Eastenders

[Wayne]

The other soaps topic is too general, and discussion could easily get lost! :P So this is all about Eastenders!

I have just discovered that there are plans to have Dot Cotton killed off! :o

[aShLEy]

I think Dot Cotton should be kept alive forever! I cant even imagine Eastenders without her! lol

[Wayne]

YEEAH! I agree completely. Eastenders needs Dot, Peggy and Pat!! :lol:

OMG @ the Syed/Christina love story - I can't wait until this all comes out! I LOL'd earlier when Syed's mum said "I haven't got a fat nose" LMFAOO! :D

[aShLEy]

Syed is cute! lol Its gunna be very dramatic when he comes out! But at least Amira (not sure if thats spelt correctly) can leave forever! lol

[Wayne]

"I don't have a fat nose!!" - best moment ever LOL. I love how politically incorrect her character is! :P She makes me laugh with her comments about Christian :lol:

Yeah Syed is cute! I wonder what will come of the Ronnie/Janine/Ryan triangle

[aShLEy]

Ryan is cute too! :D I hope Ronnie gets a few more rides and then Janine can have him!

I want Ronnie and Jack to get back together and have a baby! lol

[Red]

The Roxy/Ronnie/Jack thing has gone on far too long.I no longer care which one he ends up with.The two sisters can get it on together for all I care,and live happily ever after.
I think the Mitchells are the centre of attention way too often.Eastenders is better when some of the other families get a look in.

I thought it was dumb how Janine was able to just wander from the Queen Vic and upstairs to get Ronnie's address book.

The Christian/Sayed thing is keeping me tuned in,as well as Heathers pregnancy.

I'm enjoying Libby's storyline - i think the actress (no idea what her name is) is good when she's actually given something to do.And Denise is fab.
Actually,I hope the jailed Dad and his mother become permanent characters too.

[Wayne]

Completely agree about the Janine bit! lol so unrealistic. that pub is hilarious though! :D

I love the whole Massoud family - I'd lost interest if they went. They are just brilliant. I don't like Ian Beale - his character is so stale at the moment. They need to give him something fresh

I agree about Heather's pregnancy. Did you hear the spoilers involving that? It sounds gripping! :D

[Red]

I love the Masouds too.It took me a while to warm to the mother but she's now my fav Masoud.
The daughter didn't stay for very long - she might have been a good character if she'd lasted a bit longer.

I quite like all the Beales (except for Lucy ,who can't act).
I would love love love if they brought back Kathy Beale - she's my most missed character.I know she was killed off (off screen in a car crash in South Africa or something),but this being a soap,they could bring her back as if she'd been under witness protection scheme or something !

Nooo,I've avoided all spoilers of Heathers pregnancy.
I'm now scared to enter this thread again,in case all is revealed !? :o

[Wayne]

LOL I wont present any spoilers ;) Although you've just triggered one that I want to shout from the rooftops about how ridiculous it is! :P But I wont! :lol:

[aShLEy]

I hate Ian! I just want him to be killed off in a really painful way!

[Wayne]

I hate Ian! I just want him to be killed off in a really painful way!

Yes like be hit round the face with a housebrick then being run over by Peggy Mitchell! :roll: Thats more ironic than painful though :P

[aShLEy]

:lol: Could make for an interesting episode! :D

[Wayne]

EastEnders actor dies of cancer

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/media/ALeqM5i-OPYPv4XPHFJaSoU9XYU0pI0h8A?size=s2

The actor who played Janine's elderly fiance in EastEnders has died.

Harry Towb - who played the character David in the show in December - passed away peacefully in his London home on Friday after battling cancer for a short time.

He was 83 years old.

Elsewhere Mr Towb's numerous television credits include Z Cars, The Avengers, Home James, Moll Flanders, Heartbeat, Casualty, and The Bill.

Born in Larne, Co Antrim, the star grew up in Belfast and began his acting life in the Irish fit-ups, travelling around the country with different theatrical groups.

He moved to England in the 1950s and started a distinguished career which included various stage, television and film roles.

He is survived by his wife, actress Diana Hoddinott, children Emily, Daniel and Joshua, and three granddaughters.

Joshua said his father was a great family man who loved his work.

"He loved his family very much," said Joshua. "But he never like not to be working. He worked all the way through his illness as long as he could, right up until a few months ago."

One of the actor's biggest stage roles was in the National Theatre production of Brighton Beach Memoirs. He also performed in Little Shop of Horrors, Barmitzvah Boy, Death of a Salesman and The Mandate.

[Wayne]

Eastenders was good tonight! This Gary/Phil/Dawn triangle actually makes me feel a bit sick though! :(

[aShLEy]

I know! What the fuck is Dawn doing with either of them! :?

At least Gary is funny/nice etc. whereas Phil is ugly, horrible, aggresive and ginger! :?

Then you've got Dawn who is one of (if not) hottest women on the show! :?

[Wayne]

THANKYOU! I tried to explain to my Mum my reason for scoffing at the storyline - as if this would happen in real life! :roll:

[Wayne]

So yeah, I'm keeping up with this! :D Last night's episode was hilarious, with Mo as tarrot reader! Now watching tonights epsidode on BBC iPlayer! :D

[Wayne]

Okay, so tonight's episode has been gold! :D

Its been just great! Ricky looked so hot! Why do I suddenly find myself fancying him! :( YAY for hearing Jade Ewen on the radio! 20 minutes in, I'm loving it!

[Red]

At least Gary is funny/nice etc. whereas Phil is ugly, horrible, aggresive ......and ginger! :?



:? As if his colouring should be lumped in with his negatives :roll:
He really doesn't even have any hair,unless you're going by his rusty chin stubble.
Shining examples of fabulous reds : Bianca,Sean,Bradley.......and myself (clue is in the username :) )

I think the whole storyline is dumb.Wossiname is barely cold and she's hopping from bed to bed.Where's the grieving process ?
She's lived there long enough to know Phil's reputation,so should be obvious that it wouldn't end well.
I don't find it believable that she'd be into Gary either,as she thinks she's better than him - and can DO better than him.He's a nice guy but she's already shown that she sees him as boring and a bit of a drip.

I'm not sure that she would find a man quite so quick to become a stepfather,and jump into another marriage.

~~~~~~~~

Joel getting into his car and kissing his other half.That wasn't much of a shock was it.Yawn.

I love that Libby's grandmother is gonna be lodging with Dot.I didn't see that coming at all !

[Wayne]

:lol: @ your Joel comment! So true. His acting is so wooden at times, it annoys me! But I have a feeling he is here for the longhaul so ... :roll:

I too love Libby's grandmother! I can't remember what she was in before though (was it Family Affairs?). Either way, she plays a great part!

[Wayne]

I'm getting ready to cry! lol Jim makes his return! :P

[Wayne]

The actor that plays Ronnie's affair is terribly wooden! I also cringed @ Syed and Christian's dialogue "I think you're superman". Good grief :roll:

Aww @ both Libby and Tamwar getting into Oxford! The prior sparring session between both mothers was hilarious! :lol:

The hot doctor is SO FIT. Also, I cannot imagine Eastenders without Dot; she's worth every penny of the £300,000+ she is paid. Legend. Jim's return gave be butterflies, goosebumps and tears! What a wonderful episode Thursday was! Now watching tonights! :P

And btw, Ronnie IS the very definition of STUNNING.

[aShLEy]

Ronnie is amazing looking! Perfect woman! lol

[Red]

I loved Bianca back in the early days when she was mates with Tiff (Martine McCutcheon),but her character is limited since she returned with 5 kids.I'm glad she's back,but wish they hadn't added all those kids that she's tied to.

Ronnie's character is quite serious,and all her scenes with Roxy/Jack are like watching the same scene over and over.

However,I LOVED the recent episode where the unlikely duo of Bianca and Ronnie got tipsy together and really hit it off.I enjoyed their scenes together.I hope they become gal pals as seeing them having a laugh,made both of them more likeable.

[Wayne]

The tears got me eventually @ the end of thursdays episode! :P Streaming I was!!! :roll: Now watching Fridays'

[Wayne]

I do feel sorry for Janine! :(

[James]

OMG Daniella Westbrook is awful :(

She looks the same age as Peggy. Her makeup??? That fake tan??? Looks like she has been smearing crap on her face.

And her acting................. :doh:

[Wayne]

Did you cringe at that crying seen too, or was it just me? :crazy: I had to :clap: her attempt at chav though, very convincing! :roll: :!:

[James]

Did you cringe at that crying seen too, or was it just me? :crazy: I had to :clap: her attempt at chav though, very convincing! :roll: :!:

It wasn't just you LOL.

She just scrunched her face up like a gremlin and didn't shed a tear LOL. I nearly turned over it was painful to watch.

Also did you not think the crying was a little..... wrong. I mean when they left Archie's she was being all tough and bitchy then soon as they walked in the Vic it was like she had been crying for ages. Seemed strange to me.

I love Babs, really do but we all know she can't act either so putting them 2 together in a dramatic scene... o lordy it was worse then Corrie LOL

[Wayne]

I loved Babs shouting!! It was hilarious! She is just a national treasure isn't she? But I agree she isn't the best actress! :grinlove:

And yes, it was strange how in the space of a few minutes she went from that. Bi polar much?! Also, Minty and his missus make me laugh for some reason. I can't sit through a scene of theirs without giggling :rofl:

I was annoyed we saw nothing from the Massouds last night, they are my favourite part of the show at the moment!

What you betting Archie does something malicious about Sam? :doh:

[James]

I am over the Archie character now...... people like him are not meant to be long termers.

Babs is a national treasure, she is forgiven for her lack of skill because.... well she's Babs Windsor.

I hated the Massouds when they first joined now I love them. Even tho they bring the comedy I think they are the most realistic family in EE.

I know what you mean about Minty and his bird..... makes me giggle too :teehee:

[Wayne]

Yeah I defs agree about Archie - all he ever seems to be doing is slamming doors and sitting on the sofa. If not that, hes fetching a pint of milk. God, what an easy life. :doh:

I also, for the first time in ages, thought Bianca looked really lovely last night. Didn't like the outfit much - it made her look fat, but after Pat had finished with her, her face/hair made her look great! Interesting to see how this Sam/Ricky/Bianca thing will play out. I'm still peeved that they didn't bring Kim Medcalfe back - she was gorgeous, classy, convincing and truly a pleasure to watch on screen. I'm having to think really hard when the likes of Minty are on screen with Sam, as its hard to place her in the other Sam's shoes (that was really hard to say, and probably going to be even harder for you to understand! :woohoo: )

[James]

I understand completely...... It's difficult to tie up the story lines in my brain. The whole Dirty Den thing is weird because it was Kim and not Daniella. It's not like they are even similar AT ALL

I also think the way Kim portrayed Sam was more viable as Peggy's daughter. Peggy is Chavvy Chique so was Kim's version of Sam. Strong classy woman with a rough edge. Daniella's version is just dog rough :rofl:

[craigb09]

trianas body gets found 2nyt!

[aShLEy]

Kim Medcalfe totally reinvented Sam and they've now totally ruined that by bringing that crackwhore back! Damn Them!

[James]

Kim Medcalfe totally reinvented Sam and they've now totally ruined that by bringing that crackwhore back! Damn Them!

I completely agree 155 million percent

[Wayne]

EastEnders (http://www.aoltv.co.uk/category/eastenders-25/) cast members are apparently up in arms over the return of Jessie Wallace.

The soap's stars have started a petition in a bid to convince bosses not to bring back screaming Kat Slater.

The actress has signed a one-year deal to return to the Square. However, some members of the cast, said to include EastEnders veteran Steve McFadden, have vented their frustration over the deal.

According to The Sun a petition to ensure Wallace does not rejoin the cast claims it will be a "disaster" for morale on set.

A source told the paper: "A lot of the senior cast who worked with Jessie the first time round are livid.

"She was a complete nuisance when she was on the show. It would be a disaster for her to come back.

"She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and often upset stars during filming. By the time she left, a lot of them were breathing sighs of relief.

"A lot of the cast saw her as a bully. She was aggressive and difficult to deal with because she was so strong-willed.

"The petition was handed in last week. It didn't go down well, but some of the senior cast felt it was a point that had to be made."

She was suspended from the show back in 2003 and ran into a series of problems with bosses and fellow cast members following drunken nights out and a drink-driving charge during her 2000 to 2005 stint on the soap.

However, it was claimed earlier this year that the show's executive producer Diedrick Santer wanted to give Wallace another chance on the programme after seeing how the actress has managed to turn her life around.

Since leaving the soap she has shed two stone and cut down on alcohol.

Wallace said recently: "I've really enjoyed playing different roles over the last few years, but am excited to slip back into Kat Slater's stilettos. I've missed her."

And Kat won't be returning alone her on-screen husband Alfie Moon, played by Shane Richie, will also return later this year.

An EastEnders spokeswoman said: "We've received no complaints from cast members regarding Jessie's return and are looking forward to having her back."

[Wayne]

The young girl that turned up last night was:

It's Phil's daughter Louise.

[Wayne]

Anyone following this? I feel so sorry for Ben, given the bullying he's encountering. Phil is a git sometimes. That chav winds me up too - the one who's just failed his test.

Good epi last night!

[Laith]

I really hate ben, I wish they could kill him off. It's funny, the other day I was saying they should write out certain characters cuz they're useless and then today all the ones I said were sacked for being useless.

Just read that Lisa is returning for 1 ep and am really excited to see what will happen during it. I want her to come back full time, although logistically not sure they could really have her return to the square.

[Wayne]

I really hate ben, I wish they could kill him off. It's funny, the other day I was saying they should write out certain characters cuz they're useless and then today all the ones I said were sacked for being useless.

Well apparently, your wish is their commannd! He's being written out of the show, along with Lauren!

[Wayne]

Best Soap
Best Actor - Scott Maslen (Jack Branning)
Best Actress - Lacey Turner (Stacey Branning)
Best Dramatic Performance - Lacey Turner (Stacey Branning)
Best Newcomer - Marc Elliott (Syed Masood)
Best Exit - Charlie Clements (Bradley Branning)
Best Storyline - Who Killed Archie
Best Single Episode - EastEnders Live
Villain of the Year - Larry Lamb (Archie Mitchell)
Sexiest Male - Scott Maslen (Jack Branning)

^ Soap awards, what Eastenders won! As if Jack Branning won best actor!

[Wayne]

http://i2.cdnds.net/10/34/550w_soap_scoop_eastenders_02.jpg
http://i2.cdnds.net/10/34/550w_soap_scoop_eastenders_01.jpg

[Wayne]

http://i2.cdnds.net/10/36/550w_soaps_eastenders_vic_fire_peggy_01.jpg

[Neil]

So... nobody died?

OMG. I was in floods of tears when it looked like Stacie and her daughter were going to perish.

[Wayne]

I'm just watching this now! So exicted :D

[Wayne]

A superb episode. So many twists and turns. Had I not read people's comments previously, I just know I would've been questioning Peggy's exit all the way through. SO happy they haven't killed her off - I tell you know, she's worth every penny of her £350,000 per year salary. And I'm incredibly upset she's leaving!

I got all teary eyed around the time of the first explosion, when she got knocked down. I hate Phil Mitchell, like SOOOO much right now! :P

Deserves to win the Best Single Episode award and best soap at the soap awards for how good the episode is, and how poor the other soaps have been this year!

[Daydreamer]

It was absolutely AMAZING! But as one of my friends said on facebook...it was slightly ruined by Peggy doing karaoke of Usher's 'Burn' at the end with the lines 'let it burn, let it burn'. Made me giggle though :p I also thought Peggy looked a lot like a moth drawn to a light at the end. But yes, as you said Wayne it should win Best Single Episode award. =)

[Neil]

^
http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l8i03pJ90o1qbyksno1_500.png

[Daydreamer]

LMAO!!! ^ That's made my day :p

[Wayne]

http://images.mirror.co.uk/upl/dailyrecord3/sep2010/0/6/eastenders-barbara-windsor-queen-vic-fire-566139387.jpg
NEW picture of Peggy after the fire!


THIS is the dramatic picture that shows EastEnders landlady Peggy Mitchell survived the blaze that ripped through the Queen Vic.

Last night, soap fans saw a screaming Peggy apparently trapped in the inferno started by her crackhead son Phil.

But tonight the matriarch will be seen weeping amid the ruins of the pub after dragging Phil, played by Steve McFadden, to safety.

In the background, the famous Queen Vic bust has been reduced to a charred shell.

The dramatic scene means the door has been left open for Peggy to return - even as actress Barbara Windsor quits the soap after 16 years.

In a further twist, the 73-yearold actress will reappear minutes after bowing out of EastEnders - as the face of a bingo website.

Excited Barbara will play "Queen of Bingo" as the new face of jackpotjoy.com and will be seen on ITV1 15 minutes after her final EastEnders episode.

She said: "EastEnders marks the end of one of the happiest chapters of my life but I'm really excited about the future - the giggle is back for good. Long live the 'Queen of Bingo'!" The loss of Barbara and her formidable character is being felt by the rest of the Walford cast.

Samantha Womack, who plays Ronnie Mitchell, admitted: "EastEnders will miss Peggy Mitchell because, as far as so many people are concerned, Peggy is EastEnders.

"She was the heart and soul of the whole programme because the Queen Vic is the epicentre of everybody's world and Peggy sat in the centre of that."

Before Peggy quits Walford, leaving her family behind, she has unfinished business with Stacey.

Now that she knows who really killed her former husband Archie, Peggy tries to convince Stacey (Lacey Turner) to take the blame for starting the fire in the Vic.

Tonight's episode will also be special, with the usual music being replaced by Peggy's Theme.

Peggy's final episode is on BBC1 at 8pm. It will be followed by EastEnders Revealed - Peggy Mitchell, Queen Of The Vic at 8.40pm.

Interesting!

[Wayne]

I was in tears watching the fighting last night, seriously hilarious!!!

[Wayne]

eastenders confirm devastating storyline involving baby - spoilers below.
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a hard-hitting eastenders storyline will see ronnie mitchell steal kat moon's baby after her own child dies, it has been announced.

The new plotline begins later this year when ronnie and kat - played by samantha womack and jessie wallace - both give birth and begin happily adjusting to family life with their respective partners jack and alfie.

However, in a tragic turn of events on new year's eve, ronnie will face the devastation of losing her new baby to cot death before making a desperate decision that looks likely to change life in albert square forever.

After rushing to the queen vic to seek help with her lifeless child still in her arms, ronnie hears kat's baby crying upstairs and secretly swaps the pair in a powerful scene.

As ronnie leaves the vic and returns home with kat's child, the new year celebrations continue inside the pub and the rest of the square's residents have no idea of what has happened.

Speaking of the new storyline, eastenders' executive producer bryan kirkwood commented: "this story built on the rich history both characters have built up over the years and the story team have worked hard to make this convincing and powerful.

"although eastenders is a fictional drama we have, of course, taken great care to thoroughly research this storyline, which will reflect a issue close to the hearts of some of our audience. We're fortunate to have two wonderful actresses, jessie wallace and samantha womack, who understand the need to portray such an emotive subject sensitively."

he added: "viewers will know that ronnie has had a difficult past, losing both her daughter and father in the last couple of years. When she loses the one thing she's always wanted, she acts on impulse in a moment of sheer grief and desperation."

eastenders' decision to tackle the issue of cot death has been praised by the foundation for the study of infant deaths (fsid).

Fsid director joyce epstein explained: "we are very grateful to eastenders for their accurate depiction of the devastating effect that the sudden death of an infant can have on a family. We hope that this story will help raise the public's awareness of cot death, which claims 300 babies' lives each year."

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a287462/eastenders-confirms-tragic-baby-plot.html

[Red]

Oooh sounds pretty ott ,like something from an American soap.

I've pretty much stopped watching the show since Alfie and Kat returned.I could deal with her on her own,but Shane Richie does my head in. I just dip in and out of it,now and again.

OH I did manage to catch a few scenes around the time of Billy's death,and I must say that Lindsey Coulson ('Carol') is an amazing actress.

[Neil]

I've pretty much stopped watching as well but Eastenders ALWAYS bring their A game for Xmas and New Year. This sounds like it could be on of their best yet.

Also. LOL @ the 'East Street' on Children In Need (Corrie and Eastenders collab). Hilarity.

[Wayne]

Lacey Turner is an amazing actress, and will be missed!

[Neil]

Yeah, I'm going to miss her. She's definitely one of my favourites from our generation.
Loved last nights episode. Did anyone watch Emmerdale or Corrie? They were awful. I mean, Tracey practically stole Amy from Steve & Becki and they didn't seem to give a shit.

So excited for the baby drama. I feel bad for actually wanting to see it, lol.

[Wayne]

Eastenders was so good again on Boxing Day (caught up with the epi just now). Top soap!

Didn't watch any of the others.

[Wayne]

Loved the character of Jean in tonights episode. Also love the friendship that is developing between Kat and Ronny. Bloody annoys me that it won't have a happy ending though lol. Mehh, so much depression in this show!

[Neil]

OMG AT CAROL SHAGGING THAT HOT BAD BOY CONNOR WHO SHE IS EFFECTIVELY MOTHERING AS A REPLACEMENT FOR HER DEAD SON!

Getting right back into this now <3

[Wayne]

Oh seriously, Carol and Connor make me want to PUKE. This is somebody, that in tonight's episode, reminded us of how he used to go round to Carol's house - the mother of his now dead best friend - and listened to Carol and her ex-husband arguing/fighting. This just shows us the age difference right there! Dirty bitch, Carol! I had to mute the show when they got to that point, so missed the ending. What happened at the end, did anybody catch them @ it?!

Oooh PS, felt so sorry for Jean too :( I hope that isn't the end for her, she was a favourite character of mine. Kat makes me laugh a lot atm, good to see her joyful. And where the hell was Janine in tonight's episode, felt like tonight was centered on Carol/Connor and Jean/Ronny.

[Wayne]

Oh dear Ronny; I had to turn it off when she got to the landing, as I couldn't watch the last minute or so.

I'm glad that Kat is okay, it'd be a travesty to lose Stacey and Kat in one week!

Depression overload in the 'stenders this Christmas!

[Wayne]

** spoiler alert **
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samantha womack has quit eastenders over the soap's controversial cot death storyline, it has been claimed.
The mother-of-two, who plays ronnie branning in the bbc soap, is said to have handed bosses a handwritten letter of resignation when she was first told of the plans for the plot back in november.
A fellow castmember claimed eastenders chiefs had offered her more money and more uplifting plots to try to persuade her to stay on.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1344532/samantha-womack-quits-eastenders-controversial-cot-death-storyline.html#ixzz1ady58vbr

however, womack is thought to have told bosses she is 'a mother first and an actress second' before announcing she will be leaving the show in may.
A source told the sun: 'the last couple of months at work have been awful for sam. The first time she read the script, she thought it was wrong and pushed boundaries too far. It was such a sensitive issue, she knew it would cause a huge backlash.

'she wrote a letter on the day she read it and made it clear to bosses she thought it was wrong. They persuaded her to stay and film the scenes, but she will leave in may.

'she saw the story as a mother first and an actress second, which made her realise things had gone too far.'

a spokesperson for the show has yet to confirm the report.

The storyline sees ronnie finding her baby james dead from sudden infant death syndrome.

She is then seen swapping her dead child for the alive son of kat moon, played by jessie wallace, called tommy.
Womack spoke previously about how difficult she found it to shoot the traumatic scenes.

She said: 'i couldn't stop crying when we were filming the scenes where ronnie finds her dead baby. I couldn't switch off when i returned home every day.
'what ronnie has been through is such a crushingly awful thing to even pretend might happen to you. I actually felt ill having to portray it.

'we used an expensive silicone doll, and it was so lifelike it upset a lot of people on set. We had to stop and take a break because it was too much.'

and womack also admitted before the scenes were aired that she was unsure about how they would be received.

She said: 'i love eastenders and the fans enjoy it because it's hardcore and bleak at times. But i also worry because this is such a traumatic storyline.
Mother first, actress second: Womack with her two children lily-sue and benjamin
'new year can be a difficult time for some people, so i really hope this is taken in the spirit in which it's intended - which is about producing dramatic television.

'i've watched the episode where baby james dies and it really is very powerful with strong performances from everyone.

'producers are happy with it - i just hope it doesn't upset viewers.'
the plot has already caused huge controversy among fans of the show, with nearly 3,500 viewers calling the bbc to complain.
Some parents felt that that the storyline, which was introduced on new year's eve, was 'exploitative', 'unrealistic' and 'hurtful' while others felt programme-makers were being sensationalist to drum up ratings rather than genuinely raise awareness of cot death.
Joyce epstein, director of the foundation for the study of infant deaths (fsid) told mailonline that the scriptwriters had gone too far.
Mrs epstein said: 'we think cot death is dramatic enough. We think it's the most unimaginably awful thing that can happen to a parent that you have an apparently healthy baby die for no reason. We think that's pretty dramatic.'
in addition, broadcasting standards body ofcom also received 374 viewer complaints about the storyline to date, but are 'unlikely' to launch an official investigation.
A spokesperson said: 'we assess whether programmes have gone against the broadcasting code. At the moment, we don't think that's the case. The clause it might go against would be "general harm and offence".'
and eastenders boss bryan kirkwood defended the plot, insisting viewers were warned about the plot before it was aired.
He said: 'we took care to ensure viewers were aware of the content in advance. We also provided action line numbers at the end of the show.'
however, despite the controversy surrounding the show, viewing figures have actually gone up, increasing from 10.4million on monday night to 11.1million on wednesday.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1344532/samantha-womack-quits-eastenders-controversial-cot-death-storyline.html#ixzz1adylu51w

[Red]

Eastenders has always been the soap that I really follow,but I've not watched it properly for months now,ahead of Shane Ritchie's return. I've seen the odd episode,here and there - in the hope that it'll lure me back,but it's not happening so far.

[Wayne]

I'm just catching up on last night, gripping stuff! :D

[MissAleksandra]

I love that you have East Ender thread :) I love that soap! But I'm a bit tired of the baby swap storyline, I just want it to be finished now. Hopefully we won't have to wait till Xmas lol

[Wayne]

TONIGHT - RONNIE COMES CLEAN.

And I cannot WAIT.

[Jason]

The episode where she told Kat was brilliant!! The 2 afterwards were meh! I was hoping for more tbh...

[Wayne]

^ Couldn't agree more, although the first follow up was much better than tonight's episode which was a mess IMO!

[Jason]

^ Couldn't agree more, although the first follow up was much better than tonight's episode which was a mess IMO!

Definitely!

On another note - I wish Kat would just cheer up!! Never happy, that girl.

[Wayne]

EastEnders stars Zöe Lucker and Charlie G. Hawkins are to bow out from the soap later this year, Digital Spy can confirm.

The pair, who play Vanessa Gold and Darren Miller on the BBC show, will film their final scenes in the coming months ahead of on-screen exits in the summer.

Vanessa has been tipped for an explosive departure storyline as her stint as Max Branning's latest love interest comes to a close, while details of how Darren's seven-year stay in Albert Square will end have yet to be revealed.

Confirming Lucker's departure, a show spokesperson told DS: "Zöe was brought into EastEnders for a storyline playing Max's love interest and will go out with a bang. Zöe has done a fabulous job of bringing the character of Vanessa to life and the door has been left wide open for her return."

A Walford insider added: "Vanessa has proved to be a popular character and although her exit storyline will be explosive, there is every belief that she may return to the Square in the future."

Meanwhile, in a statement released confirming his decision to depart, Hawkins thanked the EastEnders team and executive producer Bryan Kirkwood.

The 20-year-old commented: "I've enjoyed my time at EastEnders immensely, it's been a terrific chapter in my life and I've loved every minute of it.

"I've had tremendous support throughout my duration on the show and I would like to thank Bryan and the whole team for believing in me."

Lucker, previously best known for her role as superbitch Tanya Turner in Footballers' Wives, has been with EastEnders for a year, while Hawkins has been part of the cast since late 2004.

DS can also confirm that Kylie Babbington, who plays ditzy Jodie Gold, is sticking with the soap despite the departures of her on-screen mum and boyfriend.

Be glad to see the back of Darren, but not Vanessa :(

[Wayne]

I am in awe of Dot Cotton! Lol. June Brown just showed all of the young 'uns how its done - AMAZING acting!

"Look at him, we were so happy; why did I have to meet him so near the end?" - such poignant and heartbreaking words! :( Hope Dot wades through her issues! lol

[Wayne]

Going to catch up on last night's episode soon; so excited to see where the revelation of Michael's father being a murderer has gone!

[Wayne]

http://www.walfordweb.co.uk/ww/sites/default/files/imagecache/620px_wide/ls-neil-mcdermott-221904.jpg

EastEnders star Neil McDermott has decided to leave the show after two years in Walford, it has been announced.

The actor's character Ryan Malloy is to have a "dramatic" exit storyline which will air later in the year, the Daily Star Sunday reports.

An EastEnders spokesperson told the newspaper: "We can confirm Neil is leaving EastEnders. It was a mutual decision that was made before Christmas when Neil's contract came up for renewal and we wish him all the best for the future.

"His exit storyline will be dramatic and fans will not be disappointed."

Full details of Ryan's departure are being kept under wraps, but it is thought that it could involve his upcoming animosity with evil pimp Rob Grayson, who used the barman's half-sister Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) for his own financial gain in a sex exploitation storyline.

Earlier this month, McDermott and Jody Latham, who plays Rob, filmed climactic showdown scenes on location in Southend, Essex. Reports today suggest that both characters may be left in jeopardy following the clash.

"The scenes are going to be explosive. The fight ends with a dramatic cliffhanger where viewers will be left wondering if either of them survives," an insider told the tabloid.

McDermott joined EastEnders in early 2009 and his most memorable storyline saw Ryan at the centre of a love triangle involving his scheming wife Janine and fan favourite Stacey Branning. The plot culminated in Stacey's departure in 2010's Christmas Day episode.

Oh man! :(

[Jason]

Possibly the finest man ever to appear on television.

Wont be watching this anymore then...

[Wayne]

** SPOILER ALERT **

Apparently, he murders Whitney's pimp, and then goes on the run!

[Wayne]

EastEnders veteran Pam St Clement is looking for pastures new, bowing out of Albert Square after more than a quarter of a century playing no-nonsense Pat on the BBC soap.The 69-year-old actress, one of the longest serving stars of the show, will leave Walford later this year.
St Clement said she had other things she wanted to do, but leaving the soap would be like a "bereavement".
During her colourful years in the show, Pat has remarried several times, has gone to prison and enjoyed affairs with Walford characters such as infamous lothario Den Watts (Leslie Grantham).
St Clement joined EastEnders in 1986 - a year after it launched - and became noted for her dangly earrings and brassy bleached hairdo.
She was first seen breaking the news to Pete Beale (Peter Dean) he was not the father of her son Simon Wicks (Nick Berry).
St Clement said: "I have enjoyed 25 and a half wonderful years in EastEnders creating the character of Pat but feel it's time to hang up her earrings.
"Leaving the EastEnders 'family' will be akin to a bereavement. But I'm looking forward to the other work and life opportunities that I will have the time to pursue."
Her most famous scenes over her long career have often been moments of high drama, often involving slaps, once exchaning blows with Peggy Butcher (Barbara Windsor) amid cries of "you bitch" and "you cow".
In another climactic scene, Pat's affair with ex-husband Frank was exposed by Peggy in front of regulars at the Queen Vic, ending with slaps for the pair who had betrayed her.
Pat has also had a stint as the Vic's landlady, survived a heart attack, and been imprisoned for a hit and run.
The BBC would not say how she will leave the show, but executive producer Bryan Kirkwood said her departure would be a "not to be missed" and "fitting" storyline.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/x/Article/201107116026407


Aww will miss Pat! :(

[Wayne]

PREEYA KALIDAS Twitter - the lady that played Amira [Syed's wife before he turned gay] is returning in September!


RT @dazzling_rose (http://twitter.com/dazzling_rose): omg amira coming back to eastenders!!! That's gna be wicked!! I love amira.. So when is she back? September xxx

[Wayne]

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* SPOILER ALERT *

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At Christmas, Pat gets killed off! Just as Ricky and Bianca make their return. ....Also, Heather Trott is leaving next year! :cheer: