Archives for July 2012

Kevin Shepherd, supporter of Time to Change, England’s biggest mental health anti-stigma programme run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, writes:

 When I was contacted by Time to Change about advising a TV series with an upcoming mental health story line I never imagined it would turn out to be EastEnders!

Contact was quickly made with the research team and many emails and phone calls were exchanged, the outcome of which was the Ian Beale breakdown story. My input was welcomed and I quickly realised that this was going to be something I could really help with; I could draw on my own experiences and do my bit to make sure that Ian’s illness was portrayed accurately and as far as possible, realistic and believable.

Mental illness is a massive umbrella covering a vast array of different diagnoses. One of the biggest challenges in creating awareness of mental health issues is breaking down the stereotypical way people think when confronted with the term “mental illness” and Ian’s breakdown is just one of so many different ways that the illness can manifest itself. My personal experience is of a mental breakdown and anxiety/depressive disorder and I could really empathise with the story.

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We know that it's been hard on you in the last few weeks with the schedule and channel changes, so we have a treat in store for you... SEVEN EPISODES of EastEnders back on BBC One! And what's more, Sharon's coming back! This week is going to be unmissable, make sure to double check this page for the times of the extra episodes, and remind all of your friends!

Here's when EastEnders will be on your screens:

Monday 13th August: 8:00-8.30 pm on BBC OneAND 9.00-9.30pm on BBC One.

Tuesday 14th August: 7.30-8.00 pm on BBC One.

Wednesday 15th August: 7.30-8.00pm on BBC One.

Thursday 16th August: 7.30-8.00pm on BBC One.

Friday 17th August: 8.00-8.30pm on BBC OneAND 9.00-9.30 on BBC One.

See previous weeks schedule

Rooftop proposal...

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Shirley on the roof of The Vic! As her nerves kick in, Phil goes up to give her some moral support, and in the heat of the moment she proposes! What will he say?

Who'll be left holding the winning baby?

Talk about competitive parenting! Masood, Roxy, Lola and Syed enter their kids into a baby competition. How long does it take before the sly jibes start flowing?!

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Sharon's coming back! Did you guess who her secret suitors were from this morning's blog post?

That's right, it's bad boy Dennis!

That's right, it's Grant!

That's right it's Phil!

That's right it's Tom!

Let's hope Sharon is luckier in love this time round!

Shirley had a bit of a tough time getting up on The Queen Vic roof and filming the sequence wasn't straight forward either (but at least they had a lovely day of weather for it!)

And even Phil managed to crack a smile! Check out some more photo spoilers for this episode, and make sure you tune in!

Due to the Olympics, EastEnders is on BBC Two all this week. All schedule changes are here

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Sharon's coming back! Sharon's had a fair amount of male attention in her time on The Square, but can you figure out who she's getting cosy with in our gallery?

Sharon and this mystery man tried endlessly to deny their love for one another.

Some might say that this mystery man took Sharon for granted

This mystery man fulfilled Sharon's need for a bad boy.

Sharon said yes automatically to this proposal. 

Check out these pics for the week commencing 6th August...

Shirley tries to conquer her fear of heights by abseiling down the side of The Vic! Phil manages to get her onto the roof, and coaches her through it (Phil? Supportive? Really?). As she stands on the edge, with the crowd cheering her on, she's overwhelmed with love for her man and pops the question! Will he say yes to her marriage proposal?!

Check back on Tuesday for some more spoiler pictures!

Sharon's coming back! In full-on reminiscing mode, we've been looking back at Sharon throughout the years and highlighted some of our favourite Sharon looks... which is your fave? The peroxide crop (very 90's Madonna)

The 80's style flick?

The smooth bob (Sharon and Pauline could be twins)?

Or the sleek and sophisticated 00's look?

We can't wait to see more of the style Sharon's rocking when she comes back onto our screens!

In a hugely dramatic week featuring a whopping seven episodes, it's clear that there's no place like home for both Sharon and EastEnders - as they both return to BBC One.

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Due to the Olympics coverage, EastEnders will again be shown on BBC Two. Make sure you don't miss a single moment by checking this page and reminding your friends to keep checking as well!

Monday 6th August: 8.00-8.30pm (BBC Two)

Tuesday 7th August: 7.30-8.00pm (BBC Two)

Thursday 9th August: 7.30-8.00pm (BBC Two)

Friday 10th August: No EastEnders (boo!)

See previous weeks schedule changes

See next weeks schedule changes

Last night finally saw Billy Mitchell's dream realized as he performed in the Olympic torch relay LIVE!

It was touch and go as to wether Billy would actually make it on time after being stuck on a tube and locked out of his flat... not to mention having his new trainers replaced by a pair of fluffy slippers!

Walford residents celebrated the moment with a good old East End street party, and most of the cast were present to give Billy a high five as he lapped the square with the torch.

But one important member of the Mitchell clan was nowhere to be seen. Billy's grandaughter, Lola, was going into labour at McClunky's during his relay... but in a rare happy ending, Billy mananged to make it on time to see Lola give birth... and there wasn't a dry eye in the house!

Lucky Lucy

Although Lucy's had a run of bad luck recently, the one thing she's got going for her is her new house mate! As she gets ready for a day with the girls, Joey tries to distract her (and he's pretty distracting!).

Community spirit?

Lola starts her community service in Walford. She begins to realise how foolish she's been as she feels the strain of being away from Lexi. How will she cope?

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This week, EastEnders is playing host to an unforgettable moment as the Olympic flame passes LIVE through Albert Square.

There are two episodes on Monday 23 July - the first is 8.00-8.30pm and the second with the LIVE section is 9.00-9.30pm. Make sure that you don't miss either!

Let us know what you think! There is a buzz in the air in sunny Walford today!

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Rehearsals have been underway all weekend ahead of tonight's LIVE INSERT!

After weeks of planning, EastEnders will tonight welcome the Olympic torch where, in the capable hands of Billy Mitchell, it will continue its journey past some of The Square's most iconic landmarks - including The Queen Vic.

Lola Pearce will also give birth during this live insert...no pressure then! 

All the stops are being pulled out for the live broadcast, and to make sure the event fits in with all of the other torch relays throughout the country, EastEnders are getting a huge cast and crew in to mark the occasion.

There will be 31 regular cast members involved and at least 450 supporting artists taking part, who will all be cheering Billy on during his big Olympic moment!

What's more, there will be 19 cameras on the Square to capture every memorable historic moment. You're not going to miss a single bit of the action!

Talking of his upcoming relay, Perry Fenwick, aka, Billy said "Summer arrives just in time for me to complete my 24th circuit of Albert Square and I'm sweltering! On the plus side, I'm starting to see abs, have buns of steel - and the show is looking good too!"

EastEnders is on tonight at 8:00-8:30pm and then again, with live insert, at 9:00-9:30pm.

Here's a quick look at what's coming up in the week commencing 30th July...

Tough times

Max, Alfie and Tanya can't believe it when they hear that Ian's been sleeping rough since he left The Square. Until they see him for themselves, bedded down in an underpass! Will Ian be pleased to see his friends?

Back at the Branning's

Tanya and Max take Ian back to their house to clean him up. How will he feel being back on The Square, a stone's throw away from his life and kids? Will Max and Tanya be able to get through to him?

Check back on Tuesday for more photo spoilers!

EastEnders history is in the making as the Olympic Torch relay comes to our very own Albert Square LIVE this Monday... and it's all down to Billy Mitchell to make it go without a hitch!

Monday will have TWO episodes of EastEnders, with the second featuring a live insert in which Billy will finally be enjoying the great honour of carrying the Olympic torch

But in typical Walford style, the day is not set to be all plain sailing for Billy... with grandaughter Lola going into labour within the live insert as well... Yes, you read that right, a LIVE LABOUR in Albert Square!

EastEnders will shortly be moving to a temporary new home on BBC Two. We know that you wouldn't want to risk missing any gripping EastEnders moments, so make sure to keep checking this page and remind your friends as well!

Here's the latest info as to when EastEnders will be on your screens:

Monday 30th July: 8.00-8.30pm (BBC Two)

Tuesday 31st July: 7.30-8.00pm (BBC Two)

Thursday 2nd August: 7.30-8.00pm (BBC Two)

Friday 3rd August: No EastEnders (boo!)

See previous weeks schedule changes

See next weeks schedule changes

We won't see him back on our screens for a couple of weeks - but we couldn't resist showing you what's to come!

Lauren helps out at a homeless hostel for the day and her eyes pop out of her head when she spots a familiar face! Looking very dishevelled and in need of a big basket of fish and chips Ian wanders past her... Is this where he's been the entire time?

 Making a break for it...

After smashing a window to get into his flat (Lola was out and a little bit busy) Billy changes into his Olympic outfit! But will all that training pay off? Can he run to the starting line in time to hold the torch!?

Generation game

Tanya and Lauren look through some of Cora's old pics. But what else is in Cora's memory box? What secret will Tanya uncover?

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Don't forget that Billy's Olympic Nightmare - our latest special - premieres this week on red button, BBC iPlayer and online. Watch Monday's ep at 8pm, then press red or go online. It's epic! Spread the word!



The mini episode also airs after Tuesday's episode and at 1.25am after Friday night's omnibus. Don't miss it.

Plus, don't forget there's no EastEnders on Friday. Details here

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Here's a look at what's coming up in the week commencing 23rd July...

The Square's lads arrive back in Walford from a team footie match. But they're held up at the barriers by the poilce. Do the boys in blue not realise they're keeping Mr Billy Mitchell (an OFFICIAL Olympic torch bearer) from his BIG moment. Spurred on by his mates, Billy barges through the barriers, but will he make in time?

Pop back on Tuesday for more spoilers.

We had a lovely chat with Rachel (Poppy Meadow) by Walford East Station after her busy day filming...

She talks about her EastEnders mates, her love for arts and crafts and what she finds hardest about playing Poppy!

Check out her video now!

We know that you wouldn't want to risk missing any gripping EastEnders moments due to the Olympics coverage, so make sure to keep checking this page and remind your friends to keep checking as well!

Here's the latest info as to when EastEnders will be on your screens:

Monday 23rd July: 8.00-8.30pm AND 9.00-9.30pm (with live insert)

Tuesday 24th July: 7.30-8.00pm

Wednesday 25th July: 8.00-8.30pm (nice treat for a Wednesday!)

Thursday 26th July: No EastEnders

Friday 27th July: No EastEnders

And this week the EastEnders omnibus is on Wednesday 25th July at 11:15pm.

See previous weeks schedule changes

See next weeks schedule changes

Last week we asked you who (out of the 5 suspects) would be most likely to turn Kat's head...

It looks like Jack Branning was your man of the match (so to speak)! He received 33.7% of your votes. The only person to challenge him was hunky Ray who nabbed a respectable 24.9%. You pretty much benched Derek (14.5%) and Michael (14.6%), and gave Max (12.4%) a red card!

So, will your predictions be right or are you off your game!?

Here are a few viewer tweets about Kat and her #Lover from last week:

Scaredy Kat

When Kat is given a key from her 'mystery man' she realises her fling is getting pretty serious! How will she react to her latest gift?

Lippy Lola

Jay's kindness is exactly what Lola needs. When he tells her he'll be there for her, no matter what, she thanks him with a kiss. But what will that kiss cost her?

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We went down to the woods the other day... and surprised Tameka Empson (Kim) and Chucky Venn (Ray) as they filmed scenes for a paintball shootout in tonights episode.

Get the video in your sights now!

*VOTING HAS NOW CLOSED FOR THE ACTING CATERGORIES OF THE INSIDE SOAP AWARDS BUT YOU CAN STILL VOTE EASTENDERS AS BEST SOAP UNTIL MIDDAY ON 24TH SEPTEMBER*

The Inside Soap Awards nominations have been announced - and the winners are decided entirely by you. So vote now!

You can vote here online until midnight on 26th August 2012.

Best Actress

Gillian Wright (Jean Slater), Jessie Wallace (Kat Moon) and Linda Henry (Shirley Carter)

Best Actor

Jake Wood (Max Branning), Shane Richie (Alfie Moon) and Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell)

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It's a normal week of EastEnders, with no schedule changes. So get your teeth into a four-episode run at all the usual times - and let us know what you think in the comments section below...

PLUS! Don't forget to vote in the TVChoice Awards - poll closes on Friday. Charlie Brooks, Jamie Foreman, Jo Joyner, Shane Richie and Tony Discipline are up for awards - and you decide who wins!

Masood's free-spirited younger brother AJ arrives in town. Is he the breath of fresh air that Mas has been waiting for? Or another problem he doesn't need?

Just when life looks something like normal again, Jay makes a shock discovery... but will he regret squaring up to Ben?

Kim goes rogue on the paintball field. What do you think of her military technique?

Have your say about these burning topics and more, now...

Take a look at some pics of Billy's Olympic Nightmare a one-off exclusive Red Button episode of EastEnders.

As Billy's big Olympic day approaches, when he'll finally be able to show Walford that he's more than just the runt of the Mitchell litter, he has a nightmare featuring some famous faces...

Caught with his pants down...

Poor Billy - this really would be a nightmare! At least the torch hasn't gone out and the crowd are happy! Fingers crossed this won't happen on the day of the real run!

A One Show-stopper

In an attempt to find his fellow torch carriers Billy stumbles onto The One Show set! He makes a spectacle of himself (no change there) and is promptly told to leave...

Cheeky chappy

Billy come across Tess Sanderson being interviewed and just can't resist stealing a quick kiss on the cheek! Will she appreciate that?!

Super fans!

As he reaches the end of his nightmare, Billy spots his nearest and dearest; William, Lola and Janet. As they cheer him on, surely his nightmare becomes a dream worth remembering?

This special episode will be available on BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer straight after EastEnders on Monday 16th July 2012.



On the following Monday, 23rd July 2012, the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay procession will make its way LIVE through Walford during the episode - led by Billy Mitchell!

We know that you wouldn't want to miss a single minute of EastEnders due to the schedule changes that are happening because of the Olympics, so make sure to keep checking this page and to tell your friends!

So here's the latest info as to when EastEnders will be on your screens.

Monday 9th July-Friday 13th July: Normal schedule, yay!

Monday 16th July: 8.00-8.30pm

Tuesday 17th July: 7.30-8.00pm

Thursday 19th July: 7.30-8.00pm

Friday 20th July: No EastEnders (boo!)

See previous week's schedules here

Members of the EastEnders cast recently headed over to Hackney to take part in a Q&A for the BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra Hackney Academy.

Nitin Ganatra (Masood), Himesh Patel (Tam), Danielle Harold (Lola) and Tameka Empson chatted openly about their how their experiences, hard work and determination landed them roles in EastEnders.

Check out the video to see what they had to say, and the advice they had to offer...

Down and dirty

Kim's more used to painting the town red, or indeed painting her fingernails, so she's unimpressed when Ray takes her paintballing! How will Miss Fox get on in the wilderness?

Band of brothers

When AJ comes crashing into The Square he brings out the inner child in all of the Masood boys (plus Christian). But are they ready to face the music when Zainab comes home?

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You can now vote in the TVChoice Awards shortlist here

Voting closes on the 13th of July. So make sure to submit your vote before it's too late!

Best Soap Actor

Alfie's weathered some storms in the past year. Desperate to put baby Tommy's disappearance behind them, he's struggled to make things work with Kat, complicated things with Roxy - and there's more drama on the horizon. Vote now for Shane

Best Soap Actress

Charlie Brooks (Janine) and Jo Joyner (Tanya) are up for Best Soap Actress. Both have given great performances this year. Janine's married Michael, given birth prematurely to her baby and is now keeping vigil beside her daughter's bedside. Tanya was diagnosed with cancer and struggled through her treatment, recently receiving the all-clear, with a wedding to Max on the horizon. Who gets your vote?

Best Newcomer

Jamie Foreman (Derek) and Tony Discipline (Tyler) are up for the Best Newcomer Award. Who's your favourite? Scheming, crooked gangland crim Derek or cheeky chappie Tyler Moon? Vote now

Best Soap

It's been a big year for EastEnders and the best is yet to come! If EastEnders is your favourite Soap (it is ours). Then get voting!

EastEnders is on EVERY DAY this week. Don't miss a moment!

The schedules are here. And leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Take a look at a couple of next week's spoiler pics (week commencing 9th July).

Masood is ecstatic when his little bro AJ arrives in Walford. He manages to hide him from Zainab, and it soon becomes clear why! The Masood brothers quickly revert back to being children and whizz around The Square in a shopping trolley (boys will be boys!). It may seem like fun and games, but we're pretty sure that Derek won't crack a smile when he finds out that they crash into his beloved car! Uh oh.

Pop back on Tues for more spoiler pics!