Jase Dyer
Jase Dyer is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Stephen Lord between 19 July 2007 to 29 August 2008. The character and his casting was announced mid 2007. Lord, in his first role, began filming for EastEnders in June 2007 one month before his casting announcement, and made his first episode broadcast on 19 July 2007. The character was introduced and created by executive producer Diederick Santer. Beginning in the serial on July as a man in his mid-thirties, Jase arrives as the father of Jay Brown. Jase is also described a love interest for Roxy Mitchell and Dawn Swann.
Following Jase's arrival his storylines mainly focused on him arriving and bonding with his son, being engaged to his girlfriend Dawn and his secret past, which later it is revealed he was involved in a gang and was sent to prison for his crime. Lord was nominated for the Best Newcomer category at the 2008 British Soap Awards for his portrayal of Jase, though lost out to Coronation Streets Michelle Keegan. In an interview Lord has described his character Jase as a "enigmatic", "a dead wrong'un" and "mystery character with a dark past". It was later confirmed that the character would leave EastEnders. Jase was killed off in the serial, making his final credited appearance in an episode aired on 29 August 2008, after being subsequently murdered by his antagonistic gang leader, Terry Bates. On Virgin Media his death was named one of the best soap storylines of 2008.
Casting and characterisation
Lord's casting was announced on 4 June 2007. Kris Green of Digital Spy reported Lord was cast in the recurring role of Jase Dyer, father of established character Jay Brown played by Jamie Borthwick. Lord commented on that it felt good to join the cast, while executive producer Diederick Santer stated "I am delighted that EastEnders has attracted yet another top class actor to its cast. Stephen Lord is an actor of great talent and charisma, and I hope that his character Jase will attract, intrigue and entertain the audience in equal measure." Lord stated filming his first scenes at Elstree Studios one month before his casting announcement. Nicola Methven and Polly Hudson of the Daily Mirror wrote that he would make his first screen appearance as Jase in July 2007.Shortly after the character was announced, a show spokesperson stated "Jase is an enigmatic character in his mid thirties and arrives on the Square looking for his son. We don't know much about him, but what we do know is that he hasn't been in Jay's life for years and he was never a doting parent." They added that Jase's past is full of secrets and summed him up as "a dead wrong'un." A writer from the EastEnders website said "Jase is something of a mystery man, with a dark past." During an interview with a What's on TV writer, Lord explained that Jase comes to Walford to see his son and he admitted that both Jay and his father-in-law, Bert Atkinson, are shocked by his appearance. Lord stated that it is obvious Jay is happy to see his father, but Bert is unsure. He explained "The truth is Bert doesn't really know Jase. They've not had much to do with each other. He just assumes Jase is up to no good. Well you can see why Bert thinks that – there's definitely something of the dark horse about Jase. He doesn't give much away."
The Daily Mirror describe Jase a "hunk who will soon be breaking Walford hearts". It said, "Jase hasn't been in Jay's life for years. He returns to find his boy. And, naturally, our Jase has a dark past riddled with shocking secrets". In 2007 he turns up in the Square to look after son Jay after being mysteriously absent for many years. It also adds the Jase keeps himself to himself.
Lord further explained that Jase has not had much to do with Jay and he was not with him when his mother died of breast cancer. Jase tells Jay that he has been working on cross Channel ferries, but has finally had enough of it. Now he wants to get to know Jay and help bring him up. Lord commented "He genuinely wants to be there for Jay and be part of his life." The interviewer said Jase looked like he would be a ladies' man and Lord believed that Jase does not have any intention of attracting as many women as he can, however he does turn on the charm when he wants. Lord added that Jase is unpredictable, which makes people wary of him. Jase's profile on the What's on TV website stated that Jase preferred to keep himself to himself and that he was determined to stay on the straight and narrow, while doing the right thing by Jay.
Development
In 2007, Jase's primary storyline was arriving to Walford to salvage the relationship with his son. Keeping on eye on him to make a fresh start with him. Saving Dawn's baby Summer by catching her at a first floor from a burning house window at the hands of baby-stealer borderline psychopath Dr. May Wright. Having a brief fling with Roxy Mitchell. Proposing to his girlfriend Dawn Swann realising how much he loves her. Jase was caught flirting with Honey Mitchell much to her husband Billy's disgust.In November 2007 Jase is attacked on The Queen Victoria in the barrel store led by Terry Bates the gang leader in Jase's dark past, in which they subsequently knocked over a heavily pregnant Honey. The attack is witnessed by residents: Peggy Mitchell, Roxy, Ronnie Mitchell, Keith Miller, Mickey Miller, Darren Miller, Garry Hobbs and Patrick Trueman. A spokesperson stated "Jase is trying is hardest to turn the corner – he's paid his dues courtesy of Her Majesty but his former thuggish cronies are persistent." "Honey's terrified that something's happened to the baby and when the doctors examine her they're just as worried."
Notable Relationships
Jay Brown
Jase has not been in Jay's life for years, but he comes to Walford to track him down. Jase cares for his son despite him being estranged all those years of never doing parenting. In his profile on What's on TV stated that Jase turns up in the Square to look after son Jay after being mysteriously absent for many years. However, Jay discovers his father was in prison and goes of the rails. Jay always admired Jase because of his criminal past. Although Jase tells him not to get involved in wrong crowd and make the mistake he did, which this is many reasons why Jase is protective of his son. He is determined to stay straight and narrow down in order to do the right thing for Jay. Jase found out when Jay went missing and found him with Terry. Jase would have reacted badly and the time when Jay had a flick knife Jase took drastic measures which involves him asking why he had a weapon. Lord had explained that Jase has not had much to do with Jay and he was not with him when his mother died of breast cancer. Lord had further stated, that he wants to be there for Jay and be part of his life.When Jase begins dating Dawn, Lord explained that "While Jase was falling for Dawn, his son was falling in with a gang of thugs". He also added "He finds out Jay has a flick knife and he's furious. He tells him how dangerous it is to carry a knife. But he still doesn't know about the gang. If he did he'd be horrified because Jase of all people knows just how dangerous gangs can be." He also added The very worst... After they vandalise Dot Branning's house Jay has a change of heart. He gets into a fight with one of the gang – and ends up stabbed and fighting for his life. He also mentioned that "Jay is his life and he'll feel he's failed him. He vowed to be a good dad and he'll blame himself totally. In August 2008, Jase gets into trouble with gangster Terry Bates. He sets him up and then kidnaps son Jay. The only way Jase can save his son's life is to sacrifice his own, as actor Stephen Lord explained: "Jase has been fooling himself. He thought he could do one or two jobs for Terry then walk away whenever he wanted… But when he tries his worst nightmare begins." He also added "All he cares about is saving his son. In the mayhem, Billy manages to get Jay out to safety". Lord also added, "It's brave of the show to have a character like Jase and to show the other side of him self-sacrificing his life for his son."
Roxy Mitchell
In late 2007, Jase embarked on a relationship with Roxy Mitchell. After weeks of flirting between the both of them, Roxy visits Jase and kisses him. The kiss is witnessed by Dawn Swann, Roxy's rival for Jase's affections. Jase and Roxy's relationship starts to gather pace until Jay steals her engagement ring. Jase and Roxy end their relationship and Lord said that despite them having things in common, Jase's head has been turned by Dawn.Dawn Swann
Jase's second relationship storyline with Dawn Swann was aired in the middle of November in 2007. Tointon admitted that "On a soap you lead a double life. You get so close to people and I had formed a great friendship with Lord, who plays Jase Dyer. She explained "Whenever anybody leaves it's emotional and I did feel quite down about it". During an interview on What's on TV Lord explained "What he likes about Dawn is she's stunning. But she's also cute and has a very warm and caring nature. He feels comfortable with her and they get along well". When Jase fell for one of Dawn's "seductive" spell, they started dating in The Queen Victoria, when Dawn chose Jase over his rival for Dawn's affections, Garry Hobbs. Lord explained that "Garry and Jase are in competition for Dawn. Though to be honest Jase doesn't really see Garry as competition!, as Mo Harris set it up so Garry's wearing a red T-shirt, but Jase ends up wearing one too – and Dawn sees him first in the Vic. So she grabs him and kisses him full on! Although Jase doesn't feel sorry for Garry for the best man won. Eventually this however lead Jase to take his eye of his son, A EastEnd writer asks Lord on What's on TV is this a relationship Jase wants? Lord explained "He feels he does with Dawn. What he craves is normality for him and Jay. Jase isn't somebody who lets people get too close to him but with Dawn he's let down his guard and that's quite a big deal for him." Jase's relationship with Dawn increases when he proposed which was aired in June 2008. This eventually lead Jase to promises to have better life for Dawn.Lord further stated that I hope it would be nice if the relationship worked out, but also mentions "Jay's a bit uncomfortable. But the real problem is that Dawn's very full-on, so Jase hasn't as much time for him and consequently Jay gets involved with a dangerous street gang." He stated the worst thing is that Jay may end up fighting for his life. Jay's stabbing was aired on 22 January 2008 during a fight. Lord explained Jay is his life and he'll feel he's failed him. He vowed to be a good dad and he'll blame himself totally. It may also make him think he's got his priorities wrong and that he should have been looking out for Jay instead of spending so much time with Dawn... He also added "After his romance with Roxy ended Jase's head has been well and truly turned. When Lord announced his exit, tragedy was brought to Dawn and the family when they find out Jase has tragically died. Lord explained in an interview that The night before the wedding he's supposed to do a job with Billy but at the last minute he's struck by the fact that he's got responsibilities and he shouldn't be doing this. He's about to get married.