EastEnders' Barbara Smith reveals Dana's royal moment for jubilee

EastEnders spoilers follow.

EastEnders star Barbara Smith has opened up about Dana Monroe's upcoming encounter with the royal family, as Prince Charles and Camilla visit Albert Square.

In scenes set to air next week as part of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Dana and the residents of Walford get the opportunity to speak to the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall as they host their own event.

For Dana, Barbara admits that it feels like an "out of body experience".

Opening up about next week's special episode, which will air on Thursday, June 2, the actress revealed that it was a "huge moment" for her character.

linda carter, the prince of wales, the duchess of cornwall and mick carter in eastenders

BBC

"I didn't expect her to be so interested in Dana's future nursing career! Dana really looks up to The Queen and Their Royal Highnesses so this was a huge moment for her," she said.

"Her face when she first spots them says it all. 'Am I dreaming? Someone pinch me! Don't say the wrong thing! Don't embarrass yourself!'"

Revealing that the Royal Highnesses' visit is as big a deal for Dana as it is for Linda Carter, Walford's royal super-fan, Barbara explained that her character has been an admirer of the monarch "all her life".

BBC

"Harvey has always taught her about the work they do, so she can't believe that their Royal Highnesses have actually each stood in front of her and talked to her – it's almost an out of body experience," she said.

"She never thought she'd see them visit her home, Albert Square."

As for how it felt filming a scene with Charles and Camilla, Barbara admitted that it was a "surreal" moment.

"It was surreal. So exciting! They were happy to go along with any conversation we wanted to have in character. It's an experience I'll remember fondly for the rest of my life... I was definitely nervous, but the main feeling was adrenaline and excitement."

EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and streams on BBC iPlayer.