EastEnders - General Discussion Thread

The Sun reveals this today (Highlight To Read):

KAT and Alfie are to be reunited on EastEnders as part of a huge shake-up aimed at saving the crisis-hit show.

New boss John Yorke will get the nation’s favourite soap couple back together after dramatically BINNING up to six months of scripts.

In a battle to woo back audiences he has also banned any storylines which echo plots on Coronation Street.

It was reported a month or so ago that Michelle Ryan was leaving but this is the first I've heard about Kim. Can't say I'll miss either of them if they went. Zoe is just a pain now and there is no where else to go with her and as for Sam, well the less Mitchells in Albert Square the happier I am!

Helen

From Digital Spy:

EastEnders stars are "in fear of their jobs" following news that Grant Mitchell is to return to the show, The People claims today.
Ross Kemp has allegedly been offered a £1 million contract to return to Albert Square. However, the rest of the cast are now worried that there will have to be several axings to make way for Kemp.
An insider told the newspaper, "There's bound to be some axings. It's going to be a sticky period for the rest of the cast."
The newspaper also claims that new executive producer John Yorke is in talks with Steve McFadden to reprise his role as Grant's on-screen brother, Phil.
The source added, "It's just down to details now but Grant Mitchell is on his way back. It's a huge coup for the new producers and just what they need to turn EastEnders round and bring back the golden days.
"With Barbara Windsor coming back, what could be better than seeing her and her boys back in the Queen Vic? Drastic action was needed and this seems the perfect solution."
Yorke is the replacement of Kathleen Hutchinson, who axed a string of characters during her short stint on the show.
"If the cast thought Hutchinson was tough they haven't seen anything yet," the insider revealed. "Yorke will sack stars if he thinks they have run their course."
An EastEnders spokesman refused to comment on the rumours.

Sounds great, but will he return. The News of the world said that it hasn't been confirmed but Phil will definitely return. Hopefully the mitchell brothers will return, they should be back in the heart of the soap.

I think if the news of Grant and Phil returning is true then this could turn EastEnders around. Having the Mitchell brothers back would create several new storylines. With the confirmed return of Peggy and possible return of Sharon, sparks will be flying!

Can I suggest something radical to BBC Producers and Editors? How about Axing Eastenders totally?

America survived without Dallas, Dynasty, Cheers etc.. and I'm sure Britain can survive without Eastenders!

The chances of the BBC axing it's highest rated show across all of it's channels are very slim, instead of giving up, they are going to work hard and change it for the better. Remember when Coronation Street had it's bad patch, then it bounced back with one of the biggest and most memorable storylines ever (Tricky Dicky). EastEnders will change, and most likely be bigger and better than ever.

Have to agree on that, I really don't see what people have against Enders, yes the scripts and stories have been piss poor of late, some of the actors are wooden but give it a chance to turn around. If its still in the same state at the end of the year, then yes it should be put out of its misery.

I don't think anyone will miss Zoe or Sam. (Lets face it they not outstanding actresses and they are probably as far up the fame tree that their range can take them).

As for the return of the Mitchells, Peggy & Grant yes, Phil no. It would have worked if he came back to kill off Den or get back with Kate or worst still Lisa but they have all been written out and so should he. Grant is a different kettle of fish altogether, a great enemy of the The Moons, an affair with Chrissie etc etc.

Sharon really needs to come back with Michelle to make the sparks really fly. I'm all for old cast returning as long as it fits into what's going on at the time.

Coronation Street was bad throughout most of the 90's. Apart from the odd couple of years here and there when Eastenders was going through a "bad patch"- since it's arrival Corrie has always been overshadowed by Eastenders. In 20 years this is the only time Corrie has had a strong lasting rein over EE. But i don't think it will last. sooner or later it will comeback - and i can't wait. As much as i like Corrie, they don't do drama quite as well. Eastenders at it's best is better then Corrie at it's best.

SPOILER (from the Sun)

highlight to read:

EASTENDERS star Letitia Dean is to return as Sharon Watts for Dirty Den’s final scenes.

Millions watched on Christmas Day as devastated Sharon fled to America after Den ruined her relationship with his son Dennis (Nigel Harman).Den told Dennis’s girlfriend Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan) to fake a pregnancy, knowing it would devastate Sharon.

But now Sharon is set to play a big part in Den’s final scenes.

It comes after TV Biz told how new show boss John Yorke wanted to get 37-year-old Letitia back full-time.

A show insider said: “It was a great coup for us that Letitia agreed to return.”

The Sun told how Den is murdered with a blow from a dog-shaped DOORSTOP.

His killer — who we are not revealing — lashes out during a row. Actor Leslie Grantham, 57, was exposed as an internet pervert last year and axed.

He has just filmed his exit, which will be screened on February 18 — the 20th anniversary of EastEnders.

Ironically, Den spoke the show’s first line on February 19, 1985.

If the paper is correct, Den's exit doesn't appear as 'explosive' as promised does it?

New boss John Yorke will get the nation’s favourite soap couple back together after dramatically BINNING up to six months of scripts.

In a battle to woo back audiences he has also banned any storylines which echo plots on Coronation Street.

Could be something to do with that? Cause it sounded like a rip of of corries "Mad Maya"

Who exactly is this "nation's favourite soap couple" - and didn't Corrie just do this with Tyrome (spelt majorly wrong I'm sure) and Maria?


Also, irronical that the last exex producer left because the show nearly fell off air due to scripts being rewritten - then their replacement comes in and dumps six months worth of scripts!

It's time to stop wasting money on trying to fix something that is well and truly broken - if John Yorke fails, EE should definately get the axe!