Dexter Hartman

Dexter Hartman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Khali Best. His debut was on 7 January 2013. Dexter is the grandson of Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell) and son of her illegitimate daughter, Ava Hartman (Clare Perkins). Dexter's storylines include his feuds with Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) and Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold), his job as a mechanic under Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and his struggle to accept his drunk father, Sam James (Cornell S John).

In 2014, Best was suspended from the show for three months by executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins after attacking a taxi driver in London. In November 2014, it was confirmed that Dexter would be written out of EastEnders in early 2015, and he made his final appearance on 2 January 2015.

Introduced by then executive producer, Lorraine Newman, the character and casting was announced on 8 November 2012. Khali Best would join the cast as a series regular and play Dexter, Ava Hartman (Clare Perkins)'s son. Best said of his casting, "I am delighted to be joining the cast of EastEnders and working with such great actors so early in my career is an amazing opportunity. I am really excited to see what the writers have in store." The show's executive producer, Lorraine Newman, predicted that Dexter would be hugely popular with the audience", and it was revealed that he would work at the local garage (the Arches) and would be friends with Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) and Lola Pearce (Danielle Harold). It was said that he comes to Walford to meet his family, that he previously knew nothing about.

Best was cast in the role of Dexter after he attended several workshops held by the producers of the series where they observed his improvisational skills. During one of the final workshops, Best was paired with Clare Perkins as her son, which is wear the writers came up with the idea for the storyline and the characters. Best had just booked a role in Choir Boy at the Royal Court Theatre, when he was called to audition for EastEnders and offered the role of Dexter. In September 2013 when it was announced that Cornell John and Clare Perkins would depart the series, new executive producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins decided to keep Best on as Dexter. Of the decision, Best said, "It means the world—to do something and be recognised is a great feeling. Anyone would love that—I'm just going to keep doing what I am doing and as long as it's beneficial for the show I have no problem staying here." In May 2014, Best was suspended from filming for three months. Reports later surfaced that Best had allegedly assaulted a taxi driver. Best made his onscreen return on 22 September 2014.

Dexter arrives in Albert Square on 7 January 2013 and briefly clashes with Jay when he befriends his cousin, Abi Branning (Lorna Fitzgerald), Jay's girlfriend. Of his character's introduction, Best explained, "It's a great introduction. There's already a lot of tension within the family for various reasons, so there's a little bit of fun to be had by adding Dexter to the mix." Dexter is adamant about having a relationship with his grandmother, Cora Cross (Ann Mitchell) and she immediately takes a liking to him.

In an interview with All About Soap, Best revealed that Dexter is delighted when they move to Walford. "He's looking forward to moving there, because it's a new start for him." Dexter, who has been having some difficulties, but with this move to Walford, "he's coming out on top now." Newman revealed that the characters would be involved in a storyline with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) in 2013, which would help familiarise them with the Square. The executive producer also discussed plans to set Ava and Dexter up as a "unit." The writers introduced the character gradually, with viewers seeing the character in "small doses," which Best appreciated. In an early storyline, Dexter reconnects with a former friend and gang member from his past who has taken an interest in the young Liam Butcher (James Forde), Bianca's son. According to Best, Dexter's involvement in the storyline provides insight into what Dexter could have been, had his life turned out differently. Dexter's friendship with Lola however seems to be much more. Though Best was not aware of any potential plans to pair the characters, he believed Dexter liked Lola because she is a "real, genuine person."

Dexter is 20 years old upon his arrival. Upon his announcement, Newman called him a "force of nature", adding that he is "cheeky, forthright, confident but highly protective of his mum and vice versa." Best described Dexter as having a "watchful eye," over his mother particularly. Best said that he and Dexter had a similar background, but both he and his character make the best of their lives. In an interview with Inside Soap, Best said there are many different sides to the character's personality. Dexter does not have a problem admitting his mistakes, if he feels he has made an error in his judgement. In a behind the scenes interview, Best described Dexter as a "very passionate person. If he sees something wrong he won't let things lie." Best said "Dexter has a funny way of charming the pants off of people." In an interview with Radio Times, Best described Dexter as being "very eccentric." In a television interview on ITV's Lorraine, Best said "Dexter is full of mischief. He's always full of mischief..."

In April 2013, it was announced that actor Cornell S John had joined the cast in the role of Dexter's absent father and Ava's ex-husband, Sam James. Lorraine Newman said Sam's addition created a "solid family unit with Dexter and Ava." However, both Ava and Dexter would have a difficult time allowing Sam back into their lives. Best told Digital Spy that Sam's introduction would give the characters "more colours." Best said that Sam coming back is the "biggest hurdle that Dexter has had to overcome." The actor continued, "It was quite challenging for me to get my head around the emotions that Dexter was experiencing, given that his dad has been completely absent for 20 years." Ava introduces Sam as "Jacob," an old friend. Dexter's immediate reaction upon finding out about Sam is anger because Ava have been lying to him. However his anger comes from not understanding how to deal with Sam because "it's too much emotion to deal with at that time," Best said. In an interview with Inside Soap Best admitted that it was "fun to play Dexter's angry side." Best explained that it would take a while before Dexter could work through his anger because he has every reason to be angry. Best described the process as "Dexter's moral clock ticking over—and his attitude doesn't wash with Sam."