Danny Whiting
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| EastEnders character | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Danny Whiting | |
| Portrayed by | Saul Jephcott |
| Duration | 1989–1990 |
| First appearance | 3 August 1989 |
| Last appearance | 22 February 1990 |
| Marital status | Separated |
| Home | Manchester |
| Family | Mandy |
Danny Whiting was a fictional character in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders. He was played by Saul Jephcott.
[edit] Storylines
In July 1989 Dr. David Samuels decided to modernise Walford's surgery by introducing computers. The surgery's receptionist, Michelle Fowler, struggled with the new system, but found help in the form of the computer salesman, Danny Whiting. Michelle and Danny hit it off and went on a date together off-screen and in August 1989 Danny made his first appearance.
Danny was suave, middle classed and a fair bit older than Michelle, but despite their differences Michelle fell for his charms instantly. Their relationship progressed quickly and Michelle was so smitten that she agreed to go away with him for the weekend. However she was given a rude awakeing when she telephoned his home and was greeted by a woman's voice. Danny came clean and confessed that the woman was his wife, Mandy, the mother of his two children. Danny claimed that he was no longer in love with Mandy and told Michelle that he wanted to continue their relationship. Michelle was devastated and refused to entertain the idea. Danny's poor treatment of Michelle upset the locals and Simon Wicks and Ricky Butcher sought revenge on her behalf by graffitying his car with the words "Love Rat". Danny held Michelle responsible for the vandalism and stormed off leaving her perplexed and lonely.
The following month Danny contacted Michelle hoping to reconcile with her. She refused, but when Danny crept into her house late one evening she was seduced by the gesture and agreed to be his mistress. Michelle fell in love with Danny, but he would frequently let her down in order to be with his wife and children and she began to tire of sharing him. In order to appease her Danny lied to his wife — telling her that he was attending a computing course — and moved in with Michelle for a few days to spend some quality time with her. While he was living in Walford, Danny became an accidental hero after he anonymously rescuing Marge Green from a gang of muggers. Danny refused to give testimony to the police however, fearing that his wife would discover his whereabouts. Michelle was furious about this, especially when she discovered that his testimony could lead to the muggers' imprisonment. Danny eventully relented and told the police what he'd seen, but deceived them by using Michelle's address as his own, leaving her answerable when they called in search of him.
Michelle was infuriated by Danny's dishonesty and cowardice and he exasperated the situation by avoiding her for several weeks. Everyone advised Michelle to finish with him, but she defiantly refused to do so. Danny eventually contacted Michelle and promised to spend Christmas Eve with her. However he turned up extremely late and then soured the evening further by giving Michelle a Christmas card that was intended for his wife!
Danny continued to mess Michelle around in 1990 by avoiding all contact with her, which turned her into an emotional wreck. Just when she'd given up hope Danny showed up in Walford claiming that he'd informed his wife about their affair and left her. He moved in with her — much to her parents' dismay — and told her that he wanted to be with her permanently. Michelle was overjoyed, but Danny's true colours eventually emerged when his estranged wife showed up in Walford shortly afterwards to confront Michelle. Danny apprehended his wife before they could meet and took her to the launderette where he begged her to take him back. Danny had been given a promotion in Newcastle and he wanted Mandy and their children to go with him. Mandy told him that moving was not an option, but she said she would take him back if he finsihed with Michelle and returned to her. Danny refused to give up his job however, and he promptly went to Michelle and made her the same offer. Despite an array of objection, Michelle agreed to leave her family and friends and move to Newcastle. While Michelle organised the move, Danny made various attempts to change his wife's mind, all of which were greeted with rejection.
Moving day came, but just as they were about to depart, Michelle changed her mind about leaving. Danny was stunned and attempted to forcibly place her in the moving van. Michelle, fearful of Danny's sudden aggression, locked herself in her flat and refused to let him in. Danny kicked down the door to confront her, but was forced to admit defeat after Michelle confessed that she didn't really love him! He departed in a fury, throwing all of Michelle's belongings from his van in the process. A week later Michelle discovered the extent of Danny's duplicity when Mandy arrived in Walford and informed her that he'd been attempting to reconcile with her all along.
[edit] Family
- Wife: Mandy Whiting
- Daughter: Lauren Whiting
