Archives for January 2011

OH. MY. DAYS. Ian 'wannabe' Beale-ionairefinally stood up to Phil 'hard man' Mitchell on Friday after years of torment, humiliation and most recently... blackmail. The catering entrepreneur took great delight in giving the Phil-thy fella a piece of his mind over a stiff drink. Go Ian, go Ian...

... although, to be fair, his arch rival was writhing around the R&R floor, unable to string a sentence together and in the midst of having a heart attack (which proves he's actually got a heart! Shocker.)

Never mind Phil's heart attack, what's with the luminous seat?!

Bright and breezily, Ian poured himself a short (and stiff) drink at the bar after walking in on scantily-clad Glenda tending to sick Phil.

After getting rid of his former fling, Ian took great pride in fobbing off the ambulance crew and releasing his heart-wrenching angst from over the years. 

Let's be fair, Ian once had his head dunked and flushed down a bog by the big man!

Did Ian go bar-my at R&R for letting Phil come so close to death? What the heck will happen between the pair now?

Will Phil get revenge on letting him get so close to death?

The episode got A LOT of people talking on Friday, as 'Ian Beale' trended on Twitter worldwide. Were you one of them?

EastEnders has been sent to the sidelines this Friday, as the 2011 Six Nations gets under way on BBC One. Live coverage of Wales v England from the Millennium Stadium kicks off from 19:30-22:00, on 4 February.

Worry not though, this Friday's episode of EastEnderswill now be on your screenseven earlier this week! Here is the revised schedule:

Monday, 31 January at 20:00

Tuesday, 1 February at 19:30

Wednesday, 2 February at 19:30

Thursday, 3 February at 19:30

So, you'll get to see this Friday's action a day earlier... brilliant! And if you're a fan of rugby, then enjoy the tournament. Can't be bad.

Six Nations coverage: 4 Feb-19 March: BBC TV, Red Button, online & 5 live

OH. WHAT. A. GONGTASTIC. NIGHT. 

EastEnders graced the o2 Arena stage not once, not twice, but three magnificent times at the prestigious National Television Awards. All thanks to YOU!

As well as clinching the Best Serial Drama award after a tremendous year of dramatic performances, the much-loved Ricky Norwood scooped Most Popular Newcomer for Fatboy, and lovely Lacey beat off stiff competition (including Steve McFadden) to clinch the Outstanding Serial Drama Performance gong as Stacey. Kerching.

Before Simon Cowell could even warm his seat in the front row, Ricky Norwood was presented with the Newcomer award as ruuuuude bwooyy Fatboy, innit.

The actor slid away from his gorgeous girlfriend, Jade Ewen, and excitedly thanked his way through his acceptance speech with special appreciation for his nan and fans: "YES. WOW. Thank you to every single person who voted.

"And thank you to my nan who has guided my path. And thank you people out there. YEEAAH!" Brilliant.

AlisonnLOVEE wrote on Twitter: 'SOOOO pleased for Ricky Norwood! I love him'

Buffbeany added:‎ '#ntas Congrats to Ricky Norwood, aka Fatboy from EastEnders on becoming Best Newcomer!!!'

Dina on Facebook wrote: 'I love this guy!!! He brings some spark, and laughter to the screen... Love you Fatboy xxx !!!!!

Next to grace the stage for EastEnders was the lovely, and surprisingly shy Lacey Turner.

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Week commencing 31 January 2011: There's brotherly bother on the Square, with family trauma for Michael and Alfie and business blues for Max and Jack. Not to mention lotsa lurve for lucky Darren!

Party poopers?

It may be the middle of winter, but it's hot on the lot as Jodie glams up for Max and Jack's big relaunch. But why is there so much bubbly, and so few guests? We suspect this event may struggle to get into first gear...

The Moons mourn

Michael's back in town, but isn't prepared for the tragic news from brother Alfie about his son.

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It's only a matter of days before the red carpet's dusted off and rolled out at the O2 arena for the prestigious National Television Awards. Our fave TV stars glide into the building with timely precision.

One of those stars will be the fab Ricky Norwood, who's been nominated in the Most Popular Newcomer category for cheeky charmer Fatboy.

Have you nominated for Ricky yet?

After appearing in EastEnders spin-off E20, Fatboy tucked his trainers comfortably under the table in Albert Square, as his charisma's working a treat on the street.

Ahead of the NTAs on Wednesday, 26th January, we asked our Facebook fans to send in some top notch questions for Ricky to answer.

I'm going to hand the decks (erm... okay, keyboard) over to the good (and smiley) fella himself...

 (Ricky takes over)

Natalie asks: What does the NTA nomination mean to you?

Hey Natalie. It's a great honour. It's like the crowning glory in the journey for me. The fact that Fatboy has been recognised by the viewers is amazing - its gobsmacking and I am thrilled.

Kim asks: I love Fats - he's ace. Good luck at the awards... do you still get starstruck?

Yeah, a little a bit definitely. Someone said that David Jason may be at the NTA's and he is an absolute legend to me. I have grown up watching him on Only Fools and Horses and other dramas he's been in, so to think he could be there on Wednesday and I could meet him is amazing.

Jayne asks: Where did Arthur's nickname 'Fatboy' come from?

This is a question that I get asked the most. So his real name is Arthur Chubb, but at school he got given the nickname Chubby, which then turned into Fatboy and he's just kept it as his nickname.

Hannah asks: Do you ever talk like Fatboy in real life?

Sometimes, yeah. I'm from the East End so bits and pieces of slang get used but probably not as much as Fatboy.

Donna asks: How did you feel when you made the jump from E20 to EastEnders?

For me to get E20 was an amazing opportunity and I was determined to work hard to get the best out of it. To then be recognised by the bosses and put in the main show was fantastic. I love being part of EastEnders and it's a great honour that they've kept me in.

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Ooooohhhh we have a new twinkly-eyed, loveable character joining EastEnders this year, which means we also have a gorgeous actor joining the ranks with a glint in his eye.... it's the one and only David Essex!

The iconic singer and actor will be arriving in Albert Square as Eddie Moon, the charismatic father of Michael and Uncle to Alfie.

Will Eddie's arrival be a new era for the Moon family?

As the head of the family, Eddie will arrive with his children in tow and something to prove *claps with excitement*.

However, loveable Eddie wasn’t always the family man he is today and his fractured relationship with Michael hints at a past he’d rather forget. Eddie's turned his life around and has succeeded in making a fresh start, but will Michael stand in the way of his happiness, or will the reunion bring them closer together?

How do you think Eddie will stir up the Square?

David says: “Being an East Ender myself I’m really excited to be joining the Square. Eddie Moon is a great character and I can’t wait to get to grips with the role and work with such a fantastic cast.”

Bryan Kirkwood, Executive Producer of EastEnders adds: “David Essex is a brilliant signing. He is a unique talent with a legion of fans, and he will bring warmth and charisma to the role of Eddie Moon. 

"His arrival, alongside the return of son Michael, brings a new generation of the Moon family to Walford”.

More about the legendary David Essex!

If you're not old enough to remember David as the former teen idol, then let me give you heads up...

The 70's pop star had girls swooning, as he sang out hits Hold Me Close (don't let me go... oh no...), Gonna Make You a Star and That'll Be the Day. Not only does he sing, but he writes and produces and has 23 top 30 singles in Britain alone. WOW.

As well as his singing career, the 63-year-old has enjoyed a successful acting career in film, television and theatre. And in 1999, he was awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to charity.

David may be over the moon to be joining EastEnders, but we're jumping over it to be welcoming him!

It looks like a bumpy ride's approaching for Darren Miller in more ways than one.

After attempting to wreck the Branning Brothers' car lot relaunch, the silly fella gets himself the boot. NEVER mess with the Brannings.

An almighty row then causes Jodie to kick him to the kerb too. Ouch.

Just as Abi begins to think her luck's finally in with the suited dazzler, her heart sinks when the cockney pours out his heart for Jodie... and who should overhear him profess his love? JODIE, OF COURSE!

The romantic fella gets down on one knee and proposes to Jodie. Aaawww.

Will there be a Walford summer wedding?! And how will Vanessa feel? Will the glam mum dash out to buy a fancy fascinator, or would she rather eat her hat?

Watch the action unfold on Thursday, 3rd February 2011. It's more exciting than eating cake.

Frustrated Tamwar has had steam coming out of his ears since being pushed into working for his mum and dad at Argee Bhajee.

Leaving his laptop to gather dust, he's been brushing off the cobwebs for his parents in George Street to mix family with business. DON'T DO IT!

There's no denying that Tam has a brain between his ears, but can he do the business by pleasing Zainab (tricky) and Masood?

Tam’s already stirring up trouble with Afia, so will this relationship reach boiling point with his folks, or simmer down over time?

Perhaps working under his mum’s feet will rub salt in the wounds, or Tam may have to throw in the (kitchen) towel.

What do you reckon? Will he add the right spice and make his parents proud? Or will running the gaf leave a bitter taste in their mouths?

All this kitchen talk is making me hungry... I'm off for a Chicken Masala and a Sweetcorn Bhajee...

Have you voted for EastEnders in the NTAs? If not, make your vote count: https://www.nationaltvawards.com/home

Week commencing 24 January 2011:

The week in Walford starts off with someone in hospital - and ends with someone else looking like they need to join them. It's medical mayhem!

Bad boy bedridden...

Is Connor critical, or does he just like the taste of hospital food? And what, or who, has put him out of action?

Happy family?

As Tanya takes up residence in Walford once more, things really aren't going to plan with the move. Is Max messing with her, Greg and Oscar?

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Week commencing 17 January 2011: A revamped restaurant that's second to naan and bother for the Butchers are the focus of this week's spoilery snaps. Sounds tasty!

Recipe for disaster?

As the Masoods prepare for the grand re-opening of Argee Bhajee, we suspect mayhem on the menu now that Tamwar's in charge. When it comes to menus, he'd probably be a lot safer sticking to the ones in his computer software...

Back to school

Ricky and Bianca get the heads-up from Tiffany's teacher, after the youngster causes trouble in the classroom. But what's been upsetting her?

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Following some reports in the media today suggesting they were planning to leave EastEnders, Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace have issued statements confirming their ongoing commitment to the show. We can expect to see Kat and Alfie as a fixture in Albert Square for quite some time.

Here's Shane's response to the reports... "

It’s absolutely not true, I have no plans to quit EastEnders. In fact, as I have been saying, I’ve never been happier there. I’m reading reports that we are all about to walk out which is nonsense.

I know some people have found this story challenging which I can understand, but EastEnders have listened to that and taken some of the feedback on board. I just want to carry on giving the best performances we can to do the story justice".

Jessie Wallace said, "I wish someone told me I was quitting as I have just learnt all my lines! I don’t know where these stories come from but it’s just not true both myself and Shane are really happy at EastEnders" .

Regarding speculation in the newspapers that there was unrest at EastEnders a spokesperson added: "There is no truth whatsoever in claims that there is unrest at EastEnders. Although, as we've said some changes are being made to the current storyline. This means cast and crew working to tighter deadlines but this is not out of the ordinary on a big production like EastEnders.

The show does go on and everyone will be working together to bring this storyline to its rightful conclusion".

Spoiler alert - if you don't want to know details of future storylines you may decide it's best not to read on.

Over the coming weeks, with her stepmother Bianca absent and with no-one else around, Whitney's life takes a downward spiral. Alone and and vulnerable she falls for the charms of an unscrupulous man who ultimately sexually exploits her for his own financial gain.

In line with it's long tradition of tackling social issues, EastEnders has been working with advice from charities funded by Comic Relief since last year to devise a storyline that explores a growing problem that faces many young women in the UK.

The issue is one that the charity has been working on for a number of years, both in terms of funding projects that help those who have been subjected to this devastating experience and raising awareness of the issue.

The storyline will culminate in a special ten-minute episode which is being featured as part of Comic Relief's Night of TV on Friday, 18th March.

Gilly Green, Head of UK Grants at Comic Relief, said: "It is vital that we continue to alert young people to the dangers if we are to stop them being exploited and the opportunity to work with EastEnders will make a huge audience aware of this issue.

"We have been working with the Eastenders script writers and some of the young women from projects we support to ensure the story reflects the reality of young people caught up in sexual exploitation."

Kevin Cahill, Chief Executive of Comic Relief, said: “We have worked over many years with EastEnders in all kinds of ways. It’s been a real pleasure this year to work together on a piece of serious drama, in the best traditions of public service, which will highlight an important issue."

Bryan Kirkwood, EastEnders Executive Producer, says of the storyline; "This is undoubtedly a challenging story for EastEnders to tackle, but it's also an important and topical one. The dangerous predicament that Whitney finds herself in is fast emerging as the awful reality facing many young women in Britain today.

Whitney, after all that she's been through over the past few years, is exactly the kind of vulnerable girl who would be targetted by the likes of Rob (the character who exploits her) . And as Whitney is a character the audience has invested in, we will hopefully engage the audience and raise awareness of sexual exploitation in the UK."

For more information on:

Comic Relief, go to: https://www.comicrelief.com

BBC Red Nose Day, please see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/rednoseday/

The former trumpet-blowing Sonia Fowler makes a one-off return to EastEnders!

Is she returning to get flirty again with Phil? Erm, no. She won't be making a repeat drunken performance of Ricky's stag night. Phew.

So, what brings Sonia back to the Square? Her missing half-sister, Bianca!

After Bianca has a huge confrontation with Carol, Whitney and Connor, the fiery family-orientated mum does a runner and Sonia arrives to fill in the gaps of her whereabouts to Ricky and Carol.

However, the truth starts to surface about her own relationship with Martin... does she drop a clanger? ooooh, what the blazers is going on Mrs Fowler?

You'll be able to watch Sonia's unannounced reappearance on Friday, 21st January. 

Natalie's last appearance as Sonia was in February when she returned for her half-sister's hen night.

In response to some of the comments regarding the current Ronnie and Kat storyline, Executive Producer Bryan Kirkwood has written the following blog post about the decision to conclude the storyline in the Spring:

EastEnders has a long tradition of dealing with social issues in a powerful and dramatic way. In its 25 years it has tackled many taboo subjects from HIV to paedophilia, matching drama with public service in a way that has continually kept it as one of the most talked about shows on television.

When we embarked on the story of Ronnie and Kat it was very much with this in mind. We researched extensively to make sure we would be both factually correct and emotionally truthful. 

We received enormous help from charities, health professionals and bereaved parents themselves, who went out of their way to advise the story-liners, writers and actors. Our aim was – and still is – to tell a strong story that would, in the telling - raise the profile of Cot Death in the UK.

It’s clear that we’ve managed to do this, and that traffic to the FSID’s website has increased by over 500%; but we are also mindful of the fact that in doing so, sections of our audience have found the storyline challenging.

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You may have read reports regarding EastEnders' actress Samantha Womack quitting the show... if you haven't, you may have heard about it!

The fabulous Sam, who plays troubled Ronnie Mitchell, has been a major part of the show's success and her departure later this year has been planned with the producers for several months.

So, there is no truth in the recent reports that she is quitting over her current storyline, but it does allow for her character's exit, so she will be taking a break.

John Yorke, Controller of BBC Drama, says of her leaving: "Sam is a much-loved member of the cast, who has consistently given truthful and brilliant performances as Ronnie Branning. When she leaves at the end of this storyline, she'll be missed; and the door will be open for her return."

And so say all of us! Sam will be sooooo missed when she goes, but let's hope she has a fantastic break later this year.

Due to the Rangers v Kilmarnock Scottish Cup on BBC1 Scotland, the EastEnders episode for Monday, 10th January will be postponed.

The Monday and Tuesday episodes will be aired at the following times in Scotland:

• 7.30pm on Tuesday, 11th January
• 7.30pm on Wednesday, 12th January

The rest of the UK will have no changes.

Week commencing 10 January 2011:

Walford is still in shock after the supposed death of Kat's baby. But while her and Ronnie's nightmares continue, there are fresh deals, disasters and dates for other residents of Albert Square to deal with.

Making plans

Ronnie has an awkward conversation with Alfie, as she asks if she can attend the funeral of 'Tommy'.

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The NTA voting has now closed (updated Wednesday, 26th January)

OH. YES. It's that time of year when the celebs vie to lose a few festive pounds to squeeze into their 'going out' garb for the red carpet... the National Television Awards are back in town!

And EastEnders has been nominated!

Vote for EastEnders at the NTA website.

It's been a tremendous year for the show - full of drama, grit, tears and joy for Albert Square residents.

In 2010 we watched Bradley fall to his death and Stacey reveal she's Archie's killer in a live episode, Jack get shot, Lucas lose it, Phil battle with booze and drugs, Stacey give birth to Lily and the Vic go up in flames, plus lots more!

As well as the show being shortlisted for the prestigious Most Popular Serial Drama award, it's also been nominated in two other categories.

Outstanding Serial Drama Performance

Lacey Turner

Lacey's had a MEGA six years playing Stacey, and 2010's been no different. In fact, it's been a killer ride for the self-confessed murderess.

Not only did the former love cheat watch Bradley fall to his death, but she's battled with Bipolar and struggled with her killer secret before escaping to pastures new. Vote for Lacey through the NTA website, and watch her Best Bits video below:

Steve McFadden

Steve has had an incredible year as Phil Mitchell! After struggling to handle fatherhood with Ben and Louise, Phil sank to depression and fell off the wagon with an almighty thud.

The rogue was not so much of a hard man, but more helpless when he got hooked on drugs. Steve's portrayal can only be commended for his superb acting. Make your vote count through the NTA site.

Most Popular Newcomer

Ricky Norwood

Ricky first hit our screens as slippery, wheeler dealer Arthur "Fatboy" Chubb in E20. Fatboy swiftly started to warm up the Square with his charm and even managed to give Denise a smacker on the lips.

As well as pimping up his van and taking a scary trip to the woods, he's been keeping Dot company at choir practice. A brash hustler? Hmmmm. Vote for Ricky through the NTA site.

You have until Wednesday, 26th January 2011 (the day of the awards) to make your vote count via the NTA website: https://www.nationaltvawards.com/home

What have been your favourite moments over 2010?

Welcome to the very first in a semi-regular series of cartoon capers featuring the residents of Walford, E20. Created by Ed Sellek, Easties takes a tongue-in-cheek look at life on the Square.

Let us know what you think, and be sure to check back in a couple of weeks for the second strip - in which Dot and Fatboy have a magical encounter!