Dexter Hartman
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Dexter Hartman is a fictional character from the
BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board exam. ...
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soap opera A soap opera, or ''soap'' for short, is a typically long-running radio or television serial, frequently characterized by melodrama, ensemble casts, and sentimentality. The term "soap opera" originated from radio dramas originally being sponsored ...
, '' EastEnders'', played by Khali Best. His debut was on 7 January 2013. Dexter is the grandson of
Cora Cross Cora Cross is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by Ann Mitchell. Cora is the mother of Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner), Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks) and Ava Hartman ( Claire Perkins) and the grandmother of Lauren ...
(
Ann Mitchell Ann Mitchell (born 22 April 1939) is a British stage and television actress. She came to prominence in the 1980s when she starred as Dolly Rawlins in the crime series '' Widows'' as well as the sequels '' Widows 2'' and ''She's Out'', all writt ...
) and son of her illegitimate daughter, Ava Hartman (
Clare Perkins Clare Perkins (born 18 August 1965) is an English actress who is known for her roles as Denise Boulter in ''Family Affairs'' and Ava Hartman in '' EastEnders''. Career Perkins' first role was as Opal in the 1991 TV film 'Hallelujah Anyhow' in ...
). Dexter's storylines include his friendships with
Jay Brown Jay Brown (also Mitchell) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jamie Borthwick. He made his first appearance on 14 December 2006. Jay's storylines since joining the programme have included being part of a ...
(
Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor who has portrayed the role of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. He is also known for his role in Not Going out as The kid who Kicks Lee Career Borthwick ha ...
) and
Lola Pearce Lola Pearce is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Danielle Harold. She is introduced as the granddaughter of Billy Mitchell ( Perry Fenwick) and Julie Perkins (Cathy Murphy), and an extension to the already ...
(
Danielle Harold Danielle Amy Louise Harold (born 30 May 1992) is an English actress. She is known for her role as Lola Pearce in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', which she played from 2011 to 2015, and reprised the role from 2019 to 2023. Career Before H ...
) His job as a mechanic with
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced to the soap opera on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother Grant Mitchell (EastEnders), Grant (Ross Kemp), s ...
( Steve McFadden), his struggle to accept his estranged father, Sam James (
Cornell S John Cornell Salmonn John (born 1963) is a British actor who has appeared in various film and television productions since 1999. He is most renowned for his role as Trife's uncle, Curtis, in the films ''Kidulthood'' (2006), ''Adulthood'' (2008) and ...
) only to learn that Sam initially tracked him down hoping he would donate a kidney and a tense relationship with the Carter family. In 2014, Best was suspended from the show for three months by executive producer,
Dominic Treadwell-Collins Dominic Treadwell-Collins (born 26 August 1977) is a British television producer, known for his work on the soap operas ''Family Affairs'' and ''EastEnders'', creating the ''EastEnders'' spin-off series '' Kat & Alfie: Redwater'' and Executive P ...
due to bad behaviour. In November 2014, it was confirmed that Dexter would be written out of ''EastEnders'' in early 2015, making his final appearance on 2 January 2015


Storylines

Dexter arrives in
Albert Square Walford is a fictional borough of east London in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location ...
after finding a photograph and address for his mother, Ava's (
Clare Perkins Clare Perkins (born 18 August 1965) is an English actress who is known for her roles as Denise Boulter in ''Family Affairs'' and Ava Hartman in '' EastEnders''. Career Perkins' first role was as Opal in the 1991 TV film 'Hallelujah Anyhow' in ...
), family that she has recently been reunited with after being given up for adoption as a baby. Dexter meets his cousin,
Abi Branning Abi Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by Lorna Fitzgerald. She was introduced by executive producer Kate Harwood on 3 July 2006 as an extension to the Branning family, along with father Max (J ...
(
Lorna Fitzgerald Lorna Katie Fitzgerald (born 17 April 1996) is a British actress from Northampton. Her most notable role to date is that of Abi Branning in the BBC soap opera, '' EastEnders''. Since leaving ''EastEnders'' in January 2018, Fitzgerald has develo ...
), and they quickly become friends, with Dexter being invited to a family dinner, though Abi and the rest of the family are unaware that Dexter is related to them until Ava arrives to take him home. Abi is angry with Dexter for lying and Ava is unhappy that Dexter has gone back to
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of east London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location work ...
. Later, Ava's car breaks down in Walford on her way to a job interview, so Dexter takes it to the local garage where he becomes friends with Abi's boyfriend,
Jay Brown Jay Brown (also Mitchell) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jamie Borthwick. He made his first appearance on 14 December 2006. Jay's storylines since joining the programme have included being part of a ...
(
Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor who has portrayed the role of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. He is also known for his role in Not Going out as The kid who Kicks Lee Career Borthwick ha ...
), and
Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Steve McFadden. He was introduced to the soap opera on 20 February 1990 and was followed by his brother Grant Mitchell (EastEnders), Grant (Ross Kemp), s ...
( Steve McFadden) offers him work so he can pay for the repairs. Dexter becomes friends with
Lola Pearce Lola Pearce is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Danielle Harold. She is introduced as the granddaughter of Billy Mitchell ( Perry Fenwick) and Julie Perkins (Cathy Murphy), and an extension to the already ...
(
Danielle Harold Danielle Amy Louise Harold (born 30 May 1992) is an English actress. She is known for her role as Lola Pearce in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', which she played from 2011 to 2015, and reprised the role from 2019 to 2023. Career Before H ...
) and is shocked to discover that she is a mother. Lola is disappointed by his reaction but they remain friends. However, Phil, who has custody of Lola's baby,
Lexi Pearce The following are characters who first appeared in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' during 2012 listed by order of first appearance. New characters were introduced by Bryan Kirkwood, executive producer. He stepped down from the role in April. ...
, is unhappy about Lola and Dexter being friends and tells Lola to stop seeing him. When
Bianca Butcher Bianca Jackson (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'' played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted ...
(
Patsy Palmer Julie Anne Merkell (''née'' Harris; born 26 May 1972), known professionally as Patsy Palmer, is an English actress and DJ, known for her roles as Natasha in the children's drama series ''Grange Hill'' (1985–1987), and Bianca Jackson in the ...
) tells Ava that her son
Liam Butcher Liam Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Sonny Bottomley for two months in 1998 and 1999, twins Jack and Tom Godolphin from 1999, Gavin and Mitchell Vaughan in 2002, and Nathaniel Gleed from 2002 to ...
( James Forde) is in a gang, Ava reveals that Dexter used to be in a gang, which turns out to be the same gang. Ava and Dexter give Bianca advice, but after the gang are arrested and released on bail, they trash Ava and Dexter's home. Dexter tells Ava they have to move away. Ava decides to move to Walford and rents a flat on the Square. Dexter's father, Sam James (
Cornell S John Cornell Salmonn John (born 1963) is a British actor who has appeared in various film and television productions since 1999. He is most renowned for his role as Trife's uncle, Curtis, in the films ''Kidulthood'' (2006), ''Adulthood'' (2008) and ...
), arrives unexpectedly and initially hides his true identity from Dexter, who takes a liking to him. When Dexter discovers the truth, he is angry at both Ava and Sam. Sam stays in Walford despite Ava and Dexter telling him to leave. Ava slowly realises she still has romantic feelings for Sam and they reunite. Dexter is initially hostile to this, but he slowly warms to his father. It emerges that Sam requires a kidney transplant. Dexter decides to take a test to see if he is a match, but Ava refuses to let him. He does so anyway, and he is a match, and Dexter and Sam go through the transplant operation. Ava fusses over both of them while they are recovering, and while Dexter is used to Ava's overprotective nature, Sam feels smothered. On Dexter's birthday, Ava discovers Sam came back to Walford to get Dexter's kidney, and ends their relationship, throwing him out onto the street. However, she does not tell Dexter the truth about Sam's departure, and he is angry with her, blaming her for his sudden disappearance. He moves in with Cora at the Branning's, and begins drinking heavily. He tries to kiss Lola but she rejects his advances as she is now with
Peter Beale Peter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' who has been played by seven actors since being introduced in 1993. Francis Brittin-Snell portrayed the role from 1993 to 1996, followed by Alex Stevens from 1997 to 19 ...
(Ben Hardy). He is fired from his job at the Arches after arguing with Phil and accidentally injuring Jay, and later, in a row with him and Abi, he reveals Jay's infidelity with Kitty to his stunned cousin. However, they reconcile and forgive Dexter for his wayward actions. After learning the truth, Dexter reunites with Ava, but when she goes to
Newcastle Newcastle usually refers to: *Newcastle upon Tyne, a city and metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, England *Newcastle-under-Lyme, a town in Staffordshire, England *Newcastle, New South Wales, a metropolitan area in Australia, named after Newcastle ...
for a new job, Dexter and Cora move in with Cora's boyfriend,
Patrick Trueman Patrick Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001. His storylines include being the possible father of Denise Fox ( Diane Parish), to w ...
(
Rudolph Walker Rudolph Malcolm Walker (born 28 September 1939) is a Trinidadian-British actor, known for his sitcom roles as Bill Reynolds in '' Love Thy Neighbour'' (1972–76) and Constable Frank Gladstone in '' The Thin Blue Line'' (1995–96). Since 2001 ...
), as they are no longer wanted at the Branning's. In January 2014, Dexter clashes with
Nancy Carter Nancy Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by Maddy Hill. Nancy's first appearance is in a combination of the show's 4775th and 4776th episodes, originally broadcast in the United Kingdom on 1 January ...
(
Maddy Hill Madeleine Kate Hayley Hill (born 19 March 1990) is an English actress, known for her roles as Nancy Carter in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'' and Ruby Spark in the BBC medical drama ''Casualty''. Career Hill trained at Rose Bruford College ...
), when she refuses to serve him alcohol, and she later punches him in the face, after untruthfully exclaiming that he touched her bum. In March 2014, Cora and Patrick's relationship ends, due to her making some insensitive comments to their friend and neighbour,
Dot Branning Dorothy "Dot" Branning (also Cotton) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders'', played by June Brown. In a special episode entitled ''EastEnders: Dot's Story'' (2003) a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in fl ...
(
June Brown June Muriel Brown (16 February 1927 – 3 April 2022) was an English actress and author. She was best known for her role as Dot Cotton on the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' (1985–1993; 1997–2020). In 2005, she won Best Actress at the '' ...
), about her deceased son,
Nick Cotton Nick Cotton is a fictional character from the British soap opera ''EastEnders'' played by John Altman on a semi-regular basis from the soap's debut episode on 19 February 1985. Altman has stated that his initial exit was due to producer Julia ...
( John Altman). After forming a close friendship with Nancy, Dexter realises that he loves her, although he is unsure whether she feels the same way about him. In May 2014, Dexter decides to tell Nancy how he feels, but she punches him in the face again, after mistaking him for an intruder. He later kisses her, and she is unsure how to react. After Patrick kicks Cora and Dexter out of his house, Cora's new friend,
Stan Carter Stan Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', portrayed by Timothy West. He first appeared in the show's 4,793rd episode, originally broadcast in the United Kingdom on 27 January 2014, and was introduced as the f ...
(
Timothy West Timothy Lancaster West, CBE (born 20 October 1934) is an English actor and presenter. He has appeared frequently on both stage and television, including stints in both ''Coronation Street'' (as Eric Babbage) and ''EastEnders'' (as Stan Carte ...
), who is Nancy's grandfather, gives Cora money to buy her own flat. Dexter then later stays with Ava for a while, returning in September in time for Phil and Sharon's wedding. He later begins a relationship with Nancy but she is upset when he leaves to stay with Ava over Christmas. Dexter later realises that his relationship with Nancy is not working out but gives her some heartfelt advice before leaving for Newcastle to stay with Ava. Several months later, Lola and Jay start a relationship and plan to move to Newcastle with Dexter. However, Jay is arrested and sentenced to a three-month curfew, so Lola leaves Walford alone. Lola later calls Jay to end the relationship as she is now dating Dexter instead. In 2019, When Lola returns to Albert Square, she mentions to Jay that she and Dexter have since split up.


Creation and development


Casting and introduction

Introduced by then executive producer,
Lorraine Newman Lorraine Newman (born 1978) is a British scriptwriter, television producer, and the executive producer of the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2012 to 2013. Newman, who has worked on ''EastEnders'' for "nearly 20 years", received the role of ...
, the character and casting was announced on 8 November 2012.
Khali Best Dexter Hartman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, ''EastEnders'', played by Khali Best. His debut was on 7 January 2013. Dexter is the grandson of Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell) and son of her illegitimate daughter, Ava Hartman (Clare ...
would join the cast as a series regular and play Dexter, Ava Hartman (
Clare Perkins Clare Perkins (born 18 August 1965) is an English actress who is known for her roles as Denise Boulter in ''Family Affairs'' and Ava Hartman in '' EastEnders''. Career Perkins' first role was as Opal in the 1991 TV film 'Hallelujah Anyhow' in ...
)'s son. Best said of his casting, "I am delighted to be joining the cast of ''EastEnders'' and working with such great actors so early in my career is an amazing opportunity. I am really excited to see what the writers have in store." The show's executive producer,
Lorraine Newman Lorraine Newman (born 1978) is a British scriptwriter, television producer, and the executive producer of the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' from 2012 to 2013. Newman, who has worked on ''EastEnders'' for "nearly 20 years", received the role of ...
, predicted that Dexter would be hugely popular with the audience", and it was revealed that he would work at the local garage (the Arches) and would be friends with
Jay Brown Jay Brown (also Mitchell) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jamie Borthwick. He made his first appearance on 14 December 2006. Jay's storylines since joining the programme have included being part of a ...
(
Jamie Borthwick Jamie Simon Borthwick (born 23 June 1994) is an English actor who has portrayed the role of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' since 2006. He is also known for his role in Not Going out as The kid who Kicks Lee Career Borthwick ha ...
) and
Lola Pearce Lola Pearce is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Danielle Harold. She is introduced as the granddaughter of Billy Mitchell ( Perry Fenwick) and Julie Perkins (Cathy Murphy), and an extension to the already ...
(
Danielle Harold Danielle Amy Louise Harold (born 30 May 1992) is an English actress. She is known for her role as Lola Pearce in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', which she played from 2011 to 2015, and reprised the role from 2019 to 2023. Career Before H ...
). It was said that he comes to
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of east London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location work ...
to meet his family, that he previously knew nothing about. Best was cast in the role of Dexter after he attended several workshops held by the producers of the series where they observed his improvisational skills. During one of the final workshops, Best was paired with Clare Perkins as her son, which is wear the writers came up with the idea for the storyline and the characters. Best had just booked a role in ''Choir Boy'' at the
Royal Court Theatre The Royal Court Theatre, at different times known as the Court Theatre, the New Chelsea Theatre, and the Belgravia Theatre, is a non-commercial West End theatre in Sloane Square, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England ...
, when he was called to audition for ''EastEnders'' and offered the role of Dexter. In September 2013 when it was announced that Cornell John and Clare Perkins would depart the series, new executive producer,
Dominic Treadwell-Collins Dominic Treadwell-Collins (born 26 August 1977) is a British television producer, known for his work on the soap operas ''Family Affairs'' and ''EastEnders'', creating the ''EastEnders'' spin-off series '' Kat & Alfie: Redwater'' and Executive P ...
decided to keep Best on as Dexter. Of the decision, Best said, "It means the world—to do something and be recognised is a great feeling. Anyone would love that—I'm just going to keep doing what I am doing and as long as it's beneficial for the show I have no problem staying here." In May 2014, Best was suspended from filming for three months. Reports later surfaced that Best had allegedly assaulted a taxi driver. Best made his onscreen return on 22 September 2014. Dexter arrives in Albert Square on 7 January 2013 and briefly clashes with Jay when he befriends his cousin,
Abi Branning Abi Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by Lorna Fitzgerald. She was introduced by executive producer Kate Harwood on 3 July 2006 as an extension to the Branning family, along with father Max (J ...
(
Lorna Fitzgerald Lorna Katie Fitzgerald (born 17 April 1996) is a British actress from Northampton. Her most notable role to date is that of Abi Branning in the BBC soap opera, '' EastEnders''. Since leaving ''EastEnders'' in January 2018, Fitzgerald has develo ...
), Jay's girlfriend. Of his character's introduction, Best explained, "It's a great introduction. There's already a lot of tension within the family for various reasons, so there's a little bit of fun to be had by adding Dexter to the mix." Dexter is adamant about having a relationship with his grandmother,
Cora Cross Cora Cross is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by Ann Mitchell. Cora is the mother of Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner), Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks) and Ava Hartman ( Claire Perkins) and the grandmother of Lauren ...
(
Ann Mitchell Ann Mitchell (born 22 April 1939) is a British stage and television actress. She came to prominence in the 1980s when she starred as Dolly Rawlins in the crime series '' Widows'' as well as the sequels '' Widows 2'' and ''She's Out'', all writt ...
) and she immediately takes a liking to him. In an interview with ''
All About Soap ''All About Soap'' was a fortnightly UK magazine founded in October 1999. It was released on Tuesdays. Storylines of the shows it covers are from soap operas shown in the United Kingdom and from Australia, including '' EastEnders'', '' Cor ...
'', Best revealed that Dexter is delighted when they move to
Walford Walford is a fictional borough of east London in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. It is the primary setting for the soap. ''EastEnders'' is filmed at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, towards the north-west of London. Much of the location work ...
. "He's looking forward to moving there, because it's a new start for him." Dexter, who has been having some difficulties, but with this move to Walford, "he's coming out on top now." Newman revealed that the characters would be involved in a storyline with
Bianca Jackson Bianca Jackson (also Butcher) is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'' played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted ...
(
Patsy Palmer Julie Anne Merkell (''née'' Harris; born 26 May 1972), known professionally as Patsy Palmer, is an English actress and DJ, known for her roles as Natasha in the children's drama series ''Grange Hill'' (1985–1987), and Bianca Jackson in the ...
) in 2013, which would help familiarise them with the Square. The executive producer also discussed plans to set Ava and Dexter up as a "unit." The writers introduced the character gradually, with viewers seeing the character in "small doses," which Best appreciated. In an early storyline, Dexter reconnects with a former friend and gang member from his past who has taken an interest in the young
Liam Butcher Liam Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Sonny Bottomley for two months in 1998 and 1999, twins Jack and Tom Godolphin from 1999, Gavin and Mitchell Vaughan in 2002, and Nathaniel Gleed from 2002 to ...
(James Forde), Bianca's son. According to Best, Dexter's involvement in the storyline provides insight into what Dexter could have been, had his life turned out differently. Dexter's friendship with Lola however seems to be much more. Though Best was not aware of any potential plans to pair the characters, he believed Dexter liked Lola because she is a "real, genuine person."


Characterisation

Dexter is 20 years old upon his arrival. Upon his announcement, Newman called him a "force of nature", adding that he is "cheeky, forthright, confident but highly protective of his mum and vice versa." Best described Dexter as having a "watchful eye," over his mother particularly. Best said that he and Dexter had a similar background, but both he and his character make the best of their lives. In an interview with '' Inside Soap'', Best said there are many different sides to the character's personality. Dexter does not have a problem admitting his mistakes, if he feels he has made an error in his judgement. In a behind the scenes interview, Best described Dexter as a "very passionate person. If he sees something wrong he won't let things lie." Best said "Dexter has a funny way of charming the pants off of people." In an interview with '' Radio Times'', Best described Dexter as being "very eccentric." In a television interview on ITV's ''
Lorraine Lorraine , also , , ; Lorrain: ''Louréne''; Lorraine Franconian: ''Lottringe''; german: Lothringen ; lb, Loutrengen; nl, Lotharingen is a cultural and historical region in Northeastern France, now located in the administrative region of Gra ...
'', Best said "Dexter is full of mischief. He's always full of mischief..."


Sam James and kidney donation

In April 2013, it was announced that actor
Cornell S John Cornell Salmonn John (born 1963) is a British actor who has appeared in various film and television productions since 1999. He is most renowned for his role as Trife's uncle, Curtis, in the films ''Kidulthood'' (2006), ''Adulthood'' (2008) and ...
had joined the cast in the role of Dexter's absent father and Ava's ex-husband, Sam James. Lorraine Newman said Sam's addition created a "solid family unit with Dexter and Ava." However, both Ava and Dexter would have a difficult time allowing Sam back into their lives. Best told '' Digital Spy'' that Sam's introduction would give the characters "more colours." Best said that Sam coming back is the "biggest hurdle that Dexter has had to overcome." The actor continued, "It was quite challenging for me to get my head around the emotions that Dexter was experiencing, given that his dad has been completely absent for 20 years." Ava introduces Sam as "Jacob," an old friend. Dexter's immediate reaction upon finding out about Sam is anger because Ava have been lying to him. However his anger comes from not understanding how to deal with Sam because "it's too much emotion to deal with at that time," Best said. In an interview with '' Inside Soap'' Best admitted that it was "fun to play Dexter's angry side." Best explained that it would take a while before Dexter could work through his anger because he has every reason to be angry. Best described the process as "Dexter's moral clock ticking over—and his attitude doesn't wash with Sam." In September 2013, it was announced that Cornell John and Clare Perkins would exit the series as Sam and Ava. When new executive producer,
Dominic Treadwell-Collins Dominic Treadwell-Collins (born 26 August 1977) is a British television producer, known for his work on the soap operas ''Family Affairs'' and ''EastEnders'', creating the ''EastEnders'' spin-off series '' Kat & Alfie: Redwater'' and Executive P ...
took over, several actors were fired from the cast, however, an insider revealed that the "conclusion of the Sam storyline was planned many months ago," and Treadwell-Collins decided to leave it be. However, it was confirmed that Best would continue with the series beyond the departures of his onscreen parents. Best revealed that he did not expect Dexter to stick around when the story about Sam, Ava and Dexter was finished but he was excited about the new producer choosing to stick with the character. However, Best said he was a bit scared, considering Dexter was kind of left out in the cold after Sam and Ava's departures. In an interview with ''
What's on TV ''What's on TV'' is a weekly television listings magazine published by Future PLC. Overview ''What's on TV'' is a weekly UK television magazine. It publishes features, TV listings, news and gossip from soap operas, as well as puzzles and compet ...
'', Best explained that learning that Sam may die without a kidney transplant "puts it all into perspective about what it means to have his dad in his life." Dexter does not consider being Sam's donor until he hears of Ava's plans to get tested and he makes plans to get tested on his own. However, he doesn't tell Ava because he "doesn't want her to worry." Fortunately, Dexter can confide in Jay about his dilemma. When Ava tries to talk him out of donating his kidney, he refuses. According to Best, "Dexter has his own moral barometer and will do what he needs to do for the sake of his new-found family. I think he's got the tools in the box to do the right thing..." However, Dexter is eventually to work through his anger and resentment toward his father. Of Dexter being happy with his father, Best said "It grew into something people wanted to see." However, Best previewed that the storyline would take a dark turn. The story culminates with Dexter learning that Sam was aware that he needed a kidney transplant before he came to Walford. Best stated to '' Radio Times'', "Dexter needed to understand the family situation, especially the relationship that he hadn’t had with his dad." However, Best appreciated that instead of the characters being killed off, the door was left open for their return. With Sam and Ava absent from his life, the writers set the character up to interact more with Cora and the
Branning family The Branning family, together with the Jackson family are a fictional, extended family in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders''. Introduced in 1993 were the Jackson family, consisting of Carol Jackson (Lindsey Coulson), her partner and later husban ...
, including his "uncle"
Max Branning Max Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', played by Jake Wood. He made his first appearance on 27 June 2006. Wood took a four-month break from the show in 2011 and the character was absent between August and No ...
(
Jake Wood Jake Dylan Wood (born 12 July 1972) is an English actor and podcaster, known for his role as Max Branning in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders''. He has also made guest appearances in series including ''Only Fools and Horses'' and '' Red Dwarf'' ...
).


The Arches

Dexter quickly realises that Phil ( Steve McFadden) is in a position of power, as the owner of the garage, and "works out a way he can best manipulate that," Best said of Dexter's job at the Arches. When Dexter loses Phil's £10,000 after selling a car he blames himself and "he's very frightened," when thinking about his potential fate Best remarked. Phil even goes so far as to threaten Dexter with a wrench. Best continued and said that Dexter has come to understand the "power triangle at the Arches and his place within it." However, Best on the other hand enjoyed any opportunity he got to work with McFadden. Best said that the location shoot where the money was stolen was one and the wrench scene with Steve McFadden's Phil Mitchell as some of his favorite memories with the series.


The Carters

In late 2013/early 2014, the writers introduced the Carter family and Dexter immediately clashes with the daughter,
Nancy Carter Nancy Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'', played by Maddy Hill. Nancy's first appearance is in a combination of the show's 4775th and 4776th episodes, originally broadcast in the United Kingdom on 1 January ...
(
Maddy Hill Madeleine Kate Hayley Hill (born 19 March 1990) is an English actress, known for her roles as Nancy Carter in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'' and Ruby Spark in the BBC medical drama ''Casualty''. Career Hill trained at Rose Bruford College ...
). Best admitted that of all the female characters, Nancy is one of three that he thought Dexter would work well with, due to the "nature of the characters." Despite Nancy's parents,
Mick Mick is a masculine given name, usually a short form (hypocorism) of Michael. Because of its popularity in Ireland, it is often used in England as a derogatory term for an Irish person or a person of Irish descent. In Australia the meaning broade ...
(
Danny Dyer Danial John Dyer (born 24 July 1977) is an English actor and presenter. Dyer's breakthrough role was as Moff in ''Human Traffic'', with other notable roles as Mick Carter in EastEnders, Billy the Limpet in '' Mean Machine'' and as Tommy Johns ...
) and
Linda Linda may refer to: As a name * Linda (given name), a female given name (including a list of people and fictional characters so named) * Linda (singer) (born 1977), stage name of Svetlana Geiman, a Russian singer * Anita Linda (born Alice Lake i ...
(
Kellie Bright Kellie Denise Bright (born 1 July 1976) is an English actress. Her roles include Linda Carter in the BBC soap opera ''EastEnders'', for which she won the 2015 British Soap Award for Best Actress and Best Dramatic Performance, Julie in ''Ali G ...
) seeming very protective of their children, Best believed Dexter's charm would help him win them over. However, he hinted that Mick would be much tougher than Linda. Of a potential relationship with Nancy, Best said, "Only time will tell." However, Best and his costar
Maddy Hill Madeleine Kate Hayley Hill (born 19 March 1990) is an English actress, known for her roles as Nancy Carter in the BBC soap opera '' EastEnders'' and Ruby Spark in the BBC medical drama ''Casualty''. Career Hill trained at Rose Bruford College ...
attended acting school together, and he helped her get acclimated to her new job. In an interview with ''Unreality Primetime'', Best said Dexter and Nancy had become "good friends." He continued, "Dexter doesn't like 'ordinary' and
ancy Ancy () is a commune in the Rhône department in eastern France. See also Communes of the Rhône department The following is a list of the 208 communes of the Rhône department of France. This list does not includes the Lyon Metropolis whi ...
s very much out of the ordinary." According to Best, they share a mutual attraction.


Reception


Critical response

Best revealed to '' Radio Times'' that on the day his first episode aired, he was unaware that the episode was on, and he "literally stopped traffic" on his way to the cash point. "People were getting out of their cars and beeping their horns" Some fans hoped for a romance between Dexter and Lola.


Awards and nominations

Best was nominated in the "Best Newcomer" at the 2013 ''Inside Soap'' Awards for his portrayal of Dexter. Best picked up one of two awards for the series by winning the category. Best was nominated for
The British Soap Awards The British Soap Awards (BSAs) are an annual awards ceremony in the United Kingdom which honours the best moments in British soap operas. The ceremony is televised on ITV and has been presented by Phillip Schofield since 2006. The trophies gi ...
"Best Newcomer" category for the year 2013. Best was also nominated in the "Best Newcomer" category at the
19th National Television Awards The 19th National Television Awards was held at The O2 Arena on 22 January 2014. The event was presented by Dermot O'Leary, who himself was nominated for an award. The ceremony was broadcast live on ITV. Ant & Dec, '' Coronation Street'' and '' ...
in 2014. Best won the category. Vicky Prior of the British newspaper ''
Metro Metro, short for metropolitan, may refer to: Geography * Metro (city), a city in Indonesia * A metropolitan area, the populated region including and surrounding an urban center Public transport * Rapid transit, a passenger railway in an urb ...
'' said Best was worthy of his victory and praised his portrayal of Dexter.


See also

* List of ''EastEnders'' characters (2013)


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hartman, Dexter EastEnders characters Television characters introduced in 2013 Fictional gang members Fictional mechanics Fictional Black British people Male characters in television