Archives for April 2011

Today is the royal wedding day of Prince William and Kate Middleton - a " truly momentous occassion" and one we'll all remember for the rest of our lives!

It's that HUGE that even Lauren Branning has turned all girly on us. The video queen has even been discussing future wedding plans with BFF Whitney Dean.

And just as Whit is mentally picking out her wedding dress, the girls receive an incoming call from a friendly face with some BREAKING NEWS! I'm telling you, it's all going daaaooooowwwwwn today.

Check out Lol's second video... it's a trio of treats.

You can watch Lol's video diary ahead of her mum's wedding day here.

Missed out on the previous series? I'll take the stress out of your head, as here's a recap on the previous series. *Curtseys with a smile*.

Unless you've been living on the moon you will undoubtedly know that this week the nation comes together to wipe a tear, wave a flag and watch with bated breath as Wills gets hitched to his beloved Kate. To mark this momentous occasion the website proudly unveils an equally breath-taking spectacle........

Why, none other than the hilarious Himesh Patel of course! We managed to track the loveable fella on set this week to discuss royal weddings, union jack bowler hats and filming scenes with the gorgeous Afia!

Take it away Himesh........

If that wasn't enough stimulation for one bank holiday weekend, behold these fine array of beauties:

On set with... Jo Joyner

On set with... Meryl Fernandes

On set with... John Partridge

On set with... Tameka Empson

On set with... Nina Wadia

On set with... Marc Elliott

On set with... Ricky Norwood

We now know that Ben Mitchell's been secretly emailing ol' romantic Heather Trott under the guise of 'Kevin68' through an online dating website. If only poor Hev knew!

In some of his past emails, Ben's used Hev's fave lust-lyric lothario George Michael's song titles hidden in his conversations. The Bad Boy(s). How very dare he.

The bullied schoolboy may have had to spill the beans to Jay, but it doesn't look like he's about to let Hev in on his little secret just yet.

Here's Ben's latest message. Both Ben and Hev have more in common than we think... 

Is Ben being genuine and speaking from the heart, or is he getting a big kick out of winding Hev up? If so, surely the fella has FAR too much time on his hands.

When will Hev find out his sordid secret? She'll definitely have to Heal The Pain when she finds out.

Weeek commencing 2 May 2011: Things are getting surreal in the Square - it's hard to tell the real relationships from the invented ones these days!

Lunch date?

Has Heather finally found Kevin? Tricky, 'cos he's not real! So who is the mystery man, and why is Hev admiring his lunch box?

Just say 'No' Phil!

Could a brief encounter between Phil and Rainie in R&R result in a return to bad habits for both of them? We can feel the heat - let's just hope there's not a fire blazing behind that door!

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Toss out the candles, stick on the lights and throw out the menus. Instead, grab your laptop, stay indoors and press 'power'. Welcome to the world of webdating!

Heather Trott bagged herself an online date tonight with 'Kevin68', unknown to her that the typed conversations were taking place a lot closer to home. Ben Mitchell, please stand up!

What are the top trumps of a webdate?

1. It doesn't matter if you're having a bad hair day.
2. Your purse/wallet stays untouched.
3. You can smell a bit whiffy.
4. You don't have to show your face.

And on that last point... it's really rather handy if you're not the person you make out you are!* Tut-tut.

At least we know that Kev's not Somebody to Love any more... thanks to Jay joining in with Mitchell Junior. The Bad Boys.

Check out one of Ben's many emails from tonight's 'webdate' as Kev:

*Hand to Mouth* Not only has Jay rumbled Ben as the secret romantic, but the dater has also been inserting a few George Michael song titles in his emails. (Oi! That's my job). Apart from Careless Whisper, can you spot the others?

Finally, why has Ben been a cheeky Monkey? Does he feel sorry for poor Hev? Is he playing with her? Or, is there more to it than that?

You can read previous Kevin68 emails here:

Should Hev have faith in Kev?

Email alert: Hev gets to know Kev

Email alert: Heather's online dating

*please do not try this at home. Unless you're much better-looking than you make out, chase a rainbow to make it up to that person and buy them lots of lovely things.

Dating is never easy, especially if your name's Heather Trott and you live in Albert Square. Bad luck runs in her water (whatever happened to that rabbit's foot she had?! It's brought her about as much luck as it did the floppy-eared creature).

Just as love was blossoming online with Kevin68, he fled the world of cyber space. Perhaps his Amazing bond with Hev just got Too Funky and he had to go Outside for air? *Smiles apologetically*.

Whatever Kev's reasons, an email has just 'pinged' into Hev's inbox and I've taken a sneaky screengrab for you! You'll get to hear Hev's reaction to receiving this gem of an email in tonight's episode.

NB: The word web'date'. Ooooh.

Kevin68 wants a 'moment with you'. Where have I heard that before? Oh. Yes. From Mr George Michael. Perhaps it's the singing sensation himself?! OK, so that would be something to sing about.

Should we have some Faith in this intriguing mystery man?

You can read previous Kevin68 emails here:

• Email alert: Hev gets to know Kev
• Email alert: Heather's online dating

Week commencing 25 April 2011: As William and Kate head up the aisle, the residents of Walford have a right roayal knees-up. But do we detect a few crowns slipping here and there?

Investing in the future

Alfie's got a surprise for Kat - one that's going to pay dividends to baby Tommy one day. And no, it's not the Moon crown jewels...

King Arthur?

Have the future king and queen opted for a budget wedding in Walford? No, it's just Fatboy and Tiffany getting into the swing of the celebrations. Looks like Dot doesn't know whether she should bow or curtsey...

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The deadline has now closed. Please do not place any more votes.

As the days rumble onwards and we blearily pick out our daily outfits and go about our routines, we cannot forget that the glitzy, glam and gongtastic British Soap Awards is creeping up on us! YIKES!

You've been voting for your favourite nominees to be shortlisted, and I can now reveal who stands a chance of gliding across the winning stage on Saturday, 14th May!

Voting for Best Soap and all of the categories listed below remain open until 5pm on Friday, 13th May.

Vote for your favourites here!

Best Actor

Shane Richie returned to Albert Square in September as cheeky chancer Alfie Moon. He's since lit up our screens with his cheeky smile and infectious laughter. He's also made us weep as we've shared his anguish over his strained marriage and distress over baby Tommy.

Best Actress

Jessie Wallace made a massive impact as she arrived with bump, quite literally, as she stepped back into the Square as heavily pregnant Kat Moon. Since her comeback she's faced an incredible journey which has seen Jessie deliver amazing performances.

Sexiest Male

Yum. Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) didn't clinch the Sexiest Male title in 2009 and 2010 for nothing! The hunk has come up trumps so far to make your shortlist - will he sexily stroll on to the stage to pick up the gong again?

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Ahead of our regular Tuesday selection of preview pics (this time for week commencing 25 April) , here we are again with another teaser for what's to come in Walford.

King Arthur?

Have the future king and queen opted for a budget wedding in Walford? No, it's just Fatboy and Tiffany getting into the swing of the celebrations. Looks like Dot doesn't know whether she should bow or curtsey...

WOW. WHAT. AN. EPISODE. Ronnie handing over baby Tommy to a stunned Kat was more shocking than the pink shirt Greg had to endure on his wedding day.

It's been a gruelling four-month journey for both Kat and Ronnie since the eventful night of New Years Eve. Ronnie may have done the unthinkable by taking Tommy, but both mothers have been grieving and trying to cope in their own way.

Tonight's ultimate climax on Tanya's big day is one we were all waiting for... Ronnie's secret was revealed! We've been kept on tenderhooks and we've seen just how difficult the whole experience has been for both mothers.

But it's not over yet...

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This week's delightful cast member is the glowingly gorgeous Jo Joyner. With skin as smooth as silk and tresses as shiny as satin, you can't help but wonder how the hell she does it!

With 16-month-old twins, filming scenes as Tanya, AND starring in BBC One's Candy Cabs it must take it's toll... but you'd never know it!

After filming a short scene in the Vic, Jo Joyned us (see what I did there? *Groan*) for a cosy catch up to talk about what she REALLY wears off set, the scenes she's filming and how she needed to rush home to save her husband.

Jo's so bloomin' glowy that even a moth was drawn in to her face. I'm not lying. She's like a light bulb I tell ya.

If you missed our previous vid exclusives, feast your eyes on these wonders:

• On set with... Meryl Fernandez
• On set with... John Partridge
• On set with... Tameka Empson
• On set with... Nina Wadia
• On set with... Marc Elliott
• On set with... Ricky Norwood

In February, we announced that Margaret Tyzack would be joining the cast to take on the role of Lydia Simmonds, but due to a personal matter she's finished filming earlier than planned. 

EastEnders' Executive Producer, Bryan Kirkwood adds: "In order to continue the current storyline we've taken the decision for Heather Chasen to take over the role of Lydia."

Heather's recent roles include Holby City,Doctors and Family Affairs and also the 2011 film Cat Run.

Welcome to Walford Heather! Let's hope she can control that scheming Janine as her grandma, Lydia. What do ya reckon?

It's the much-anticipated day of the year. We're all getting excited as the big day approaches, as we can watch the momentous day from our living room... it's Tanya and Greg's wedding!

Oh... you weren't thinking of another bride and groom called Kate and Wills, were you? Hold your horses, 'cos Tanya's wedding day is THIS WEEK and it's going to be MASSIVE!

Not only is there going to be a lot of pink (frock horror for Lauren), but there's also something going daaoowwn. And it's going to be good.

Another MASSIVE event is the fact that not only is Lauren's mum walking down the aisle for the second time, but Lol's recording her video diaries for a second series - she's back with a bang!

What's on her mind the most? The floaty, flowery frock she's got to wear, of course. In fact, it's "worse than a chastity belt"... erh, let's hope she's never worn one. Ouch.

Check out her latest video diary...

Fancy a recap on the previous series? You can view the 'Previously' video trailer.

Watch out for more videos to come... with other residents of the Square featuring in them.

What the devil will she get up to in this series? So long as it doesn't involve a murder like last time... *yikes*.

The nominees for the 15th Annual Webby Awards have been announced, celebrating the best the web has to offer, and guess what? E20 is one of them!

The EastEnders spin-off is one of five to be nominated in the Drama section of the Online Film & Video category. It celebrates original, narrative film and video, made for and premiering online.

E20 is written by 15 young Londoners and gives new talent a voice. Its training ethos doesn't stop there though, as actors, directors, and crew are all given the opportunity to cut their teeth on this groundbreaking show.

If you've missed any of the E20 story so far, you can get a lovely recap with our video. It's crackin'.

And you can check out all the nominees and info on how to vote in the People's Voice category through the Webby Awards website.

Oh. Yes. There's no stopping E20 now... get ready for series 3 coming later in the year.

Deborah Sathe, E20 Producer, says: "I am so excited that we are on the brink of filming our third series, after having such fun making the first two. I can't wait for the audience to meet the latest batch of characters and watch the new kids rock the Square."

The Academy may select the Webby Award winners, but YOU get to choose the People's Voice Award winners. You have until Thursday, 28th April.

Week commencing 18 April 2011: An emotional week in Walford, as Ronnie's revelation impacts upon residents of Albert Square.

Bye bye baby

A moving moment for Jack, as he comes to terms with handing back the child he thought was his to his real parents.

Reunited

Kat, Alfie and Tommy - a family again once more. And isn't the little 'un wearing an outfit only mum could have picked out for him?

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Ahead of our regular Tuesday selection of preview pics (this time for week commencing 18 April) , here we are again with another teaser for what's to come in Walford.

Tea and talk

Charlie's back - and with big news for Kat. What's he been up to whilst away from Walford? You might be surprised...

Can you Adam n' Eve it? Heather's got another message from Kevin68 and he sounds interested. OK, so he may not be called George and he doesn't own a palace, but hey ho... you can't win them all.

It sounds like Hev's been glued to the laptop and sent Kev a few messages already... she is a keen bean. And that's just one of the reasons why we love her!

I can picture the 'Hev' and 'Kev' car window sticker now... do you think they'll be a match made in heaven?

If you missed it, here's Kevin68's first intro message to Hev.

Sun, smiles and snogs... you can't ask for much more when you're on set with an actor. OK, so the smooches were talked about rather than exchanged. Minor details.

Meryl Fernandes, who plays Tamwar-eating Afia Masood, met us on set this week to discuss kissing a toyboy, the gorgeous sunshine and her hopes of having an 'Afia stall'.

Watch the lovely Meryl in action...

Aaaww - isn't she a diamond?!

If you missed our previous vid exclusives, feast your eyes on these wonders:

• On set with... John Partridge
• On set with... Tameka Empson
• On set with... Nina Wadia
• On set with... Marc Elliott
• On set with... Ricky Norwood

'All good things come to those who wait', or so the saying goes. I'm not sure that this is the case when it comes to the likes of buses, ketchup, or Heather Trott though.

Your smile soon vanishes when you can't possibly squeeze on to that all-important bus, the sauce just splatters all over the shop, and Hev just gets let down.

Has Hev's patience paid off though? After a week of jamming down the refresh button on www.bitofloveplease.com and uploading her pic, HEATHER67 has only gone and got herself some male attention! Woop woop. He may not be called George, but how's KEVIN68 for a possible romance?

Here's his second email to Hev (sent tonight!)...

Is it too early to invest in a hat?

She came, she saw and she conquered! A statement you could well associate with Lauren Branning for the first series of her secret video diaries.

The angsty teen returned from America with a chip on her shoulder and a bridge to burn with a certain Stacey Branning.

Not only did we get to watch what Lauren really thought behind closed doors in her vids, but we also listened to her revealing her next moves on camera.

Well guess what folks? Lol's next batch of diaries are coming soon. They're BIGGER, bolder and brighter! AND she's not filming alone this time...

Keep your eyes peeled... I'll be revealing all on this blog!

WARNING: There's a serious drought of eligible men in Walford. The lack of talent is driving the likes of soppy romantic, Heather Trott, to find her perfect match online... and why the devil not!? 

Her BFF, Shirley Carter, may be apprehensive about the lack of online trusty fellas; "they're looking for teenage girls" and "I'm going to have to pick up the pieces." BUT, Hev's taken the risk and uploaded her profile to bitofloveplease. Go get 'em Hev!

Will Heather ever get her fairytale wedding?

In Thursday, 7th April's episode Hev uploads her pretty pic to the dating site in a bid to up her game.

According to Shirl, she's "not going to find love online", BUT will she? I'll be keeping a beady eye and will try and upload any luuurve interest emails she gets. Fingers crossed. Oooooh, it's exciting stuff.

Calling all George's... get yourself noticed. You're in demand.

Oooooh there's an EastEnders' wedding approaching. This can only mean that there'll no doubt be tears, tension and tantrums, as well as a possible tiara.

Ahead of Tanya and Greg's wedding next week, we have some behind-the-scenes photos of Greg's stag night, Tanya's hen do, as well as the wondrous wedding itself.

Scott puckers up for Adam

Furry antlers, velvet jackets and a leather-clad Ian... the Vic has seen some fashion faux's in it's time. Is this some cause of amusement for Scott Maslen (Jack)?

The pair reminisce over a mixed tape with Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You up'

I have no idea what Stefan and his mate on set are watching, but I wouldn't mind knowing.

Trying to hide the fact that Rita has cabbage stuck between her teeth doesn't quite pull off

Jo Joyner (Tanya) shares a laugh with Rita Simons (Roxy)

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Week commencing 11 April 2011: There's nothing like a big wedding to cause chaos in Walford. Will everyone get to the church on time... and make the right decision?

A step in the right direction?

A tender moment between Tiffany and Whitney. Could this mean that Tiff's step-sister is recovering from her recent ordeal?

Cora blimey!

Mum's the word as Greg reveals a surprise visitor to Walford - Tanya's mother, Cora. You'll have to wait and see what Tanya's reaction is!

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Ahead of our regular Tuesday selection of preview pics (this time for week commencing 11 April) , here we are again with another sneak peek at what's to come.

Max appeal?

By the look on Tanya's face, ex-hubby Max still has eyes for his former missus. She buried him alive once, but will they now bury the hatchet?

What's the difference between John 'The Guns' Partridge and Christian Clarke? A fair bit according to Johnny, including a northern accent!

I had the absolute pleasure of spending a few minutes with Johnny in between his scenes with Marc Elliott. It may have been raining outside, but his infectious smile (and goorrrrgeous face) was a ray of sunshine. (Ed - pass the sick bag).

Watch the big man and you'll see just why he's up for Sexiest Male in the British Soap Awards. Yes. Please. 

Don't miss THE bum wiggle *fans self*.

Thank you Johnny!

To vote in the British Soap Awards, you can find out more info through our BSA blog...

If you missed our previous vid exclusives, feast your eyes on these badboys:

On set with... Tameka Empson

On set with... Nina Wadia

On set with... Marc Elliott

On set with... Ricky Norwood