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AS EASTENDERS’ SEDUCTRESS DAWN SWANN, SHE’S USED TO BEING A TEASE. NOW KARA TOINTON IS SINGLE, THE 24 YEAR OLD IS FLIRTING FOR REAL

Interview by Louise Gannon

You split with boyfriend James Alexandrou last year. So what's it like being single?
I'm loving it! I’ve been single since October when I split with James (who played Martin Fowler in EastEnders). Now I go out partying with my girlfriends, I flirt like mad and I love the attention we get from men. The one thing I haven’t done is go on a blind date but I’m up for anything!

 

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What’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done recently?

I went to Spearmint Rhino, the lap-dancing club. I was mesmerised by the beautiful girls and their gorgeous bodies. My friends got a pretty blonde girl to do a dance for us and I really enjoyed it. It was fascinating to see which girls got the most attention from men  there were lots of tall, slim girls but it was the small, curvy ones who had the most customers.

Would you go again?

Yes, it was a real lesson in sexual confidence. Now I want to learn the moves and I’ve found a local dance studio which does pole-dancing classes. I’m even going to buy a pole! Not only do you get a great body out of it but you also gain confidence in your figure, and that’s incredibly sexy.

Why did you and James break up?

I did think he was The One, but it got to the point where the next step was to move in together and we both felt we hadn’t really seen enough of life yet. He’s also two years younger than me and we felt it was important to experience being single and learn a bit more about ourselves before settling down.

Is that why he left the show?

No, not at all. We hardly saw each other at work anyway. It was hard to part but we both knew it was going to end. I cried and was sad but I instinctively knew it was inevitable. It was like I’d met the right person at the wrong time. We were great together but just too young.

Was your fame a factor in the split?

It does put more pressure on a relationship. There was an expectation that we’d get engaged or move in together. It all felt really rushed. God knows how the likes of Victoria and David Beckham and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt manage it.

Are you and James still friends?

Definitely. We speak to each other a lot and share custody of our dog, Winston. I’ve had
three relationships in my life and remained friends with all my exes.

Will you find it difficult when James gets a new girlfriend?

I can’t bear the thought of it, but I know it’s going to happen and I’ll deal with it then.

So are there any men on the horizon?

Lots! I have my eye on loads of guys but sadly most of them have girlfriends.

Are you only interested in famous guys?

No, but it tends to be well-known men who approach me. I wish normal guys would chat me up but they steer clear. I like regular guys, so if you like me, talk to me!

Would you ever consider online dating?
I’ve read that Kylie looks at dating websites so if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for me. If I did go on, I’d describe myself as easy-going, romantic, down to earth and adventurous.

What do you find sexy in a man?
I like a man with a great smile who makes me laugh. He has to have confidence and be romantic but manly at the same time. 

Are you happier when you’re single or when you’re in a relationship?

Right now I’m loving single life and enjoying playing the field, but I still crave the happy-ever-after ending of finding the perfect man, settling down and having kids. Actually, I’m secretly preparing to be the perfect wife. I want to take cooking lessons because I’m a firm believer that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.

Your character, Dawn, is hardly the perfect wife. She’s a nasty piece of work, isn’t she?

She’s just misguided but she might surprise people with her next storyline – when Jay is up in court for the stabbing incident, she persuades him to do the right thing.

Do people confuse you with Dawn?

All the time. When Dawn had to choose between Garry and Jase, I had people shouting at me to choose Garry. Then, after she chose Jase, everyone kept telling me I was an idiot for picking the wrong bloke.

Tell us about your involvement with Sport Relief.

I’m taking part in a special edition of Strictly Come Dancing. I’m doing a samba with Mark Ramprakash. He’s such a good dancer. I can’t give too much away but if you watch carefully, you’ll see me trip up.

EastEnders is on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, BBC1

 

THE FABULOUS 5

1. Share a secret about yourself — something we’d never guess

I’ve got no bust! Whenever I meet people they always stare straight at my chest because my character Dawn has had a boob job. But on screen it’s all chicken fillets and foam pads. In real life, I’ve got nothing!

2. What rule do you try to live by?

Treat others the way you like to be treated. It’s pretty obvious really but I think it’s important.

3. What’s your party trick?

I can make my thumb look like it’s been cut in half.

4. David Cameron or Gordon Brown?

I’ve no interest in politics at all but I’d say that David Cameron is the better looking. He’s a lot more boyish, although Gordon Brown’s voice is very sexy.

5. Last supper?

An Indian takeaway, shared with my family.

 

Credits

Photography: LFI, BBC STYLING: LYNNE MCKENNA Hair: JOHNNY ENGSTROM @ www.garykremer.com using L’Oreal Professionel Make-Up: PASCAL MARIN

 

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