EastEnders off set episodes
Encyclopedia
EastEnders off set episodes are special episodes of the BBC
soap opera
EastEnders
that have not been filmed on the usual EastEnders set construction
at Borehamwood
, Elstree
, but have been filmed on location
.
, which is situated at the BBC Elstree Centre in Borehamwood
, Elstree
. This is known as on location
filming.
Normally, a week's worth of episodes are filmed on location, often following a group of characters on holiday either abroad or in the UK. Occasionally however, scenes in singular episodes are filmed on location, although in such episodes the majority of scenes are filmed on the regular set at Elstree.
It could be suggested that such a common theme helps it differentiate from others in the genre, other soap operas have done it, but rarely on such a prominent scale.
Away days or off-set episodes will often air in late June or early July and again in late October or early November. These episodes have a practical function and are the result of EastEnders making a "double bank". A double bank is when an extra week's worth of episodes are recorded at the same time as the regular schedule. These extra episodes, shot mainly on location, enable the production of EastEnders to stop for a two-week break at Christmas
.
and Arthur Fowler
travelled to the Southend to search for their 17-year-old son Mark
, who had recently run away from home. They found him working as a mechanic on go-carts on the promenade. To their surprise he was living with a Swedish woman, Ingrid, and her two small children who knew Mark as Daddy! Mark refused to return to Walford with them.
These episodes which aired in December 1985 were the first time that EastEnders was filmed on location for an extended period. The episodes were written by Bill Lyons and the storyline's intention was to help highlight the problems some parents face when their teenage children disappear from home.
and Julia Smith
. The episodes took EastEnders abroad for the very first time. This was also the first time in the programme's history that the show was not shot entirely on videotape, as a union rule at the time prevented Julia Smith taking a video crew abroad and a film crew had to be used instead. However, the Walford-based scenes in these episodes were on video as usual.
Den
and Angie Watts
were in Venice
for a second honeymoon - after Angie tells Den she has six months to live. There, supposedly by pure coincidence, Den ran into his mistress Jan Hammond and Angie saw them together. This prompted her to take up drinking again whilst they returned home on the Orient Express
.
It was on the return journey home that Den learnt Angie was lying about having six months to live when she drunkenly confessed to a barman and he overheard. She was actually perfectly fine and a furious Den planned his revenge. Weeks later, on Christmas Day, Den confronted Angie with the fact that he knew she was telling lies, and served her with the divorce papers.
The Orient Express sequence was actually shot on a specially built set in Elstree. Lampshades and props on the set were continuously "jiggled" in order to give the impression that the train was moving. The trip to Venice was fraught with problems and actors Anita Dobson
(Angie), Leslie Grantham
(Den) and Jane How
(Jan) were hounded by the press at all times. Their photographs appeared in British newspapers, ruining the shock surprise that writer Tony Holland had created by including Den's mistress in the episode. Despite huge efforts from all involved the Venice episodes were only moderately successful.
into the serial. Frank has been described by writer Colin Brake
as the most important introduction to the series that year, as the popularity of his appearance led to him playing a far greater role the following year. Frank was played by Mike Reid
. Reid was already an established comedian
and well known to the British
audience. The casting of a comedian in a dramatic role was highly controversial at the time, but over the years the wisdom of that decision has been proved, as Frank has become one of the show's most popular and iconic characters.
In September 1987 the ladies darts team entered a tournament and travelled to Greenwich
and the Isle Of Dogs
to compete. Kathy Beale, Dot Cotton, Pauline Fowler
, Ethel Skinner
, Sue Osman
and Pat Wicks
were all in attendance.
Pat liaised with her old boyfriend Frank Butcher
(his first ever appearance), who informed her that his wife had died and he wanted to get back together with her permanently. She declined. Pauline was pursued by a northern gentleman named Derek Taylor, who helped the team when their coach broke down.
and her boyfriend Matthew Jackson took Carmel's nephew and niece, Junior and Aisha, to London Zoo
. The episode was written by John Maynard, directed by Julia Smith and produced by future executive-producer, Mike Gibbon
.
, Mo Butcher
and Marge Green
went to Clacton, where they were seen taking part in a dancing competition. These episode were scripted to contain a lot of humour. At the time the programme had come under criticism in the British media for being too depressing
; arguably a reputation that it has never been able to shake. The programme makers were determined to change this. In 1989 there was a deliberate attempt to increase the lighter, more comic aspects of life in Albert Square
. The episodes were directed by Nicholas Prosser and produced by future executive-producer, Michael Ferguson
.
During the trip, Ethel started to get jealous when her dancing partner, Reggie Thompson, began flirting outrageously with Gladys, another senior woman from Ethel's retirement home. Meanwhile Dot was appalled to discover that Ethel had brought her pug Willy
along in her luggage. Marge was initially very gloomy, and spent much of her time worrying for her bed-ridden mother back in Walford. Things changed when she met the suave Mr. Conroy, a widower looking for love. Mo met a cantankerous Welsh man, and began arguing with him almost instantly, though she later found that she had more in common with him than she first realised. Mr. Conroy decided to propose to Marge and asked her to come and live with him in his cottage in Kent. Marge couldn't consider abandoning her sickly mother and was forced to turn him down. Embarrassed, Mr. Conroy called for a cab and left, at the same time that Marge received a phone call from home informing her that her mother had died, meaning she could have accepted his proposal after all.
When the storyline was originally scripted in 1989, it was left open-ended and it was unknown whether or not Diane would ever return home. However, following Michael Ferguson's appointment as executive-producer, one of his first decisions was that Diane "must be found" and the subsequent story of her adjusting to life back in Walford was developed. The episodes were written by Tony McHale, and have been described as a "radical departure from the normal EastEnders form".
Diane had fallen in with a bad crowd, including Disa O'Brien, a fellow runaway who tried to lure her into prostitution, and Matthew Taylor an 'artist' who persuaded Diane to model nude for him. She was eventually reunited with her father.
Writer Colin Brake has described the episodes as "powerful...they returned EastEnders to the tradition of gritty realism that had been integral in the early episodes".
After Cindy confessed that Ian was not the father of Steven, she took her son and left Walford with the real father, Simon, to stay at her parents vacant cottage in Devon. However, Ian, freshly released from hospital with his leg in plaster, followed them there with his father Pete. When Ian arrived and learnt that Wicksy, his best friend, was Steven's real father, he threw bricks through Cindy's window as well as his crutch, and threatened to get his revenge on Simon by ominously stealing Cindy's father's shotgun.
The episodes were directed by Matthew Evans. They brought this long running storyline to a climax, but also "laid the roots" for several months of future stories, building up to Simon and Cindy's departures from the show. They were chosen by writer Colin Brake
as the episodes of the year in EastEnders: The First Ten Years
.
These episodes followed Sam and Ricky's attempt to elope to Gretna Green, with Frank, Pat, Peggy, Phil, Grant and Kevin all in hot pursuit. These episodes were essentially a "farcical chase", climaxing in a register office
wedding of the young lovers, with Frank and Pat in attendance. The Mitchells tried to stop the proceedings, but only succeeded in bursting in on someone else's wedding, as Sam was getting married in an entirely different town.
Clyde was prime suspect for the murder of Eddie Royle
. He decided to flee the country with his son Kofi, and his girlfriend Michelle opted to go with him with her daughter Vicki. They went to Portsmouth with the hope of catching a private ferry to France
so they could start a new life together, but they were arrested whilst trying to board the boat.
Writer Colin Brake has stated that the episode had a "strong sense of tension" as it built up to Clyde's inevitable arrest and he goes on to describe it as "one of the most exciting thriller episodes of EastEnders".
Steve had decided that he didn't want to marry Hattie, and slipped away to take a job on a cruise ship. Hattie awoke to discover Steve's goodbye letter and persuaded Phil Mitchell to drive her to Southampton to persuade him to stay. When Clyde discovered what was happening he quickly sped off after them.
In Southampton Hattie went to the hotel where Steve was staying, while Phil waited for her in a nearby bar. Here he met Nadia Borovac, a Romanian refugee with immigration problems. The authorities were threatening to deport her, so she needed to marry an English man to remain in the country. Phil suggested a marriage of convenience
and brought Nadia back to Walford with him.
Meanwhile Hattie found Steve, before Clyde showed up and a fight nearly erupted between him and Steve before Hattie broke it up. She and Steve slept together again, which led Hattie to believe that he was staying, but Steve thought it was just one final bon voyage and left anyway, without ever knowing that Hattie was pregnant with his baby.
Whilst here, Pat and Frank went in search of Frank's daughter Diane
. Frank was shocked to see that Diane was heavily pregnant and furious when she confessed that she was unsure who the father was. Frank stormed off in a rage, but Diane showed up at the dock just as they were departing home and waved him a tearful goodbye.
After loading up their van with cheap alcohol for The Vic, Sharon and Grant went for a romantic meal in Paris
, leading Grant to expose his jealous side after Sharon flirted with a French waiter. Meanwhile Phil and Kathy also went for a meal, leading Phil to confess his affair with his sister-in-law, Sharon. Their trip ended with them igniting a romance. Sharon watched on with mixed emotions as they kissed on the ferry home.
The foursome spent their holiday smoking hash
and getting stoned. Mark and Shelley grew closer, but Shelley was still dating Clem at the time, so she and Mark would sneak away to be together at any opportunity. They eventually managed to give Clem and Michelle the slip and ended back at their hotel. Shelley made her amorous intentions clear, but Mark seemed hesitant and ended up walking out. A confused Shelley followed him and berated him for leading her on. Mark was finally forced to divulge that the reason he couldn't sleep with Shelley was because he was HIV positive. Shelley was furious with him for not trusting her enough to tell her in the first place and she told him she never wanted to see him again.
Meanwhile Clem tried to seduce Michelle, but she promptly told him where to go. After much rowing between Shelley and Clem, Shelley and Mark, Michelle and Clem and also Mark and Clem, the boys decided to remain in Holland while the girls returned home. Clem accidentally left his bag with the girls, full of cannabis
that he was trying to smuggle back to England. The bag was checked, but the dope was not found. When the girls discovered their lucky escape they were furious.
, Pauline
and Arthur Fowler
travelled to Eastbourne
to attend Nellie's husband's funeral.
Nellie received news that her philandering husband — who left her for another woman — had died. Pauline and Arthur decided to take her to Eastbourne for the funeral. Nellie was disgusted to discover that George, her husband, was extremely wealthy, with a nice home and a daughter. She spent much of the trip moaning and scowling, but she also heard some harsh home truths, making her rethink her behaviour.
, Arthur Fowler
, and Michelle Fowler
, Mark Fowler
, Martin Fowler
, and Vicki Fowler
, Ruth Fowler
, and Geoff Barnes
went on holiday to Scotland, to visit Ruth's parents.
Ruth had proposed to Mark and he accepted. Ruth's father insisted that they marry in Scotland, so they travelled there in April but were not made welcome by Ruth's family when they discovered Mark's HIV status. Ruth's parents responded with trepidation and ignorance, refusing to distinguish between AIDS and HIV — despite Mark's best efforts at explaining. They believed Mark was contagious and refused to allow him to remain in their house, suggesting that he represented everything that they had spent their lives fighting against. Ruth and Mark married without her parents' blessing.
In July 1995 Steve Elliot
, Phil
and Grant Mitchell
, David Wicks
, Bianca Jackson
and Ricky Butcher
went on a holiday to Torremolinos
, Spain
.
On the holiday the lads all spent most of their time trying to bed women, whilst Ricky and Bianca went through a rocky patch and talked about splitting. Steve was the least lucky with the ladies and after having an unsuccessful evening he returned to their apartment to find a very drunk Bianca there and tried to kiss her. David witnessed this and went livid, leading Steve to question why he cared and Bianca to reveal to everyone that he was really her father! They eventually discovered that the reason Steve was repelling women was because of his not so fluent Spanish chat-up line, which was roughly translated to mean "my wife is an accountant". Ricky and Bianca patched up their differences and Ricky asked her to marry him.
Phil and Grant spent some of the holiday searching for their little sister Sam
, but their leads just sent them on a wild goose chase and they couldn't track her down. Meanwhile David was having the most success with the ladies and after chatting up a supposed model, he brought her home to bed, but was interrupted when Steve — who he was sharing a room with — brought his lady friend back. The resulting commotion brought everyone else into the room, including Phil and Grant, who were furious to discover that the woman in bed with David was their sister Sam. They dragged her back to Albert Square
.
, Sarah Hills
, Tony Hills
, Simon Raymond
, Joe Wicks
, Dan Zapierri and Melanie Fishman were in Blackpool
.
Tony and Dan went to push drugs but it ended in disaster when Tony's little sister Sarah's drink was spiked, she survived. Tony and Simon also got close on the end of the pier and had a memorable kiss.
The mission was to find Ian's sons, Peter
and Steven
, who had been taken by their mother, Cindy
. They succeeded, managing to bring them back to Albert Square with Cindy close behind them. The episodes were praised in the media.
Grant and Tiffany bonded, Bianca found out that she was pregnant again, and Phil's' marriage ended.
The episodes filmed in Ireland received a great deal of criticism. EastEnders were accused of negative stereotyping in the way that they portrayed Irish people, depicting them as "dirty, rude, and drunk". The BBC were inundated with complaints from angry Irish people all over Britain and Ireland. In addition, complaints were made by the Irish Embassy and Irish holiday chiefs who feared that the show would have a negative effect on the Irish tourist trade. The BBC were forced to issue an apology for causing offence.
They all descended on Brighton for a Halloween ball. Janine was found unconscious on the beach, Mel and Steve slept together but she refused to run away with him, and ex-partners Ricky and Sam had to share a bedroom.
The girls were celebrating Melanie and Natalie's hen night, whilst the boys celebrated Barry's stag night. Mel acted promiscuously and her attempts to seduce Steve were rebuffed. Meanwhile, Natalie was upset by her mother Andrea's behaviour.
The episode evoked criticism by the Broadcasting Standards Commission for its inclusion of “almost relentless drunken and promiscuous behaviour, sexual innuendo and drug-taking, before the watershed”. The BBC defended the episode, claiming that its content would have “come as no surprise to viewers” and adding that the depiction of this behaviour conformed to an EastEnders tradition - that questionable conduct "only leads to further trouble…One character's quest for drugs led to embarrassment and nausea and a drinking binge led to the calling off of [Barry and Natalie’s] wedding while the prospects for another [Mel and Ian's] became bleaker."
, Irene Raymond
, Pat Evans, Frank Butcher, Peggy Mitchell
, and Roy Evans in Alicante
Spain
.
Pat and Frank slept together, Terry left Irene at the resort.
, Zoe Slater
, Lynne Slater
, Garry Hobbs
, Jamie Mitchell
in Brighton Sonia Jackson and Robbie Jackson
in Brighton and Portsmouth.
A weekend away in Brighton proved the perfect opportunity for Jamie and Zoe to get up close and personal. After an entire day of dithering, the young star crossed lovers got down to business after sharing a romantic pizza dinner in the bedroom. But unfortunately for Zoe, Jamie was quite clear that it's just a one night stand and that what happened 'on tour' stayed on tour.
Garry also proposed to Lynne and Robbie found his father, who offered him money for not being there in his life, Robbie however, didn’t take the money.
back into the show for a week's worth of episodes. Prior to this appearance the character had not been seen on-screen since his disappearance in 2000.
Peggy travelled to Spain to attend the funeral of ex-husband Frank. Actress Barbara Windsor
who plays Peggy has commented: "Once she hears that Frank’s dead, Peggy’s determined to go to the funeral...She feels she has to say goodbye to him once and for all". However, she promptly found him alive and well, learning that he staged his own death. Windsor added "Peggy’s fuming. She has come all the way to Spain for his funeral and he doesn’t even have the decency to be dead!". Peggy managed to drag her daughter Sam back to Walford, who this time was played by Kim Medcalf
instead of the original actress Daniella Westbrook.
The Sun
newspaper commented "It all makes for a fantastic sunshine week in southern Spain instead of east London" and Barbara Windsor added that "It was great to work with Mike Reid again...It felt very fresh working outside of the studio."
This was screened after it actually was supposed to have occurred in the serial time-line. It was based in late 2002, as Phil revealed all to undercover cop, Kate. The episodes were played in flashback scenes.
Having followed Lisa and Louise to Portugal, Phil employed the services of Dom who tracked her down. Despite a change of heart on Dom's side, Phil had the information he needed and headed to her flat where he broke in and stole their passports. When Phil confronted her, he asked her to get Louise and promised to leave her be, once he'd seen his daughter. Lisa knew better though and fled, hoping to run off to Lisbon to find Mel. After a hot car pursuit through the cliff side routes, Lisa was forced to abandon her car and was faced with an unpleasant choice: Phil or at cliff edge.
Phil undermined her confidence in herself. He said she was an unfit mother who needed professional help. He left with baby Louise, leaving Lisa devastated.
The cast and crew filmed scenes at the Loch Fyne Hotel and Leisure Club in Inveraray, Argyll
. Much of the outside scenes were shot on a private estate called The Arkinglass Estate in Cairndow, while the wedding suite was actually really located in Grim's Dyke Hotel, Harrow Weald
, North London.
After months of Janine leading Barry on, they headed to Scotland to get married. But when she revealed the truth, they ended up scuffling and he fell over a cliff. Heartlessly, she watched him die.
Meanwhile, the others crashed their van and ended up stranded. Kelly and Zoe kissed, whilst Tariq revealed Dan Ferreira is his father.
The couple's small wedding ceremony was filmed at County Hall in Hertford
, several miles away from the EastEnders
studio.
Mickey headed off to see his sister, Dawn, and took Gus, Juley, Garry and Minty with him. While there he met his long-lost father, Mike.
On November 11, Alfie took Nana to visit her late husband's grave in Normandy
. This episode also featured flashbacks of Nana's first encounter with her late husband in war-time London.
The episode featured a two minute's silence to mark Remembrance Day
—a day to commemorate the sacrifice of veterans and civilians in World War I, World War II, and other wars. It was the first time that a soap had featured the silence. The scene was reportedly "so emotional" that actor Shane Richie
and Hilda Braid
(Alfie and Nana), the only actors involved, ended in "floods of tears". A BBC insider said: “We decided to mark Armistice Day this year because it’s such an important day."
The episode—which was written by Sarah Phelps
, directed by Paul Wroblewski and produced by Tom Mullens—won the 'Best Single Episode' award at the British Soap Awards
, in 2006.
A week of episodes following the storylines of Jean Slater's mental illness and attempted suicide, Chrissie in jail and deciding to plead guilty to Dirty Den's murder, and Frank and Pat attending Janine's trial, they sleep together and Frank persuades Pat to tell the truth, culminating in Janine's off-screen release.
Grant tricks Phil into going on a week long break to sort out Phil's alcohol problem. Meanwhile Phil discovers that Johnny Allen is living in Essex so he decides to confront him about Dennis Rickman's death. Phil tricks Grant in kind by conning him into believing that they are heading to a golf club, which turns out to be Johnny Allen's house. There it is revealed that Danny Moon was the one who killed Dennis. The Mitchells are kidnapped by Johnny and Danny and as Danny is about to execute them both, his brother Jake turns up and accidentally shoots him dead in an effort to stop him. Johnny is persuaded by Ruby to give himself up to the police, and is seen being taken away in the back of a police car.
There were mixed reviews for this storyline. It was criticised as "patchy" and "awkwardly written...unveiling a common weakness in the EastEnders camp, that character continuity can often fall by the wayside when you are dealing with larger characters".
Kevin took his children, the Foxes and the Truemans on holiday to Dorset
. Patrick revealed the truth to Denise about his paternity test — that he was not her father, though he had previously said he was. Kevin's ex-wife Shirley met up with her children, though they did not know who she was.
Some of the shooting for these episodes was actually performed in the village of Worth Matravers
, in the Isle of Purbeck
area of the county of Dorset
. Several different locations in the village were used for the episodes, including the Worth Tea Shop and the Square And Compass pub. Scenes were also shot in Kimmeridge
. A worker from one of the establishments commented: "It was very exciting and it's good advertising for us".
Stella took Ben to the London Dungeon
in an attempt to get him to like her.
Kevin was on Dungeness beach, having been missing from Walford for several weeks. Whilst there, he met a man named Jed who stole Kevin's bag and eventually died in a road traffic accident.
Jim took Dot to the "hop-picking fields" in Kent
that they both went to in their youth. Dot decided that she wanted to visit her old friend Margot Baker who lived nearby but was told by the vicar of a local church, Mary Lavender, that Margot had died two weeks previously. The vicar suggested going to visit Margot's son Douglas, who was also a vicar. Douglas revealed he was no longer a vicar because he had lost his faith, which caused him and Dot to get into an argument about religion while Jim went to a local pub. Before returning to Walford, Dot went back to the church and found a baby, Tomas, abandoned there. The church scenes were filmed at St Giles Church
of Wormshill
. The Blacksmiths Arms, Wormshill was used for exterior shots of the pub and The Ringlestone Inn
, two miles away, was used for the interior pub scenes. The scenes of Dot and Jim arriving at the site of the hop fields and the farm as well as the interior shots of Douglas's home and the cottage were filmed at Stansted
, Kent.
Kevin and Denise's wedding took place, which was filmed on location at a registry office in North London.
The two families went camping in the woods but when Phil burned down his tent by accident, they decided to return home. On the way, Phil and Ian argued in the car and as a result, Phil failed to see a fallen tree in the road, swerving at the last minute and crashing the car. The car later rolled into a lake with Peter and Ben still inside.
Stella's final scenes were filmed on location at a disused office block, Evershed House off Alma Road in St Albans
. In this episode, Phil confronts Stella on their wedding day about her abuse of his son Ben. Stella jumps off the roof to her death.
Tanya tried to locate her sister, Rainie Cross
at the council estate in which they once lived. Here she spoke to a family friend, Alice Lord.
Pat went to Worthing
, while Garry, Dawn and Summer took a break in Brighton
. Heather wanted to follow Garry there, so she and Shirley got a lift from Pat, and then stole her car to go to Brighton, abandoning her at a service station.
Pat met a man named Len Harker, who gave Pat a lift to Worthing. She believed her sister Joan, who had Down's syndrome, had died at the age of 22, and Pat was going to collect her belongings from the mental facility that her parents had sent her to at the age of 6, but she was too late as the building was to be demolished. She and Len broke in and eventually found Joan's belongings, discovering that she could still be alive. These scenes were filmed at an abandoned mental facility.
Minty and Hazel were also in Brighton together, not knowing that Hazel's son Garry was there with Dawn.
Mickey and Keith attempted to sell ice cream in Mickey's uncle Clint's ice cream van. This coincided with the first episode of the Brighton/Worthing week, but was a separate storyline, and several scenes were filmed at the usual Albert Square
set.
Stacey visited Rachel at her house in Tring
in order to find out the whereabouts of Bradley Branning
.
Stacey and Bradley went to a Doctor Who
convention, then to St. Paul's Cathedral, where Bradley told Stacey that he wanted a divorce.
Peggy and Ronnie went down to Dorset
in order to track down Roxy and Sean followed acting on a tip-off from Billy. While there, Ronnie and her father, Archie raked over the past and began a heated argument.
Heather and Shirley visited the house of George Michael
. However, just as they were leaving Shirley discovered that it was not George's house - it was the one opposite. She didn't inform Heather as she knew that she would be devastated. Heather also collected a yoghurt lid from the bin as a souvenir.
Stacey and Charlie travelled to Telford
for the funeral of Danielle Jones
, and met up with Danielle's father Andy Jones. Ronnie arrived, but was banned from attending the funeral.
These scenes were filmed in December 2009 at St Peter's Church in St Albans
.
Scenes for the episodes were filmed at Lees Wood. The gang of friends visit Hampshire where some of them camp out in the woods, leading to Leon getting lost and Peter thinking he hit him with the van he was driving.
Scenes were filmed in various locations in London, including Carnaby Street
. Pat and Peggy go shopping and meet Harvey in a theatre. They later follow him onto a London tour bus and confront him about his devious ways.
In June 2010, scenes were filmed on location inside a wedding dress shop in Muswell Hill
, North London.
External scenes were filmed outside a house at an unknown location. Phil only appeared on 6 August in this scene.
Scenes on the railway were filmed on location but a green screen was used.
Scenes are set in Dartford
when Whitney is sexually exploited by Rob. Lauren and Janine only appear on 15 and 17 March.
Scenes with Dot and Rose were filmed on a beach in Thorpe Bay
near Southend-on-Sea
in Essex. Ryan discovers his sister Whitney is working as a prostitute and tracks down Rob, her pimp. Scenes were filmed on a pier in Southend-on-Sea. During filming, a stuntman was injured when a gust of wind threw him off balanace and he fell onto rocks. Meanwhile, Heather and Shirley go to a music festival where they meet Andrew. These scenes were also filmed on the Essex coast.
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
EastEnders
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
that have not been filmed on the usual EastEnders set construction
Set construction
Set construction is the process by which a set designer works in collaboration with the director of a production to create the set for a theatrical, film or television production...
at Borehamwood
Borehamwood
-Film industry:Since the 1920s, the town has been home to several film studios and many shots of its streets are included in final cuts of 20th century British films. This earned it the nickname of the "British Hollywood"...
, Elstree
Elstree
Elstree is a village in the Hertsmere borough of Hertfordshire on the A5 road, about 10 miles north of London. In 2001, its population was 4,765, and forms part of the civil parish of Elstree and Borehamwood, originally known simply as Elstree....
, but have been filmed on location
Filming location
A filming location is a place where some or all of a film or television series is produced, in addition to or instead of using sets constructed on a movie studio backlot or soundstage...
.
On location filming
Several times a year EastEnders is filmed away from the programme's typical setting of Albert SquareAlbert Square
Albert Square is the fictional location of the BBC soap opera EastEnders. It is ostensibly located in the equally fictional London borough of Walford in London's East End. The square's design was based on the real life Fassett Square in Hackney, and was given the name Albert Square after the real...
, which is situated at the BBC Elstree Centre in Borehamwood
Borehamwood
-Film industry:Since the 1920s, the town has been home to several film studios and many shots of its streets are included in final cuts of 20th century British films. This earned it the nickname of the "British Hollywood"...
, Elstree
Elstree
Elstree is a village in the Hertsmere borough of Hertfordshire on the A5 road, about 10 miles north of London. In 2001, its population was 4,765, and forms part of the civil parish of Elstree and Borehamwood, originally known simply as Elstree....
. This is known as on location
Filming location
A filming location is a place where some or all of a film or television series is produced, in addition to or instead of using sets constructed on a movie studio backlot or soundstage...
filming.
Normally, a week's worth of episodes are filmed on location, often following a group of characters on holiday either abroad or in the UK. Occasionally however, scenes in singular episodes are filmed on location, although in such episodes the majority of scenes are filmed on the regular set at Elstree.
It could be suggested that such a common theme helps it differentiate from others in the genre, other soap operas have done it, but rarely on such a prominent scale.
Away days or off-set episodes will often air in late June or early July and again in late October or early November. These episodes have a practical function and are the result of EastEnders making a "double bank". A double bank is when an extra week's worth of episodes are recorded at the same time as the regular schedule. These extra episodes, shot mainly on location, enable the production of EastEnders to stop for a two-week break at Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
.
| : 1985 1986 1987 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 • References |
1985
PaulinePauline Fowler
Pauline Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional London borough of Walford. She was played by actress Wendy Richard between 1985 and 2006. Pauline was created by scriptwriter Tony Holland and producer...
and Arthur Fowler
Arthur Fowler
Arthur George Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Bill Treacher.The father of the Fowler family, Arthur was essentially a good man, but he made some foolish choices and he always ended up paying dearly for them, also being bossed to the brink of insanity by...
travelled to the Southend to search for their 17-year-old son Mark
Mark Fowler
Mark Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders. Mark was an original regular character in the series starting February 1985 but became a semi-regular after his original portrayer David Scarboro was written out of the role in April 1985. Scarboro made...
, who had recently run away from home. They found him working as a mechanic on go-carts on the promenade. To their surprise he was living with a Swedish woman, Ingrid, and her two small children who knew Mark as Daddy! Mark refused to return to Walford with them.
These episodes which aired in December 1985 were the first time that EastEnders was filmed on location for an extended period. The episodes were written by Bill Lyons and the storyline's intention was to help highlight the problems some parents face when their teenage children disappear from home.
1986
These were three episodes written and directed by the co-creators of EastEnders, Tony HollandTony Holland
Anthony John "Tony" Holland was an English television screenwriter best known as a writer and co-creator of the BBC soap opera EastEnders.-Early career:...
and Julia Smith
Julia Smith
Julia Smith was an English television director and producer.- Early career :London-born Smith became involved in television production when she directed the series Suspense in 1962...
. The episodes took EastEnders abroad for the very first time. This was also the first time in the programme's history that the show was not shot entirely on videotape, as a union rule at the time prevented Julia Smith taking a video crew abroad and a film crew had to be used instead. However, the Walford-based scenes in these episodes were on video as usual.
Den
Den Watts
Dennis Alan "Den" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. He became well known for his tabloid nickname, "Dirty Den"....
and Angie Watts
Angie Watts
Angela "Angie" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Anita Dobson from the first episode of the show until 1988 when the actress decided to quit and the character was written out....
were in Venice
Venice
Venice is a city in northern Italy which is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks. It is the capital of the Veneto region...
for a second honeymoon - after Angie tells Den she has six months to live. There, supposedly by pure coincidence, Den ran into his mistress Jan Hammond and Angie saw them together. This prompted her to take up drinking again whilst they returned home on the Orient Express
Orient Express
The Orient Express is the name of a long-distance passenger train service originally operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. It ran from 1883 to 2009 and is not to be confused with the Venice-Simplon Orient Express train service, which continues to run.The route and rolling stock...
.
It was on the return journey home that Den learnt Angie was lying about having six months to live when she drunkenly confessed to a barman and he overheard. She was actually perfectly fine and a furious Den planned his revenge. Weeks later, on Christmas Day, Den confronted Angie with the fact that he knew she was telling lies, and served her with the divorce papers.
The Orient Express sequence was actually shot on a specially built set in Elstree. Lampshades and props on the set were continuously "jiggled" in order to give the impression that the train was moving. The trip to Venice was fraught with problems and actors Anita Dobson
Anita Dobson
Anita Dobson is an English television actress and singer. She gained her highest profile while playing Angie Watts in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders...
(Angie), Leslie Grantham
Leslie Grantham
Leslie Michael Grantham is an English actor best known for his role as "Dirty" Den Watts in the soap opera EastEnders. He is also a convicted murderer, having served 10 years for the killing of a German taxi driver, and he generated significant press coverage as the result of an online sex scandal...
(Den) and Jane How
Jane How
Jane Onslow How is an English actress with a range of television,film and stage credits. In 1977 she married actor Mark Burns and had a son Jack in 1981...
(Jan) were hounded by the press at all times. Their photographs appeared in British newspapers, ruining the shock surprise that writer Tony Holland had created by including Den's mistress in the episode. Despite huge efforts from all involved the Venice episodes were only moderately successful.
1987
These episodes were written by series script editor, John Maynard. They were scripted to provide humour and were most notable for introducing the character of Frank ButcherFrank Butcher
Francis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long...
into the serial. Frank has been described by writer Colin Brake
Colin Brake
Colin Brake is an English television writer and script editor best known for his work for the BBC on programs such as Bugs and EastEnders. He has also written spin-offs from the BBC series Doctor Who...
as the most important introduction to the series that year, as the popularity of his appearance led to him playing a far greater role the following year. Frank was played by Mike Reid
Mike Reid (entertainer)
Michael Reid was an English comedian, actor, author and occasional television presenter from Hackney in east London, who is best remembered for playing the role of Frank Butcher in EastEnders and hosting the popular children's TV show Runaround...
. Reid was already an established comedian
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
and well known to the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
audience. The casting of a comedian in a dramatic role was highly controversial at the time, but over the years the wisdom of that decision has been proved, as Frank has become one of the show's most popular and iconic characters.
In September 1987 the ladies darts team entered a tournament and travelled to Greenwich
Greenwich
Greenwich is a district of south London, England, located in the London Borough of Greenwich.Greenwich is best known for its maritime history and for giving its name to the Greenwich Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time...
and the Isle Of Dogs
Isle of Dogs
The Isle of Dogs is a former island in the East End of London that is bounded on three sides by one of the largest meanders in the River Thames.-Etymology:...
to compete. Kathy Beale, Dot Cotton, Pauline Fowler
Pauline Fowler
Pauline Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional London borough of Walford. She was played by actress Wendy Richard between 1985 and 2006. Pauline was created by scriptwriter Tony Holland and producer...
, Ethel Skinner
Ethel Skinner
Ethel May Skinner is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Gretchen Franklin. Ethel Skinner also features in a 1988 EastEnders special, entitled Civvy Street, set on Albert Square during the Second World War, where the character is played by Alison...
, Sue Osman
Sue Osman
Susan "Sue" Osman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sandy Ratcliff. She was one of the serial's original characters, appearing in its first episode on 19 February 1985 and departing on-screen in May 1989. Created by Tony Holland and Julia Smith, Sue was...
and Pat Wicks
Pat Evans
Patricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
were all in attendance.
Pat liaised with her old boyfriend Frank Butcher
Frank Butcher
Francis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long...
(his first ever appearance), who informed her that his wife had died and he wanted to get back together with her permanently. She declined. Pauline was pursued by a northern gentleman named Derek Taylor, who helped the team when their coach broke down.
1988
On 15 September 1988, Carmel RobertsCarmel Jackson
Carmel Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Judith Jacob. Carmel, a Health Visitor, was introduced in a recurring, minor role in 1986. Producers saw potential in the character. Script writers were asked to develop more promienent storylines, and Carmel...
and her boyfriend Matthew Jackson took Carmel's nephew and niece, Junior and Aisha, to London Zoo
London Zoo
London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo. It was opened in London on 27 April 1828, and was originally intended to be used as a collection for scientific study. It was eventually opened to the public in 1847...
. The episode was written by John Maynard, directed by Julia Smith and produced by future executive-producer, Mike Gibbon
Mike Gibbon
John Michael "Mike" Gibbon is an English television producer and director. Gibbon married Moya McCarthy in July 1976 and they have a daughter, Sophie....
.
1989
Dot Cotton, Ethel SkinnerEthel Skinner
Ethel May Skinner is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Gretchen Franklin. Ethel Skinner also features in a 1988 EastEnders special, entitled Civvy Street, set on Albert Square during the Second World War, where the character is played by Alison...
, Mo Butcher
Mo Butcher
Maureen "Mo" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Edna Doré between 1988 and 1990. She was introduced as the matriarch figure of the Butcher family, Frank Butcher's elderly mother. She was portrayed as a battle-axe, tough and interfering...
and Marge Green
Marge Green
Marjorie "Marge" Green is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Pat Coombs. Introduced in 1989, elderly Marge was scripted as comical and timid. The character was one of many to be axed in 1990 when the show changed Executive Producer.-Storylines:Marge first...
went to Clacton, where they were seen taking part in a dancing competition. These episode were scripted to contain a lot of humour. At the time the programme had come under criticism in the British media for being too depressing
Depression (mood)
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, feelings and physical well-being. Depressed people may feel sad, anxious, empty, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable, or restless...
; arguably a reputation that it has never been able to shake. The programme makers were determined to change this. In 1989 there was a deliberate attempt to increase the lighter, more comic aspects of life in Albert Square
Albert Square
Albert Square is the fictional location of the BBC soap opera EastEnders. It is ostensibly located in the equally fictional London borough of Walford in London's East End. The square's design was based on the real life Fassett Square in Hackney, and was given the name Albert Square after the real...
. The episodes were directed by Nicholas Prosser and produced by future executive-producer, Michael Ferguson
Michael Ferguson (director)
Michael Ferguson is a British script writer, television director and television producer. Ferguson has been described as a “long term champion of realistic popular drama”. Ferguson was executive producer of the BBC soap opera, EastEnders between 1989 and 1991...
.
During the trip, Ethel started to get jealous when her dancing partner, Reggie Thompson, began flirting outrageously with Gladys, another senior woman from Ethel's retirement home. Meanwhile Dot was appalled to discover that Ethel had brought her pug Willy
Willy (EastEnders)
Willy is a fictional dog from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Willy was a Pug, who appeared in the first episode of the programme and remained in the show until 1992.-Storylines:...
along in her luggage. Marge was initially very gloomy, and spent much of her time worrying for her bed-ridden mother back in Walford. Things changed when she met the suave Mr. Conroy, a widower looking for love. Mo met a cantankerous Welsh man, and began arguing with him almost instantly, though she later found that she had more in common with him than she first realised. Mr. Conroy decided to propose to Marge and asked her to come and live with him in his cottage in Kent. Marge couldn't consider abandoning her sickly mother and was forced to turn him down. Embarrassed, Mr. Conroy called for a cab and left, at the same time that Marge received a phone call from home informing her that her mother had died, meaning she could have accepted his proposal after all.
1990
- DianeDiane ButcherDiane Maureen Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sophie Lawrence. Diane appeared as a regular character between 1988 and 1991, when Lawrence decided to leave. The character made several brief returns in 1993, 1994, and 1997...
and Frank ButcherFrank ButcherFrancis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long...
in LondonLondonLondon is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
(March 1990). The episodes used flashbacks to tell the story of Diane's three months living on the streets of London as a homeless person, while also telling the present story of Frank finding her and bringing her home to the Square.
When the storyline was originally scripted in 1989, it was left open-ended and it was unknown whether or not Diane would ever return home. However, following Michael Ferguson's appointment as executive-producer, one of his first decisions was that Diane "must be found" and the subsequent story of her adjusting to life back in Walford was developed. The episodes were written by Tony McHale, and have been described as a "radical departure from the normal EastEnders form".
Diane had fallen in with a bad crowd, including Disa O'Brien, a fellow runaway who tried to lure her into prostitution, and Matthew Taylor an 'artist' who persuaded Diane to model nude for him. She was eventually reunited with her father.
Writer Colin Brake has described the episodes as "powerful...they returned EastEnders to the tradition of gritty realism that had been integral in the early episodes".
- IanIan BealeIan Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
, PetePete BealePeter "Pete" Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Peter Dean. He made his first appearance in the programme's first episode, on 19 February 1985. The character was created by Tony Holland, one of the creators of EasEnders; he was based on a member of...
, StevenSteven BealeSteven Peter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Edward Farrell from 1989 to 1990, Stuart Stevens from 1992 to 1996, Edward Savage from 1997 to 2002, and Aaron Sidwell from 2007 to 2008...
and Cindy BealeCindy BealeCindy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Collins.Cindy always had an eye for the lotharios of Walford and despite trying to settle down repeatedly with the more reliable Ian Beale, she was unable to remain faithful to him. She had a selfish...
and Simon WicksSimon WicksSimon "Wicksy" Wicks is a fictional character from the British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nick Berry between 1985 and 1990. Wicksy was introduced to take on some of the more adult storylines that had been scripted for another character, Mark Fowler; Mark's actor David Scarboro had left...
in DevonDevonDevon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
(September 1990). These episodes were known to the EastEnders script department as "the Devon cottage climax". Debbie Cook's scripts contained elements "of tragedy and farce".
After Cindy confessed that Ian was not the father of Steven, she took her son and left Walford with the real father, Simon, to stay at her parents vacant cottage in Devon. However, Ian, freshly released from hospital with his leg in plaster, followed them there with his father Pete. When Ian arrived and learnt that Wicksy, his best friend, was Steven's real father, he threw bricks through Cindy's window as well as his crutch, and threatened to get his revenge on Simon by ominously stealing Cindy's father's shotgun.
The episodes were directed by Matthew Evans. They brought this long running storyline to a climax, but also "laid the roots" for several months of future stories, building up to Simon and Cindy's departures from the show. They were chosen by writer Colin Brake
Colin Brake
Colin Brake is an English television writer and script editor best known for his work for the BBC on programs such as Bugs and EastEnders. He has also written spin-offs from the BBC series Doctor Who...
as the episodes of the year in EastEnders: The First Ten Years
EastEnders books
This is a list of books about or relating to the British soap opera EastEnders.-Non-fiction books:* EastEnders: The Inside Story* Public Secrets: EastEnders and its Audience* EastEnders Special...
.
1991
- RickyRicky ButcherRichard Francis "Ricky" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sid Owen. Introduced as a school boy in 1988, Ricky is one of the longest-running, male protagonists to feature in EastEnders. Owen originally left the role in 2000 to pursue a music career...
, FrankFrank ButcherFrancis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long...
and Pat ButcherPat EvansPatricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
and SamSam Mitchell (EastEnders)Samantha Margaret Priscilla "Sam" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera EastEnders. The third member of the Mitchell family to be introduced, Sam entered as a 15-year-old school girl in July 1990, played by Danniella Westbrook. Westbrook quit in 1993, but was reintroduced...
, GrantGrant Mitchell (EastEnders)Grant Anthony Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. Grant first appeared in 1990, introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show. Kemp remained until 1999 when he opted to leave...
, PhilPhil MitchellPhilip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
and Peggy MitchellPeggy MitchellMargaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by...
and Peggy's boyfriend Kevin Masters in Gretna GreenGretna GreenGretna Green is a village in the south of Scotland famous for runaway weddings. It is in Dumfries and Galloway, near the mouth of the River Esk and was historically the first village in Scotland, following the old coaching route from London to Edinburgh. Gretna Green has a railway station serving...
(July 1991). The episodes were written by Debbie Cook. Despite the Scottish setting, the recording of these episodes was done in Hertfordshire.
These episodes followed Sam and Ricky's attempt to elope to Gretna Green, with Frank, Pat, Peggy, Phil, Grant and Kevin all in hot pursuit. These episodes were essentially a "farcical chase", climaxing in a register office
Register office
A register office is a British term for a civil registry, a government office and depository where births, deaths and marriages are officially recorded and where you can get officially married, without a religious ceremony...
wedding of the young lovers, with Frank and Pat in attendance. The Mitchells tried to stop the proceedings, but only succeeded in bursting in on someone else's wedding, as Sam was getting married in an entirely different town.
- In November 1991 ClydeClyde TavernierClyde Tavernier is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steven Woodcock. Introduced in the summer of 1990, Clyde was featured in various prominent storylines including an inter-racial relationship with Michelle Fowler, and being framed for the murder of publican Eddie...
and Kofi Tavernier and MichelleMichelle FowlerMichelle Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actress Susan Tully.Although she was one of the brighter people in Walford, that didn't stop Michelle making some huge mistakes during her time in Albert Square...
and Vicki FowlerVicki FowlerVictoria Louise "Vicki" Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Emma Herry from the character's birth in 1986 to 1988, Samantha Leigh Martin from 1988 to 1995, and Scarlett Johnson from 2003 to 2004. The character was born in the serial, conceived in a...
went on the run to PortsmouthPortsmouthPortsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island...
. The episode was written by renowned EastEnders scriptwriter Tony JordanTony JordanTony Jordan is a British television writer. He was listed as the number 1 television screen writer in the UK by Broadcast magazine and among British Broadcastings Top 20 in The Stage ., He currently resides in Hertfordshire, UK.For many years, he was lead writer and series consultant for BBC One...
and directed by Mike Dormer.
Clyde was prime suspect for the murder of Eddie Royle
Eddie Royle
Edward "Eddie" Royle is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michael Melia from 1990 until 1991.-Storylines:...
. He decided to flee the country with his son Kofi, and his girlfriend Michelle opted to go with him with her daughter Vicki. They went to Portsmouth with the hope of catching a private ferry to France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
so they could start a new life together, but they were arrested whilst trying to board the boat.
Writer Colin Brake has stated that the episode had a "strong sense of tension" as it built up to Clyde's inevitable arrest and he goes on to describe it as "one of the most exciting thriller episodes of EastEnders".
1992
- In June 1992 MarkMark FowlerMark Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders. Mark was an original regular character in the series starting February 1985 but became a semi-regular after his original portrayer David Scarboro was written out of the role in April 1985. Scarboro made...
and Gill Fowler — who was confined to a hospice as she was dying from AIDSAIDSAcquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
— married away from Walford and then spent their honeymoon at Waverly Hotel. Mark's sister Michelle and his ex-girlfriend Rachel Kominski attended the ceremony. However, after only one night together Gill fell ill, and was taken back to the hospice. She died on the same day as she became terribly ill. The episodes were written by Debbie Cook and directed by Leonard Lewis. Although in many ways the episodes were sad and "downbeat", they were not without positive aspects, as Mark was able to discuss his own mortality on-screen, educating the audience about the subject of HIV. Susanna Dawson, the actress who played Gill, found the experience of playing a person living with—and dying from—Aids so intense that she co-produced an educational video based on the subject for use in schools and wrote a book, The Gill and Mark Story, to accompany it.
- In September 1992, Arthur Fowler took Michelle, Vicki and Martin Fowler on a caravan holiday to Leigh-on-SeaLeigh-on-SeaLeigh-on-Sea , sometimes called Leigh, is a civil parish in Essex, England. It is part of Southend-on-Sea for administrative purposes. It became a civil parish in 1996. The council tax was increased to support it. A town council was formed. Leigh is the only parish in Southend...
. Arthur's wife Pauline joined, having returned from a several month trip to New Zealand to discover none of her family at home. Pauline and Arthur found that they had changed in their time apart.
- In November 1992 Michelle FowlerMichelle FowlerMichelle Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actress Susan Tully.Although she was one of the brighter people in Walford, that didn't stop Michelle making some huge mistakes during her time in Albert Square...
introduced her friend Sharon MitchellSharon RickmanSharon Anne Rickman is a fictional character from the popular BBC1 soap opera EastEnders, played by Letitia Dean, who was a regular cast member for the first 10 years after the programme began on 19 February 1985. She returned in May 2001, and appeared on and off, having most recently appeared in...
to her student life when she invited her to a college gig. They were chatted up by two students, including Jack Woodman. However Sharon's husband Grant and Michelle's boyfriend Clyde ruined the night by following them there. Grant suspected Sharon was cheating on him, but he and Clyde were both shocked when they discovered not Sharon but Michelle in bed with Jack. Clyde and Michelle split and when Sharon found Grant they had a huge row and she told him they were finished after Grant confessed to Sharon that he was responsible for the arson attack on the Queen Vic.
1993
- In June 1993 HattieHattie TavernierHattie Tavernier is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Gayle between 1990 and 1993. Hattie and her family were introduced in July 1990 by producer Michael Ferguson. The Taverniers were the first collective black family to join the soap at the same time...
and Clyde TavernierClyde TavernierClyde Tavernier is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steven Woodcock. Introduced in the summer of 1990, Clyde was featured in various prominent storylines including an inter-racial relationship with Michelle Fowler, and being framed for the murder of publican Eddie...
and Phil MitchellPhil MitchellPhilip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
raced to SouthamptonSouthamptonSouthampton is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated south-west of London and north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest...
so Hattie could stop Steve ElliotSteve ElliotSteve Elliot is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Mark Monero between 1991 and 1996.- Storylines :Steve is first seen in Albert Square in October 1991 as an old school friend of Hattie Tavernier and Sam Mitchell...
leaving.
Steve had decided that he didn't want to marry Hattie, and slipped away to take a job on a cruise ship. Hattie awoke to discover Steve's goodbye letter and persuaded Phil Mitchell to drive her to Southampton to persuade him to stay. When Clyde discovered what was happening he quickly sped off after them.
In Southampton Hattie went to the hotel where Steve was staying, while Phil waited for her in a nearby bar. Here he met Nadia Borovac, a Romanian refugee with immigration problems. The authorities were threatening to deport her, so she needed to marry an English man to remain in the country. Phil suggested a marriage of convenience
Marriage of convenience
A marriage of convenience is a marriage contracted for reasons other than the reasons of relationship, family, or love. Instead, such a marriage is orchestrated for personal gain or some other sort of strategic purpose, such as political marriage. The phrase is a calque of - a marriage of...
and brought Nadia back to Walford with him.
Meanwhile Hattie found Steve, before Clyde showed up and a fight nearly erupted between him and Steve before Hattie broke it up. She and Steve slept together again, which led Hattie to believe that he was staying, but Steve thought it was just one final bon voyage and left anyway, without ever knowing that Hattie was pregnant with his baby.
- In September 1993 PatPat EvansPatricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
and Frank ButcherFrank ButcherFrancis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long...
, SharonSharon RickmanSharon Anne Rickman is a fictional character from the popular BBC1 soap opera EastEnders, played by Letitia Dean, who was a regular cast member for the first 10 years after the programme began on 19 February 1985. She returned in May 2001, and appeared on and off, having most recently appeared in...
, GrantGrant Mitchell (EastEnders)Grant Anthony Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. Grant first appeared in 1990, introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show. Kemp remained until 1999 when he opted to leave...
and PhilPhil MitchellPhilip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
and Kathy BealeKathy HillsKatherine "Kathy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Gillian Taylforth between 1985 and 2000...
all went to FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
.
Whilst here, Pat and Frank went in search of Frank's daughter Diane
Diane Butcher
Diane Maureen Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sophie Lawrence. Diane appeared as a regular character between 1988 and 1991, when Lawrence decided to leave. The character made several brief returns in 1993, 1994, and 1997...
. Frank was shocked to see that Diane was heavily pregnant and furious when she confessed that she was unsure who the father was. Frank stormed off in a rage, but Diane showed up at the dock just as they were departing home and waved him a tearful goodbye.
After loading up their van with cheap alcohol for The Vic, Sharon and Grant went for a romantic meal in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, leading Grant to expose his jealous side after Sharon flirted with a French waiter. Meanwhile Phil and Kathy also went for a meal, leading Phil to confess his affair with his sister-in-law, Sharon. Their trip ended with them igniting a romance. Sharon watched on with mixed emotions as they kissed on the ferry home.
- In November 1993 MarkMark FowlerMark Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders. Mark was an original regular character in the series starting February 1985 but became a semi-regular after his original portrayer David Scarboro was written out of the role in April 1985. Scarboro made...
and Michelle FowlerMichelle FowlerMichelle Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actress Susan Tully.Although she was one of the brighter people in Walford, that didn't stop Michelle making some huge mistakes during her time in Albert Square...
went to AmsterdamAmsterdamAmsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
with Shelley Lewis and her casual boyfriend Clem.
The foursome spent their holiday smoking hash
Hashish
Hashish is a cannabis preparation composed of compressed stalked resin glands, called trichomes, collected from the unfertilized buds of the cannabis plant. It contains the same active ingredients but in higher concentrations than unsifted buds or leaves...
and getting stoned. Mark and Shelley grew closer, but Shelley was still dating Clem at the time, so she and Mark would sneak away to be together at any opportunity. They eventually managed to give Clem and Michelle the slip and ended back at their hotel. Shelley made her amorous intentions clear, but Mark seemed hesitant and ended up walking out. A confused Shelley followed him and berated him for leading her on. Mark was finally forced to divulge that the reason he couldn't sleep with Shelley was because he was HIV positive. Shelley was furious with him for not trusting her enough to tell her in the first place and she told him she never wanted to see him again.
Meanwhile Clem tried to seduce Michelle, but she promptly told him where to go. After much rowing between Shelley and Clem, Shelley and Mark, Michelle and Clem and also Mark and Clem, the boys decided to remain in Holland while the girls returned home. Clem accidentally left his bag with the girls, full of cannabis
Cannabis (drug)
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or for medicinal purposes. The English term marijuana comes from the Mexican Spanish word marihuana...
that he was trying to smuggle back to England. The bag was checked, but the dope was not found. When the girls discovered their lucky escape they were furious.
1994
In December 1994 Nellie EllisNellie Ellis
Nellie Ellis is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Elizabeth Kelly. Nellie was introduced as the interfering relative of Pauline Fowler in 1993 and appeared regularly until 1998...
, Pauline
Pauline Fowler
Pauline Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional London borough of Walford. She was played by actress Wendy Richard between 1985 and 2006. Pauline was created by scriptwriter Tony Holland and producer...
and Arthur Fowler
Arthur Fowler
Arthur George Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Bill Treacher.The father of the Fowler family, Arthur was essentially a good man, but he made some foolish choices and he always ended up paying dearly for them, also being bossed to the brink of insanity by...
travelled to Eastbourne
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is a large town and borough in East Sussex, on the south coast of England between Brighton and Hastings. The town is situated at the eastern end of the chalk South Downs alongside the high cliff at Beachy Head...
to attend Nellie's husband's funeral.
Nellie received news that her philandering husband — who left her for another woman — had died. Pauline and Arthur decided to take her to Eastbourne for the funeral. Nellie was disgusted to discover that George, her husband, was extremely wealthy, with a nice home and a daughter. She spent much of the trip moaning and scowling, but she also heard some harsh home truths, making her rethink her behaviour.
1995
In April 1995 Pauline FowlerPauline Fowler
Pauline Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional London borough of Walford. She was played by actress Wendy Richard between 1985 and 2006. Pauline was created by scriptwriter Tony Holland and producer...
, Arthur Fowler
Arthur Fowler
Arthur George Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Bill Treacher.The father of the Fowler family, Arthur was essentially a good man, but he made some foolish choices and he always ended up paying dearly for them, also being bossed to the brink of insanity by...
, and Michelle Fowler
Michelle Fowler
Michelle Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actress Susan Tully.Although she was one of the brighter people in Walford, that didn't stop Michelle making some huge mistakes during her time in Albert Square...
, Mark Fowler
Mark Fowler
Mark Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders. Mark was an original regular character in the series starting February 1985 but became a semi-regular after his original portrayer David Scarboro was written out of the role in April 1985. Scarboro made...
, Martin Fowler
Martin Fowler
-Online presentations:* at RailsConf 2006* at JAOO 2006* at QCon London 2007 * at QCon London 2008 * at ThoughtWorks Quarterly Technology Briefing, October 2008...
, and Vicki Fowler
Vicki Fowler
Victoria Louise "Vicki" Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Emma Herry from the character's birth in 1986 to 1988, Samantha Leigh Martin from 1988 to 1995, and Scarlett Johnson from 2003 to 2004. The character was born in the serial, conceived in a...
, Ruth Fowler
Ruth Fowler
Ruth Fowler is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Caroline Paterson from 1994 to 1999. Ruth was Mark Fowler's second wife and she was far more comfortable with his HIV status than many of his other girlfriends. However their marriage eventually...
, and Geoff Barnes
Geoff Barnes
Geoff Barnes is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by David Roper.Geoff was introduced as a love interest for the long running character, Michelle Fowler, in 1994. He was much older than Michelle, and their age difference caused most of the major problems in their...
went on holiday to Scotland, to visit Ruth's parents.
Ruth had proposed to Mark and he accepted. Ruth's father insisted that they marry in Scotland, so they travelled there in April but were not made welcome by Ruth's family when they discovered Mark's HIV status. Ruth's parents responded with trepidation and ignorance, refusing to distinguish between AIDS and HIV — despite Mark's best efforts at explaining. They believed Mark was contagious and refused to allow him to remain in their house, suggesting that he represented everything that they had spent their lives fighting against. Ruth and Mark married without her parents' blessing.
In July 1995 Steve Elliot
Steve Elliot
Steve Elliot is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Mark Monero between 1991 and 1996.- Storylines :Steve is first seen in Albert Square in October 1991 as an old school friend of Hattie Tavernier and Sam Mitchell...
, Phil
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
and Grant Mitchell
Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)
Grant Anthony Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. Grant first appeared in 1990, introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show. Kemp remained until 1999 when he opted to leave...
, David Wicks
David Wicks
David Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michael French. He originally appeared between 1993 to 1996...
, Bianca Jackson
Bianca Jackson
Bianca Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted to leave. In 2002 executive producer John Yorke brought the character...
and Ricky Butcher
Ricky Butcher
Richard Francis "Ricky" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sid Owen. Introduced as a school boy in 1988, Ricky is one of the longest-running, male protagonists to feature in EastEnders. Owen originally left the role in 2000 to pursue a music career...
went on a holiday to Torremolinos
Torremolinos
Torremolinos is a municipality on the Costa del Sol of the Mediterranean, immediately to the west of the city of Málaga, in the province of Málaga in the autonomous region of Andalusia in southern Spain...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
.
On the holiday the lads all spent most of their time trying to bed women, whilst Ricky and Bianca went through a rocky patch and talked about splitting. Steve was the least lucky with the ladies and after having an unsuccessful evening he returned to their apartment to find a very drunk Bianca there and tried to kiss her. David witnessed this and went livid, leading Steve to question why he cared and Bianca to reveal to everyone that he was really her father! They eventually discovered that the reason Steve was repelling women was because of his not so fluent Spanish chat-up line, which was roughly translated to mean "my wife is an accountant". Ricky and Bianca patched up their differences and Ricky asked her to marry him.
Phil and Grant spent some of the holiday searching for their little sister Sam
Sam Mitchell (EastEnders)
Samantha Margaret Priscilla "Sam" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera EastEnders. The third member of the Mitchell family to be introduced, Sam entered as a 15-year-old school girl in July 1990, played by Danniella Westbrook. Westbrook quit in 1993, but was reintroduced...
, but their leads just sent them on a wild goose chase and they couldn't track her down. Meanwhile David was having the most success with the ladies and after chatting up a supposed model, he brought her home to bed, but was interrupted when Steve — who he was sharing a room with — brought his lady friend back. The resulting commotion brought everyone else into the room, including Phil and Grant, who were furious to discover that the woman in bed with David was their sister Sam. They dragged her back to Albert Square
Albert Square
Albert Square is the fictional location of the BBC soap opera EastEnders. It is ostensibly located in the equally fictional London borough of Walford in London's East End. The square's design was based on the real life Fassett Square in Hackney, and was given the name Albert Square after the real...
.
1996
Bianca Jackson, Tiffany RaymondTiffany Mitchell
Tiffany Dawn Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Martine McCutcheon from 1995 until 1998. The character was created by the writer, Tony Jordan...
, Sarah Hills
Sarah Hills
Sarah Hills is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Daniela Denby-Ashe.-Storylines:Sarah was rather troublesome when she arrived on Albert Square, shoplifting from various market stalls. This was noticed by Alistair Matthews, a shop manager and religious cult leader...
, Tony Hills
Tony Hills
Tony Hills is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Mark Homer.-Storylines:Tony arrives in Walford from Norfolk on 7 September 1995 with his sister, Sarah Hills . He is unsympathetic and sells ecstasy with a friend, Dan Zappieri . Eventually, he quits dealing after Dan...
, Simon Raymond
Simon Raymond
Simon Raymond is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Andrew Lynford. Simon was introduced in 1996 as the homosexual brother of Tiffany Mitchell. His relationship with the bisexual character Tony Hills featured a gay kiss that caused controversy in the UK; numerous...
, Joe Wicks
Joe Wicks
Joe Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Paul Nicholls. He appeared on screen between 25 March 1996 and 14 November 1997. EastEnders was praised for the character's portrayal of schizophrenia.-Storylines:...
, Dan Zapierri and Melanie Fishman were in Blackpool
Blackpool
Blackpool is a borough, seaside town, and unitary authority area of Lancashire, in North West England. It is situated along England's west coast by the Irish Sea, between the Ribble and Wyre estuaries, northwest of Preston, north of Liverpool, and northwest of Manchester...
.
Tony and Dan went to push drugs but it ended in disaster when Tony's little sister Sarah's drink was spiked, she survived. Tony and Simon also got close on the end of the pier and had a memorable kiss.
1997
- Grant Mitchell, Phil Mitchell, Ian BealeIan BealeIan Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
and Ros Thorne in ItalyItalyItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
.
The mission was to find Ian's sons, Peter
Peter Beale
Peter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. He was played by Thomas Law from 2006 until 2010. The character has previously been portrayed by James Martin, Joseph Shade, Alex Stevens and Francis Brittin-Snell. Law took over the role on 31 August 2006...
and Steven
Steven Beale
Steven Peter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Edward Farrell from 1989 to 1990, Stuart Stevens from 1992 to 1996, Edward Savage from 1997 to 2002, and Aaron Sidwell from 2007 to 2008...
, who had been taken by their mother, Cindy
Cindy Beale
Cindy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Collins.Cindy always had an eye for the lotharios of Walford and despite trying to settle down repeatedly with the more reliable Ian Beale, she was unable to remain faithful to him. She had a selfish...
. They succeeded, managing to bring them back to Albert Square with Cindy close behind them. The episodes were praised in the media.
- Grant Mitchell, Phil Mitchell, Kathy Mitchell, Tiffany Mitchell, Bianca Butcher, Diane ButcherDiane ButcherDiane Maureen Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sophie Lawrence. Diane appeared as a regular character between 1988 and 1991, when Lawrence decided to leave. The character made several brief returns in 1993, 1994, and 1997...
, Jacques Butcher and Ricky Butcher in ParisParisParis is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
.
Grant and Tiffany bonded, Bianca found out that she was pregnant again, and Phil's' marriage ended.
- Also this year, Pauline FowlerPauline FowlerPauline Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional London borough of Walford. She was played by actress Wendy Richard between 1985 and 2006. Pauline was created by scriptwriter Tony Holland and producer...
, Ian Beale, Lucy BealeLucy BealeLucy Katherine Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Eva Brittin-Snell from 1993 to 1996, Casey Anne Rothery from 1996 until 2004, Melissa Suffield from 2004 to 2010 and Hetti Bywater from 2012 onwards. Lucy was introduced in December 1993 as the newborn baby...
, Ruth Fowler, Mark Fowler and Martin FowlerMartin Fowler (EastEnders)Martin Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by James Alexandrou from 1996 to 2007.The role was previously played by Jon Peyton Price from early life as a baby in 1985 to 1996, just before Martin's teenage years began.-Storylines:Martin is the younger son...
went to IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, in which they found Pauline's long lost sister and her family, The Flaherty's.
The episodes filmed in Ireland received a great deal of criticism. EastEnders were accused of negative stereotyping in the way that they portrayed Irish people, depicting them as "dirty, rude, and drunk". The BBC were inundated with complaints from angry Irish people all over Britain and Ireland. In addition, complaints were made by the Irish Embassy and Irish holiday chiefs who feared that the show would have a negative effect on the Irish tourist trade. The BBC were forced to issue an apology for causing offence.
- Joe Wicks and Mary Flaherty in BoltonBoltonBolton is a town in Greater Manchester, in the North West of England. Close to the West Pennine Moors, it is north west of the city of Manchester. Bolton is surrounded by several smaller towns and villages which together form the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, of which Bolton is the...
on 21 October.
1998
During 1998, EastEnders went away from the Elstree studio twice.- Tony Hills, Simon RaymondSimon RaymondSimon Raymond is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Andrew Lynford. Simon was introduced in 1996 as the homosexual brother of Tiffany Mitchell. His relationship with the bisexual character Tony Hills featured a gay kiss that caused controversy in the UK; numerous...
, Matthew RoseMatthew Rose (EastEnders)Matthew Rose is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Joe Absolom. He was introduced in 1997. In a deviation from typical casting protocol, the role of Matthew was constructed for Absolom after he auditioned for the production team; they were looking for new, raw...
, Teresa di Marco and Mary FlahertyMary Flaherty (EastEnders)Mary Flaherty is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Melanie Clark Pullen.Mary is the granddaughter of Maggie Flaherty, Pauline Fowler's long-lost sister. Her parents are Conor and Geraldine Flaherty...
went to the Norfolk Broads.
- And finally in a set of one off episodes, EastEnders returned to France where Pat EvansPat EvansPatricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
, Roy EvansRoy Evans (EastEnders)Roy Edmund Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tony Caunter. Introduced by Series Producer Barbara Emile in 1994, Roy was scripted as a love interest for Pat Butcher...
, Barry EvansBarry Evans (EastEnders)Barry Evans is a fictional character played by Shaun Williamson. He appeared in the BBC soap opera EastEnders between 1994 and 2004. The character was portrayed as a "buffoon." Williamson controversially left the serial after ten years in 2003 after executive producer Louise Berridge refused to...
, Lenny Wallace and Huw Edwards went to the Football World Cup 98. These episodes were broadcast as three short episodes during the tournament. They were later combined into one 30 minute episode and shown on UK Gold in 2002.
1999
- Melanie Healy, Steve Owen, Sam Mitchell, Ricky Butcher, Mark Fowler, Mick McFarlene, Janine ButcherJanine EvansJanine Butcher is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, currently portrayed by Charlie Brooks. Rebecca Michael originally portrayed the character from 1989 until 1993, when the role was given to Alexia Demetriou for three years. Brooks took on the role in 1999...
and Dr Fonseca: BrightonBrightonBrighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
They all descended on Brighton for a Halloween ball. Janine was found unconscious on the beach, Mel and Steve slept together but she refused to run away with him, and ex-partners Ricky and Sam had to share a bedroom.
- Steve Owen, Barry Evans, Ricky Butcher, Robbie Jackson, Gianni di Marco, Melanie Healy, Natalie PriceNatalie EvansNatalie Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lucy Speed between 1994 and 2004. Natalie first appeared in January 1994, depicted initially as an unhappy, insecure teenager; she was among various regular characters brought in to increase the cast following the...
, Lisa Fowler, Jackie Owen, Andrea Price in AmsterdamAmsterdamAmsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...
in December.
The girls were celebrating Melanie and Natalie's hen night, whilst the boys celebrated Barry's stag night. Mel acted promiscuously and her attempts to seduce Steve were rebuffed. Meanwhile, Natalie was upset by her mother Andrea's behaviour.
The episode evoked criticism by the Broadcasting Standards Commission for its inclusion of “almost relentless drunken and promiscuous behaviour, sexual innuendo and drug-taking, before the watershed”. The BBC defended the episode, claiming that its content would have “come as no surprise to viewers” and adding that the depiction of this behaviour conformed to an EastEnders tradition - that questionable conduct "only leads to further trouble…One character's quest for drugs led to embarrassment and nausea and a drinking binge led to the calling off of [Barry and Natalie’s] wedding while the prospects for another [Mel and Ian's] became bleaker."
2000
Terry RaymondTerry Raymond
Terrence Gordon "Terry" Raymond is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Gavin Richards. Terry was initially introduced briefly in 1996 as the drunken father of Tiffany and Simon Raymond...
, Irene Raymond
Irene Raymond
Irene Constance Ethel Raymond is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Roberta Taylor. Introduced in 1997 as the matriarch of the Hills family, Irene remained in the serial until 2000, when the actress opted to leave...
, Pat Evans, Frank Butcher, Peggy Mitchell
Peggy Mitchell
Margaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by...
, and Roy Evans in Alicante
Alicante
Alicante or Alacant is a city in Spain, the capital of the province of Alicante and of the comarca of Alacantí, in the south of the Valencian Community. It is also a historic Mediterranean port. The population of the city of Alicante proper was 334,418, estimated , ranking as the second-largest...
Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
.
Pat and Frank slept together, Terry left Irene at the resort.
2001
Kat SlaterKat Moon
Kathleen "Kat" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jessie Wallace. She was also played by Kate Peck in a flashback in 2001. She appeared in the show from September 2000 to November 2004, then returned in May 2005...
, Zoe Slater
Zoe Slater
Zoe Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Ryan. She made her first appearance on the 18 September 2000...
, Lynne Slater
Lynne Hobbs
Lynne Marie Hobbs is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Elaine Lordan. She appeared in the show from September 2000 to July 2004...
, Garry Hobbs
Garry Hobbs
Garry Pelé Hobbs is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ricky Groves. He made his first appearance on 18 September 2000...
, Jamie Mitchell
Jamie Mitchell
Jamie Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jack Ryder, who made his first appearance on 9 November 1998. Ryder decided to leave in 2002, and his final episode aired Christmas Day 2002, when Jamie was killed off....
in Brighton Sonia Jackson and Robbie Jackson
Robbie Jackson
Robert "Robbie" Jackson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Dean Gaffney from 1993 to 2003. The character was axed in 2003 by executive producer Louise Berridge. He made brief returns in 2004 and 2010 for two family weddings.-Backstory:Robbie was the product of a...
in Brighton and Portsmouth.
A weekend away in Brighton proved the perfect opportunity for Jamie and Zoe to get up close and personal. After an entire day of dithering, the young star crossed lovers got down to business after sharing a romantic pizza dinner in the bedroom. But unfortunately for Zoe, Jamie was quite clear that it's just a one night stand and that what happened 'on tour' stayed on tour.
Garry also proposed to Lynne and Robbie found his father, who offered him money for not being there in his life, Robbie however, didn’t take the money.
2002
Peggy Mitchell, Frank Butcher and Sam Mitchell in Southern Spain. The episodes re-introduced the character of Frank (played by Mike ReidMike Reid (entertainer)
Michael Reid was an English comedian, actor, author and occasional television presenter from Hackney in east London, who is best remembered for playing the role of Frank Butcher in EastEnders and hosting the popular children's TV show Runaround...
back into the show for a week's worth of episodes. Prior to this appearance the character had not been seen on-screen since his disappearance in 2000.
Peggy travelled to Spain to attend the funeral of ex-husband Frank. Actress Barbara Windsor
Barbara Windsor
Barbara Ann Windsor, MBE , better known by her stage name Barbara Windsor, is an English actress. Her best known roles are in the Carry On films and as Peggy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders....
who plays Peggy has commented: "Once she hears that Frank’s dead, Peggy’s determined to go to the funeral...She feels she has to say goodbye to him once and for all". However, she promptly found him alive and well, learning that he staged his own death. Windsor added "Peggy’s fuming. She has come all the way to Spain for his funeral and he doesn’t even have the decency to be dead!". Peggy managed to drag her daughter Sam back to Walford, who this time was played by Kim Medcalf
Kim Medcalf
Kim Louise Medcalf is an English actress and occasional singer.She has made occasional appearances as a singer and is best known for playing the character Sam Mitchell in the long running BBC Soap Opera EastEnders from 2002 to 2005....
instead of the original actress Daniella Westbrook.
The Sun
The Sun (newspaper)
The Sun is a daily national tabloid newspaper published in the United Kingdom and owned by News Corporation. Sister editions are published in Glasgow and Dublin...
newspaper commented "It all makes for a fantastic sunshine week in southern Spain instead of east London" and Barbara Windsor added that "It was great to work with Mike Reid again...It felt very fresh working outside of the studio."
2003
- Phil MitchellPhil MitchellPhilip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
, Lisa FowlerLisa FowlerLisa Deborah Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lucy Benjamin from 1998 to 2003 and in 2010. Lisa was instrumental in one of EastEnders most highly publicised and anticipated storylines, dubbed Who Shot Phil? in 2001, where she gunned down her former...
and Louise Mitchell in PortugalPortugalPortugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
This was screened after it actually was supposed to have occurred in the serial time-line. It was based in late 2002, as Phil revealed all to undercover cop, Kate. The episodes were played in flashback scenes.
Having followed Lisa and Louise to Portugal, Phil employed the services of Dom who tracked her down. Despite a change of heart on Dom's side, Phil had the information he needed and headed to her flat where he broke in and stole their passports. When Phil confronted her, he asked her to get Louise and promised to leave her be, once he'd seen his daughter. Lisa knew better though and fled, hoping to run off to Lisbon to find Mel. After a hot car pursuit through the cliff side routes, Lisa was forced to abandon her car and was faced with an unpleasant choice: Phil or at cliff edge.
Phil undermined her confidence in herself. He said she was an unfit mother who needed professional help. He left with baby Louise, leaving Lisa devastated.
- Barry EvansBarry Evans (EastEnders)Barry Evans is a fictional character played by Shaun Williamson. He appeared in the BBC soap opera EastEnders between 1994 and 2004. The character was portrayed as a "buffoon." Williamson controversially left the serial after ten years in 2003 after executive producer Louise Berridge refused to...
, Janine EvansJanine EvansJanine Butcher is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, currently portrayed by Charlie Brooks. Rebecca Michael originally portrayed the character from 1989 until 1993, when the role was given to Alexia Demetriou for three years. Brooks took on the role in 1999...
, Paul TruemanPaul TruemanPaul Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Gary Beadle between 2001 and 2004. Gary was introduced as part of the already established Trueman family. He was portrayed as a bad boy. Beadle left the role in 2004, following a suspension, reportedly for failing...
, Zoe SlaterZoe SlaterZoe Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Ryan. She made her first appearance on the 18 September 2000...
, Kelly TaylorKelly Taylor (EastEnders)Kelly Taylor is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Brooke Kinsella. The character was introduced by executive producer John Yorke, in 2001...
, Kareena Ferreira, Tariq Larousi, Mickey MillerMickey MillerMichael "Mickey" Miller is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Joe Swash. He made his first appearance on 15 April 2003. Introduced as a guest character, Mickey proved popular and was turned into a regular by executive producer Louise Berridge. The character is...
, Ronny Ferreira, Martin FowlerMartin Fowler (EastEnders)Martin Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by James Alexandrou from 1996 to 2007.The role was previously played by Jon Peyton Price from early life as a baby in 1985 to 1996, just before Martin's teenage years began.-Storylines:Martin is the younger son...
, Gus SmithGus SmithAugustus "Gus" Smith is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Mohammed George. He made his first appearance on 28 May 2002. It was announced on 18 January 2008 that Gus would leave the show later in 2008...
, Spencer MoonSpencer MoonSpencer Moon is a fictional character from the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Christopher Parker between 2002 and 2005. Spencer is the brother of Alfie Moon, played by Shane Richie.-Storylines:...
, Sonia FowlerSonia FowlerSonia Ann Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Natalie Cassidy. Her first appearance was on 21 December 1993 and she made her final appearance on 2 February 2007...
and WellardWellardWellard is a fictional Belgian Tervuren dog from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. He first appeared in the series on 18 October 1994, and became EastEnders longest-serving pet, before being killed off on 15 August 2008. Although the character is male, he has been played primarily by three female...
headed off to ScotlandScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
.
The cast and crew filmed scenes at the Loch Fyne Hotel and Leisure Club in Inveraray, Argyll
Argyll
Argyll , archaically Argyle , is a region of western Scotland corresponding with most of the part of ancient Dál Riata that was located on the island of Great Britain, and in a historical context can be used to mean the entire western coast between the Mull of Kintyre and Cape Wrath...
. Much of the outside scenes were shot on a private estate called The Arkinglass Estate in Cairndow, while the wedding suite was actually really located in Grim's Dyke Hotel, Harrow Weald
Harrow Weald
Harrow Weald is an area in north-west London, England. It includes a suburban development and forms part of the London Borough of Harrow.-Locale, geography and history:...
, North London.
After months of Janine leading Barry on, they headed to Scotland to get married. But when she revealed the truth, they ended up scuffling and he fell over a cliff. Heartlessly, she watched him die.
Meanwhile, the others crashed their van and ended up stranded. Kelly and Zoe kissed, whilst Tariq revealed Dan Ferreira is his father.
2004
- Sharon Watts and Dennis RickmanDennis RickmanDennis Rickman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nigel Harman. He entered the show on 14 April 2003 and made his last appearance on 30 December 2005, when he was fatally stabbed as the midnight fireworks began. He is part of the Watts family, though his...
in HertfordHertfordHertford is the county town of Hertfordshire, England, and is also a civil parish in the East Hertfordshire district of the county. Forming a civil parish, the 2001 census put the population of Hertford at about 24,180. Recent estimates are that it is now around 28,000...
, HertfordshireHertfordshireHertfordshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England. The county town is Hertford.The county is one of the Home Counties and lies inland, bordered by Greater London , Buckinghamshire , Bedfordshire , Cambridgeshire and...
.
The couple's small wedding ceremony was filmed at County Hall in Hertford
Hertford
Hertford is the county town of Hertfordshire, England, and is also a civil parish in the East Hertfordshire district of the county. Forming a civil parish, the 2001 census put the population of Hertford at about 24,180. Recent estimates are that it is now around 28,000...
, several miles away from the EastEnders
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
studio.
2005
- Garry HobbsGarry HobbsGarry Pelé Hobbs is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ricky Groves. He made his first appearance on 18 September 2000...
, Minty Peterson, Mickey MillerMickey MillerMichael "Mickey" Miller is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Joe Swash. He made his first appearance on 15 April 2003. Introduced as a guest character, Mickey proved popular and was turned into a regular by executive producer Louise Berridge. The character is...
, Juley Smith, Gus SmithGus SmithAugustus "Gus" Smith is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Mohammed George. He made his first appearance on 28 May 2002. It was announced on 18 January 2008 that Gus would leave the show later in 2008...
, Dawn SwannDawn SwannDawn Roxanna Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005...
and Mike Swann in FranceFranceThe French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. Some of the location filiming was performed in a small Normandy village of Blangy-le-Chateau. While there, the filming crew were surrounded by English tourists.
Mickey headed off to see his sister, Dawn, and took Gus, Juley, Garry and Minty with him. While there he met his long-lost father, Mike.
- Alfie MoonAlfie MoonAlfred William "Alfie" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Shane Richie. He made his first appearance on 21 November 2002, and left on 25 December 2005...
and Nana Moon in France on Armistice DayArmistice DayArmistice Day is on 11 November and commemorates the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I, which took effect at eleven o'clock in the morning—the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day...
, the anniversary of the official end of World War I, 11 November 1918. The episode featured a guest appearance from the actor Trevor PeacockTrevor PeacockTrevor Peacock is an English stage and television character actor. He was born in Tottenham, London, the son of Alexandria and Victor Edward Peacock.-Television and Film Career:...
, who played Sid, a war veteran.
On November 11, Alfie took Nana to visit her late husband's grave in Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
. This episode also featured flashbacks of Nana's first encounter with her late husband in war-time London.
The episode featured a two minute's silence to mark Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth...
—a day to commemorate the sacrifice of veterans and civilians in World War I, World War II, and other wars. It was the first time that a soap had featured the silence. The scene was reportedly "so emotional" that actor Shane Richie
Shane Richie
Shane Richie is an English actor, comedian, singer and media personality, known for his portrayal of the character Alfie Moon in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders.-Early life and career beginnings:...
and Hilda Braid
Hilda Braid
Hilda Braid was an English actress who had a long career on British television and became well known in her later years for playing Victoria "Nana" Moon in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders....
(Alfie and Nana), the only actors involved, ended in "floods of tears". A BBC insider said: “We decided to mark Armistice Day this year because it’s such an important day."
The episode—which was written by Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps
Sarah Phelps is a British television, radio, film and freelance playwright who was working for the Royal Shakespeare Company when she took part in a BBC initiative to find new writers...
, directed by Paul Wroblewski and produced by Tom Mullens—won the 'Best Single Episode' award at the British Soap Awards
British Soap Awards
The British Soap Awards is an annual awards ceremony to honour the best of British soap operas.The first event took place in 1999 and takes place in May each year. Although it is an ITV production, the events were held at the BBC Television Centre, in London until 2010. The 2011 awards relocated to...
, in 2006.
- Stacey SlaterStacey SlaterStacey Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lacey Turner. She made her first appearance on 1 November 2004. The character was introduced as a feisty and troublesome teenager, an extension of the already established Slater clan...
, Jean SlaterJean SlaterJean Elaine Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Gillian Wright. She appeared in December 2004 briefly and in December 2005. She returned as a recurring character in June 2006 and returned again as a regular character from November 2006...
, Mo HarrisMo HarrisMaureen "Big Mo" Harris is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, who has been in the series since 18 September 2000, played by Laila Morse. Mo is also played by Lorraine Stanley in a soap 'bubble' Pat and Mo, delving into her past with Pat Evans, which aired in 2004...
, Jake MoonJake MoonJacob "Jake" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Joel Beckett, who appeared from 30 December 2004 as a regular character.-Storylines:...
, Chrissie WattsChrissie WattsChristine "Chrissie" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman. She first appeared in April 2004 as the second wife of the show's "most enduring character", Den Watts, becoming a prominent regular for the next 18 months...
, Pat EvansPat EvansPatricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
and Frank ButcherFrank ButcherFrancis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long...
in other parts of LondonLondonLondon is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
A week of episodes following the storylines of Jean Slater's mental illness and attempted suicide, Chrissie in jail and deciding to plead guilty to Dirty Den's murder, and Frank and Pat attending Janine's trial, they sleep together and Frank persuades Pat to tell the truth, culminating in Janine's off-screen release.
2006
- Phil MitchellPhil MitchellPhilip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
, Grant MitchellGrant Mitchell (EastEnders)Grant Anthony Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. Grant first appeared in 1990, introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show. Kemp remained until 1999 when he opted to leave...
, Johnny AllenJohnny Allen (EastEnders)Jonathan "Johnny" Allen is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Billy Murray.-Storylines:Johnny Allen was a businessman and retired gangster, who grew up in Walford but moved away to start up an empire of his own which he named J.A. Enterprises...
, Ruby AllenRuby AllenRuby Allen is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Louisa Lytton. Her first appearance was on 18 March 2005 and her last was on 23 November 2006....
, Danny MoonDanny MoonDaniel "Danny" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jake Maskall. He made his first appearance on 30 December 2004...
, Jake MoonJake MoonJacob "Jake" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Joel Beckett, who appeared from 30 December 2004 as a regular character.-Storylines:...
in EssexEssexEssex is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England, and one of the home counties. It is located to the northeast of Greater London. It borders with Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to the north, Hertfordshire to the west, Kent to the South and London to the south west...
. Several scenes were also filmed in Epping ForestEpping ForestEpping Forest is an area of ancient woodland in south-east England, straddling the border between north-east Greater London and Essex. It is a former royal forest, and is managed by the City of London Corporation....
.
Grant tricks Phil into going on a week long break to sort out Phil's alcohol problem. Meanwhile Phil discovers that Johnny Allen is living in Essex so he decides to confront him about Dennis Rickman's death. Phil tricks Grant in kind by conning him into believing that they are heading to a golf club, which turns out to be Johnny Allen's house. There it is revealed that Danny Moon was the one who killed Dennis. The Mitchells are kidnapped by Johnny and Danny and as Danny is about to execute them both, his brother Jake turns up and accidentally shoots him dead in an effort to stop him. Johnny is persuaded by Ruby to give himself up to the police, and is seen being taken away in the back of a police car.
There were mixed reviews for this storyline. It was criticised as "patchy" and "awkwardly written...unveiling a common weakness in the EastEnders camp, that character continuity can often fall by the wayside when you are dealing with larger characters".
- Kevin WicksKevin WicksKevin Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Phil Daniels. He made his first appearance on 17 February 2006...
, Deano WicksDeano WicksDean "Deano" Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders played by Matt Di Angelo. He made his first appearance on 2 January 2006. It was announced on 18 August 2007 that the characters of Deano and his sister Carly were being axed by executive producer Diederick Santer...
, Carly WicksCarly WicksCarly Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kellie Shirley, and by Michaela Stephen in a home movie the Wickses watched on 23 April 2007. She made her first appearance on 17 February 2006. Carly was axed from the serial after Phil Daniels quit. Carly is...
, Denise FoxDenise FoxDenise Celeste Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Diane Parish. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006. Parish temporarily left EastEnders in early 2008 to give birth to her second child...
, Chelsea FoxChelsea FoxChelsea Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tiana Benjamin. She first appeared on 5 May 2006 and was joined by her mother Denise and her half sister Libby. Benjamin announced her departure from the show in April 2010...
, Libby FoxLibby FoxElizabeth "Libby" Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by Belinda Owusu. She made her first appearance on 22 May 2006 and left in 2010. She is the daughter of Denise Fox and Owen Turner, and half sister of Chelsea Fox. The Fox family were introduced by executive...
, Patrick TruemanPatrick TruemanPatrick Neville Loftus Alfonso Trueman is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001.-Backstory:...
and Yolande TruemanYolande TruemanYolande Trueman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Angela Wynter. The character made her final appearance on 3 October 2008.-Storylines:...
(4 December – 8 December)
Kevin took his children, the Foxes and the Truemans on holiday to Dorset
Dorset
Dorset , is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The county town is Dorchester which is situated in the south. The Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch joined the county with the reorganisation of local government in 1974...
. Patrick revealed the truth to Denise about his paternity test — that he was not her father, though he had previously said he was. Kevin's ex-wife Shirley met up with her children, though they did not know who she was.
Some of the shooting for these episodes was actually performed in the village of Worth Matravers
Worth Matravers
Worth Matravers is a village and civil parish in the English county of Dorset. The village is situated on the cliffs west of Swanage. It comprises limestone cottages and farm houses and is built around a pond, which is a regular feature on postcards of the Isle of Purbeck.The civil parish stretches...
, in the Isle of Purbeck
Isle of Purbeck
The Isle of Purbeck, not a true island but a peninsula, is in the county of Dorset, England. It is bordered by the English Channel to the south and east, where steep cliffs fall to the sea; and by the marshy lands of the River Frome and Poole Harbour to the north. Its western boundary is less well...
area of the county of Dorset
Dorset
Dorset , is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The county town is Dorchester which is situated in the south. The Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch joined the county with the reorganisation of local government in 1974...
. Several different locations in the village were used for the episodes, including the Worth Tea Shop and the Square And Compass pub. Scenes were also shot in Kimmeridge
Kimmeridge
Kimmeridge is a small village in the Purbeck district of Dorset, England, situated on the English Channel coast. Kimmeridge is about south of Wareham and about west of Swanage and is on the Isle of Purbeck...
. A worker from one of the establishments commented: "It was very exciting and it's good advertising for us".
2007
- Stella CrawfordStella CrawfordStella Crawford is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sophie Thompson. She left the show on 20 July 2007.-Storylines:...
and Ben Mitchell (23 February)
Stella took Ben to the London Dungeon
London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is a popular London tourist attraction, which recreates various gory and macabre historical events in a grimly comedic 'gallows humour' style, attempting to make them appealing to younger audiences...
in an attempt to get him to like her.
- Kevin WicksKevin WicksKevin Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Phil Daniels. He made his first appearance on 17 February 2006...
(8 March – 9 March)
Kevin was on Dungeness beach, having been missing from Walford for several weeks. Whilst there, he met a man named Jed who stole Kevin's bag and eventually died in a road traffic accident.
- JimJim BranningJames Archibald "Jim" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by John Bardon, first appearing on 29 April 1996 and becoming a regular character in 1999 and has remained in the series right up to 2011....
and Dot BranningDot BranningDorothy "Dot" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by June Brown since 1985. In a special episode entitled EastEnders: Dot's Story a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in flashbacks. Dot first appeared in EastEnders in July 1985 as the mother of...
(9 April)
Jim took Dot to the "hop-picking fields" in Kent
Kent
Kent is a county in southeast England, and is one of the home counties. It borders East Sussex, Surrey and Greater London and has a defined boundary with Essex in the middle of the Thames Estuary. The ceremonial county boundaries of Kent include the shire county of Kent and the unitary borough of...
that they both went to in their youth. Dot decided that she wanted to visit her old friend Margot Baker who lived nearby but was told by the vicar of a local church, Mary Lavender, that Margot had died two weeks previously. The vicar suggested going to visit Margot's son Douglas, who was also a vicar. Douglas revealed he was no longer a vicar because he had lost his faith, which caused him and Dot to get into an argument about religion while Jim went to a local pub. Before returning to Walford, Dot went back to the church and found a baby, Tomas, abandoned there. The church scenes were filmed at St Giles Church
St Giles, Wormshill
St. Giles Church is the sole church in the village of Wormshill in Kent. The church is Anglican and is dedicated to Saint Giles. It forms part of the united benefice of Bredgar, Milstead, Bicknor and Frinsted...
of Wormshill
Wormshill
Wormshill , historically called Wormsell, is a small village and civil parish within the Borough of Maidstone, Kent, England. The parish is approximately south of The Swale and north of Maidstone. The villages of Frinsted and Bicknor are equidistant to the east and west, respectively; while...
. The Blacksmiths Arms, Wormshill was used for exterior shots of the pub and The Ringlestone Inn
Ringlestone Inn
The Ringlestone Inn is an historic public house and restaurant, located in the Ringlestone hamlet near the village of Wormshill in Kent, England. Dating back to the reign of Henry VIII the current Grade II listed building was constructed in 1533 and retains its original brick and flint walls and...
, two miles away, was used for the interior pub scenes. The scenes of Dot and Jim arriving at the site of the hop fields and the farm as well as the interior shots of Douglas's home and the cottage were filmed at Stansted
Stansted, Kent
Stansted is a village and rural parish in the Tonbridge and Malling district of the county of Kent in the United Kingdom .It is located at , close by the M20 motorway...
, Kent.
- Kevin WicksKevin WicksKevin Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Phil Daniels. He made his first appearance on 17 February 2006...
, Deano WicksDeano WicksDean "Deano" Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders played by Matt Di Angelo. He made his first appearance on 2 January 2006. It was announced on 18 August 2007 that the characters of Deano and his sister Carly were being axed by executive producer Diederick Santer...
, Carly WicksCarly WicksCarly Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kellie Shirley, and by Michaela Stephen in a home movie the Wickses watched on 23 April 2007. She made her first appearance on 17 February 2006. Carly was axed from the serial after Phil Daniels quit. Carly is...
, Denise Wicks, Chelsea FoxChelsea FoxChelsea Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tiana Benjamin. She first appeared on 5 May 2006 and was joined by her mother Denise and her half sister Libby. Benjamin announced her departure from the show in April 2010...
, Libby FoxLibby FoxElizabeth "Libby" Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by Belinda Owusu. She made her first appearance on 22 May 2006 and left in 2010. She is the daughter of Denise Fox and Owen Turner, and half sister of Chelsea Fox. The Fox family were introduced by executive...
, Pat EvansPat EvansPatricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
and Shirley Carter (27 April)
Kevin and Denise's wedding took place, which was filmed on location at a registry office in North London.
- IanIan BealeIan Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
and Peter BealePeter BealePeter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. He was played by Thomas Law from 2006 until 2010. The character has previously been portrayed by James Martin, Joseph Shade, Alex Stevens and Francis Brittin-Snell. Law took over the role on 31 August 2006...
and PhilPhil MitchellPhilip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
, BillyBilly Mitchell (EastEnders)William "Billy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Perry Fenwick, who made his first appearance on 2 November 1998. Billy was seen when Phil went to visit his godson Jamie. However, he didn't arrive in the Square until 2 August 1999, almost a year after...
and Ben Mitchell (17 May – 21 May)
The two families went camping in the woods but when Phil burned down his tent by accident, they decided to return home. On the way, Phil and Ian argued in the car and as a result, Phil failed to see a fallen tree in the road, swerving at the last minute and crashing the car. The car later rolled into a lake with Peter and Ben still inside.
- Stella Crawford and Phil Mitchell (20 July)
Stella's final scenes were filmed on location at a disused office block, Evershed House off Alma Road in St Albans
St Albans
St Albans is a city in southern Hertfordshire, England, around north of central London, which forms the main urban area of the City and District of St Albans. It is a historic market town, and is now a sought-after dormitory town within the London commuter belt...
. In this episode, Phil confronts Stella on their wedding day about her abuse of his son Ben. Stella jumps off the roof to her death.
- Tanya BranningTanya BranningTanya Lauren Jessop is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jo Joyner. She made her first appearance on 27 June 2006. She left the show temporarily on 25 December 2009 for maternity leave and returned for one episode on 23 June 2010. She made her full-time return on...
(2 August)
Tanya tried to locate her sister, Rainie Cross
Rainie Cross
Lorraine "Rainie" Cross is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera EastEnders, played by Tanya Franks. Rainie was introduced as the drug-addicted sister of Tanya Branning . After having three separate guest stints in 2007 , 2008 and 2010 , she returned on 12 April 2011 as a...
at the council estate in which they once lived. Here she spoke to a family friend, Alice Lord.
- Garry HobbsGarry HobbsGarry Pelé Hobbs is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ricky Groves. He made his first appearance on 18 September 2000...
, Dawn SwannDawn SwannDawn Roxanna Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005...
, Summer Swann, Shirley Carter, Heather Trott, Minty PetersonMinty PetersonRichard "Rick" Peterson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Cliff Parisi. He made his first appearance on 11 March 2002. His nickname was given to him because he was always late for work, turning up "after eight" when he was an apprentice mechanic...
, Hazel Hobbs and Pat EvansPat EvansPatricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
(20 August – 24 August)
Pat went to Worthing
Worthing
Worthing is a large seaside town with borough status in West Sussex, within the historic County of Sussex, forming part of the Brighton/Worthing/Littlehampton conurbation. It is situated at the foot of the South Downs, west of Brighton, and east of the county town of Chichester...
, while Garry, Dawn and Summer took a break in Brighton
Brighton
Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...
. Heather wanted to follow Garry there, so she and Shirley got a lift from Pat, and then stole her car to go to Brighton, abandoning her at a service station.
Pat met a man named Len Harker, who gave Pat a lift to Worthing. She believed her sister Joan, who had Down's syndrome, had died at the age of 22, and Pat was going to collect her belongings from the mental facility that her parents had sent her to at the age of 6, but she was too late as the building was to be demolished. She and Len broke in and eventually found Joan's belongings, discovering that she could still be alive. These scenes were filmed at an abandoned mental facility.
Minty and Hazel were also in Brighton together, not knowing that Hazel's son Garry was there with Dawn.
- MickeyMickey MillerMichael "Mickey" Miller is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Joe Swash. He made his first appearance on 15 April 2003. Introduced as a guest character, Mickey proved popular and was turned into a regular by executive producer Louise Berridge. The character is...
and Keith MillerKeith Miller (EastEnders)Keith Miller is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by David Spinx. He made his first appearance on 6 September 2004. It was announced on 25 February 2008 that the characters of Keith and Mickey had been axed by EastEnders executive producer Diederick Santer...
(20 August)
Mickey and Keith attempted to sell ice cream in Mickey's uncle Clint's ice cream van. This coincided with the first episode of the Brighton/Worthing week, but was a separate storyline, and several scenes were filmed at the usual Albert Square
Albert Square
Albert Square is the fictional location of the BBC soap opera EastEnders. It is ostensibly located in the equally fictional London borough of Walford in London's East End. The square's design was based on the real life Fassett Square in Hackney, and was given the name Albert Square after the real...
set.
2008
- Stacey Branning and Rachel Branning (12 February)
Stacey visited Rachel at her house in Tring
Tring
Tring is a small market town and also a civil parish in the Chiltern Hills in Hertfordshire, England. Situated north-west of London and linked to London by the old Roman road of Akeman Street, by the modern A41, by the Grand Union Canal and by rail lines to Euston Station, Tring is now largely a...
in order to find out the whereabouts of Bradley Branning
Bradley Branning
Bradley Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Charlie Clements. He made his first appearance on screen on 24 January 2006 and last appeared on 22 February 2010. Clements has won multiple awards for his portrayal....
.
- Stacey Branning and Bradley BranningBradley BranningBradley Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Charlie Clements. He made his first appearance on screen on 24 January 2006 and last appeared on 22 February 2010. Clements has won multiple awards for his portrayal....
(14 February-15 February)
Stacey and Bradley went to a Doctor Who
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor who explores the universe in a sentient time machine called the TARDIS that flies through time and space, whose exterior...
convention, then to St. Paul's Cathedral, where Bradley told Stacey that he wanted a divorce.
- Peggy MitchellPeggy MitchellMargaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by...
, Ronnie MitchellRonnie MitchellVeronica Elizabeth "Ronnie" Branning is a fictional character from the British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Samantha Womack. Ronnie and her sister Roxy were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 2007; Ronnie is the "ice" to Roxy's "fire"...
, Sean SlaterSean SlaterSean Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Robert Kazinsky. Sean left the Square temporarily on 27 March 2007, as Kazinsky was suspended from work for two months. He returned on 28 May 2007...
, Roxy MitchellRoxy MitchellRoxanne Lizette "Roxy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by Rita Simons. Roxy arrived in Walford with her sister Ronnie on 24 July 2007 and decided to move permanently to Walford from Ibiza where they ran a bar together. Roxy is the younger of the two...
and Archie MitchellArchie MitchellArchibald Lionel "Archie" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Larry Lamb.The character of Archie is the father of already established characters Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell , and a member of the Mitchell family, who have appeared in the soap since 1990...
, 7 July - 11 July.
Peggy and Ronnie went down to Dorset
Dorset
Dorset , is a county in South West England on the English Channel coast. The county town is Dorchester which is situated in the south. The Hampshire towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch joined the county with the reorganisation of local government in 1974...
in order to track down Roxy and Sean followed acting on a tip-off from Billy. While there, Ronnie and her father, Archie raked over the past and began a heated argument.
2009
- Heather Trott and Shirley Carter (10 February, 12 February)
Heather and Shirley visited the house of George Michael
George Michael
George Michael is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley...
. However, just as they were leaving Shirley discovered that it was not George's house - it was the one opposite. She didn't inform Heather as she knew that she would be devastated. Heather also collected a yoghurt lid from the bin as a souvenir.
- Stacey Branning, Charlie SlaterCharlie SlaterCharles "Charlie" Slater is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Derek Martin, making his first appearance on 4 September 2000. He is played by Jason McGregor in flashbacks broadcast in 2001. He also makes a cameo appearance in the second series of the...
and Ronnie MitchellRonnie MitchellVeronica Elizabeth "Ronnie" Branning is a fictional character from the British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Samantha Womack. Ronnie and her sister Roxy were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 2007; Ronnie is the "ice" to Roxy's "fire"...
(14 April, 16 April)
Stacey and Charlie travelled to Telford
Telford
Telford is a large new town in the borough of Telford and Wrekin and ceremonial county of Shropshire, England, approximately east of Shrewsbury, and west of Birmingham...
for the funeral of Danielle Jones
Danielle Jones (EastEnders)
Danielle Jones is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lauren Crace. The character appeared between 18 August 2008 and 3 April 2009. Crace's casting in the role was announced in July 2008, when she was described as a love interest for fellow new character Callum Monks...
, and met up with Danielle's father Andy Jones. Ronnie arrived, but was banned from attending the funeral.
2010
- Ricky ButcherRicky ButcherRichard Francis "Ricky" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sid Owen. Introduced as a school boy in 1988, Ricky is one of the longest-running, male protagonists to feature in EastEnders. Owen originally left the role in 2000 to pursue a music career...
and Bianca JacksonBianca JacksonBianca Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted to leave. In 2002 executive producer John Yorke brought the character...
's wedding (18 February 2010)
These scenes were filmed in December 2009 at St Peter's Church in St Albans
St Albans
St Albans is a city in southern Hertfordshire, England, around north of central London, which forms the main urban area of the City and District of St Albans. It is a historic market town, and is now a sought-after dormitory town within the London commuter belt...
.
- Leon SmallLeon SmallLeon Small is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders and its Internet spin-off EastEnders: E20, played by Sam Attwater. He made his first appearance in EastEnders on 5 January and appears in all twelve episodes of the first series of EastEnders: E20...
, Zsa Zsa CarterZsa Zsa CarterZsa Zsa Carter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders and its Internet spin-off EastEnders: E20, played by Emer Kenny. She made her first appearance in EastEnders on 5 January 2010 and appears in all twelve episodes of the first series of EastEnders: E20...
, FatboyFatboy (EastEnders)Arthur "Fatboy" Chubb is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders and its Internet spin-off EastEnders: E20, played by Ricky Norwood. He made his first appearance in EastEnders on 5 January 2010 before appearing in the spin-off...
, Mercy OlubunmiMercy OlubunmiMercy Chubb is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders and its Internet spin-off EastEnders: E20, played by Bunmi Mojekwu. Mercy is one of four main characters in EastEnders: E20, alongside Zsa Zsa Carter , Leon Small and Fatboy...
, Lucy BealeLucy BealeLucy Katherine Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Eva Brittin-Snell from 1993 to 1996, Casey Anne Rothery from 1996 until 2004, Melissa Suffield from 2004 to 2010 and Hetti Bywater from 2012 onwards. Lucy was introduced in December 1993 as the newborn baby...
, Peter BealePeter BealePeter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. He was played by Thomas Law from 2006 until 2010. The character has previously been portrayed by James Martin, Joseph Shade, Alex Stevens and Francis Brittin-Snell. Law took over the role on 31 August 2006...
, Whitney DeanWhitney DeanWhitney Dean is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera EastEnders, played by Shona McGarty. The character is the adoptive daughter of long-running character Bianca Jackson , and was introduced in April 2008 when Palmer returned to the series after a six year absence...
and Billie Jackson (31 May–3 June 2010)
Scenes for the episodes were filmed at Lees Wood. The gang of friends visit Hampshire where some of them camp out in the woods, leading to Leon getting lost and Peter thinking he hit him with the van he was driving.
- Pat EvansPat EvansPatricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
, Peggy MitchellPeggy MitchellMargaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by...
and Harvey Freeman (31 May–3 June 2010)
Scenes were filmed in various locations in London, including Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is a pedestrianised shopping street in London, United Kingdom, located in the Soho district, near Oxford Street and Regent Street. It is home to numerous fashion and lifestyle retailers, including a large number of independent fashion boutiques...
. Pat and Peggy go shopping and meet Harvey in a theatre. They later follow him onto a London tour bus and confront him about his devious ways.
- Ronnie MitchellRonnie MitchellVeronica Elizabeth "Ronnie" Branning is a fictional character from the British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Samantha Womack. Ronnie and her sister Roxy were introduced by executive producer Diederick Santer in July 2007; Ronnie is the "ice" to Roxy's "fire"...
, Roxy MitchellRoxy MitchellRoxanne Lizette "Roxy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, portrayed by Rita Simons. Roxy arrived in Walford with her sister Ronnie on 24 July 2007 and decided to move permanently to Walford from Ibiza where they ran a bar together. Roxy is the younger of the two...
, Glenda MitchellGlenda MitchellThe following is a list of characters who first appeared or are due to appear in the BBC soap opera EastEnders in 2010, by order of first appearance...
, Peggy MitchellPeggy MitchellMargaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by...
and Olive Woodhouse (20 July 2010)
In June 2010, scenes were filmed on location inside a wedding dress shop in Muswell Hill
Muswell Hill
Muswell Hill is a suburb of north London, mostly in the London Borough of Haringey. It is situated about north of Charing Cross and around from the City of London. Muswell Hill is in the N10 postal district and mostly in the Hornsey and Wood Green parliamentary constituency.- History :The...
, North London.
- Lisa FowlerLisa FowlerLisa Deborah Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lucy Benjamin from 1998 to 2003 and in 2010. Lisa was instrumental in one of EastEnders most highly publicised and anticipated storylines, dubbed Who Shot Phil? in 2001, where she gunned down her former...
, Peggy MitchellPeggy MitchellMargaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by...
, Pat EvansPat EvansPatricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
, Louise Mitchell and Phil MitchellPhil MitchellPhilip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
(5–6 August 2010)
External scenes were filmed outside a house at an unknown location. Phil only appeared on 6 August in this scene.
- Janine Malloy, Ryan MalloyRyan MalloyRyan Malloy is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Neil McDermott. From his arrival on 28 April 2009, the character remained a mystery in the show for a number of months until he was revealed as the half brother of established character Whitney Dean...
and Lily Branning (29 October, 1 November 2010)
Scenes on the railway were filmed on location but a green screen was used.
2011
- Rob Grayson, Whitney DeanWhitney DeanWhitney Dean is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera EastEnders, played by Shona McGarty. The character is the adoptive daughter of long-running character Bianca Jackson , and was introduced in April 2008 when Palmer returned to the series after a six year absence...
, Lauren BranningLauren BranningLauren Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She first appeared in the show on 3 July 2006 played by Madeline Duggan, was absent from 23 June to 27 September 2010, and returned as played by Jacqueline Jossa.-Storylines:...
and Janine Malloy (15–18 March)
Scenes are set in Dartford
Dartford
Dartford is the principal town in the borough of Dartford. It is situated in the northwest corner of Kent, England, east south-east of central London....
when Whitney is sexually exploited by Rob. Lauren and Janine only appear on 15 and 17 March.
- Dot BranningDot BranningDorothy "Dot" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by June Brown since 1985. In a special episode entitled EastEnders: Dot's Story a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in flashbacks. Dot first appeared in EastEnders in July 1985 as the mother of...
and Rose; Ryan MalloyRyan MalloyRyan Malloy is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Neil McDermott. From his arrival on 28 April 2009, the character remained a mystery in the show for a number of months until he was revealed as the half brother of established character Whitney Dean...
, Whitney DeanWhitney DeanWhitney Dean is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera EastEnders, played by Shona McGarty. The character is the adoptive daughter of long-running character Bianca Jackson , and was introduced in April 2008 when Palmer returned to the series after a six year absence...
, FatboyFatboy (EastEnders)Arthur "Fatboy" Chubb is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders and its Internet spin-off EastEnders: E20, played by Ricky Norwood. He made his first appearance in EastEnders on 5 January 2010 before appearing in the spin-off...
and Rob Grayson; Heather Trott, Shirley Carter and Andrew
Scenes with Dot and Rose were filmed on a beach in Thorpe Bay
Thorpe Bay
Thorpe Bay is an affluent area within the Borough of Southend-on-Sea in Essex, England, situated on the Thames Estuary.Thorpe Bay is situated within the Southend ward of Thorpe. It is around 4 miles to the east of Southend. Originally the area was called Thorpe, but was renamed Thorpe Bay after its...
near Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea is a unitary authority area, town, and seaside resort in Essex, England. The district has Borough status, and comprises the towns of Chalkwell, Eastwood, Leigh-on-Sea, North Shoebury, Prittlewell, Shoeburyness, Southchurch, Thorpe Bay, and Westcliff-on-Sea. The district is situated...
in Essex. Ryan discovers his sister Whitney is working as a prostitute and tracks down Rob, her pimp. Scenes were filmed on a pier in Southend-on-Sea. During filming, a stuntman was injured when a gust of wind threw him off balanace and he fell onto rocks. Meanwhile, Heather and Shirley go to a music festival where they meet Andrew. These scenes were also filmed on the Essex coast.