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| language = English
| num_series = <!-- Please do not add a series number, as EastEnders is a continuous production broadcast all year round -->
| num_episodes = 6,
| executive_producer = [[List of EastEnders crew members#Executive producers|Various]] (currently
| producer = [[List of EastEnders crew members#Series producers|Various]] (currently Sharon Batten; series producer)
| location = [[BBC Elstree Centre]]
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The show's first episode attracted some 17{{nbsp}}million viewers, and it continued to attract high viewing figures from then on.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/feb/08/eastenders-bbc-25-years | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Dan | last=Sabbagh | title=Is EastEnders the lifeblood of the BBC? | date=8 February 2010}}</ref> By Christmas 1985, the tabloids could not get enough of the soap. "Exclusives" about ''EastEnders'' storylines and the actors on the show became a staple of tabloid buyers' daily reading.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/feb/15/30-years-eastenders-plots-characters-moments|title=EastEnders: 30 years of booze, fights and faaaamily|work=[[The Guardian]]|first1=Hannah|first2=Stuart|first3=Michael|last1=Verdier|last2=Jeffries|last3=Hogan|date=15 February 2015}}</ref>
In 1987, the show featured the first same-sex kiss on a British soap, when [[Colin Russell (EastEnders)|Colin Russell]] ([[Michael Cashman]]) kissed boyfriend [[Barry Clark (EastEnders)|Barry
Writer [[Colin Brake]] suggested that 1989 was a year of big change for ''EastEnders'', both behind the cameras and in front of them. Original production designer Keith Harris left the show, and Holland and Smith both decided that the time had come to move on too, their final contribution coinciding with the exit of one of ''EastEnders''' most successful characters, Den Watts ([[Leslie Grantham]]).<ref name="first10years" /> Producer [[Mike Gibbon]] was given the task of running the show, and he enlisted the most experienced writers to take over the storylining of the programme, including Charlie Humphreys, Jane Hollowood and [[Tony McHale]].<ref name="First10Years p70" />
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A new era began in 1990, with the introduction of [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]) and [[Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)|Grant Mitchell]] ([[Ross Kemp]])—the Mitchell brothers—successful characters who would go on to dominate the soap thereafter.<ref name="First10Years p91">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=91}}</ref> As the new production team cleared the way for new characters and a new direction, all of the characters introduced under Gibbon were axed from the show at the start of the year.<ref name="First10Years p90">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=90}}</ref> Ferguson introduced other characters and was responsible for storylines including HIV, Alzheimer's disease and murder. After a successful revamp of the soap, Ferguson decided to leave ''EastEnders'' in July 1991.<ref name="First10Years p100">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=100}}</ref> Ferguson was succeeded by both [[Leonard Lewis]] and [[Helen Greaves]], who initially shared the role as Executive Producer for ''EastEnders''.<ref name="First10Years p104">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=104}}</ref> Lewis and Greaves formulated a new regime for ''EastEnders'', giving the writers of the serial more authority in storyline progression, with the script department providing "guidance rather than prescriptive episode storylines".<ref name="first10years" /> By the end of 1992, Greaves had left, and Lewis became executive and series producer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://catalogue.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/programme/LDSC832L |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709155217/http://catalogue.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/programme/LDSC832L |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 July 2012 |title=EASTENDERS: 11 February 1993 |publisher=catalogue.bbc.co.uk |access-date=27 September 2007 }}</ref> He left ''EastEnders'' in 1994 after the BBC controllers demanded an extra episode a week, taking its weekly airtime from 60 to 90 minutes.<ref name="guardian">{{cite news|url= http://arts.guardian.co.uk/news/obituary/0,,1683678,00.html |title= Leonard Lewis|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] | author = Alan Plater | date = 11 January 2006| access-date=1 October 2007 | location=London}}</ref> Lewis felt that producing an hour of "reasonable quality drama" a week was the maximum that any broadcasting system could generate without loss of integrity.<ref name="guardian" /> Having set up the transition to the new schedule, the first trio of episodes—dubbed [[The Queen Victoria|The Vic]] siege—marked Lewis's departure from the programme.<ref name="First10Years p129">{{Harvnb|Brake|1995|p=129}}</ref> [[Barbara Emile]] then became the Executive Producer of ''EastEnders'',<ref>"[https://archive.today/20120708085230/http://catalogue.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/programme/LDSE135S EASTENDERS]", BBC. Retrieved 11 November 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://www.wgazette.com/sum00-yorkepaul.html John Yorke – The New EE Boss] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212842/http://wgazette.com/sum00-yorkepaul.html |date=3 March 2016 }}", Walford Gazette. Retrieved 11 November 2007.</ref> remaining with ''EastEnders'' until early 1995. She was succeeded by [[Corinne Hollingworth]].
Hollingworth's contributions to the soap were awarded in 1997 when ''EastEnders'' won the [[British Academy Television Award|BAFTA]] for Best Drama Series. Hollingworth shared the award with the next Executive Producer, [[Jane Harris (producer)|Jane Harris]].<ref name="baf">"[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0391158/awards IMDb awards]", IMDb. Retrieved 6 May 2007.</ref> Harris was responsible for the critically panned [[EastEnders episodes in Ireland|Ireland episodes]] and [[Cindy Beale]]'s ([[Michelle Collins]]) attempted assassination of [[Ian Beale]] ([[Adam Woodyatt]]), which brought in an audience of 23 million in 1996, roughly four million more than ''Coronation Street''.<ref name="family">"[http://news.independent.co.uk/media/article264624.ece It's got murder, a stalker, incest (kind of), and bulimia. What more]{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}", [[The Independent]]. Retrieved 6 May 2007.</ref><ref>"[https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-61058550 WHAT A LOAD OF PORK PIES; Ireland's full of drunkards, dimwits and donkeys according to EastEnders]{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}", ''The Mirror''. Retrieved 18 July 2007.</ref> In 1998 [[Matthew Robinson (producer)|Matthew Robinson]] was appointed as the Executive Producer of ''EastEnders''. During his reign, ''EastEnders'' won the [[British Academy Television Award|BAFTA]] for "[[British Academy Television Award for Best Soap and Continuing Drama|Best Soap]]" in consecutive years 1999 and 2000 and many other awards. Robinson also earned tabloid soubriquet "Axeman of Albert Square" after sacking a large number of characters in one hit, and several more thereafter. In their place, Robinson introduced new long-running characters including [[Mel Owen|Melanie Healy]] ([[Tamzin Outhwaite]]), [[Jamie Mitchell]] ([[Jack Ryder (actor)|Jack Ryder]]), [[Lisa Fowler|Lisa Shaw]] ([[Lucy Benjamin]]), [[Steve Owen (EastEnders)|Steve Owen]] ([[Martin Kemp]]) and [[Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)|Billy Mitchell]] ([[Perry Fenwick]]).
=== 2000s ===
[[John Yorke (television producer)|John Yorke]] became the Executive Producer of ''EastEnders'' in 2000. Yorke was given the task of introducing the soap's fourth weekly episode. He axed the majority of the Di Marco family, except [[Beppe di Marco]] ([[Michael Greco (actor)|Michael Greco]]), and helped introduce popular characters such as the [[Slater family (EastEnders)|Slater family]]. As what [[Mal Young]] described as "two of ''EastEnders''' most successful years", Yorke was responsible for highly rated storylines such as "[[Who Shot Phil?]]", [[Ethel Skinner]]'s ([[Gretchen Franklin]]) death, [[Jim Branning]] ([[John Bardon]]) and [[Dot Cotton]]'s ([[June Brown]]) marriage, [[Trevor Morgan (EastEnders)|Trevor Morgan]]'s ([[Alex Ferns]]) domestic abuse of his wife [[Little Mo Mitchell|Little Mo Morgan]] ([[Kacey Ainsworth]]), and [[Kat Slater]]'s ([[Jessie Wallace]]) revelation to her daughter [[Zoe Slater]] ([[Michelle Ryan]]) that she was her mother.
In 2002, [[Louise Berridge]] succeeded Yorke as the Executive Producer. During her time at ''EastEnders'', Berridge introduced popular characters such as [[Alfie Moon]] ([[Shane Richie]]), [[Dennis Rickman]] ([[Nigel Harman]]),<ref name="Berridge exit">{{cite web|title=Louise Berridge steps down as Executive Producer of EastEnders|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2004/09_september/21/berridge.shtml|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=1 May 2017|date=21 September 2004}}</ref> [[Chrissie Watts]] ([[Tracy-Ann Oberman]]), [[Jane Beale]] ([[Laurie Brett]]), [[Stacey Slater]] ([[Lacey Turner]])<ref name="Louise Berridge Interview">{{cite web|title=Ellie caught up with the former Executive Producer to talk EastEnders and find out what Louise has got up to since leaving the show|url=http://walfordweb.com/blog/entry/3788441/635468/|publisher=walfordweb.com|access-date=28 May 2017|date=3 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519090209/http://walfordweb.com/blog/entry/3788441/635468|archive-date=19 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the critically panned Indian [[Ferreira family]].<ref name="guard">{{cite news|url= https://www.theguardian.com/media/2004/sep/21/broadcasting.bbc|title= EastEnders chief steps down|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] | date = 21 September 2004| access-date=18 March 2008 | location=London | first=John | last=Plunkett}}</ref>
Berridge was responsible for some ratings success stories, such as Alfie and [[Kat Slater]]'s ([[Jessie Wallace]]) relationship, [[Janine Butcher]] ([[Charlie Brooks]]) getting her comeuppance, [[Trevor Morgan (EastEnders)|Trevor Morgan]] ([[Alex Ferns]]) and [[Jamie Mitchell]]'s ([[Jack Ryder (actor)|Jack Ryder]]) death storylines and the return of one of the greatest soap icons, [[Den Watts]] ([[Leslie Grantham]]), who had been presumed dead for 14 years. His return in late 2003 was watched by over 16 million viewers, putting ''EastEnders'' back at number one in the rating war with the ''Coronation Street''; however, other storylines, such as one about a kidney transplant involving the Ferreiras, were not well received,<ref name="guard" /> and although Den
On 21 September 2004, Berridge quit as executive producer of ''EastEnders'' following continued criticism of the show. [[Kathleen Hutchison]] was swiftly appointed as the Executive Producer of ''EastEnders'', and was tasked with quickly turning the fortunes of the soap. During her time at the soap Hutchison axed multiple characters, and reportedly ordered the rewriting of numerous scripts. Newspapers reported on employee dissatisfaction with Hutchison's tenure at ''EastEnders''.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article508117.ece | work=The Times | location=London | title=Stop the Week Shock exchange Last orders at the Vic | date=30 January 2005 | access-date=4 May 2010 | first1=Graham | last1=Hutson | first2=Mal | last2=Siret}}</ref> In January 2005, Hutchison left the soap and John Yorke (who by this time, was the BBC Controller of Continuing Drama Series) took total control of the show himself and became acting Executive Producer for a short period, before appointing [[Kate Harwood]] to the role.<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC appoints new Executive Producer for EastEnders|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/02_february/24/harwood.shtml|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=5 May 2017|date=24 February 2005}}</ref> Harwood stayed at ''EastEnders'' for 20 months before being promoted by the BBC. The highly anticipated return of [[Ross Kemp]] as [[Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)|Grant Mitchell]] in October 2005 proved to be a sudden major ratings success, with the first two episodes consolidating to ratings of 13.21 to 13.34 million viewers.<ref name="pressofficereturn">"[https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/05_may/22/kemp.shtml Ross Kemp signs to EastEnders]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed on 24 February 2007.</ref><ref>"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4390380.stm Kemp's EastEnders return extended]", ''BBC''. URL last accessed on 24 February 2007.</ref> On Friday 11 November 2005, ''EastEnders'' was the first British drama to feature a two-minute silence.<ref>"[https://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/eastenders/episodes/episode_content/episode20051111.shtml Alfie accepts Nana's fate] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106021016/http://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/eastenders/episodes/episode_content/episode20051111.shtml |date=6 November 2012 }}" Retrieved 24 September 2006</ref> This episode later went on to win [[British Soap Award]] for "Best Single Episode".<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds21077.html British Soap Awards 2005 – The Winners] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060204072926/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds21077.html |date=4 February 2006 }}" Retrieved 24 September 2006</ref> In October 2006, [[Diederick Santer]] took over as Executive Producer of ''EastEnders''. He introduced several characters to the show, including [[Minority group|ethnic minority]] and [[homosexual]] characters to make the show
On 2 March 2007, BBC signed a deal with Google to put videos on YouTube. A behind the scenes video of ''EastEnders'', hosted by [[Matt Di Angelo]], who played [[Deano Wicks]] on the show, was put on the site the same day,<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVrzGOoQf5Q Behind The Scenes on EastEnders]", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 6 March 2007.</ref> and was followed by another on 6 March 2007.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RULI2afa_Rk&mode=related&search= BBC One – EastEnders – Down Memory Lane with Matt Di Angelo", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 2007-04-23.]</ref> In April 2007, ''EastEnders'' became available to view on [[mobile phone]]s, via [[3G]] technology, for [[3 (company)|3]], [[Vodafone UK|Vodafone]] and [[Orange UK|Orange]] customers.<ref>"[http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/7202/8226/doctor-who-mobile-phone-bbc.phtml Doctor Who episodes coming to your mobile phone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070408171903/http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/7202/8226/doctor-who-mobile-phone-bbc.phtml |date=8 April 2007 }}", ''pocket-lint.co.uk''. Retrieved 30 March 2007.</ref> On 21 April 2007, the BBC launched a new advertising campaign using the slogan "There's more to ''EastEnders''".<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a45679/eastenders-new-tv-promo.html "EastEnders" new TV promo] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070428044118/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/a45679/eastenders-new-tv-promo.html |date=28 April 2007 }}", ''Digital Spy''. Retrieved 29 April 2007.</ref> The first television advert showed Dot Branning with a refugee baby, [[Tomas Covalenco|Tomas]], whom she took in under the pretence of being her grandson.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWAGZFQA_7I Eastenders – Dot's baby]", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 23 April 2007.</ref> The second and third featured Stacey Slater and Dawn Swann, respectively.<ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y00_LCq3MsI BBC One – EastEnders – Stacey's Trail]", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 29 April 2007.</ref><ref>"[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_XS7pHivvk Eastenders – Rob and Dawn]", ''YouTube''. Retrieved 29 April 2007.</ref> There have also been adverts in magazines and on radio.
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From 4 February 2010, [[computer-generated imagery|CGI]] was used in the show for the first time, with the addition of computer-generated trains.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/2010/02/get-your-anoraks-on-trains-are.shtml|title=Get your anoraks on... trains are coming!|work=[[BBC Online]]|date=3 February 2010|access-date=4 February 2010}}</ref>
{{anchor|25th anniversary}}''EastEnders'' celebrated its 25th anniversary on 19 February 2010. Santer came up with several plans to mark the occasion, including the show's first [[EastEnders Live|episode to be broadcast live]], the second wedding between [[Ricky Butcher]] ([[Sid Owen]]) and [[Bianca Jackson]] ([[Patsy Palmer]]) and the return of Bianca's relatives, mother [[Carol Jackson]] ([[Lindsey Coulson]]), and siblings [[Robbie Jackson]] ([[Dean Gaffney]]), [[Sonia Fowler]] ([[Natalie Cassidy]]) and [[Billie Jackson]] ([[Devon Anderson]]). He told entertainment website [[Digital Spy]], "It's really important that the feel of the week is active and exciting and not too reflective. There'll be those moments for some of our longer-serving characters that briefly reflect on themselves and how they've changed. The characters don't know that it's the 25th anniversary of anything, so it'd be absurd to contrive too many situations in which they're reflective on the past. The main engine of that week is great stories that'll get people talking."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/scoop/a189597/eastenders-exec-teases-2010-storylines.html|title='EastEnders' exec teases 2010 storylines|website=[[Digital Spy]]|first=Kris|last=Green|date=17 December 2009|access-date=17 December 2009|archive-date=18 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118071756/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/scoop/a189597/eastenders-exec-teases-2010-storylines.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The live episode featured the death of [[Bradley Branning]] ([[Charlie Clements]]) at the conclusion of the "[[Who Killed Archie?]]" storyline, which saw Bradley's wife [[Stacey Slater]] ([[Lacey Turner]]) reveal that she was the murderer. Viewing figures peaked at 16.6 million, which was the highest viewed episode in seven years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8526006.stm|title=Live EastEnders watched by 16.6m|work=[[BBC News Online]]|date=20 February 2010|access-date=20 February 2010}}</ref> Other events to mark the anniversary were a spin-off DVD, ''EastEnders: Last Tango in Walford'', and an Internet spin-off, ''[[EastEnders: E20]]''.
[[File:Bryan Kirkwood.jpg|thumb|Bryan Kirkwood, executive producer (2010–2012)|alt=refer to caption]]
Santer officially left ''EastEnders'' in March 2010, and was replaced by [[Bryan Kirkwood]]. Kirkwood's first signing was the reintroduction of characters [[Alfie Moon]] ([[Shane Richie]]) and [[Kat Slater|Kat Moon]] ([[Jessie Wallace]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a202145/jessie-wallace-returns-to-eastenders.html|title=Jessie Wallace returns to 'EastEnders'|website=[[Digital Spy]]|date=9 February 2010|access-date=9 February 2010|first=Kris|last=Green|archive-date=10 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100210022633/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a202145/jessie-wallace-returns-to-eastenders.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and his first new character was [[Vanessa Gold]], played by [[Zöe Lucker]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a209768/zoe-lucker-joins-eastenders.html|title=Zoe Lucker joins 'EastEnders'|last=Green|first=Kris|date=20 March 2010|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=20 March 2010|archive-date=23 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323082207/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a209768/zoe-lucker-joins-eastenders.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In April and May 2010, Kirkwood axed eight characters from the show,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a214903/six-characters-to-leave-eastenders.html|title=Six characters to leave 'EastEnders'|last=Green|first=Kris|date=17 April 2010|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=16 April 2010|archive-date=18 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418210141/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a214903/six-characters-to-leave-eastenders.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a219224/leon-zsa-zsa-to-leave-eastenders.html|title=Exclusive: Leon, Zsa Zsa to leave 'EastEnders'|last=Green|first=Kris|date=11 May 2010|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=10 May 2010|archive-date=14 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514142428/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a219224/leon-zsa-zsa-to-leave-eastenders.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Barbara Windsor]] left her role of [[Peggy Mitchell]], which left a hole in the show, which Kirkwood decided to fill by bringing back Kat and Alfie, which he said would "herald the new era of ''EastEnders''."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/2010/09/bryan-kirkwood-interview.shtml|title=Bryan Kirkwood interview!|date=8 September 2010|first=Joe|last=Harper|work=[[BBC Online]]|format=video|access-date=9 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a275070/enders-boss-teases-spectacular-fire-ep.html|title='Enders boss teases "spectacular" fire ep|last=Kilkelly|first=Daniel|date=9 September 2010|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hachette Filipacchi UK]]|access-date=9 September 2010|location=London|archive-date=10 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100910110728/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s2/eastenders/news/a275070/enders-boss-teases-spectacular-fire-ep.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''EastEnders'' started broadcasting in [[High-definition television|high definition]] on 25 December 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/2010/10/eastenders-to-go-hd-on-christm.shtml|title=EastEnders to go HD on Christmas Day!|last=Lou|date=21 October 2010|work=[[BBC Online]]|access-date=21 October 2010}}</ref> Old sets had to be rebuilt, so [[The Queen Victoria]] set was [[Queen Vic Fire Week|burnt down]] in a storyline (and in reality) to facilitate this.
In November 2011, a storyline showed character [[Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)|Billy Mitchell]], played by [[Perry Fenwick]], selected to be a torch bearer for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]]. In reality, Fenwick carried the torch through the setting of Albert Square, with live footage shown in the [[Episode 4466|episode on 23 July 2012]]. This was the second live broadcast of ''EastEnders''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a628985/corrie-eastenders-emmerdale-which-soap-had-the-best-live-special/|title=Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale: Which soap had the best live special?|access-date=27 January 2021|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=15 February 2015}}</ref> In 2012, Kirkwood chose to leave his role as executive producer and was replaced by [[Lorraine Newman]]. The show lost many of its significant characters during this period. Newman stepped down as executive producer after 16 months in the job in 2013 after the soap was criticised for its boring storylines and its lowest-ever figures pointing at around 4.8 million.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Owoseje|first1=Toyin|title=EastEnders Boss Lorraine Newman Quits As Soap's Ratings Plummet|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/eastenders-boss-lorraine-newman-quits-bbc-soap-495585|website=[[International Business Times]]|access-date=1 May 2017|date=30 July 2013}}</ref> [[Dominic Treadwell-Collins]] was appointed as the new executive producer on 19 August 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/dominictc/status/368410124937101312 |title=Twitter / dominictc: Had an amazing three years|publisher=Twitter.com |access-date=2 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a537973/eastenders-new-producer-shares-gossip-and-teasers-full-text/|title=EastEnders' new producer shares gossip and teasers- full text|date=13 December 2013|access-date=2 January 2019|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|work=[[Digital Spy]]}}</ref> and was credited on 9 December.<ref>{{cite web|title=9 December 2013|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03kv3wz|publisher=[[BBC Programmes]]|access-date=1 May 2017}}</ref> He axed multiple characters from the show<ref>{{cite news|title=EastEnders to cut four stars|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/10330181/EastEnders-to-cut-four-stars.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/10330181/EastEnders-to-cut-four-stars.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=1 May 2017|date=24 September 2013|agency=Press Association}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and introduced the extended Carter family.<ref>{{cite web|title=EastEnders boss: I refuse to tick boxes on race or sexuality|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-02-02/eastenders-boss-i-refuse-to-tick-boxes-on-race-or-sexuality|publisher=[[RadioTimes]]|access-date=1 May 2017|date=2 February 2015}}</ref> He also introduced a long-running storyline, "[[Who Killed Lucy Beale?]]", which peaked during the show's 30th anniversary in 2015 with a [[EastEnders Live Week|week of live episodes]].<ref>{{cite news|title=At last: EastEnders will reveal Who Killed Lucy? in 30th anniversary show in February|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13195850.At_last__EastEnders_will_reveal_Who_Killed_Lucy__in_30th_anniversary_show_in_February/|newspaper=[[Herald Scotland]]|date=5 January 2013}}</ref> Treadwell-Collins announced his departure from ''EastEnders'' on 18 February 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/dc5a0a28-acd5-4386-9102-c311b9627eda|title=Dominic Treadwell-Collins set to depart as Executive Producer|date=18 February 2016|website=EastEnders News & Spoilers|access-date=22 August 2016}}</ref>
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It was announced on 3 June 2020 that ''EastEnders'' would go on a transmission break following the broadcast of episode 6124 on 16 June.<ref name="Hughes">{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Johnathon |title=EastEnders confirms plans for behind-the-scenes show when soap goes off air |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/soaps/eastenders/2020-06-03/eastenders-secrets-from-the-square-stacey-dooley/ |access-date=12 June 2020 |work=[[Radio Times]] |date=3 June 2020}}</ref> A [[behind-the-scenes]] show, ''EastEnders: Secrets From The Square'', will air in the show's place during the transmission break and is hosted by television personality [[Stacey Dooley]]. The first episode of the week features exclusive interviews with the show's cast, while the second episode will be a repeat of "iconic" episodes of the show.<ref name="Secrets">{{Cite press release|title=BBC One celebrates EastEnders with Secrets From The Square as well as a selection of iconic episodes from the past|date=3 June 2020|publisher=[[BBC Media Centre]]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2020/eastenders-specials|access-date=12 June 2020}}</ref> Beginning on 22 June 2020, Dooley interviews two cast members together in the show's restaurant set while observing social distancing measures.<ref name="Secrets" /> Kate Phillips, the controller of [[BBC Entertainment]], explained that ''EastEnders: Secrets From The Square'' would be the "perfect opportunity to celebrate the show" in the absence of the show.<ref name="Secrets" /> [[Jon Sen]], the show's [[executive producer]], expressed his excitement at the new series, dubbing it "a unique opportunity to see from the cast themselves just what it is like to be part of ''EastEnders''".<ref name="Secrets" />
Plans for the show's return to transmission were announced on 12 June 2020. It was confirmed that after the transmission break, the show would temporarily broadcast four 20-minute episodes per week, until it
On 9 April 2021, following the [[Death and funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|death]] of [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh]], the episode of ''EastEnders'' that was due to be aired that night was postponed along with the final of ''[[MasterChef (British TV series)|Masterchef]]''.<ref name="Postpone">{{Cite news |last=Toufexi |first=Ioanna |date=9 April 2021 |title=Eastenders, Masterchef and Emmerdale all cancelled tonight after death of Prince Philip |work=[[Cambridge News]] |url=https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/eastenders-masterchef-emmerdale-cancelled-tonight-20352972 |access-date=13 April 2021}}</ref> In May 2021, it was announced that from 14 June 2021, boxsets of episodes would be uploaded to [[BBC iPlayer]] each Monday for three weeks. Executive producer Sen explained that the bi-annual scheduling conflicts that the [[UEFA European Championship]] and the [[FIFA World Cup]] cause to the soap, premiering four episodes on the streaming service would be beneficial for fans of the show who want to watch at their own chosen pace. Sen also confirmed that the episodes will still air on BBC One throughout the week.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderton |first1=Joe |title=EastEnders to release episodes early on iPlayer for the first time ever |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a36578485/eastenders-release-episodes-early-bbc-iplayer/|access-date=30 May 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=31 May 2021}}</ref> The release of these boxsets was extended for a further five weeks, due to similar impacts caused by the [[2020 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Seddon |first1=Dan |title=EastEnders to continue releasing episodes early as box set experiment is extended |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a36913662/eastenders-episodes-box-set-bbc-iplayer-extension/|access-date=12 October 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=2 July 2021}}</ref>
On 12 October 2021, it was announced that ''EastEnders'' would partake in a special week-long crossover event involving multiple British soaps to promote the topic of [[climate change]] ahead of the [[2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Soaps unite to help highlight climate change |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/soaps-unite-to-help-highlight-climate-change |website=[[BBC Media Centre]] |access-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012224658/https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2021/soaps-unite-to-help-highlight-climate-change |archive-date=12 October 2021 |date=12 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Casualty, Coronation Street, Eastenders, Emmerdale and Holby City to highlight climate change |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2021-10-12/why-eastenders-and-coronation-street-fans-will-see-characters-from-other-soaps |access-date=12 October 2021 |publisher=[[ITV News]] |date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012225151/https://www.itv.com/news/2021-10-12/why-eastenders-and-coronation-street-fans-will-see-characters-from-other-soaps |archive-date=12 October 2021}}</ref> During the week, beginning from 1 November, a social media clip featuring [[Maria Connor]] ([[Samia Longchambon]]) from ''Coronation Street'' was featured on the programme while [[Cindy Cunningham]] ([[Stephanie Waring]]) from ''[[Hollyoaks]]'' was also referenced.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=EastEnders references Coronation Street storyline as Bailey goes viral |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38131820/eastenders-coronation-street-reference-november-2/ |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102234413/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38131820/eastenders-coronation-street-reference-november-2/ |archive-date=2 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harp |first1=Justin |title=EastEnders references Hollyoaks as Cindy Cunningham goes viral |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38163351/eastenders-spoilers-hollyoaks-crossover-cindy-cunningham/ |access-date=5 November 2021 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=4 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105235305/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a38163351/eastenders-spoilers-hollyoaks-crossover-cindy-cunningham/ |archive-date=5 November 2021}}</ref> Similar clips featuring the show's own characters,
In November 2021, it was announced that Sen would step down from his role as executive producer, and would be succeeded by former story producer [[Chris Clenshaw]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/eastenders-exec-jon-sen-to-step-down-replaced-by-chris-clenshaw-1234872809/|title="EastEnders" Exec Jon Sen to Step Down, Replaced by Chris Clenshaw|date = 12 November 2021}}</ref> Sen's final credited episode as executive producer was broadcast on 10 March 2022 and coincided in a week of episodes that saw the arrest of serial killer [[Gray Atkins]] ([[Toby-Alexander Smith]]).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harp |first1=Justin |title=EastEnders airs big change for new episodes |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a39442074/eastenders-spoilers-jon-sen-final-episodes-producer/ |access-date=3 June 2022 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=([[Hearst Communications]])}}</ref> From the week commencing on 7 March 2022, the show has been broadcast every weekday from Monday to Thursday in a 7:30 pm slot, making it the first time in the show's history that the programme began airing permanently on Wednesdays.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-schedule-changes-newsupdate/|title = EastEnders schedule changes to begin next month}}</ref> On 2 June 2022, ''EastEnders'' aired an episode celebrating the [[Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II]]. [[Charles III|Charles, Prince of Wales]] and [[Queen Camilla|Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]] guest starred in the episode; it also marked the first executive producer credit for Clenshaw.<ref>{{cite news |title=EastEnders celebrates the Jubilee with a special royal theme tune in the end credits |url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/eastenders-jubilee-theme-tune |access-date=3 June 2022 |work=[[BBC]]}}</ref> Clenshaw's first major decision as executive producer was the axing of five series regulars: [[Peter Beale]] ([[Dayle Hudson]]), [[Stuart Highway (EastEnders)|Stuart Highway]] ([[Ricky Champ]]), [[Jada Lennox]] (Kelsey Calladine-Smith), [[Dana Monroe]] (Barbara Smith) and [[Lola Pearce]] ([[Danielle Harold]]). Viewers criticised the decision, feeling that some of the characters had potential to add to the soap.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lindsay |first1=Duncan |title='Why!?' EastEnders fans stunned by five sudden exits – and some have hit hard |url=https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/10/eastenders-fans-are-stunned-as-stuart-lola-and-dana-leave-16807844/ |access-date=10 June 2022 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |publisher=([[DMG Media]]) |date=10 June 2022}}</ref> Clenshaw has since overseen the returns of [[Alfie Moon]] ([[Shane Richie]]) and [[Yolande Trueman]] ([[Angela Wynter]]), the recast of [[Amy Mitchell]] ([[Ellie Dadd]]), as well as the reintroduction of [[Cindy Beale]] ([[Michelle Collins]]), who returned from the dead after 25 years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alfie Moon is on his way home to EastEnders |url=https://bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/alfie-moon-is-on-his-way-home-eastenders |website=[[BBC Media Centre]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=8 July 2022 |archive-date=12 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912202152/https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2022/alfie-moon-is-on-his-way-home-eastenders |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders 2023 summer preview: 5 spoilers from Chris Clenshaw |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-2023-summer-preview-chris-clenshaw-spoilers/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=24 June 2023 |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724202718/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-2023-summer-preview-chris-clenshaw-spoilers/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals summer storylines – and a flashforward clue |url=https://digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a44312617/eastenders-spoilers-summer-storylines-flashforward-clue/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=24 June 2023 |archive-date=25 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725051033/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a44312617/eastenders-spoilers-summer-storylines-flashforward-clue/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw explains huge return twist |url=https://digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a44279986/eastenders-spoilers-chris-clenshaw-cindy-beale-return/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=21 June 2023 |archive-date=21 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821221824/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a44279986/eastenders-spoilers-chris-clenshaw-cindy-beale-return/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw reveals impact of Cindy return on Knights |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-chris-clenshaw-cindy-return-impact-newsupdate/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=24 June 2023 |archive-date=24 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724202717/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-chris-clenshaw-cindy-return-impact-newsupdate/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Public opinion on Clenshaw then changed and he has been credited for improving ratings and garnering critical acclaim for the soap, with ''EastEnders'' winning the award for [[Best British Soap]] at the [[2023 British Soap Awards]] and the award for Serial Drama at the [[28th National Television Awards]] under his leadership.<ref>{{cite web |title=Why EastEnders is finally back to being the best soap on TV |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-is-finally-back-comment/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=10 February 2023 |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902183412/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-is-finally-back-comment/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders wins Best Serial Drama at NTAs 2023 |url=https://digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a45013116/eastenders-best-serial-drama-ntas-2023/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=5 September 2023 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906122635/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a45013116/eastenders-best-serial-drama-ntas-2023/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=BBC EastEnders fans want show boss 'knighted' as two more characters return after Cindy and Ian Beale comeback |url=https://walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/bbc-eastenders-fans-want-show-27182751.amp |website=[[WalesOnline]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=23 June 2023 |archive-date=30 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630002719/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/tv/bbc-eastenders-fans-want-show-27182751.amp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Danielle Harold praises EastEnders boss for Lola's emotional exit |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-danielle-harold-lola-chris-clenshaw-exit-newsupdate/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |date=27 May 2023 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906025108/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-danielle-harold-lola-chris-clenshaw-exit-newsupdate/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw explains the "Knight in Shining Armour" |url=https://radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-chris-clenshaw-knight-shining-armour-newsupdate/ |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=12 September 2023 |archive-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622140902/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-spoilers-chris-clenshaw-knight-shining-armour-newsupdate/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Setting ==
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''EastEnders'' has an emphasis on strong family [[matriarch]]s, with examples including [[Pauline Fowler]] ([[Wendy Richard]]) and [[Peggy Mitchell]] ([[Barbara Windsor]]), helping to attract a female audience. [[John Yorke (producer)|John Yorke]], the former BBC's head of drama production, put this down to Tony Holland's "gay sensibility, which showed a love for strong women".<ref name="Lifeblood" /> The matriarchal role is one that has been seen in various reincarnations since the programme's inception, often depicted as the centre of the family unit.<ref name="20years p55">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|p=55}}</ref> The original matriarch was [[Lou Beale]] ([[Anna Wing]]), though later examples include [[Mo Harris]] ([[Laila Morse]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/review/eastenders/|title=EastEnders|last=Dougan|first=John|date=19 August 2002|website=PopMatters|access-date=19 January 2013}}</ref> [[Pat Butcher]] ([[Pam St Clement]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/eastenders-matriarch-for-xmas-exit-525722.html|title='EastEnders' matriarch for Xmas exit|date=25 October 2011|publisher=BreakingNews.ie|access-date=19 January 2013}}</ref> [[Zainab Masood]] ([[Nina Wadia]]),<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1239566/EastEnders-spoilers-Zainab-Masood-Nina-Wadia-return-anniversary-boat-death-BBC-video/|title=EastEnders spoilers: Beloved resident returns as former star drops huge hint?|work=[[Daily Express]]|access-date=13 February 2020|archive-date=13 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213021647/https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1239566/EastEnders-spoilers-Zainab-Masood-Nina-Wadia-return-anniversary-boat-death-BBC-video|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Cora Cross]] ([[Ann Mitchell]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.walfordweb.co.uk/ww/spotlight/4108/exclusive-qa-bryan-kirkwood |title=Exclusive: Q&A with Bryan Kirkwood |date=20 June 2011 |publisher=Walford Web |access-date=19 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930053732/http://www.walfordweb.co.uk/ww/spotlight/4108/exclusive-qa-bryan-kirkwood |archive-date=30 September 2012 }}</ref> [[Kathy Beale]] ([[Gillian Taylforth]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.entertainmentdaily.co.uk/soaps/eastenders/eastenders-iconic-character-kathy-beale-returns-looking-different/|title=EastEnders fans notice something different about Kathy Beale|first=Helen|last=Fear|date=8 February 2019|website=Entertainment Daily UK|access-date=30 June 2019}}</ref> [[Jean Slater]] ([[Gillian Wright]]),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1094046/EastEnders-spoilers-Jean-Slater-exit-homeless-cancer-plot-Gillian-Wright-Stacey-Fowler-BBC|title=EastEnders spoilers: 'Not the answer!' Jean Slater homeless in TRAGIC cancer plot twist?|first=Charlie|last=Milward|date=28 February 2019|website=Express.co.uk|access-date=30 June 2019}}</ref> and [[Suki Panesar]] ([[Balvinder Sopal]]).<ref name="Panesar matriarch" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-12-22/eastenders-casts-balvinder-sopal-as-suki-panesar/|title=EastEnders casts Balvinder Sopal as Suki Panesar|work=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=13 February 2020}}</ref> These characters are often seen as being loud and interfering but most importantly, responsible for the well-being of the family.<ref name="redpepper" />
The show often includes strong, brassy, long-suffering women who exhibit [[diva]]-like behaviour and stoically battle through an array of tragedy and misfortune.<ref name="redpepper">{{cite web|url=http://www.redpepper.org.uk/cularch/xeastend.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229113716/http://www.redpepper.org.uk/cularch/xeastend.html |archive-date=29 December 2006 |title=Square deal|publisher=Redpepper|access-date=4 November 2009}}</ref> Such characters include [[Angie Watts]] ([[Anita Dobson]]), [[Kathy Beale]] ([[Gillian Taylforth]]), [[Sharon Watts]] ([[Letitia Dean]]), [[Pat Butcher]] ([[Pam St Clement]]), [[Peggy Mitchell]] ([[Barbara Windsor]]), [[Kat Slater]] ([[Jessie Wallace]]), [[Denise Fox]] ([[Diane Parish]]), [[Tanya Branning]] ([[Jo Joyner]]) and [[Linda Carter]] ([[Kellie Bright]]). Conversely there are female characters who handle tragedy less well, depicted as eternal victims and endless sufferers, who include [[Ronnie Mitchell]] ([[Samantha Womack]]), [[Little Mo Mitchell]] ([[Kacey Ainsworth]]), [[Laura Beale]] ([[Hannah Waterman]]), [[Sue Osman]] ([[Sandy Ratcliff]]), [[Lisa Fowler]] ([[Lucy Benjamin]]), [[Mel Owen]] ([[Tamzin Outhwaite]]) and [[Rainie Cross]] ([[Tanya Franks]]). The
A gender balance in the show is maintained via the inclusion of various "macho" male personalities such as [[Phil Mitchell]] ([[Steve McFadden]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morgan |first1=Laura |title=EastEnders: Phil Mitchell's 14 most explosive feuds – ranked! |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a854131/eastenders-phil-mitchell-most-explosive-feuds/ |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=([[Hearst Communications]]) |date=6 April 2018}}</ref> [[Grant Mitchell (EastEnders)|Grant Mitchell]] ([[Ross Kemp]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dainty |first1=Sophie |title=Grant Mitchell's 9 greatest EastEnders moments, from Sharongate to kung-fu fighting |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a794267/grant-mitchells-9-greatest-eastenders-moments-from-sharongate-to-kung-fu-fighting/ |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=([[Hearst Communications]]) |date=16 May 2016}}</ref> [[Dan Sullivan (EastEnders)|Dan Sullivan]] ([[Craig Fairbrass]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morgan |first1=Sally |title=How I muscled into the Square |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Interview%3A+How+I+muscled+into+the+Square%3B+Craig+Fairbrass+talks+about...-a072206367 |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Daily Mirror]]}}</ref> and [[George Knight (EastEnders)|George Knight]] ([[Colin Salmon]]), "bad boys" such as [[Den Watts]] ([[Leslie Grantham]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lawson |first1=Mark |title=Dirty Den: how the EastEnders bad boy became the biggest soap star of them all |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/jun/15/dirty-den-leslie-grantham-eastenders-biggest-soap-star-of-them-all |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=15 June 2018}}</ref> [[Sean Slater]] ([[Robert Kazinsky]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Kris |title='Enders bad boy hits new heights |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/a95782/in-pictures-enders-bad-boy-hits-new-heights/ |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=([[Hearst Communications]]) |date=12 May 2008}}</ref> [[Michael Moon (EastEnders)|Michael Moon]] ([[Steve John Shepherd]]),<ref>{{cite news |title=EastEnders' Steve John Shepherd: Michael Moon is a psychopath |url=https://metro.co.uk/2012/03/28/eastenders-steve-john-shepherd-michael-moon-is-a-psychopath-367863/ |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |publisher=([[DMG Media]]) |date=28 March 2012}}</ref> [[Derek Branning]] ([[Jamie Foreman]]),<ref name="Derek">{{cite news |last1=Shelley |first1=Jim |title=EastEnders new bad boy Derek – the long-lost villainous brother |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-previews/eastenders-new-bad-boy-derek-95262 |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |publisher=([[Reach plc]]) |date=15 March 2012}}</ref> [[Vincent Hubbard]] ([[Richard Blackwood]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Agius |first1=Nicola |title=EastEnders bad boy Richard Blackwood reveals surprising secret of Dot Cotton actress June Brown |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/eastenders-bad-boy-richard-blackwood-8061855 |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |publisher=([[Reach plc]]) |date=27 May 2016}}</ref> and [[Ravi Gulati (EastEnders)|Ravi Gulati]] ([[Aaron Thiara]]) and "heartthrobs" such as [[Simon Wicks]] ([[Nick Berry]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brinsford |first1=James |title=EastEnders legend looks unrecognisable after quitting BBC soap 31 years ago |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/eastenders-legend-looks-unrecognisable-after-25529614 |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |publisher=([[Reach plc]]) |date=23 November 2021}}</ref> [[Joe Wicks (EastEnders)|Joe Wicks]] ([[Paul Nicholls (actor)|Paul Nicholls]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morris |first1=Grace |title=Ex EastEnders heartthrob Paul Nicholls joins exciting new BBC drama |url=https://www.whattowatch.com/news/ex-eastenders-heartthrob-paul-nicholls-joins-exciting-new-bbc-drama |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[What to Watch]] |publisher=([[Future plc]]) |date=13 June 2022}}</ref> [[Jamie Mitchell]] ([[Jack Ryder (actor)|Jack Ryder]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tutton |first1=Charlotte |title=EastEnders' Jamie Mitchell actor Jack Ryder says fame at 17 was "tough to cope with" |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/eastenders-jamie-mitchell-actor-jack-24478434 |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |publisher=([[Reach plc]]) |date=7 July 2021}}</ref> [[Dennis Rickman]] ([[Nigel Harman]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hollingsworth |first1=David |title=EastEnders heartthrob Nigel Harman reveals the behind the scenes drama over whether Dennis could punch Phil Mitchell! |url=https://www.whattowatch.com/news/eastenders-nigel-harman-meetings-over-wheter-dennis-punch-phil-mitchell-642130 |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[What to Watch]] |publisher=([[Future plc]]) |date=12 November 2020}}</ref> [[Joey Branning]] ([[David Witts]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Quinn |first1=Angie |title=ITV Manhunt: Ex-EastEnders heartthrob who played Joey Branning is starring alongside Martin Clunes in The Night Stalker |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/celebs/itv-manhunt-ex-eastenders-heartthrob-21632947 |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[MyLondon]] |publisher=([[Reach plc]]) |date=21 September 2021}}</ref> [[Kush Kazemi]] ([[Davood Ghadami]])<ref>{{cite news |title=Davood Ghadami joins "EastEnders" as new heartthrob |url=https://attitude.co.uk/article/davood-ghadami-joins-eastenders-as-new-heartthrob/3515/ |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Attitude (magazine)|Attitude]] |date=18 August 2014 |archive-date=21 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721110701/https://attitude.co.uk/article/davood-ghadami-joins-eastenders-as-new-heartthrob/3515/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Zack Hudson]] ([[James Farrar (actor)|James Farrar]]).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Highfield |first1=Anna |title= BBC EastEnders fans beg for new 'handsome heartbreaker' Zack Hudson to 'get a decent storyline' |url= https://www.mylondon.news/news/celebs/bbc-eastenders-fans-beg-new-23620913 |date=7 April 2022 |work=[[MyLondon]] |publisher=[[Reach plc]] |access-date=14 July 2024}}</ref> Another recurring male character type is the smartly dressed businessman, often involved in gang culture and crime and seen as a local authority figure. Examples include [[Steve Owen (EastEnders)|Steve Owen]] ([[Martin Kemp]]),<ref>{{cite web |title=Steve Owen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/TSgFnHjLvh2htgxNBwl2h4/steve-owen |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=21 July 2022}}</ref> [[Jack Dalton (EastEnders)|Jack Dalton]] ([[Hywel Bennett]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ali |first1=Ayaan |title=BBC EastEnders' fans switch off from gangster storyline after villain Jonah Tyler returns to Albert square |url=https://www.mylondon.news/news/tv/bbc-eastenders-fans-switch-gangster-24510598 |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[MyLondon]] |publisher=([[Reach plc]]) |date=16 July 2022}}</ref> [[Andy Hunter (EastEnders)|Andy Hunter]] ([[Michael Higgs]]),<ref name="Gangsters" /> [[Johnny Allen (EastEnders)|Johnny Allen]] ([[Billy Murray (actor)|Billy Murray]]),<ref>{{cite web |title=Johnny Allen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/3vyTDN3gpGrP33rtvBrj3g0/johnny-allen |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=21 July 2022 |quote=Hardman Johnny Allen was your typical East End gangster – proper.}}</ref> [[Derek Branning]] ([[Jamie Foreman]]),<ref name="Derek" /> and [[Nish Panesar]] ([[Navin Chowdhry]]). Following criticism aimed at the show's over-emphasis on "[[gangster]]s" in 2005, such characters have been significantly reduced.<ref name="Gangsters">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandradioblog/2007/mar/19/anewbeginningforeastenders|title=A new beginning for EastEnders|first=Kate|last=Bevan|work=The Guardian |date=19 March 2007|access-date=5 July 2010 | location=London}}</ref> Another recurring male character seen in ''EastEnders'' is the "loser" or "soft touch", males often comically under the thumb of their female counterparts, which have included [[Arthur Fowler]] ([[Bill Treacher]]),<ref name="redpepper" /> [[Ricky Butcher]] ([[Sid Owen]]),<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/800533.stm|title=What Ricky done next|work=[[BBC News]] |date = 23 May 2000|access-date=21 July 2022}}</ref> [[Garry Hobbs]] ([[Ricky Groves]]),<ref>{{cite web |title=Garry Hobbs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/dn01BWcLbkcKnJm391l7xp/garry-hobbs |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=21 July 2022}}</ref> [[Lofty Holloway]] ([[Tom Watt (actor)|Tom Watt]]),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hughes |first1=Johnathan |title=Who was Lofty Holloway? Everything you need to know about EastEnders returnee |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/soaps/eastenders/who-was-lofty-holloway-everything-you-need-to-know-about-eastenders-returnee/ |access-date=21 July 2022 |work=[[Radio Times]] |date=20 February 2019}}</ref> [[Billy Mitchell (EastEnders)|Billy Mitchell]] ([[Perry Fenwick]]) <ref name="20years p63-65">{{Harvnb|Smith|2005|pp=63–65}}</ref> and [[Howie Danes]] ([[Delroy Atkinson]]).
Other recurring character types that have appeared throughout the serial are "cheeky-chappies" [[Pete Beale]] ([[Peter Dean (actor)|Peter Dean]]), [[Alfie Moon]] ([[Shane Richie]]), [[Garry Hobbs]] ([[Ricky Groves]]) and [[Kush Kazemi]] ([[Davood Ghadami]]), "lost girls" such as [[Mary Smith (EastEnders)|Mary Smith]] ([[Linda Davidson]]), [[Donna Ludlow]] ([[Matilda Ziegler]]), [[Mandy Salter]] ([[Nicola Stapleton]]), [[Janine Butcher]] ([[Charlie Brooks]]), [[Zoe Slater]] ([[Michelle Ryan]]), [[Whitney Dean]] ([[Shona McGarty]]), and [[Hayley Slater]] ([[Katie Jarvis]]), [[juvenile delinquency|delinquents]] such as [[Stacey Slater]] ([[Lacey Turner]]), [[Jay Brown]] ([[Jamie Borthwick]]), [[Lola Pearce]] ([[Danielle Harold]]), [[Bobby Beale (EastEnders)|Bobby Beale]] (Eliot Carrington/[[Clay Milner Russell]]) and [[Keegan Baker]] ([[Zack Morris (actor)|Zack Morris]]), "villains" such as [[Nick Cotton]] ([[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]]), [[Trevor Morgan (EastEnders)|Trevor Morgan]] ([[Alex Ferns]]), [[May Wright]] ([[Amanda Drew]]), [[Yusef Khan]] ([[Ace Bhatti]]), [[Archie Mitchell]] ([[Larry Lamb]]), [[Dean Wicks]] ([[Matt Di Angelo]]), [[Stuart Highway (EastEnders)|Stuart Highway]] ([[Ricky Champ]]) and [[Gray Atkins]] ([[Toby-Alexander Smith]]), "bitches" such as [[Cindy Beale]] ([[Michelle Collins]]), [[Janine Butcher]] ([[Charlie Brooks]]), [[Chrissie Watts]] ([[Tracy-Ann Oberman]]), [[Lucy Beale]] ([[Melissa Suffield]]/[[Hetti Bywater]]), [[Abi Branning]] ([[Lorna Fitzgerald]]), [[Babe Smith]] ([[Annette Badland]]) and [[Suki Panesar]] ([[Balvinder Sopal]]), "brawlers" or "fighters" such as [[Mary Smith (EastEnders)|Mary Smith]] ([[Linda Davidson]]), [[Bianca Jackson]] ([[Patsy Palmer]]), [[Kat Slater]] ([[Jessie Wallace]]), [[Stacey Slater]] ([[Lacey Turner]]), [[Shirley Carter]] ([[Linda Henry]]), [[Roxy Mitchell]] ([[Rita Simons]])
Over the years, ''EastEnders'' has typically featured a number of elderly residents, who are used to show vulnerability, [[nostalgia]], stalwart-like attributes and are sometimes used for comedic purposes. The original elderly residents included [[Lou Beale]] ([[Anna Wing]]), [[Ethel Skinner]] ([[Gretchen Franklin]]) and [[Dot Cotton]] ([[June Brown]]). Over the years they have been joined by the likes of [[Mo Butcher]] ([[Edna Doré]]), [[Jules Tavernier (EastEnders)|Jules Tavernier]] ([[Tommy Eytle]]), [[Marge Green]] ([[Pat Coombs]]), [[Nellie Ellis]] ([[Elizabeth Kelly]]), [[Jim Branning]] ([[John Bardon]]), [[Charlie Slater]] ([[Derek Martin]]), [[Mo Harris]] ([[Laila Morse]]), [[Patrick Trueman]] ([[Rudolph Walker]]), [[Cora Cross]] ([[Ann Mitchell]]), [[Les Coker]] ([[Roger Sloman]]), [[Rose Cotton (EastEnders)|Rose Cotton]] ([[Polly Perkins]]), [[Pam Coker]] ([[Lin Blakley]]), [[Stan Carter]] ([[Timothy West]]), [[Babe Smith]] ([[Annette Badland]]), [[Claudette Hubbard]] ([[Ellen Thomas (actress)|Ellen Thomas]]), [[Sylvie Carter]] ([[Linda Marlowe]]), [[Ted Murray]] ([[Christopher Timothy]]), [[Joyce Murray]] ([[Maggie Steed]]), [[Arshad Ahmed]] ([[Madhav Sharma]]), [[Mariam Ahmed]] ([[Indira Joshi (actor)|Indira Joshi]]), [[Vi Highway]] ([[Gwen Taylor]]), [[Eddie Knight]] ([[Christopher Fairbank]]) and [[Gloria Knight]] ([[Elizabeth Counsell]]). The programme has more recently included a higher number of teenagers and successful young adults in a bid to capture the younger television audience.<ref name="young">{{cite web|url=http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Students/hlr9501.html |title=Why are soap operas so popular? |first=Helena |last=Robson |publisher=aber.co.uk |date=15 November 1996 |access-date=5 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100316142905/http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Students/hlr9501.html |archive-date=16 March 2010 }}</ref><ref name="young2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20060708/ai_n16529613|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016200917/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20060708/ai_n16529613|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 October 2007|title=Young viewers switch from BBC to the internet|work=The Independent |publisher=Independent Print Media|access-date=18 March 2007}}</ref> This has spurred criticism, most notably from the actress [[Anna Wing]], who portrayed [[Lou Beale]] in the show. She commented, "I don't want to be disloyal, but I think you need a few mature people in a soap because they give it backbone and body... if all the main people are young it gets a bit thin and inexperienced. It gets too lightweight."<ref name="talk">{{cite web|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-122800423|title=I stopped watching Albert Square.. Now I like Emmerdale|first=Rick|last=Fulton|website=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]|date=5 October 2004|access-date=5 July 2010|location=Glasgow}}{{Dead link|date=August 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
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''EastEnders'' has always featured a culturally diverse cast which has included [[black people|black]], Asian, [[Turkish people|Turkish]], Polish and Latvian characters. "The expansion of minority representation signals a move away from the traditional soap opera format, providing more opportunities for audience identification with the characters and hence a wider appeal".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.museum.tv/eotv/eastenders.htm |title=EastEnders |website=museum.tv |first1=Danielle |last1=Aron |first2=Sonia |last2=Livingston |access-date=5 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330071515/http://www.museum.tv/eotv/eastenders.htm |archive-date=30 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060412075647/http://www.cre.gov.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-0hgnew06m.RefLocID-0hg00900c008.Lang-EN.htm |url=http://www.cre.gov.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-0hgnew06m.RefLocID-0hg00900c008.Lang-EN.htm |archive-date=12 April 2006|title= Coronation Street and EastEnders battle it out for coveted CRE Race in the Media Award|publisher=cre.gov.uk|access-date=27 March 2007}}</ref> Despite this, the programme has been criticised by the [[Commission for Racial Equality]], who argued in 2002 that ''EastEnders'' was not giving a realistic representation of the East End's "ethnic make-up". They suggested that the average proportion of visible minority faces on ''EastEnders'' was substantially lower than the actual ethnic minority population in East London boroughs, and it, therefore, reflected the East End in the 1960s, not the East End of the 2000s. The programme has since attempted to address these issues. A [[sari]] shop was opened and various characters of different ethnicities were introduced throughout 2006 and 2007, including the Fox family, the Ahmeds, and various background artists.<ref>"[https://www.theguardian.com/media/2007/oct/08/mondaymediasection12 The art of storytelling]", ''The Guardian''. Retrieved 27 March 2007.</ref> This was part of producer [[Diederick Santer]]'s plan to "diversify", to make ''EastEnders'' "feel more 21st century". ''EastEnders'' has had varying success with ethnic minority characters. Possibly the least successful were the Indian [[Ferreira family]], who were not well received by critics or viewers and were dismissed as unrealistic by the Asian community in the UK.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Joanna |date=10 August 2004 |title='Unrealistic' Ferreira family dismissed by Asian Viewers |url=http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/3560 |newspaper=The Stage |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041029232333/http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/3560 |archive-date=29 October 2004 |access-date=27 March 2007}}</ref>
''EastEnders'' has been praised for its portrayal of characters with disabilities, including [[Adam Best (EastEnders)|Adam Best]] ([[David Proud]]) ([[spina bifida]]), [[Noah Chambers]] (Micah Thomas) and [[Frankie Lewis]] ([[Rose Ayling-Ellis]]) (deaf), [[Jean Slater]] ([[Gillian Wright]]) and her daughter [[Stacey Slater|Stacey]] ([[Lacey Turner]]) ([[bipolar disorder]]), [[Janet Mitchell (EastEnders)|Janet Mitchell]] (Grace) ([[Down syndrome]]), [[Jim Branning]] ([[John Bardon]]) ([[stroke]])<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/eastenders/news/091201-radar.shtml|title=Radar announce EastEnders as winners!|publisher=BBC|date=1 December 2009|access-date=1 February 2010}}</ref> and [[Dinah Wilson]] (Anjela Lauren Smith) ([[multiple sclerosis]]). The show also features a large number of gay, lesbian and bisexual characters (see [[list of soap operas with LGBT characters]]), including [[Colin Russell (EastEnders)|Colin Russell]] ([[Michael Cashman]]), [[Barry Clark (EastEnders)|Barry Clark]] ([[Gary Hailes]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/eastenders-30-years-ago-first-gay-character_uk_57a47478e4b03393f7f5bb4e|title=30 Years Today, First Gay Character Appeared In "EastEnders". Things Have Changed.|last=Frost|first=Caroline|date=5 August 2016|work=[[Huffington Post UK]]|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref> [[Simon Raymond]] ([[Andrew Lynford]]), [[Tony Hills]] ([[Mark Homer]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/226581.stm|title=Coming out on screen|date=2 December 1998|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref> [[Sonia Fowler]] ([[Natalie Cassidy]]), [[Naomi Julien]] ([[Petra Letang]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2006/03/28/211-complaints-to-bbc-over-gay-eastenders-storyline-but-do-the-public-care/|title=211 complaints to BBC over gay EastEnders storyline, but do the public care?|last=Knowles|first=Katherine|date=28 March 2006|work=[[PinkNews]]|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref> [[Tina Carter]] ([[Luisa Bradshaw-White]]), [[Tosh Mackintosh]] ([[Rebecca Scroggs]]),<ref name="LGBT domestic abuse">{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a606442/eastenders-lgbt-domestic-abuse-plot-praised-following-tina-tosh-clash/|title=EastEnders LGBT domestic abuse plot praised following Tina, Tosh clash|last=Love|first=Ryan|date=28 October 2014|work=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref> [[Christian Clarke]] ([[John Partridge (actor)|John Partridge]]), [[Syed Masood]] ([[Marc Elliott]]), [[Ben Mitchell (EastEnders)|Ben Mitchell]] ([[Harry Reid (actor)|Harry Reid]]/[[Max Bowden]]), [[Paul Coker (EastEnders)|Paul Coker]] ([[Jonny Labey]]),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/582121/EastEnders-gay-kiss-Ben-Mitchell-Paul-Coker-Harry-Reid-Twitter-homophobia|title=EastEnders gay kiss: Ben Mitchell actor Harry Reid upset by homophobia|last=Debnath|first=Neela|date=4 June 2015|work=[[Daily Express]]|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref> [[Iqra Ahmed]] ([[Priya Davdra]]), [[Ash Panesar]] ([[Gurlaine Kaur Garcha]]), [[Bernadette Taylor]] ([[Clair Norris]]), [[Callum Highway]] ([[Tony Clay]]) and [[Eve Unwin]] ([[Heather Peace]]). [[Kyle Slater]] ([[Riley Carter Millington]]), a transgender character, was introduced in 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/34479713/eastenders-casts-transgender-actor-in-transgender-role-on-uk-television|title=EastEnders casts transgender actor in transgender role on UK television|date=9 October 2015|work=[[Newsbeat]]|access-date=21 April 2017}}</ref>
''EastEnders'' has a high cast turnover and characters are regularly changed to facilitate storylines or refresh the format.<ref>"[http://www.polity.co.uk/content/BPL_Images/Content_store/Sample_chapter/9780745626543%5C001.pdf The Soap Business]", polity.co.uk. Retrieved 27 March 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212075543/http://www.polity.co.uk/content/BPL_Images/Content_store/Sample_chapter/9780745626543%5C001.pdf |date=12 February 2013 }}</ref> The show has also become known for the return of characters after they have left the show. [[Sharon Watts]] ([[Letitia Dean]]) returned in August 2012 for her third stint on the show. [[Den Watts]] ([[Leslie Grantham]]) returned, 14 years after he was believed to have died, in September 2003, a feat repeated by [[Kathy Beale]] ([[Gillian Taylforth]]) in 2015,<ref>"[http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/news/a11021/dirty-den-to-return-to-walford/ Dirty Den "to return" to Walford]" ''Digital Spy''. Retrieved 24 September 2006.</ref> and [[Cindy Beale]] ([[Michelle Collins]]) in 2023. Speaking extras, including [[Tracey the barmaid]] ([[Jane Slaughter (actress)|Jane Slaughter]]) (who has been in the show since the first episode in 1985), have made appearances throughout the show's duration, without being the focus of any major storylines. The character of [[Nick Cotton]] ([[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]]) gained a reputation for making constant exits and returns since the programme's first year until the character died in 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nick Cotton |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/profiles/4QL0TC98LFpYJvnYQ7JH31B/nick-cotton |work=[[BBC Online]] |access-date=16 December 2018}}</ref>
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On 1 December 2012, the BBC uploaded the first 54 episodes of ''EastEnders'' to YouTube, and on 23 July 2013 they uploaded a further 14 episodes bringing the total to 68.<ref name="EastEnders Season 1985 Episodes">{{cite web|title=EastEnders Season 1985 Episodes|url=https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=ELFFKbjbgS4RY|publisher=BBC|access-date=14 April 2013|date=1 December 2012}}</ref> These have since been taken down. In April 2018, it was announced that [[Drama (British TV channel)|Drama]] would be showing repeats starting 6 August 2018 during weekdays<ref>{{cite web |title=Classic EastEnders |url=https://drama.uktv.co.uk/shows/classic-eastenders/ |publisher=[[Drama (British TV channel)|Drama]] |access-date=5 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805192734/https://drama.uktv.co.uk/shows/classic-eastenders/ |archive-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> and they are also available on-demand on the [[UKTV Play]] catch-up service for 30 days after the broadcast.<ref name="2018 Repeats">{{cite web |last1=Harp |first1=Justin |title=EastEnders fans, here's when and where you can watch classic episodes from the beginning |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/eastenders/news/a859769/eastenders-uktv-drama-airing-classic-episodes-from-august/ |publisher=[[Digital Spy]] |access-date=22 June 2018 |date=18 June 2018}}</ref> In December 2019, Christmas episodes were added to [[BritBox|Britbox UK]].<ref name="Britbox">{{cite web |title=EastEnders Christmas Specials |url=https://www.britbox.co.uk/programme/EastEnders_Christmas_Specials_46207 |publisher=[[Britbox]] |access-date=21 December 2019 }}{{dead link|date=February 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
===
[[File:EastEnders World Map.svg|thumb|300px|Countries in which ''EastEnders'' is or has been broadcast|alt=refer to caption]]
''EastEnders'' is broadcast around the world in many [[English language|English-speaking]] countries. New Zealand became the first to broadcast ''EastEnders'' overseas, the first episode being shown on 30 August 1985. This was followed by the Netherlands on 8 December 1986, Australia on 5 January 1987, Norway on 27 April, and Barcelona on 30 June (dubbed into Catalan). On 9 July 1987, it was announced that the show would be aired in the United States on [[PBS]].<ref name="The Inside Story page 210–215">{{Harvnb|Smith|Holland|1987|pp=210–215}}</ref> [[BBC Worldwide]] licensed 200 hours of ''EastEnders'' for broadcast in [[Serbia]] on [[Radio Television of Serbia|RTS]] (dubbed into [[Serbian language|Serbian]]); it began airing the first episode in December 1997.<ref name="Serbia">{{cite journal|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1704983797/|title=International News: WORLD IN BRIEF – SERBIA TO AIR EASTENDERS FROM FIRST EPISODE|access-date=21 February 2017|url-access=limited |format=pdf|journal=[[Broadcast (magazine)|Broadcast]]|date=12 December 1997|page=15|via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref> The series was broadcast in the United States until [[BBC America]] ceased broadcasts of the serial in 2003, amidst fan protests.<ref>[http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/bbc-america-dumps-eastenders/1125975.article BBC America dumps EastEnders], ''[[Broadcast (magazine)|Broadcast]]'',</ref> In June 2004, the satellite television provider [[Dish Network]] picked up ''EastEnders'', broadcasting episodes starting at the point where [[BBC America]] had ceased broadcasting them, offering the series as a pay-per-view item.<ref name="EastEnders United States">{{cite news|title=EastEnders returns to US screens|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/3777231.stm|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=22 December 2016|date=4 June 2004}}</ref> Episodes air two months behind the UK schedule. Episodes from prior years are still shown on various [[PBS]] stations in the US.<ref>"[http://www.weta.org/tv/program/eastenders EastEnders viewing schedule] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316125823/http://www.weta.org/tv/program/eastenders |date=16 March 2017 }}" ''WETA UK EastEnders''. Retrieved 24 May 2013.</ref> Since 7 March 2017, ''EastEnders'' has been available in the United States on demand, 24 hours after it has aired in the United Kingdom via [[BritBox]], a joint venture between [[BBC]] and [[ITV plc|ITV]].<ref name="BritBox">{{cite magazine|last1=Schwindt|first1=Oriana|title=BBC and ITV's BritBox Launches With "Fawlty Towers," 'Prime Suspect,' 'Absolutely Fabulous'|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/britbox-eastenders-streaming-prime-suspect-1202002791/|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=8 March 2017|date=7 March 2017}}</ref>
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In Ireland, ''EastEnders'' was shown on [[TV3 (Ireland)|TV3]] from September 1998 until March 2001, when it moved over to [[RTÉ One]], after [[RTÉ]] lost to TV3 the rights to air rival soap ''Coronation Street''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2001/01/07/story823869928.asp|title=How TV3 beat RTÉ in soap wars|last=Doherty|first=Christine|date=7 January 2001|website=The Sunday Business Post|access-date=4 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050511220905/http://archives.tcm.ie/businesspost/2001/01/07/story823869928.asp |archive-date=11 May 2005}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/listings/television/|title=TV Guide {{!}} Listings For All Irish Television Channels {{!}} RTÉ|website=RTE.ie|language=en|access-date=3 August 2019}}</ref> Additionally, episodes of ''EastEnders'' are available on-demand through [[RTÉ Player|RTÉ Online]] for seven days after their original screening.<ref name="RTÉ Player">{{cite web|title=RTÉ Player EastEnders|url=http://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/eastenders-1064/|publisher=[[RTÉ Player]]|access-date=23 April 2017}}</ref>
==
In 1991 the BBC sold the programme's format rights to a Dutch production company IDTV, the programme was renamed ''[[Het Oude Noorden]]'' (Translation: Old North). The Dutch version was re-written from already existing ''EastEnders'' scripts.<ref name="Dutch">{{cite journal|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1673744175/|title=News: EastEnders goes Dutch|access-date=15 March 2017|url-access=limited |format=pdf|journal=[[Broadcast (magazine)|Broadcast]]|date=15 November 1993|page=6|via=[[ProQuest]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=van Gelder|first1=Henk|title=Het Oude Noorden' is geen belediging voor intelligentie|url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/1993/03/13/het-oude-noorden-is-geen-belediging-voor-intelligentie-7176216-a656172|newspaper=[[NRC Handelsblad]]|access-date=15 March 2017|date=13 March 1993|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316232339/https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/1993/03/13/het-oude-noorden-is-geen-belediging-voor-intelligentie-7176216-a656172|archive-date=16 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Allen|Hill|2004|p=264}}</ref> The schedule remained the same as ''EastEnders'' with twice weekly episodes; however, some notable changes included the programme now being set in [[Rotterdam]] rather than [[London]], characters being given Dutch names ([[Den Watts|Den]] and [[Angie Watts|Angie]] became Ger and Ankie) and [[The Queen Victoria]] pub being renamed "Cade Faas".<ref name="Dutch" />
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=== Ratings ===
''EastEnders'' is the BBC's most consistent programme in terms of ratings,<ref name="Lifeblood">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/feb/08/eastenders-bbc-25-years|title=Is EastEnders the lifeblood of the BBC?|last=Sabbagh|first=Dan|date=8 February 2010|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=12 April 2017}}</ref> and as of
The launch show in 1985 attracted 17.35 million viewers.<ref name="Week ending 24 February 1985">{{cite news|last1=Fiddick|first1=Peter|title=Research|issue=2899|publisher=[[The Listener (magazine)|The Listener]]|date=7 March 1985|page=38}}</ref><ref name="Viewing figure 1985">{{cite news|last1=Hassell|first1=Katherine|title=EastEnders 30th anniversary: The most memorable moments of the hit BBC soap|url=http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/557729/EastEnders-30th-Anniversary|newspaper=[[Daily Express]]|access-date=22 December 2016|date=15 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Monroe|1994|p=6}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Kingsley|1991|p=8}}</ref> 25 July 1985 was the first time the show's viewership rose to first position in the weekly top 10 shows for [[BBC One]].<ref name="Week ending 28 July 1985">{{cite journal|last1=Fiddick|first1=Peter|url=http://find.galegroup.com/lsnr/infomark.do?prodId=LSNR&userGroupName=livjm&tabID=T003&docPage=article&searchType=&docId=GM2500175352&type=multipage&contentSet=LTO&version=1.0|title=Research|access-date=20 January 2017|url-access=limited |format=pdf|issue=2921|journal=[[The Listener (magazine)|The Listener]]|date=8 August 1985|page=42|via=[[Gale (publisher)|Gale]]}}</ref> The highest rated episode of ''EastEnders'' is the Christmas Day 1986 episode, which attracted a combined 30.15 million viewers who tuned into either the original transmission or the omnibus to see Den Watts hand over divorce papers to his wife Angie. This remains the highest rated episode of a soap in British television history.<ref name="BARB" />
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