moon brothers vs the Mitchell brothers, Kate Woodward said "Two sexy brothers to shake up Albert Square? That sounds familiar! But are Anthony and Tyler really the new GrantGrant Mitchell (EastEnders)
Grant Anthony Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. Grant first appeared in 1990, introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show. Kemp remained until 1999 when he opted to leave...
and Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
?" Lapinskas commented on this, saying "It's a lot of pressure to put us both under, but what a duo to be compared to! [...] Phil and Grant were in the show together for at least 10 years, and they were fantastic—so to be linked to them is phenomenal. It really is a lot to live up to, but Tony and I are hoping to come in with out own energy and bring something completely new to EastEnders.