EastEnders' Dayle Hudson on how girlfriend helps him with plots

EastEnders actor Dayle Hudson has revealed that his girlfriend India sometimes helps him with his character Peter Beale's storylines.

Dayle, who took over the role of Peter in 2020, told Inside Soap that dancer and model India doesn't always want to hear about his character's romantic exploits, but that she is able to offer him a different perspective which has helped him to understand his plots better.

"When he is just being too much with girls, I don't tell her about what he is getting up to," Dayle said. "Although, [India] helps me with my storylines sometimes – especially with regards to race and women and finding elements of truth in a story.

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"There were some important scenes with Ash recently after her run-in with Harvey. Peter was trying to help, but wasn't getting it right – even though his intentions were good. It was nice to explore that story."

Peter's scenes with his ex-girlfriend Ash Panesar (Gurlaine Kaur Garcha) saw him become angry toward Harvey Monroe (Ross Boatman) after Harvey made an offensive remark to Ash, although Ash wasn't too impressed with Peter's actions, telling him that he had tried to make the situation about himself.

Dayle also spoke about the big secret that Peter is currently hiding from Ash – that he slept with her mum, Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), earlier this year.

Admitting that he doesn't want the truth about Peter and Suki's dalliance to come out anytime soon, Dayle said: "He wouldn't want to hurt Ash – and she is definitely the only girl for Peter currently.

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"They are each doing their own thing; Peter has money and business on his mind whereas Ash is busy working and struggling with her family, so it's not the right time. But I think if it ever was, and Peter thought he could take Ash out again, he would definitely try."

Dayle also has several suggestions for future storylines for Peter, revealing that he'd love to see Peter's dad Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) return and for "Ian and Peter (to) go up against each other as rival businessmen", while he would also like Peter to make friends with Callum Highway (Tony Clay) so that they can go on nights out together.

It sounds like there is plenty more to come from Peter too, with Dayle promising that "we're just starting to scratch the surface of Peter and exploring his fun side, which is hopefully coming across really well".

With Peter about to clash with Walford heavyweights Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) and Mick Carter (Danny Dyer) over Albert Square's Christmas tree, it may be a little while longer before he starts to have some fun.

EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.