EastEnders is a British television institution that has had a significant impact on the country’s cultural landscape since its debut in 1985. The show, set in the fictional London borough of Walford, has become a household name and a mainstay of British television with its gritty portrayal of working-class life, diverse cast, and willingness to tackle difficult social issues. Over the years, EastEnders has captured the hearts of millions of viewers and has left an indelible mark on British television. It has even found an audience outside of the UK and remains popular in the USA and other former British colonies.

Key Facts

• EastEnders is the longest-running soap opera on BBC television, having first aired on February 19, 1985.
• The show has had over 6,000 episodes, and its 35th-anniversary episode, which aired in February 2020, was a live one.
• The “Who Shot Phil?” storyline in 2001 drew in an audience of over 22 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television episodes in British history.
• Over the years, EastEnders has won numerous awards, including seven BAFTAs and 14 National Television Awards.
• The show has introduced several iconic characters over the years, including Dot Cotton, Peggy Mitchell, and Pat Butcher, who have become household names in the UK.

A Brief History of EastEnders

EastEnders is a British soap opera that first aired on the BBC in 1985 and has since become one of the most popular and influential TV shows in the country. Set in the fictional east London borough of Walford, the show follows the lives of a diverse group of characters and has tackled numerous social issues over the years.

The show was created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland, and was originally intended as a rival to the long-running ITV soap Coronation Street. However, EastEnders quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, thanks to its gritty, realistic portrayal of life in a working-class London community.

Right from the start, EastEnders was known for its controversial storylines and its willingness to tackle taboo subjects. In the early years, the show dealt with issues such as domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, and racism and was praised for its willingness to address these topics head-on.

Perhaps the most famous storyline in the show’s history was the “Who Shot Phil?” plot, which saw one of the show’s most popular characters, Phil Mitchell, left for dead after being shot. The mystery surrounding the identity of the shooter kept viewers on the edge of their seats for months, and the reveal episode was watched by over 22 million people.

Over the years, EastEnders has continued to push boundaries and tackle difficult issues. In recent years, the show has dealt with subjects such as mental health, homelessness, and knife crime and has been praised for its sensitive and nuanced approach to these topics.

But it’s not just the show’s controversial storylines that have made it such an important part of British culture. EastEnders has also been praised for its diverse cast, which has included actors from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This diversity has helped to make the show more representative of modern Britain and has given a platform to actors who might otherwise struggle to find work in the entertainment industry.

Another key factor in the show’s success has been its ability to capture the spirit of its setting. The fictional borough of Walford is based on the real-life East End of London, and the show’s creators have always been careful to accurately depict the area’s people and culture. From the local pubs to the market stalls, EastEnders has always felt like an authentic portrayal of life in this part of the city.

Stars Who Got Their Start

EastEnders has been a breeding ground for some of the biggest names in British film and television. Over the years, the show has served as a launching pad for many aspiring actors, giving them a platform to showcase their talents and kick-start their careers.

One of the most famous examples is Dame Barbara Windsor, who played the iconic character of Peggy Mitchell on the show. Windsor went on to have a successful career in film and television, appearing in productions such as the Carry-On films and the BBC sitcom Dad’s Army. Other notable EastEnders alumni include Ross Kemp, who played the hardman Grant Mitchell, and Letitia Dean, who played the feisty Sharon Watts. Both Kemp and Dean have gone on to have successful careers in British television, with Kemp hosting documentaries and Dean appearing in shows such as Casualty and Doctors.

Cultural Impact

Perhaps the most important legacy of EastEnders is the way it has brought important social issues into the mainstream. By tackling subjects such as racism, domestic violence, and mental health, the show has helped to raise awareness of these issues and start important conversations. It has also provided a platform for charities and organizations working in these areas to reach a wider audience and has helped to break down some of the stigma surrounding these topics.

It is said that so many people watch EastEnders every day that Britain’s electrical grid has to be managed closely before and after it starts, as the entire nation of viewers will switch on their tea kettles at the same time.

EastEnders is much more than just a TV show. It is a cultural institution that has shaped the way we think about the working-class communities of London, and has helped to raise awareness of important social issues. From its controversial storylines to its diverse cast, the show has always been at the forefront of British culture, and will no doubt continue to be for many years to come.

Places to Visit

You can get a flavor of the East End by visiting London and going on an EastEnders-related tour. The BBC does not currently offer tours of the sets (but they may in the future as Coronation Street, a competing soap, does tours).

There are plenty of places you can visit in London to get a taste of the show’s setting. One of the most iconic locations is the Queen Vic pub, which has been a fixture on the show since its early days. The exterior of the pub is located in the real-life East End neighborhood of Wapping, and fans can visit for a pint and a photo opportunity. Another must-visit location is the Bridge Street market, which has appeared on the show for many years. Located in the real-life neighborhood of Bridge Street, the market is a great place to pick up some fresh produce and soak up the local atmosphere. Other locations worth visiting include the Beale house, the Mitchell house, and the Arches garage, all of which have been featured prominently on the show over the years.

Further Research

• “EastEnders: 20 Years In Albert Square” by Rupert Smith
• “The EastEnders Handbook” by Hilary Kingsley
• “EastEnders: The Inside Story” by Emily Herbert
• “EastEnders Who’s Who” by Kate Lock
• “EastEnders: The First 10 Years” by Colin Brake
• “EastEnders: The Inside Story” by Julia Smith and Tony Holland
• “EastEnders: The Unofficial Companion” by Tony Holland and Julia Smith
• “EastEnders: The Inside Story” by Sharon Marshall
• “EastEnders: The Official Handbook” by David Stafford
• “The EastEnders Family Album” by Hilary Kingsley.