|
==Flying Dolphin==
{{infobox television |
| show_name = EastEnders
| image = [[Image:EEnewtitles.JPG|center|250px]]
| caption = An image from the current opening title sequence of ''EastEnders'' (introduced on [[5 September]] [[1999]]).<ref>"[http://www.greenwich-guide.org.uk/september.htm September]", ''Greenwich Guide''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-26]]</ref>
| format = [[Soap opera]]
| runtime = 27 minutes and 15 seconds per episode<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/qa/qa_content/qa_0006.shtml What are the facts and figures for ''EastEnders''?]" ''[[BBC]]''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>
| camera = [[Multiple-camera setup]]
| creator = [[Julia Smith]] and [[Tony Holland]]
| starring = [[List of characters from EastEnders|Present cast]]
| country = {{UK}}
| network = [[BBC One]]
| first_aired = [[19 February]] [[1985]]
| last_aired = present
| num_episodes = 3365 (as of [[1 May]] [[2007]])
| website = http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders
| imdb_id = 0088512
| tv_com_id = 1505
|}}
{{portalpar|EastEnders}}
'''''EastEnders''''' is a popular [[BBC]] [[television]] [[soap opera]], first broadcast in the United Kingdom on [[BBC One|BBC1]] on [[19 February]] [[1985]]<ref name="eehistory">"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/crew/qa/qa_content/qa_0005.shtml What is the history of ''EastEnders''?]" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> and continuing to date.<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-perl/whatson/search/advance_search.cgi?keyword=EastEnders What's On - EastEnders]", ''bbc.co.uk''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-26]]</ref>
...Following a failed bombing attempt on the Flying Dolphin company in Piraeus...
''EastEnders'' storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in [[Albert Square]], a Victorian square of terraced houses, a pub, a street market and various small businesses, in the [[East End of London]], [[England]].
The series was originally screened as two half-hour episodes a week. Today four episodes are broadcast each week on [[BBC One]] and an [[omnibus (broadcast)|omnibus]] edition screens on Sunday afternoons. It is one of the [[United Kingdom|UK]]'s highest-rated programmes, often appearing near or at the top of the week's [[Broadcaster's Audience Research Board|BARB]] ratings. Within eight months of its launch, it reached the number one spot in the ratings, and has almost consistently remained amongst the top-rated programmes in [[Great Britain|Britain]] ever since. The average audience share for an episode is currently between 45 and 50%.
flying dolphin is a tourist nickname for the generic hydrofoil form of transport (its kinda what they look like) rather than a company name.
The invention of producer [[Julia Smith]] and script editor [[Tony Holland]], ''EastEnders'' has remained significant in terms of the BBC's success and audience share, and also the history of British television drama, tackling many controversial and taboo issues previously unseen on mainstream television in the UK.
==Requested move==
''EastEnders'' has won five [[British Academy Television Awards|BAFTA Awards]],<ref name="BAFTA">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/339724.stm Full list of Bafta TV award winners]" ''BBC'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-15]]</ref> and consistently won the [[Inside Soap]] Award for 'Best Soap' for ten years running,<ref name="insidesoap">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5380486.stm Rival soaps tie on awards night]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> as well as eight [[National Television Awards]] for '[[Results of The National Television Awards|Most Popular Serial Drama]]'<ref name="scoops">"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20061101.shtml EastEnders Scoops Gongs]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> and five awards for 'Best Soap' at the [[British Soap Awards]].<ref name="beatcorrie">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5001856.stm ''EastEnders'' beats ''Corrie'' at awards]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> It has also been inducted into the [[Rose d'Or]] Hall of Fame.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4951052.stm Rose d'Or honour for ''EastEnders'']", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
*<s>'''Support:''' In accordance with [[Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not]] this article should be properly labled as a terrorist organisation. --<small> [[User:White Cat/05|Cat]]</small> <sup>[[User talk:White Cat/05|chi?]]</sup> 10:11, 4 Mar 2005 (UTC)</s>
==Setting and characters==
===Setting===
[[Image:Albertsq.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Albert Square in the 1980s.]]
''EastEnders'' is set in the [[fictional]] [[Walford|London Borough of Walford]]. However, the central focus of the show is that of the equally fictional [[Victorian era|Victorian]] square named [[Albert Square]].
===Alternative proposal===
The fictional Albert Square was built around the early 20th century, named after [[Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha|Prince Albert]] (1819–1861), the husband of [[Victoria of the United Kingdom|Queen Victoria]] (1819–1901, reigned 1837–1901). Thus, central to Albert Square is [[The Queen Victoria|The Queen Victoria Public House]].<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_queen_vic.shtml What's the history of the Queen Vic?]" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>
I'd prefer a move to [[Revolutionary Organization 17 November]], seeing as that is the full name of the group according to the article. [[User:Violetriga|violet/riga]] [[User_talk:violetriga|(t)]] 18:48, 4 Mar 2005 (UTC)
*'''Support'''. Using this full name would seem to be more NPOV. [[User:Jonathunder|Jonathunder]] 18:51, 2005 Mar 4 (UTC)
<s>*'''Oppose'''. That makes them sound like a "freedom fighter" group. It is officially registered as a terrorist organisation. --<small> [[User:White Cat/05|Cat]]</small> <sup>[[User talk:White Cat/05|chi?]]</sup> 09:21, 5 Mar 2005 (UTC)</s>
*'''Support''' Very well, but must be kept as a terrorist organization as it is/was/will be. --<small> [[User:White Cat/05|Cat]]</small> <sup>[[User talk:White Cat/05|chi?]]</sup> 16:32, 6 Mar 2005 (UTC)
**The group's actions should of course be documented, but please read [[Wikipedia:Neutral point of view#Another example]] and [[Wikipedia:Words to avoid#Terrorist]]. [[User:Susvolans|Susvolans]] [[User talk:Susvolans|(pigs can fly)]] 10:35, 9 Mar 2005 (UTC)
*'''Support'''. We're talking about the title of the article, not the contents. It's more encyclopedic to use the self-described name for titles. --[[User:A D Monroe III|A D Monroe III]] 10:57, 5 Mar 2005 (UTC)
*'''Support'''. they would have been a "freedom" organisation, had they not started robbing banks. basically, they are people that came out the generation of the Polytechnic Uprising, but, they took a wrong turn somewhere, when they started robbing banks to fund their stuff. but yah, the article should be named whatever the organisation chose to call themselves.
*'''Support'''. This nicely solves the problem of disambiguation while avoiding the intractable problem of what to put in the brackets without departing from NPOV. — [[User:Trilobite|Trilobite]] [[User_talk:Trilobite|(Talk)]] 10:26, 6 Mar 2005 (UTC)
*'''Support'''. Using an unambiguous name here is better than trying to categorise the group in the title. [[User:Susvolans|Susvolans]] [[User talk:Susvolans|(pigs can fly)]] 10:35, 9 Mar 2005 (UTC)
===Decision===
In the past, fans have tried to establish the actual ___location of Walford within London. [[Walford East tube station|Walford East]] is a fictional [[tube station]] for Walford, and with the aid of a map that was first seen on air in 1996, it has been established that Walford East is located between [[Bow Road tube station|Bow Road]] and [[West Ham tube station|West Ham]], which realistically would replace [[Bromley-by-Bow tube station|Bromley-by-Bow]].<ref>"[http://underground-history.co.uk/walford.php Underground EastEnders]" URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>
The alernative proposal, moving the article to [[Revolutionary Organization 17 November]] was accepted and the article has now been moved. [[User:Violetriga|violet/riga]] [[User_talk:violetriga|(t)]] 22:36, 9 Mar 2005 (UTC)
== Terrorist ==
Walford has the [[postal district]] of [[London E20|E20]], and fans have also tried to pinpoint the ___location using this information. However, in reality London East postal districts stop at E18; the show's creators opted for E20 instead of E19 as it was thought to sound better.<ref name="20years">{{cite book | author=Smith, Rupert | title=EastEnders: 20 Years in Albert Square | publisher=BBC Books, BBC Worldwide Ltd | year=2005 | id=ISBN 0-563-52165-1}}</ref>
Granted, Terrorist is a strong word, howvere they are a terrorist organisation as far as NATO/INTERPOL/EU/US is concerned. Aproporatley mentioning that should work.
The strongest claim to being the 'real' Albert Square is held by [[Broadway Market]] in [[London Borough of Hackney|Hackney]], a short pedestrianised road that features a weekly market and established street vendors. The postcode for the area, [[London E8|E8]], was one of the working titles for the series.
:Not to mention that they were actually convicted by the Greek courts. --[[User:Delirium|Delirium]] 07:54, 31 October 2005 (UTC)
In reality, at least two Albert Squares do exist in the [[East End of London]], one in [[Stratford, London|Stratford]] and the other in [[Ratcliff]], E1. However, the show's producers actually based the Square's design on the real life Fassett Square in the East End.<ref name="eehistory"/><ref>"[http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/london.gardens/guides/hackney.htm A Cycle Ride in Hackney]" URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> The name Walford is a [[portmanteau]] of [[Walthamstow]] and Stratford — the areas of London where the creators were born.<ref name="20years"/><ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_street_names.shtml How was the name Walford chosen?]" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>
i changed the article to an older version cause this one was too much biased. One example (among many): Noting that some people believed that N17 was supported by politicians of PASOK is as valid a statement as believing (as many actually did believe) that 17N was a CIA-backed group. The latter opinion is not mentioned... Taking into account that the date that the article was modified (December 05) coincides with the appeals' court trial of the members of N17, one should think that there is propably an intenional effort to misrepresent the whole issue... since this is my first ever edit, the text may still have some problems (i copypasted an older version). more experienced editors should give a hand. panos
===Characters===
{{see also|List of characters from EastEnders}}
==Klenathis Grivas's article==
''EastEnders'' was built around the ideas of '[[clan]]s' and strong families, with each character having a place in the community. This theme encompasses the whole Square, making the entire community a family of sorts, prey to upsets and conflict, but all pulling together in times of trouble. Co-creator [[Tony Holland]] was himself from a large East End family, and such families have typified ''EastEnders''. The first central family was [[the Beale/Fowler Family|the Beale and Fowler clan]] consisting of [[Pauline Fowler]], her husband [[Arthur Fowler|Arthur]], and teenage children [[Mark Fowler|Mark]] and [[Michelle Fowler|Michelle]]. Living nearby was Pauline's twin brother [[Pete Beale]], his wife [[Kathy Hills|Kathy]] and their son [[Ian Beale|Ian]]. Pauline and Pete's mother was the domineering [[Lou Beale|Lou]], who resided with Pauline and her family. Holland drew on the names of his own family for the characters.<ref name="Insidestory">{{cite book |last=Smith|first= Julia|authorlink= Julia Smith|coauthors=[[Tony Holland|Holland, Tony]]|title= [[EastEnders books#Non-fiction books|EastEnders - The Inside Story]] |year=1987|publisher=Book Club Associates|id=ISBN 0-563-20601-2}}</ref>
The reason for deleting the Kleanthis Grivas tract is this : in the alleged US documents he presents there is no mention of Greece, Welch, 17th November, or '''anything''' pertaining to the matter at hand. All of it is LaRouche-type speculation on his part, which amounts to "if the United States government sent such papers, wouldn't they also be capable of ordering the killing of Welch?". And it doesn't stick. Smear campaigns based on guilt-by-association have no place in wikipedia, even less so when afformentioned papers are debunked Soviet forgeries that were used as a propaganda tool in the cold war (also see: State Department answer).
As for the other changes I reverted, they're reeking with -pov- and, thus, do not belong here. I mean, seriously, you have to be a real imbecile to enter a "'''do you '''really''' believe what the government says?'''" type of statement into an article and expect to find it standing there after more knowledgeable editors have taken a look. [[User:Porfyrios|Porfyrios]] 17:11, 2 June 2006 (UTC)
:Please refrain from [[Wikipedia:No personal attacks|personal attacks]]. The US State Dept considered that this article warranted a denial, both have to be inserted. This is fact. Whatever you think about Grivas or about the US State Dept, both are relevants here. [[User:Tazmaniacs|Tazmaniacs]] 18:35, 2 June 2006 (UTC)
The Watts and Mitchell families have been central to many notable ''EastEnders'' storylines — ''EastEnders'' in the 1980s having been largely dominated by the Watts, while the 1990s focused heavily on the Mitchells. [[Peggy Mitchell]], in particular, is notorious for her ceaseless repetition of such statements as "You're a Mitchell!" and "It's all about family!". The 2000s saw a new focus on the largely female Slater clan, before the return of an emphasis on the Watts and Mitchell families. Key people involved in the production of ''EastEnders'' have stressed how important the idea of strong families is to the programme.<ref name="Insidestory"/>
Your own speculation about Gladio, sheepskin and what-have-you does not belong there. And you misrepresented the State Department's response the first time around. [[User:Porfyrios|Porfyrios]] 18:37, 2 June 2006 (UTC)
Some families feature a stereotypical East End [[matriarch]]. Indeed the matriarchal role is one the has been seen in various reincarnations since the programme's inception, often depicted as the [[epicentre]] of the family unit.<ref name="20years">{{cite book |last= Smith|first= Rupert|title= [[EastEnders books#Non-fiction books|''EastEnders: 20 years in Albert Square]] |year=2005|publisher=BBC books|id=ISBN 0-563-52165-1}}</ref> The original matriarch was Lou Beale, though later examples include Pauline Fowler, [[Mo Butcher]], [[Mo Harris]], [[Pat Evans]] and Peggy Mitchell. These characters are seen as being loud and interfering but most importantly, responsible for the well-being of the family and usually stressing the importance of family, reflecting on the past.
:Please find other formulation then instead of deleting sources. ''This'' may be considered as vandalism. [[User:Tazmaniacs|Tazmaniacs]] 18:39, 2 June 2006 (UTC)
Female characters in general are central to the programme. Strong, brassy, long-suffering women who exhibit [[diva]]-like behaviour and stoicly battle through an array of tragedy and misfortune.<ref name="redpepper">"[http://www.redpepper.org.uk/cularch/xeastend.html Square deal]", ''Redpepper'. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> Such characters include [[Angie Watts]], [[Kathy Mitchell]], [[Sharon Rickman]] and Pat Evans. Conversely there are female characters who handle tragedy less well, depicted as eternal victims and endless sufferers, who include [[Sue Osman]], [[Mo Mitchell]], [[Laura Beale]] and [[Lisa Fowler]]. The '[[Hooker with a heart of gold|tart with a heart]]' is another recurring character, often popular with viewers. Often their [[promiscuity]] masks a hidden [[vulnerability]] and a desire to be loved. Such characters have included Pat, [[Tiffany Mitchell]] and [[Kat Moon]].<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4695877.stm Will Kat's exit harm EastEnders?]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref>
:This is rather ironic since you state that you are against censorship on Wikipedia on your user page... [[User:Tazmaniacs|Tazmaniacs]] 18:41, 2 June 2006 (UTC)
While going off on unrelated tangents about Italy, ''isn't vandalism''? [[User:Porfyrios|Porfyrios]] 18:43, 2 June 2006 (UTC)
A gender balance in the show is maintained via the inclusion of various 'macho' male personalities such as [[Phil Mitchell|Phil]] and [[Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)|Grant Mitchell]], 'bad boys' such as [[Den Watts]] and [[Dennis Rickman]] and 'hearthrobs' such as [[Simon Wicks]] and [[Jamie Mitchell]]. Another recurring male character type is the smartly dressed businessman, often involved in gang culture and crime and seen as a local authority figure. Examples include [[Steve Owen]], [[Jack Dalton (EastEnders)|Jack Dalton]], [[Andy Hunter]] and [[Johnny Allen (EastEnders)|Johnny Allen]]. Following criticism aimed at the show's over-emphasis on '[[gangster]]s' in 2005, such characters have been significantly reduced.<ref>"[http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/tv/2007/03/a_new_beginning_for_eastenders.html A new beginning for EastEnders] ''The Guardian''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> Another recurring male character seen in ''EastEnders'' is the 'loser' or 'soft touch', males often comically under the thumb of their female counterparts, which have included Arthur Fowler, [[Ricky Butcher]] and [[Lofty Holloway]].<ref name="20years"/>
And, no, it is not ironic at all, because deleting erroneous information and unsubstantiated claims is not censorship. It is following Wikipedia rules. Was the deletion of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Seigenthaler_Sr._Wikipedia_biography_controversy| imaginary Seigenthaler-JFK murder link] "censorship" too? In any case, in the interest of achieving a middle-ground I have reinserted the Grivas article (and the American response to it, which you had erased), and left out all the wildly unrelated speculation. [[User:Porfyrios|Porfyrios]] 18:45, 2 June 2006 (UTC)
:It seems Grivas uses a negative to prove a positive. Was there any factual evidence in his article? [[User:Intangible|Intangible]] 19:11, 2 June 2006 (UTC)
[[Image:Dot Lou Ethel ee.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Dot Cotton, Ethel Skinner and Lou Beale were Walford's original pensioners.]]
Over the years ''EastEnders'' has typically featured a number of elderly residents, who are used to show vulnerability, [[nostalgia]], stalwart-like attributes and are sometimes used for comedic purposes. The original elderly residents included Lou Beale, [[Ethel Skinner]] and [[Dot Branning|Dot Cotton]]. Over the years they have been joined by the likes of [[Jules Tavernier (EastEnders)|Jules Tavernier]], [[Nellie Ellis]] and [[Jim Branning]]. Focus on elderly characters has decreased since the show's inception. The programme has more recently included a higher number of teenagers and successful young adults in a bid to capture the younger television audience.<ref name="young">"[http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Students/hlr9501.html Why are soap operas so popular?]", ''aber.co.uk''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-18]].</ref><ref name="young2">"[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20060708/ai_n16529613 Young viewers switch from BBC to the internet]", ''The Independent''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-18]].</ref> This has spurred criticism, most notably from the actress [[Anna Wing]], who played Lou Beale in the show. She commented "I don't want to be disloyal, but I think you need a few mature people in a soap because they give it backbone and body... if all the main people are young it gets a bit thin and inexperienced. It gets too lightweight."<ref name="talk">"[http://talkwalford.co.uk/ipb/lofiversion/index.php/t1734.html I STOPPED WATCHING ALBERT SQUARE.. NOW I LIKE EMMERDALE]", ''Talk Walford''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-18]].</ref>
== N17 capture and the olympics ==
''EastEnders'' has been known to feature a 'comedy double-act', originally demonstrated with the characters of Dot and Ethel, whose friendship was one of the serial's most enduring.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast/4678803.stm Remembering EastEnders' Ethel]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed on [[2006-10-24]].</ref> Other examples include [[Paul Priestly]] and [[Trevor Short]], [[Huw Edwards (EastEnders)|Huw Edwards]] and [[Lenny Wallace]], and [[Garry Hobbs]] and [[Minty Peterson]].
There is plenty of gossip circulating Greece about the timing of the arrests of the N17 participants and the upcoming(then) olympic games. America had made suggestions that the games should not go ahead in Athens due to the security risks of a N17 attack. By 'amazing coincidence' just before the games an organisation that had elluded capture for so many years was suddenly captured in its entirity.
The majority of ''EastEnders''' characters are [[working-class]].<ref>"[http://www.johannhari.com/archive/article.php?id=844 Why Coronation Street Fills Me With Pride]", ''JohannHari.com'. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> [[Middle-class]] characters do occasionally become regulars, but have been less successful and rarely become long-term characters. In the main, middle-class characters exist as villains, such as [[James Wilmott-Brown]] and [[Stella Crawford]], or are used to promote positive [[liberal]] influences, such as [[Colin Russell]] or [[Rachel Kominski]].<ref name="redpepper"/>
Granted this is hearsay and speculation so has no place on the main wiki page but is definately food for discussion here.--unsigned
''Two years'' before the Olympic Games is your definition of "just before"? This "gossip", mainly the product of unreconstructed groupies of the 17th November terrorists, seems to conveniently forget that the apprehensions started because ''a freaking bomb'' exploded in the hands of one of the terrorists. [[User:212.251.124.214|212.251.124.214]] 11:02, 29 July 2006 (UTC)
''EastEnders'' has always featured a culturally diverse cast which has included [[Black people|black]], [[Asian people|Asian]] and [[Turkish people|Turkish]] characters. The expansion of minority representation signals a move away from the traditional soap opera format, providing more opportunities for audience identification with the characters and hence a wider appeal.<ref>"[http://www.cre.gov.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-0hgnew06m.RefLocID-0hg00900c008.Lang-EN.htm Coronation Street and EastEnders battle it out for coveted CRE Race In the Media Award]", ''cre.gov.uk''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> Despite this the programme has been criticised by the [[Commission for Racial Equality]] who argue that ''EastEnders'' does not mirror the real East End "ethnic make-up". They suggest that the average proportion of visible minority faces on ''EastEnders'' is substantially lower than the actual ethnic minority population in East London boroughs and it therefore reflects the East End in the 1960s, not the East End as it is today. Furthermore it has been suggested that an element of "[[tokenism]]" and [[Stereotype|stereotyping]] surrounds many of these minority characters.<ref>"[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_20020421/ai_n12842465 EastEnders hasn't got enough black and Asian actors]", ''Sunday Mirror''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> ''EastEnders'' have had varying success with ethnic minority characters. Possibly the least successful were the [[India]]n Ferreira family, who were not well received by [[critic]]s or viewers and were dismissed as unrealistic by the Asian community in the UK.<ref>"[http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/3560 'Unrealistic' Ferreira family dismissed by Asian Steve]", ''The Stage''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref>
:However, many more were convicted on, let's say "dubious", evidence, and that ''could'' be an indication of such speculations. Anyhow, we cannot include such info on the article unless we can cite that, eg "political commentator X said that...". --[[User:Michalis Famelis|Michalis Famelis]] [[User talk:Michalis Famelis|<small>(talk)</small>]] 11:49, 29 July 2006 (UTC)
Other recurring characters that have appeared throughout the serial are 'lost girls' such as [[Mary Smith]] and [[Donna Ludlow]], [[delinquent]]s such as [[Mandy Salter]], [[Stacey Slater]] and [[Jay Brown]], villains such as [[Nick Cotton]] and [[Trevor Morgan]], bitches such as [[Cindy Beale]] and [[Janine Evans]] and cockney '[[wide boy]]s' or '[[Opportunism|wheeler dealers]]' such as [[Frank Butcher]] and [[Alfie Moon]].<ref name="20years"/>
My comments are not concerned with the arrested parties. They address a certain attitude towards terrorism in Greece. There had been other incidents and accidents but no one was arrested, or even questioned. The international pressure on PASOK in the build up to the arrests was huge; many international media were pointing the finger at the party, especiallys since it appeared to have coluded in covering up terrorism. Also, sections of the Athenian media (especially Eleftherotypia) showed great understanding and empathy with the terrorist manifestos. Under that climate - fostererd during PASOK administrations, no one dare show any sympathy with the victims. Such a situation needs to be investigated, if only to dispell any misunderstanding. It is also necessary, for the sake of democracy,to analyze the impact of Greek media on native Greek terrorism. Why is this not happening? One reason could be that Greeks still do not feel safe to investigate certain aspects of PASOK and some of the media. I hope I am wrong. [[User:Politis|Politis]] 11:55, 29 July 2006 (UTC)
''EastEnders'' has a high cast turnover and characters are regularly changed in order to facilitate storylines or refresh the format.<ref>"[http://www.polity.co.uk/content/BPL_Images/Content_store/Sample_chapter/9780745626543%5C001.pdf The Soap Business]", ''polity.co.uk''. URL last accessed on [[2007-03-27]].</ref> Following the departure of many established characters between 2004-2006, several familes and long-term characters were introduced in 2006, which included the Fox and Wicks families and an extension of the already established Branning family.<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20060411.shtml Additions to the Branning clan]" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref><ref name="KellieDiane">"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/11_november/07/eastenders.shtml Kellie Shirley and Diane Parish to join ''EastEnders'']", ''BBC Press Office''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref><ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/09_september/28/daniels.shtml Phil Daniels to join ''EastEnders'' ''BBC Press Office''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
==Picture==
The show has also become known for the return of characters after they have left the show. Sharon Rickman and Frank Butcher have each completed six separate stints on the programme, and writers stunned viewers by bringing back Den Watts, fourteen years after he had seemingly died.<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds11021.html Dirty Den 'to return' to Walford]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>
I believe that the image had no copyright. Perhaps the person you placed it in the first place can give us details. [[User:Politis|Politis]] 12:19, 19 August 2006 (UTC)
==Production==
===Production team===
{{main|List of EastEnders crew members}}
==Premature conclusions==
===Filming===
"N17 is currently implicated in a rocket attack against the US Embassy in Athens occuring 12 January, 2007."
[[Image:EExmaswebcam.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Screenshot from the ''EastEnders'' webcam, showing a [[Christmas tree]] in Albert Square ([[12 October]] [[2006]]).]]
What on Earth is that? 2 hours after the hit, and someone already reached a conclusion? When nobody nowhere even implied something like that? {{unsigned|212.205.108.52}}
''EastEnders'' is filmed at the [[Elstree Studios|BBC Elstree Centre]] in [[Borehamwood]], [[Hertfordshire]]. An aerial photo of the set can be seen [http://local.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=51.658684~-0.277358&style=o&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=7744604 here]. There are four episodes filmed per week,<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/howcani/howcani_content/howcani_0010.shtml Educational resource (part two)]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-10-22]]</ref> and are usually filmed about 6–7 weeks in advance of broadcast. During the winter period, filming often takes place up to 8 or 9 weeks in advance, due to less daylight for outdoor filming sessions.<ref name="eehistory"/><ref name="20years"/> The famous [[EastEnders two-hander episodes|two-handers]] (when only two actors appear in an episode) was originally done for speed; while a two-hander is being filmed, the rest of the cast can be making another episode.
:We should make it clear to our readers that the Greek authorities are calling [[Revolutionary Struggle]] an N17 "spinoff", and not imply anything further. [[User:Jkelly|Jkelly]] 18:46, 12 January 2007 (UTC)
Online fans have the chance to watch filming on the ''EastEnders'' [[webcam]], which is on the official BBC ''EastEnders'' website, [http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/backstage/albert_sq/webcam/albert_sq_webcam.shtml here]. It shows updated stills of Albert Square, [[Walford#Turpin Road|Turpin Road]] and [[Walford#George Street|George Street]]. The page also displays which episode is currently being filmed, the date it will be broadcast, and an extract of the script from that episode.
During the [[2006 FIFA World Cup]], actors filmed short scenes following the tournament's events, that were edited into the programme in the following episode.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5076722.stm World Cup fever hits Walford]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> On [[8 February]] [[2007]], heavy [[snow]] fell on the set of ''EastEnders'',<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20070108.shtml Winter Wonderland]", ''[[bbc.co.uk]]''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-10]]</ref> and filming had to be cancelled as the scenes due to be filmed on the day were to be transmitted in April.<ref>"[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_method=full%26objectid=18596588%26siteid=89520-name_page.html Let it snow - airports and schools closed]", ''The Mirror''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-10]]</ref>
==Social realism==
''EastEnders'' covers a multitude of different issues within its storylines. However, ''EastEnders'' has, for the most part, remained a populist series and has generally avoided the arguably tougher stories of ''[[Brookside]]''. ''Brookside'' had also launched as a social realist drama, leading the way for more conservative soaps like ''EastEnders'' to follow. Arguably, the difference between them was that whilst ''Brookside'' confronted issues, it was more [[sensationalist]] and ''EastEnders'' tried to maintain [[realism (arts)|realism]].
== removing tag, copyedits ==
The programme makers emphasised that it was to be about 'everyday life' in the inner city 'today' and regarded it as a 'slice of life'. Creator/producer Julia Smith declared that "We don't make life, we reflect it". She also said, "We decided to go for a realistic, fairly outspoken type of drama which could encompass stories about [[homosexuality]], [[rape]], [[unemployment]], [[racial prejudice]], etc., in a believable context. Above all, we wanted realism".
[[Image:Wilmmott kathy.jpg|right|thumb|180px|The rape of Kathy Beale was one of the more controversial storylines tackled in 1988.]]
In the 1980s, ''EastEnders'' featured gritty storylines involving drugs and crime, representing the issues faced by working-class Britain much as ''[[Coronation Street]]'' did in the 1960s.
I copyedited the article and removed the tag. I also corrected the Turkish names. Put a stub sign on the formation section but I dunno if it's the correct one. --[[User:Suleyman Habeeb|Suleyman Habeeb]] 16:34, 15 January 2007 (UTC)
Such storylines include [[Sue Osman|Sue]] and [[Ali Osman]]'s baby's [[cot death]], [[Nick Cotton]]'s homophobia, [[drug addiction]], [[drug dealing]] and murders of [[Reg Cox]] and [[Eddie Royle]],<ref name="issues">"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/yourquestions/yourq_content/yourq_issues.shtml Which issues have been highlighted by ''EastEnders''?]" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> the rape of Kathy Beale in 1988<ref name="issues"/> and Michelle Fowler's [[teenage pregnancy]]. The show also dealt with [[prostitution]], mixed-race relationships, [[shoplifting]], [[sexism]], [[divorce]], [[domestic violence]] and [[mugging]]s.
As the show progressed into the 1990s, ''EastEnders'' still featured hard-hitting issues such as Mark Fowler discovering he was [[HIV positive]]<ref name="issues"/> in 1991 and the death of his wife [[Gill Fowler|Gill]] from [[AIDS]]-related illness, [[murder]], [[adoption]], Peggy Mitchell's [[breast cancer]] and [[mastectomy]],<ref name="issues"/> and [[Phil Mitchell]]'s [[alcoholism]] and violence towards wife Kathy.
In the early 2000s, ''EastEnders'' covered the issue of [[euthanasia]] with long-established characters Ethel Skinner and Dot Cotton, Kat Slater's abuse by her uncle [[Harry Slater|Harry]] as a child, the domestic abuse of Little Mo Morgan by husband [[Trevor Morgan|Trevor]],<ref name="issues"/> [[Sonia Fowler|Sonia Jackson]] giving birth at the age of fifteen and then putting her baby up for adoption, and [[Janine Butcher]]'s prostitution, [[agoraphobia]] and [[drug addiction]]. The soap has also recently tackled the issue of [[mental health]] and carers of people who have mental conditions. This has been illustrated with mother and daughter [[Jean Slater|Jean]] and [[Stacey Slater]]; Jean suffers from [[bipolar disorder]], and Stacey was her carer (this storyline won a Mental Health Media Award in September 2006<ref name="mental">"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20060905_n1.shtml Mental Health Media Awards 2006]" ''[[BBC]]''. URL accessed on [[2006-09-25]].</ref>). Mental health issues were also confronted in 1996 when [[Joe Wicks]] developed [[schizophrenia]]. The issue of [[illiteracy]] was highlighted by the characters of [[Keith Miller (EastEnders)|Keith]] and [[Darren Miller]].<ref name="issues"/> ''EastEnders'' has also covered the issue of [[Down syndrome]], as [[Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)|Billy]] and [[Honey Mitchell|Honey]]'s baby, [[Janet Mitchell|Janet]], has been born with the condition.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006330789,00.html
|title = Down's baby in Enders
|publisher = The Sun
|date = [[22 July]] [[2006]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-22
}}</ref> ''EastEnders'' is currently covering [[child abuse]] with its storyline involving Phil Mitchell's 11-year-old son [[Ben Mitchell (EastEnders)|Ben]] and [[lawyer]] girlfriend [[Stella Crawford]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=39858&in_page_id=7&in_a_source=|title=EastEnders to tackle child abuse|publisher=[[Metro (Associated Metro Limited)|Metro]]|date=[[5 March]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-03-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politics.co.uk/press-releases/domestic-policy/children/child-abuse/nspcc-research-reveals-childcare-professional%E2%80%99s-concerns-over-rise-in-emotional-abuse-$468374.htm|title=NSPCC research reveals childcare professional’s concerns over rise in emotional abuse |publisher=politics.co.uk|date=[[14 March]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-03-14}}</ref>
Aside from this, soap opera staples of youthful romance, jealousy, domestic rivalry, gossip and extra-marital affairs are regularly featured.
==History==
{{main|History of EastEnders}}
[[Image:Holland smith.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Julia Smith and Tony Holland, the creators of ''EastEnders''.]]
The idea for a new soap opera on BBC1 was conceived in 1983, by BBC executives. They gave the job of creating this new soap to script writer [[Tony Holland]] and producer [[Julia Smith]], famous for their work together on ''[[Z Cars]]''. They created twenty-four original characters for the show, based upon Holland's own family, and people they remembered from their own expereinces in the East End.
They cast actors for their characters, and began to film the show at the [[Elstree Studios|BBC Elstree Centre]] in [[Borehamwood]], [[Hertfordshire]]. [[Simon May]] and Alan Jeapes created the title sequence and [[EastEnders theme tune|theme tune]], and the show with a working title of ''East 8'' was renamed ''Eastenders'', when Smith and Holland realised they had been phoning casting agencies for months asking whether they had "any real East Enders" on their books. Julia Smith thought "''Eastenders''" "looked ugly written down", and capitalised the second 'e', and thus the name ''EastEnders'' was born.
The show was first broadcast on [[19 February]] [[1985]], and became wildly popular, displacing ''Coronation Street'' from the top of the ratings for the rest of the 1980s, much of the 1990s, and to some extent in the 2000s.
==Scheduling==
[[Image:EastEnders_Radiotimes_3nights.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Radio Times]] cover marking the third episode in a week being added, and the Vic siege storyline.]]
For the past 20 years, ''EastEnders'' has remained at the centre of BBC One's primetime schedule.
''EastEnders'' is currently aired at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and 8 p.m. on Monday and Friday. The [[omnibus (broadcast)|omnibus]] is aired on Sunday, though the exact time differs.
Originally, ''EastEnders'' was shown twice weekly at 7 p.m., however it soon moved to 7:30 p.m. as Michael Grade did not want the soap running in direct competition with ''Emmerdale Farm''; the BBC had originally planned to take advantage of the 'summer break' that ''Emmerdale Farm'' usually took in order to capitalise on ratings, but ITV added extra episodes and repeats so that ''Emmerdale Farm'' was not taken off air over the summer. Realising the futility of the situation, Grade decided to move the show to the later 7:30 p.m. slot, but to avoid tabloid speculation that it was a 'panic move' on the BBC's behalf, they had to "dress up the presentation of that move in such a way as to protect the show" giving "all kinds of reasons" for the move.
''EastEnders'' output then increased to three times a week, on [[11 April]], [[1994]].<ref name="edures">"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/haveyoursay/howcani/howcani_content/howcani_0011.shtml Educational resource (part one)]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-10-22]]</ref> ''EastEnders'' then added its fourth episode (shown on Fridays) on [[6 August]] [[2001]].<ref name="edures"/> This caused some controversy as it clashed with ''Coronation Street'', which at the time was moved to 8 p.m. to make way for an hour long episode of rural soap ''Emmerdale'' at 7 p.m. The move immediately provoked an angry response from ITV insiders, who argued that the BBC's last-minute move — only revealed at 3:30 p.m. on the day — broke an unwritten scheduling rule that the two flagship soaps would not be put directly against each other. In this first head-to-head battle, ''EastEnders'' claimed victory over its rival.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,536090,00.html
|title = EastEnders wins soap battle
|publisher = The Guardian
|date = [[2001-08-13]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-16
}}</ref>
In 1998, ''[[EastEnders Revealed]]'' was launched on [[BBC Choice]] (now [[BBC Three]]). The show takes a look behind the scenes of the ''EastEnders'' and investigates particular places, characters or families within ''EastEnders''. ''EastEnders Revealed'' is the only BBC Choice programme to last the entire life of the channel and is still running on BBC Three. An episode of ''EastEnders Revealed'' that was commissioned for BBC Three attracted 611,000 viewers.
In early 2003, viewers could watch episodes of ''EastEnders'' on digital channel BBC Three before they were broadcast on BBC One. This was to coincide with the relaunch of the channel and helped BBC Three break the one million viewers mark for the first time with 1.03 million who watched to see [[Mark Fowler]]'s departure.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://media.guardian.co.uk/overnights/story/0,7965,895615,00.html
|title = BBC3 breaks down the barriers
|publisher = The Guardian
|date = [[2003-02-14]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-16
}}</ref>
In February 2005, there were reports that the ''EastEnders'' schedule was threatened due to production problems. Newspaper reports indicated that the show faced being taken off air for a fortnight after a storyline shortage. However, this was denied by the BBC. In March of the same year, as [[Peter Fincham]] became the BBC One controller, rumours were sparked that ''EastEnders'' could air in a new time slot.
''EastEnders'' is usually repeated on BBC Three at 10 p.m. and old [[reruns]] can often be seen on [[UKTV Gold]] (as of September 2006, UKTV Gold are showing episodes originally aired in August 2003. They are showing 5 episodes which means that 5 week's worth of episodes are shown every 4 weeks, which results in a catch-up rate of around 3 months per year.)<ref>"[http://www.uktv.co.uk/index.cfm?uktv=tv.series&tvSid=535 ''EastEnders'' - when is it on?]" ''UKTV''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-25]]</ref>
As part of the BBC's digital push, ''[[EastEnders Xtra]]'' was introduced in 2005. The show was presented by [[Angellica Bell]] and was available to digital viewers at 8:30 p.m. on Monday nights. It was also shown after the Sunday omnibus. The series went behind the scenes of the show and spoke to some of the cast members.
[[Image:Tmoretoee.JPG|thumb|right|200px|A screenshot from the "There's more to ''EastEnders''" advertising campaign.]]
A new breed of behind-the-scenes programmes have been broadcast on [[BBC Three]] since [[1 December]] [[2006]]. These are all documentaries related to current storylines in ''EastEnders'', in a similar format to ''EastEnders Revealed'', though not using the ''EastEnders Revealed'' name. ''[[List of EastEnders television spin-offs#EastEnders Unveiled: A Weddings Special|EastEnders Unveiled: A Weddings Special]]'' gave viewers an insight into how the show's weddings are produced, and take a look at the [[List of births, marriages and deaths in EastEnders#Marriages|past weddings]] of Walford. It was broadcast straight after the wedding of Ian Beale and [[Jane Collins]].<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds39255.html Behind-the-scenes special for 'Enders wedding]", ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-10]]</ref> ''[[List of EastEnders television spin-offs#EastEnders Sweethearts: The Story of Martin and Sonia|EastEnders Sweethearts: The Story of Martin and Sonia]]'' aired on [[2 February]] [[2007]], following the departure of Martin and Sonia Fowler.<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20070118_n2.shtml EastEnders Sweethearts]", ''bbc.co.uk''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-07]]</ref> ''[[List of EastEnders television spin-offs#EastEnders Scandals: The Wicks Family|EastEnders Scandals: The Wicks Family]]'' aired on [[9 March]] [[2007]], coinciding with [[Kevin Wicks]]'s return to Walford.<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20070216.shtml EastEnders special]", ''[[bbc.co.uk]]''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-30]].</ref>
On [[2 March]], BBC signed a deal with [[Google]] to put videos on [[YouTube]]. A behind the scenes video of ''EastEnders'', hosted by [[Matt Di Angelo]], was put on the site the same day,<ref>"[http://youtube.com/watch?v=UVrzGOoQf5Q Behind The Scenes on EastEnders]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-06]]</ref> and was followed by another on [[6 March]].<ref>"[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RULI2afa_Rk&mode=related&search= BBC One - EastEnders - Down Memory Lane with Matt Di Angelo]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-23]].</ref>
From [[April 2007]], ''EastEnders'' will be available to view on [[mobile phone]]s, via [[3G]] technology, for [[3 (telecommunications)|3]], [[Vodafone]] and [[Orange SA|Orange]] customers.<ref>"[http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/7202/8226/doctor-who-mobile-phone-bbc.phtml Doctor Who episodes coming to your mobile phone]", ''pocket-lint.co.uk''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-30]].</ref>
On [[21 April]] [[2007]], the BBC launched a new advertising campaign using the slogan "There's more to ''EastEnders''".<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a45679/eastenders-new-tv-promo.html 'EastEnders' new TV promo]", ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-29]].</ref> The first television advert showed Dot Branning with a refugee baby, [[Tomas Covalenco|Tomas]], who she took in under the pretence of being her grandson.<ref>"[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWAGZFQA_7I Eastenders - Dot's baby]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-23]].</ref> The second and third featured Stacey Slater and Dawn Swann, respectively.<ref>"[http://youtube.com/watch?v=Y00_LCq3MsI BBC One - EastEnders - Stacey's Trail]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-29]].</ref><ref>"[http://youtube.com/watch?v=q_XS7pHivvk Eastenders - Rob and Dawn]", ''YouTube''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-29]].</ref> There have also been adverts in magazines, featuring characters such as Dot Branning, May Wright, Dawn Swann, Stacey Slater and Bradley and Max Branning. There have also been adverts on radio.
===International screenings===
''EastEnders'' is aired around the world in many [[English language|English-speaking]] countries, including [[New Zealand]] and [[Canada]]. The series aired in the [[United States]] until [[BBC America]] ceased broadcasts of the serial in 2003, amidst fan protests. It was shown on [[BBC Prime]] in [[Europe]], [[Africa]] and [[Asia]],<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2002/08_august/bbcprime_hillandknowlton.shtml BBC Prime]" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-25]]</ref> but when [[BBC Prime]] was renamed to [[BBC Entertainment]], they cease showing it.[http://www.bbcentertainment.com/BbcEntertainment/Faqs.aspx?menu=faqs&id=20de7643-8a97-42a7-b890-98be00f45d59#a2a0c078-8648-41c0-93a2-985500c01e8a] and on [[BBC Canada]] in [[Canada]].<ref>"[http://www.bbccanada.com/faq/ Frequently Asked Questions]" ''BBC Canada''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> It airs in Australia on [[UK.TV|UKTV]] and is [[simulcast]] on [[RTÉ One]] in Ireland.
In June 2004, the [[Dish Satellite Network]] picked up ''EastEnders'', airing episodes starting at the point where [[BBC America]] had ceased broadcasting them, offering the serial as a pay-per-view item. Dish first broadcast two weeks' worth of shows each week to catch up. In approximately February 2005, the programming reached the point of being one month behind the new shows being aired in the UK. At that point, Dish stopped its double-helping schedule, and now maintains the schedule of airing the new programmes consistently one month behind the UK schedule. Episodes from prior years are still shown on various PBS stations in the US.
The American [[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]] channel, [[KOCE-TV]] ran the show one episode per week from 1990 to 1993, and currently shows two episodes weekly on Friday nights. [[Houston, Texas|Houston]]'s [[KUHT]] runs two episodes every Sunday night at 10 and 10:30. Similarly, [[WLIW]] in [[New York City]] schedules two episodes on Saturday nights. [[North Carolina]]'s public television outlet, [[UNC-TV]], runs two episodes per week, and receives generous financial support from the fundraising efforts of the North Carolina ''EastEnders'' Fan Club. Except on one occasion where public support dried up, [[KTEH-TV]] of [[San Jose, California]], has run the series, between 2 to 4 episodes weekly, since the early 1990s. TPT, Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St Paul) airs 2 episodes every Friday evening. Most PBS stations are nearly 5 years behind in the storyline, and those showing fewer than four episodes weekly are falling further behind.
The series was screened in [[Australia]] by the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] from 1987 until the early 1990s. Currently the series is seen in Australia only on pay-TV channel [[UK.TV]]. In [[New Zealand]], it was shown by [[TVNZ]] on TV One, but is now on [[Prime Television New Zealand|Prime]]. In [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]], it is shown on [[RTÉ One]] at the same time as [[BBC One]], which is also widely received in the country. This sometimes creates the situation whereby RTÉ completes the airing of an episode before the BBC (usually only by a few seconds, or minutes at most). This is due to the same scheduled start times for the episodes (also differs by several seconds or minutes), but different advertisement formats which causes one to always marginally finish before the other.
EastEnders is also shown on SBC in Salverland and on BCBC in Bel-Con. It is also shown on the [[British Forces Broadcasting Service]]'s main TV channel, BFBS1, to members of [[Military of the United Kingdom|HM Forces]] stationed around the world.<ref>"[http://www.ssvc.com/bfbs/ BFBS homepage]" ''BFBS''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-25]]</ref>
==Popularity and viewership==
''EastEnders'' proved highly popular and Appreciation Indexes reflected this, rising from 55–60 at the launch to 85–95 later on, a figure which was nearly ten points higher than the average for a British soap opera. 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. Based on market research by BBC commissioning in 2003, ''EastEnders'' is most watched by 60–74 year olds, closely followed by 45–59 year olds. An average ''EastEnders'' episode attracts a total audience share between 15%-25%. Aside from that, the 10 p.m. repeat showing on [[BBC Three]] attracts an average of 500,000 viewers, whilst the Sunday omnibus attracts 3 million. ''EastEnders'' is one of the more popular programmes on [[British television]] and regularly attracts between 7 and 19 million viewers<ref name="19mil">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5180518.stm EastEnders ratings hit record low]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-01]].</ref> and while the show's ratings have fallen since its initial surge in popularity and it generally rates lower than its ITV rival ''Coronation Street'', the programme continues to be largely successful for the BBC. In order to maximise ratings, the BBC and ITV are usually careful to avoid scheduling clashes between their flagship soaps. In 2001 however, the soaps clashed for the first time. ''EastEnders'' won the battle with 8.4 million viewers (41% share) whilst ''Coronation Street'' lagged behind with 7.3 million viewers (36% share).<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/1483729.stm Soaps battle in TV showdown]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-01]].</ref>
[[Image:Den Ange Divorce.jpg|right|thumb|200px|30.15 million viewers watched Den serve Angie divorce papers (Christmas 1986).]]
The launch show attracted 17 million viewers in 1985; this was perhaps helped by the amount of press attention it received, something which continues today.<ref>"[http://susilo.typepad.com/nurani/2005/02/the_soap_that_j.html The soap that just won't wash]", ''Rumah Kecil''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-02]].</ref>
On [[Christmas]] Day 1986, ''EastEnders'' attracted 30.15 million viewers who tuned in to see Den Watts hand over divorce papers to wife Angie. This remains the highest rated episode of a soap in British television history.<ref name="xmasdenange">"[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=346942&in_page_id=1773 The biggest TV audience ever... it is now]" ''The Mail'' URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>
On [[21 September]] [[2004]], [[Louise Berridge]], the then executive producer, quit following criticism of the show.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,1309899,00.html
|title = Axe falls on EastEnders boss
|publisher = The Guardian
|date = [[2004-09-22]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-16
}}</ref> The following day the show received its lowest ever ratings at that time (6.2 million) when ITV scheduled an hour long episode of ''[[Emmerdale]]'' against it. ''Emmerdale'' was watched by 8.1 million people. The poor ratings motivated the press into reporting viewers were bored with implausible and ill thought out storylines.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3679776.stm
|title = EastEnders loses out to Emmerdale
|publisher = BBC News
|date = [[2004-07-22]]
|accessdate = 2006-07-16
}}</ref> [[Kathleen Hutchison]], who had been the executive producer of hospital drama ''[[Holby City]]'', was announced as the new executive producer.<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds15865.html Berridge quits ''EastEnders'']" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> Within a few weeks, she announced a major shake-up of the cast with the highly-criticised Ferreira family, first seen in June 2003, set to leave at the beginning of 2005.<ref name="ferreiras">"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds16288.html ''EastEnders'': Entire Ferreira family axed]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> Hutchison went on to axe other characters including Andy Hunter, [[Kate Mitchell]], [[Juley Smith]] and [[Derek Harkinson]].<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds17058.html Confirmed: ''EastEnders'' axe for Andy Hunter]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref><ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds16160.html Confirmed: ''EastEnders'' actress axed]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref><ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds18463.html ''EastEnders'' actor to leave soap]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> Whilst she was there, she set about reversing the previous executive producer's work. It indicated a fresh start for ''EastEnders'' after declining ratings in 2004.
But in January 2005, after just four months, Kathleen Hutchison left ''EastEnders''. [[John Yorke]] who led ''EastEnders'' through what [[Mal Young]] (the then head of BBC drama) said was one of its most successful periods in 2001, returned to the BBC as the head of drama, meaning his responsibilities included the running of ''EastEnders''. He also brought back long serving script writer [[Tony Jordan]].<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds18782.html Exec producer Hutchison to leave ''EastEnders'']" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> It is reported that the cast and crew did not get on well with Hutchison as she had them working up to midnight and beyond.<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds16550.html Overworked ''EastEnders'' are losing sleep]" ''Digital Spy''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref> She is also said to have rejected several planned storylines and demanded re-writes. This was one of the reasons storylines such as the Real Walford football team were suddenly ignored. But through her short reign she led ''EastEnders'' to some of its most healthy viewing figures in months.
John Yorke immediately stepped into her position until a few weeks later when [[Kate Harwood]] was announced as the new executive producer.<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/02_february/24/harwood.shtml BBC appoints new Executive Producer for ''EastEnders'']" ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-09-24]]</ref>
In the autumn of 2005, ''EastEnders'' had seen its average audience share increase. This was thanks to a succession of ratings-grabbing storylines which included the arrest of [[Sam Mitchell (EastEnders)|Sam Mitchell]] for the murder of [[Den Watts]], the marriage of Sharon and Dennis Rickman, the return of the Mitchell brothers, Chrissie Watts being arrested after she was discovered to have been Den's real killer, and the death of Dennis Rickman at the hands of a mysterious attacker. Weeks after this, ITV again scheduled episodes of ''Emmerdale'' against ''EastEnders''. The episode of ''Emmerdale'', which saw the departure of one of its more popular characters, [[Zoe Tate]], attracted 8.3 million viewers, leaving ''EastEnders'' with 6.6 million for the funeral of Den Watts.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4275032.stm Emmerdale tops ITV 50th ratings]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-02]].</ref> However, this indirectly helped increase the audience of digital channel BBC Three as 1 million (10% share) tuned in to see the second showing. However, the battle between ''EastEnders'' and ''Emmerdale'' saw ''EastEnders'' come out on top with 200,000 more viewers on [[1 December]] [[2005]]. ''EastEnders'' was the top-rated soap on Christmas Day 2005, attracting 10.6 million viewers while ''Coronation Street'' got 9.8 million.<ref>"[http://www.clivebanks.co.uk/Christmasinvasion.htm 'The Christmas Invasion']", ''clivebanks.co.uk''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-02]].</ref> 12.6 million viewers watched as [[Dennis Rickman]] was stabbed by a mystery attacker on [[30 December]] [[2005]], and the aftermath attracted 12.34 million viewers on [[2 January]] [[2006]].
Since then ''EastEnders'' has beaten ''Coronation Street'' in the ratings several times, although ''Coronation Street'' continues to average more on a regular basis. Ratings reached an all-time low in July 2006 with 5.2 million viewers, followed two days later by only 3.9 million, although this was mainly due to action packed hour long episodes of ''Emmerdale'' on ITV1 being scheduled against ''EastEnders''.<ref>"[http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006320673,,00.html 3.9 m, Ratings drop to a new low]" ''The Sun''. URL last accessed on [[2006-07-15]]</ref>
Christmas Day 2006 saw ''EastEnders'' as the top rated soap; 10.7 million viewers watched to see the death of Pauline Fowler.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6209697.stm Vicar of Dibley tops Christmas TV]", ''[[BBC News]]''. URL last accessed [[2007-01-02]]</ref> In previous two weeks to that, it reached 9.90 and 9.85 million viewers.
In [[February 2007]], the show was criticised for boring storylines and acting. ''EastEnders'' was consequently snubbed from the [[Royal Television Society]] awards.<ref>"[http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001320029-2007090410,00.html ''EastEnders''? Leave it out!]", ''The Sun''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-05]]</ref>
Between 2001 and 2002, ''EastEnders'' was the 10th most searched-for TV show on the Internet.<ref>"[http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/content_pages/record.asp?recordid=58318 Most searched-for TV show]" ''[[Guinness World Records]]'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-15]]</ref> It was the 2nd most popular UK search term in 2003,<ref>"[http://www.google.com/press/zeitgeist2003.html 2003 Year-End Zeitgeist]", ''Google Press Center'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-15]]</ref> and the 7th in 2004.<ref>"[http://www.google.com/press/zeitgeist2004/intl-zeitgeist.html International 2004 Year-End Zeitgeist]", ''Google Press Center'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-15]]</ref>
''EastEnders'' holds the record for the most watched soap episode in Britain.<ref name="xmasdenange"/> In 2001, ''EastEnders'' went head to head with rival soap ''[[Coronation Street]]'' for the first time. ''EastEnders'' won the battle with 8.4 million viewers (41%) while ''Coronation Street'' attracted 7.3 million (36%).<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/1485953.stm EastEnders wins soaps showdown]", ''BBC'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-15]]</ref> Since ''EastEnders'' began in 1985, at least one of its episodes have rated higher than any other British soap opera throughout each decade. This includes the 1980s, 1990s and so far the 2000s.
===Critique===
''EastEnders'' has received both praise and criticism for most of its storylines, which have dealt with difficult themes, such as violence, rape and murder.
[[Mary Whitehouse]] argued at the time that ''EastEnders'' represented a violation of "family viewing time" and that it undermined the [[Watershed (television)|watershed]] policy. She regarded ''EastEnders'' as a fundamental assault on the family and morality itself. She made reference to representation of family life and emphasis on psychological and emotional violence within the show. She was also critical of language such as "bleeding", "bloody hell", "bastard" and "for [[Christ]]'s sake". However, Whitehouse also praised the programme, describing [[Michelle Fowler]]'s decision not to have an abortion as a "very positive storyline". 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. Her criticisms were widely reported in the tabloid press as ammunition in its existing rivalry with the BBC. The stars of ''Coronation Street'' in particular aligned themselves with Mary Whitehouse, gaining headlines such as "STREETS AHEAD! RIVALS LASH SEEDY EASTENDERS" and "CLEAN UP SOAP! Street Star Bill Lashes 'Steamy' EastEnders".
The long-running storyline of Mark Fowler's [[HIV]] was so successful in raising awareness that in 1999, a survey by the National Aids Trust found teenagers got most of their information about HIV from the soap, though one campaigner noted that in some ways the storyline was not reflective of what was happening at the time as the condition was more common among the [[gay community]]. Still, Mark struggled with various issues connected to his HIV status, including public fears of contamination, a marriage breakdown connected to his inability to have children and the side effects of combination therapies. However, in 2003, when the makers of the series decided to write Mark out of the series, he left Walford to travel the world, and news of his death came the [[2004|following year]].
The [[child abuse]] storyline with Kat Slater and her uncle Harry saw calls to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ([[NSPCC]]) go up by 60%. The chief executive of the NSPCC praised the storyline for covering the subject in a direct and sensitive way, coming to the conclusion that people were more likely to report any issues relating to child protection because of it. In 2002, ''EastEnders'' also won an award from the Mental Health Media Awards held at BAFTA for this storyline.
''EastEnders'' is often criticised for being too violent, most notably during a [[domestic violence]] storyline between Little Mo Morgan and her husband Trevor. As ''EastEnders'' is shown pre-watershed, there were worries that some scenes in this storyline were too graphic for its audience. Complaints against a scene in which Little Mo's face was pushed in [[gravy]] on Christmas Day were upheld by the Broadcasting Standards Council. However, a helpline after this episode attracted over 2000 calls. [[Erin Pizzey]], who became internationally famous for having started one of the first [[Women's shelter|Women's Refuges]], said that ''EastEnders'' had done more to raise the issue of violence against women in one story than she had done in twenty-five years.
Originally there was a storyline written that the whole Ferreira family killed their pushy father [[Dan Ferreira|Dan]], but after actor [[Dalip Tahil]] could not get a visa for working in the UK the storyline was scrapped and instead [[Ronny Ferreira]] got stabbed. This storyline was criticised by many as it seemed rushed and no reason was given for Dan's disappearance.<ref>"[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_objectid=16708351%26method=full%26siteid=94762-name_page.html 21 Years of EastEnders: Secrets of Walford]" ''The Mirror'', last accessed on [[2006-07-15]]</ref>
In 2003, [[Shaun Williamson]], who played [[Barry Evans (EastEnders)|Barry Evans]], said that the programme had become much grittier over the past ten to fifteen years, and found it "frightening" that parents let their young children watch.
The BBC was accused of anti-religious bias by a [[House of Lords]] committee, who cited ''EastEnders'' as an example. Dr. [[Indarjit Singh]], editor of the Sikh Messenger and patron of the World Congress of Faiths, said: "''EastEnders''' Dot Cotton is an example. She quotes endlessly from the [[Bible]] and it ridicules [[religion]] to some extent."
[[Image:Eeowendenise.JPG|thumb|right|200px|The scene involving Owen and Denise that prompted 128 complaints.]]
[[Susan Tully]], who played Michelle Fowler from the show's inception until 1995, has caused controversy with fans after refusing offers to return to the show for important events regarding the Fowler family such as Mark and Pauline's weddings to [[Lisa Shaw]] and [[Joe Macer]], respectively, and Michelle's father Arthur and Mark's funerals. The actress rejected offers to return again for Pauline's funeral, and [[Scarlett Johnson]], who played [[Vicki Fowler]], wasn't asked to return.<ref>"[http://orange.co.uk/entertainment/television/14208.htm?linkfrom=entertainment_television_default&link=box_main_pos_1_1_link_title&article=entertainmenttvtop2ndstory Family snubs Pauline's funeral]", ''Orange''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-13]]</ref>
In July 2006, former cast member [[Tracy-Ann Oberman]] suggested that the scriptwriters had been "on [[Cocaine#Crack cocaine|crack]]" when they penned the storyline about Den's murder and described her 18 months on the show as being "four years of acting experience".<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds35246.html Ex-EastEnders star slams script writers]", ''Digital Spy'', URL last accessed [[2006-07-25]]</ref>
[[Wendy Richard]], who played Pauline Fowler for 21 years, has also claimed that she quit the show because of the producers' decision to remarry her character to Joe Macer (played by [[Ray Brooks]]), as she felt this was out of character for Pauline.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5252028.stm Richard 'quit soap over wedding']", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
In August 2006, a scene involving Carly Wicks and [[Jake Moon]] initiating [[sexual intercourse]] on the floor of [[Scarlet (EastEnders)|Scarlet]] nightclub, and another scene involving Owen Turner violently attacking Denise Fox, prompted 129 and 128 complaints, respectively.<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4776447.stm BBC defends ''EastEnders'' sex scene]" ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref> Carly and Jake's sex scenes were later removed from the Sunday omnibus edition.
[[Image:Billy honey janet.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Billy and Honey Mitchell, with their baby daughter Janet.]]
The birth of Billy and Honey Mitchell's baby, Janet, diagnosed with [[Down's syndrome]], has attracted a lot of criticism.
The storyline has been criticised by the Royal College of Midwives, who claim the storyline was inaccurate and unrealistic. They claim that Honey should not have been refused an [[epidural]] and should not have been told about her daughter's condition without her husband being present. They also claim that the baby appeared rigid when in fact she should have been floppy, and that nobody opened the baby's blanket to check.<ref name="24dash">{{cite news
|title = BBC soap EastEnders slammed over Down's Syndrome baby birth
|url = http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=47&newsID=10388
|publisher = 24dash.com
|date = [[2006-09-13]]
|accessdate = 2006-09-28
}}</ref>
The BBC say a great deal of research was undertaken such as talking to families with children who have Down's syndrome, and liaising with a senior midwife as well as the Down's Syndrome Association. The BBC say Honey was not refused an epidural but had actually locked herself away in the bathroom. They were also unable to cast a baby with Down's syndrome for the first few episodes, which is why the baby appeared rigid.<ref name="24dash"/> The Down's Syndrome Association say that the way in which Billy and Honey found out about their baby's condition and their subsequent support is not a best practice model, but is still a realistic situation.<ref name="bbcnews">{{cite news
|title = Midwives attack EastEnders plot
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5339012.stm
|publisher = [[BBC News]]
|date = [[2006-09-12]]
|accessdate = 2006-09-28
}}</ref>
Conversely, learning disability charity [[Mencap]] have praised the soap, saying it will help to raise awareness.<ref name="bounty">{{cite news
|title = Mencap praise for Down syndrome soap story
|url = http://www.bounty.com/News.aspx?Article=17638151
|publisher = bounty.com
|date =
|accessdate = 2006-09-28
}}</ref>
The current domestic abuse storyline involving Ben Mitchell and Stella Crawford has attracted sixty complaints from viewers, who found scenes where Ben was attacked by bullies as Stella looked on "upsetting."<ref>"[http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001320029-2007140939,00.html Fan fury at Ben's bullying]", ''The Sun''. URL last accessed [[2007-03-31]].</ref> Scenes were cut from the omnibus shown on [[19 April]] [[2007]] involving baby [[Tomas Covalenco]] crying, after viewers complained that the babies playing Tomas, [[Dylan and Tyler Woolf]], looked distressed.<ref>"[http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001320029-2007190483,00.html EastEnders to cut baby scene]", ''The Sun''. URL last accessed [[2007-04-27]].</ref>
Comedian [[Bill Bailey]] once parodied the show, singing "Everyone is going to die" to the tune of the theme music. He continued, "It's so depressing, isn't it? East London is a vibrant place".
===Awards===
{|class="wikitable"
|-bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center"
!Year
!Ceremony
!Awards
!References
|-
|rowspan="1"|2007
|[[All About Soap]] awards
|'Best Tearjerker', 'Biggest Wedding Shock', 'Best Double Act'
|<ref>{{cite news|title=Eastenders is sitting pretty|url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news_detail.html?sku=1332|publisher=Daily Star Sunday|date=[[4 March]] [[2007]]|accessdate=2007-03-04}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan="6"|2006
|[[National Television Awards]]
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="scoops"/>
|-
|Mental Health Media Awards
|'Soaps and Continual Drama'
|<ref name="mental"/>
|-
|[[Inside Soap]] Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|[[TV Quick]] and TV Choice Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20060905.shtml ''EastEnders'' scoops best soap]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
|-
|[[British Soap Awards]]
|'Best British Soap', 'Best Single Episode'
|<ref name="beatcorrie"/>
|-
|[[British Academy Television Awards]]
|'Best Continuing Drama'
|<ref name="BAFTA"/>
|-
|rowspan="3"|2005
|Smash Hits T4 Pollwinners' Party
|'Best TV Show'
|<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/news_content/news_20051121.shtml EastEnders voted best show]", ''bbc.co.uk''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-21]]</ref>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb">"[http://imdb.com/title/tt0088512/awards Awards for ''EastEnders'']", ''IMDb''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|rowspan="2"|2004
|British Soap Awards
|'Best British Soap'
|<ref name="custardBSA">"[http://www.thecustard.tv/linksandlists/soapawards.html British Soap Awards]", ''thecustard.tv''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|rowspan="3"|2003
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|TV Quick Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="misc">"[http://www.thecustard.tv/linksandlists/tvawards.html Miscellaneous Television Awards]", ''thecustard.tv''. URL last accessed [[2006-11-02]]</ref>
|-
|rowspan="7"|2002
|British Soap Awards
|'Best British Soap', 'Best Single Episode'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|British Academy Television Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|[[Royal Television Society#Awards|Royal Television Society Awards]]
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Television and Radio Industries Club Awards
|'TV Soap of the Year'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|TV Quick Awards
|'Best Soap', 'Best Soap Storyline'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|rowspan="5"|2001
|British Soap Awards
|'Best British Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Royal Television Society Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="misc"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|TV Quick Award
|'Best Soap', 'Best Soap Storyline'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|rowspan="4"|2000
|British Academy Television Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|British Soap Awards
|'Best British Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|rowspan="4"|1999
|British Academy Television Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|British Soap Awards
|'Best Storyline'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|TV Quick Award
|'Best Soap', 'Best Soap Storyline'
|<ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/440217.stm Square win for Eastenders]", ''BBC News''. URL last accessed [[2007-02-26]]</ref>
|-
|1998
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|rowspan="3"|1997
|British Academy Television Awards
|'Best Drama Series'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Soap'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|Inside Soap Awards
|'Best Soap'
|<ref name="insidesoap"/>
|-
|1996
|National Television Awards
|'Best Soap Opera'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|1995
|National Television Awards
|'Most Popular Serial Drama'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|-
|1986
|Television and Radio Industries Club Awards
|'TV Theme Music of the Year'
|<ref name="imdb"/>
|}
==In popular culture==
{{main|EastEnders in popular culture}}
Since its premiere in [[1985 in film|1985]], ''EastEnders'' has had a large impact on [[popular culture]]. In its 22 year history, it has been referred to in many different mediums, including songs and television programmes.
==Further reading==
[[Image:Who's who EE.jpg|200px|right|thumb|''EastEnders: Your ultimate guide to Who's Who'' by Kate Lock.]]
{{main|EastEnders books}}
Many books have been written about ''EastEnders''. Notably, from 1985 to 1988, author and television writer [[Hugh Miller (writer)|Hugh Miller]] wrote seventeen [[novel]]s, detailing the lives of many of the show's original characters before 1985, when events on screen took place.
Kate Lock also wrote four novels centered around more recent characters; Steve Owen, Grant Mitchell, Bianca Jackson and [[Tiffany Mitchell]]. Lock also wrote a character guide entitled ''EastEnders: Your ultimate guide to Who's Who'' in 2000, examining main characters from the first fifteen years of the show.
Show creators Julia Smith and Tony Holland also wrote a book about the show in 1987, entitled ''EastEnders: The Inside Story'', telling the story of how the show made it to screen. Two special anniversary books have been written about the show; ''EastEnders: The First 10 Years: A Celebration'' by Colin Brake in 1995 and ''EastEnders: 20 Years in Albert Square'' by Rupert Smith in 2005.
{{-}}
==References==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">
<references/>
</div>
==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders ''EastEnders''] at [[bbc.co.uk]]
* {{imdb title|id=0088512|title=EastEnders}}
* [http://www.walfordweb.co.uk Walford Web]
* [http://www.walford.net/ walford.net] archive of ''EastEnders'' updates
* [http://www.wgazette.com/ The Walford Gazette]
* [http://www.nceastenders.com/ North Carolina ''EastEnders'' Fan Club]
* [http://popmatters.com/tv/reviews/e/eastenders.shtml PopMatters] ''EastEnders'' review
* [http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/E/htmlE/eastenders/eastenders.htm ''EastEnders''] at the Encyclopedia of Television
{{EastEnders}}
{{start box}}
{{succession box |
| before = ''[[Cracker (UK TV series)|Cracker]]''
| after = ''[[Jonathan Creek]]''
| title = [[British Academy Television Awards]]<br>Best Drama Series
| years = 1997|}}
{{end box}}
[[Category:EastEnders| ]]
[[Category:Social realism]]
[[Category:BBC television dramas]]
[[Category:BAFTA winners (television series)]]
[[Category:Soap operas]]
[[Category:Television programmes set in London]]
[[Category:1980s British television series|EastEnders]]
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