User:AnemoneProjectors/Keanu Taylor

Keanu Taylor is a character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Danny Walters. He is part of the Taylor family, introduced to the series on 15 June 2017, along with his mother Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) and siblings Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs).

Storylines
Keanu and his family move into Albert Square, having moved from Walford Towers. The residents are horrified by their rowdy behaviour. Soon, Keanu's 15-year-old half-sister, Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris) is revealed to be pregnant, and Keanu is supportive. Keanu's mother, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), later overhears Keanu telling Bernadette that he will support her financially and keep their secret. This leads to Karen asking Keanu if he is the father, but Keanu is shocked that she would think that he would do that to his sister, and tells her that the father is a boy in Bernadette's year at school.

Casting and introduction
Walters was cast in the role of Keanu six months after he left his role of Tiger Dyke in Benidorm. Subsequently, the character of Keanu and casting of Walters in the role were announced on 10 May 2017 after Walters had already been filming for a few weeks, along with other members of the Taylor family, Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley), Bernadette Taylor (Clair Norris), Riley Taylor (Tom Jacobs) and Chatham Taylor (Alfie Jacobs). Of his casting, Walters said, "I feel so privileged to already feel a part of the team. Everyone has been so friendly and kind and gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome and supported. There has been a huge buzz surrounding the new family and I am so excited to see what the future holds for the Taylors. Keanu is very grateful to live at no. 23 Albert Square and will try his very best not to disturb the peace in the Square." Sean O'Connor, the executive producer of EastEnders who introduced the family, stated that he was "hugely excited" at the arrival of the Taylors, calling them "noisy, brash and not-to-be-messed-with", and revealing that Karen has brought up her children, including Keanu, with no support or money, but said that they "have love and warmth in spades".

O'Connor later said that the Taylors "feel very different to the other characters" and "they bring the breath of fresh air that the Jacksons did". He added, "The writers are loving writing for them as they're such great characters and they're all played by amazing actors."

Characterisation and appearance
Keanu works as an apprentice car mechanic. He is described as a "charming and happy-go-lucky lad" who is protective of his siblings and sees himself as the man of the house. Walters revealed he is the only member of the family who brings in any money, and is mature for his age because he had to "grow up quickly" without a father figure. Walters also said that Keanu works hard and has morals. Stanley opined that Karen had "raised a good son" in Keanu.

Walters had a ponytail before he started filming, but O'Connor wanted his head shaved, so it was cropped during Walters' first time in costume and make-up.

Reception

 * 2017 Inside Soap Awards