As always you can unsubscribe at any time. During the storyline, DCI Jill Marsden (Sophie Stanton) and DC Wayne Hughes (Jamie Treacher) talk to locals about the case and Hughes accepts a bribe. Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) returned in August 2012 for her third stint on the show. [340], Until its closure, BBC Store released 553 EastEnders episodes from various years, including the special episode "CivvyStreet", available to buy as digital downloads. [178] Middle-class characters do occasionally become regulars, but have been less successful and rarely become long-term characters. [57] This episode later went on to win British Soap Award for "Best Single Episode". Often, their promiscuity masks a hidden vulnerability and a desire to be loved. [220], In May 2016 the rebuild was delayed until 2020 and forecast to cost in excess of 15million,[221] although the main part of the set is scheduled to be able to start filming in May 2019. The overnight TV ratings refer only to live television viewing and do not include online or catch-up audiences. On 21 September 2004, Berridge quit as executive producer of EastEnders following continued criticism of the show. We are always mindful of the timeslot in which EastEnders is shown and we took great care to signpost this storyline prior to transmission, through on-air continuity and publicity as well as providing a BBC Action Line at the end of the episode which offers advice and support to those affected by the issue". New figures show that EastEnders viewers have dropped dramatically with issues said to be its trendy-but-dull storylines and lack of iconic characters. Other events to mark the anniversary were a spin-off DVD, EastEnders: Last Tango in Walford , and an Internet spin-off, EastEnders: E20 . Danny went on to say his character had 'lost his way' after divorcing Linda and marrying Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks). The programme has since attempted to address these issues. At its height in the 80s it broke records, topping 30million . This was followed in January 1989, less than a year after legislation came into effect in the UK prohibiting the "promotion of homosexuality" by local authorities, by the first on-the-mouth gay kiss in a British soap when Colin kissed a new character, Guido Smith (Nicholas Donovan), an episode that was watched by 17 million people. Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall guest starred in the episode; it also marked the first executive producer credit for Clenshaw. (4th Sept. 2009, 8.17 million; 2nd Oct. 2009, 8.18 million; 6th Nov. 2009, 9.23 million) No one got this remotely right. Despite the slightly lower figure, it still made it to 12th place on Channel 5's weekly chart. [39] Lewis and Greaves formulated a new regime for EastEnders, giving the writers of the serial more authority in storyline progression, with the script department providing "guidance rather than prescriptive episode storylines". He added: "It should feel more like London. Repeated intentional offences of this rule could lead to a ban, Many thanks the EastEnders Wiki admin team. [77] In 2012, Kirkwood chose to leave his role as executive producer and was replaced by Lorraine Newman. [329][330] In 1993, the two-part story "Dimensions in Time", a charity cross-over with Doctor Who, was shown. [353][354] In 2006, EastEnders regularly attracted between 8 and 12 million viewers in official ratings. Newman stepped down as executive producer after 16 months in the job in 2013 after the soap was criticised for its boring storylines and its lowest-ever figures pointing at around 4.8million. [321], In Ireland, EastEnders was shown on TV3 from September 1998 until March 2001, when it moved over to RT One, after RT lost to TV3 the rights to air rival soap Coronation Street. She made reference to representation of family life and emphasis on psychological and emotional violence within the show. [257] A week of episodes in 2011 saw filming take place on a beach in Thorpe Bay[258] and a pier in Southend-on-Seaduring which a stuntman was injured when a gust of wind threw him off balance and he fell onto rocks[259][260] with other scenes filmed on the Essex coast. In 2014, the omnibus moved back to around midnight on Friday nights, and in April 2015, the omnibus was axed, following detailed audience research and the introduction of 30-day catch up on BBC iPlayer and the planning of BBC One +1. Santer came up with several plans to mark the occasion, including the show's first episode to be broadcast live, the second wedding between Ricky Butcher and Bianca Jackson and the return of Bianca's relatives, mother Carol Jackson, and siblings Robbie Jackson, Sonia Fowler and Billie Jackson. [236] These were replaced by specially recorded election material, including representatives from each major party, and a scene recorded on the day after the election reflecting the result, which was broadcast the following Tuesday. [33] The first time this happened was in December 1985 when Pauline (Wendy Richard) and Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher) travelled to the Southend-on-Sea to find their son Mark, who had run away from home. [34] Although the programme still covered many issues in 1989, such as domestic violence, drugs, rape and racism, Brake reflected that the new emphasis on a more balanced mix between "light and heavy storylines" gave the illusion that the show had lost a "certain edge". The following day, the anniversary week was rounded off with another fully live episode (the second after 2010) with 9.97 million viewers watching the aftermath of the reveal, the Beale family finding out the truth of Lucy's killer and decided to keep it a secret. EastEnders star Danny Dyer opens up on 140,000 Maldives holiday heart.co.uk - Naomi Bartram Danny Dyer enjoyed 'the best holiday ever' in the Maldives after he jetted off last year. EastEnders is the BBC's most consistent programme in terms of ratings. Her eldest sister, Lou, had married a man named Albert Beale and had two children, named Peter and Pauline. EastEnders viewing figures hit a low of 2.9 million on Monday - attracting a smaller audience than quiz show Only Connect. [107] A spokesperson confirmed that the decision was made to reduce transmission so that EastEnders could remain on-screen for longer. "Exclusives" about EastEnders storylines and the actors on the show became a staple of tabloid buyers' daily reading. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. The show lost many of its significant characters during this period. Moments of drama are often timed to peak with optimum viewing figuresand Christmas is a notoriously volatile time on Albert Square. The show was presented by Angellica Bell and was available to digital viewers at 8:30pm on Monday nights. Episodes airing on Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 (which featured an hour long episode and a second episode) all featured at least one live insert. [110] Jon Sen, the show's executive producer, expressed his excitement at the new series, dubbing it "a unique opportunity to see from the cast themselves just what it is like to be part of EastEnders". Hollingworth shared the award with the next Executive Producer, Jane Harris. Figures show that on July 31 the London-based soap opera recorded its lowest. We just want to see normal people on occasion, with normal problems.. EastEnders is often filmed on location, away from the studios in Borehamwood. They contravened the rules regarding protection of children by appropriate scheduling, appropriate depiction of violence before the 9p.m. watershed and appropriate depiction of potentially offensive content. From 2001 to 2022, it was broadcast at 7:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday, and 8pm on Monday and Friday. Millions of EastEnders viewers have turned their back on the long-running soap, according to the latest reports. Research suggested that people found the characters true to life, the plots believable and, importantly in the face of criticism of the content, people watched as a family and regarded it as viewing for all the family. TAM/AGB used meter readings and published the data as millions of homes viewing. Viewers felt that the scenes were too violent and graphic for a pre-watershed time slot. [236] Using a plan devised by co-creators Smith and Holland, five minutes of material was cut from four of the pre-recorded episodes preceding the election. Therefore the first episode of EastEnders was watched by 13 million people which equates to 17.35 million people. [86] Treadwell-Collins left on 6 May[87] and O'Connor's first credited episode was broadcast on 11 July[88] Although O'Connor's first credited episode aired in July, his own creative work was not seen onscreen until late September. [387], In December 2010, Ronnie Branning (Samantha Womack) swapped her newborn baby, who died in cot, with Kat Moon's (Jessie Wallace) living baby. [371], In 2008, EastEnders, along with Coronation Street, was criticised by Martin McGuinness, then Northern Ireland's deputy first minister, for "the level of concentration around the pub" and the "antics portrayed in The [] Queen Vic". EastEnders is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since February 1985. Other permanent staff included the producer's office, script department and designer, meaning between 30 and 35 people would be working full-time on EastEnders, rising to 60 to 70 on filming days. [210] The drains around the set are real so rainwater can naturally flow from the streets. An average EastEnders episode attracts a total audience share between 35 and 40 per cent. ", "EastEnders 30th anniversary: The most memorable moments of the hit BBC soap", "TV ratings January 29: EastEnders edges past Emmerdale", "EastEnders: 'Who Killed Lucy?' [266] On 23 July 2012, a segment of that evening's episode was screened live as Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) carried the Olympic flame around Walford in preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics. [252], Other locations have included the court house, a disused office block, Evershed House,[253][254] and St Peter's Church,[255] all in St Albans, an abandoned mental facility in Worthing,[256] and a wedding dress shop in Muswell Hill, north London. [227], The majority of EastEnders episodes are filmed at the BBC Elstree Centre in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire. 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[281] Cars used by the studio are low emission vehicles and the production team take more efficient energy efficient generators out on location. [344] EastEnders two biggest ratings rivals are the ITV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale. [281], As a result of EastEnders' sustainability, it was awarded albert+, an award that recognises the production's commitment to becoming a more eco-friendly television production. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) John Yorke, the former BBC's head of drama production, put this down to Tony Holland's "gay sensibility, which showed a love for strong women". Viewing figures for related broadcasts Besides the regular episodes of Coronation Street, the following programmes also made the weekly charts. Many other cast members only found out at the same time as the public, when the episode was broadcast. [96] It was also announced that Oates was looking for an Executive Producer to work under her. Kate Lock also wrote four novels centred on more recent characters; Steve Owen (Martin Kemp), Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp), Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Tiffany Mitchell (Martine McCutcheon). [226] In January 2022 the new 86.7m exterior set of EastEnders was officially unveiled by the BBC replacing the original set built in 1984. THE BBC enjoyed some record-breaking viewing figures with its on-demand service, BBC iPlayer, last year. [351] The following day the show received its lowest ever ratings at that time (6.2million) when ITV scheduled an hour-long episode of Emmerdale against it. Over the years Emmerdale Farm/Emmerdale has attracted high audience figures. Saturday Night Takeaway viewers have been left complaining after a 'cruel' prank during tonight's episode. ", "The Museum of Broadcast Communications Encyclopedia of Television", "BBC EastEnders: EastEnders Omnibus has moved", "EastEnders repeat where will it be shown when BBC3 goes off air? [19], The Watts and Mitchell families have been central to many notable EastEnders storylines, the show having been dominated by the Watts in the 1980s, with the 1990s focusing on the Mitchells and Butchers. But data has shown that Walford's woes outdo those on the Corrie cobbles. Viewing figures peaked at 16.6 million, which was the highest viewed episode in seven years. [200], In the early 2000s, EastEnders covered the issue of euthanasia with Ethel Skinner's (Gretchen Franklin) death in a pact with her friend Dot Cotton (June Brown), the unveiling of Kat Slater's (Jessie Wallace) sexual abuse by her uncle Harry (Michael Elphick) as a child (which led to the birth of her daughter Zoe (Michelle Ryan), who had been brought up to believe that Kat was her sister), the domestic abuse of Little Mo Morgan (Kacey Ainsworth) by husband Trevor (Alex Ferns) (which involved marital rape and culminated in Trevor's death after he tried to kill Little Mo in a fire),[199] Sonia Jackson (Natalie Cassidy) giving birth at the age of 15 and then putting her baby up for adoption, and Janine Butcher's (Charlie Brooks) prostitution, agoraphobia and drug addiction. [276] According to the NAO, BBC executives approved 500,000 of additional funding for the 25th anniversary live episode (19 February 2010). [192], As of January 2023[update], Gillian Taylforth and Letitia Dean are the only members of the original cast remaining in the show, in their roles of Kathy Beale and Sharon Watts, respectively. [383] A suicide was also planned, but the character this storyline was assigned to was not revealed. Yorke was given the task of introducing the soap's fourth weekly episode. "[390] By 7 January, that storyline had generated the most complaints in show history: the BBC received about 8,500 complaints, and media regulator Ofcom received 374; however, despite the controversy, EastEnders pulled in rating highs of 910million throughout the duration of the storyline. [14] It was the latter that stuck (E8 is the postcode for Hackney) in the early months of creative process; however, the show was renamed after many casting agents mistakenly thought the show was to be called Estate, and the fictional postcode E20 was created, instead of using E8. [261][262] In 2012, filming took place in Keynsham, Somerset. [111] Filming recommenced on 29 June,[112] with episodes airing from 7 September 2020. The Dutch version was re-written from already existing EastEnders scripts. As noted in the 1994 behind-the-scenes book, EastEnders: The First 10 Years, after filming, tapes were sent to the videotape editor, who then edited the scenes together into an episode. EastEnders was originally broadcast twice weekly at 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 19 February 1985; however, in September 1985 the two episodes were moved to 7:30pm as Michael Grade did not want the soap running in direct competition with Emmerdale Farm, and this remained the same until 7 April 1994. [122] Sen's final credited episode as executive producer was broadcast on 10 March 2022 and coincided in a week of episodes that saw the arrest of serial killer Gray Atkins (Toby-Alexander Smith). [281] Caterers no longer use polystyrene cups and recycling on location must be provided. It was Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas. She regarded EastEnders as a fundamental assault on the family and morality itself. An average EastEnders episode attracts a total audience share between 35 and 40 per cent. [231] When a quartet is completed, it is edited by the director, videotape editor and script supervisor. [6] Granada Television gave Smith unrestricted access to the Coronation Street production for a month so that she could get a sense how a continuing drama was produced. He told entertainment website Digital Spy, "It's really important that the feel of the week is active and exciting and not too reflective. He said that "EastEnders has always had a distinctly different tone from the other soaps but over time we've diluted our unique selling point. In 1993, George Street was added, and soon after Walford East Underground station was built, to create further locations when EastEnders went from two to three episodes per week. The 'tart with a heart' is another recurring character. [11], A previous UK soap set in an East End market was ATV's Market in Honey Lane; however, between 1967 and 1969 this show, which graduated from one showing a week to two in three separate series (the latter series being shown in different time slots across the ITV network) was very different in style and approach from EastEnders. [190] The show has also become known for the return of characters after they have left the show. [110] Beginning on 22 June 2020, Dooley interviews two cast members together in the show's restaurant set while observing social distancing measures. [25] The visual images were taken from an aircraft flying over the East End of London at 1000 feet. Only after EastEnders began, and featured the characters of Tony Carpenter and Kelvin Carpenter, did Coronation Street start to feature black characters, for example. After footage is recorded, the material is sent digitally to the post-production team. RIVALS LASH SEEDY EASTENDERS" and "CLEAN UP SOAP! [275] In 2011, it was reported that actors receive a per-episode fee of between 400 and 1,200, and are guaranteed a certain number of episodes per year, perhaps as few as 30 or as many as 100, therefore annual salaries could range from 12,000 to 200,000 depending on the popularity of a character. In January 2010, the average audience was higher than that of Coronation Street for the first time in three years. Viewers criticised the decision, feeling that some of the characters had potential to add to the soap. [281] A carbon literacy course was run with Heads of Departments of EastEnders attending and as a result, representatives from each department agreed to meet quarterly to share new sustainability ideas. [263] In January 2013, on-location filming at Grahame Park in Colindale, north London, was interrupted by at least seven youths who threw a firework at the set and threatened to cut members of the crew. [29] Following the launch, both group discussions and telephone surveys were conducted to test audience reaction to early episodes. She also felt that EastEnders had been cleaned up as a result of her protests, though she later commented that EastEnders had returned to its old ways. [212] The square was built in two phases with only three sides being built, plus Bridge Street, to begin with in 1984, in time to be used for the show's first episode. Some interior shots are filmed in the actual buildings. 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