For actors in the public eye, being asked for selfies and autographs is part of the job. But star has revealed that sometimes fans can cross the line. Speaking on Radio London with host Eddie Nestor, Empson recounted an incident where she was asked for a selfie and an autograph at one of the most inappropriate places possible – a funeral.
She started off by reflecting on the experience of running into fans in general, saying: “I think people just get overly excited, especially if there’s a group of young people, like school kids. They’re like, ‘Aghhh!’ I’m like, ‘Please don’t scream, there’s nothing to scream about.” Empson then went on to talk about the particular request that left her speechless.
She explained: “I went to my friend’s mother’s funeral. There is sometimes no limit. I don’t know if it is the character that I’m playing, but I’m very respectful. If you know me, you know I’m very respectful. You go to a funeral – it’s not about taking selfies or anything like that.
Read more…
EastEnders star Tameka Empson has revealed the worst place she was asked for a selfie (Image: BBC)
“As we were going down to view the body, she said, ‘May I have a picture with you?’ I’m like, ‘Miss, I’m just walking down here,’ and then she got me again outside the church to take a picture. I said, ‘I just don’t think this is the right place or time.'”
Empson’s co-star , who plays her on screen sister Denise Fox, added: “Did she not ask you to sign the order of service as well?”
Empson confirmed: “Yeah, she wanted me to sign it. I’m like, ‘I can’t, I can’t do that.’ I think sometimes people lose their minds.”
Tameka Empson joined the cast of in 2009 playing the hilarious Kim Fox, also known as the “Kimfluencer”. Over the years she won several awards, including Funniest Female Performance at the Inside Soap Awards.
Don’t miss…
The actress refused to give a fan her autograph at a funeral (Image: BBC)
Her character has been involved in a range of dramatic storylines, from a heartbreaking miscarriage in 2017 to struggles with anxiety following a car accident.
Kim Fox left Albert Square for an exciting new adventure in January, 2024. She and her partner Howie Danes (Delroy Atkinson) set off on a cruise where Kim landed a job as a social media manager.
At the time Empson reassured fans that her character’s exit was not going to be a tragic one, saying: “Kim’s gonna be okay! She’s going on a nice cruise with Howie and the children. She’s going to be enjoying herself. She’ll be fine!”