EastEnders 30 Years On: how was it for you?

Photo: J.D. Tagle

Since they weren’t even born when the first episode of EastEnders aired 30 years ago this week, Rising East’s young journalists are obliged to restrict their reminiscences of the celebrated soap to this century only.

As in the first 15 years, so it has been for the second decade-and-a-half – EastEnders plotlines hinge on murder, adultery, lies and theft. In other words, whatever it takes for Albert Square to hold the line against Coronation Street in the TV ratings war.

Throughout the 30 years of EastEnders history, there have been regular complaints that the show is ‘inauthentic’ – not true to real life as it is lived in East London. But who said it had to be real? EastEnders may be many things – but thankfully you could never accuse it of being short on drama.  

Mum’s The Word

Photo: J.D. Tagle
Photo: J.D. Tagle

The turn of the millennium introduced a new dysfunctional family to Albert Square: the Slaters. They brought a plethora of storylines and scandals with them, and they still loom large in the current story arcs.

After weeks of build up, secrets and arguments, ‘sisters’ Zoe and Kat Slater’s story arc finally culminated on the streets of Walford, when Zoe screamed ‘You ain’t my mother!’, and Kat replied ‘Yes I am!’. Kat’s reveal told Zoe that she was, in fact, her biological mother. Kat further revealed that she was raped by her uncle, then tried to kill herself; and all these revelations prompted poor Zoe to run away.

I feel that this storyline is so iconic because the viewer knows as much as Zoe does – nothing. We track Zoe through this revelation and the array of ensuing emotions, and subsequently follow her downfall into homelessness, drugs, and prostitution.

Despite the slightly out-there premise, this storyline was one of the first stories in EastEnders that followed a mother/daughter conflict, and touched upon many real, hard-hitting subjects which viewers could – to an extent – relate to.

Kat and Zoe’s revelation episode was nominated for Best Storyline at the British Soap Awards, and won the award for Best Single Episode in 2002. Callum Crumlish

Unlucky Man

Photo: J.D. Tagle
Photo: J.D. Tagle

I think it’s fair to say Max Branning hasn’t had the easiest of fictional lives.

Walford’s finest car salesman has suffered a string of almighty lows during his time in the Square, including the death of his son, being buried alive, alcohol addiction, and being run over by his own daughter.

But that’s not all. For me, his worst moment came on Christmas Day 2007 when his long-standing affair with his son’s wife, Stacey, was revealed.

For months we had watched as married Max began sleeping with his son’s fiancée at every possible moment.

As is the case in soapland, the truth was always going to get out, we just never knew how.

It turns out the pair were accidentally filmed kissing when his daughter’s video camera was left running on Stacey and Bradley’s wedding day. Unfortunately for Max, the footage found its way onto the couple’s wedding DVD which the entire family came round to watch after a rather awkward Christmas dinner.

As you can imagine, their actions led to quite the fallout, signalling the start of the first of his two marriage breakdowns.

I know you shouldn’t delight in the misfortune of others but I was gripped, and I imagine the other 14m people who tuned in were, too.

Max, you should have watched the Queen’s speech instead. Martin Voller

Who Killed Lucy Beale?

Photo: JD Tagle
Photo: JD Tagle

This storyline currently has the whole nation gripped. Even people who don’t usually watch the show want to know who killed Lucy Beale. She was murdered on Good Friday, nearly 10 months ago, and we still do not know the circumstances of her death. There are 75 named suspects – that’s nearly all of the current cast, involved in the biggest murder investigation the Square has ever seen.

Until recently, only one police officer had managed to work out what happened to Lucy Beale, but he died before he was able to tell anyone. Lucy’s best friend Lauren then looked through the police notes, and now she knows too.

There will be live elements throughout the week and a full live episode on Friday to mark the show’s thirtieth anniversary. Currently only four people in the country know who the murderer is. The actor who ‘committed’ the crime will be told only moments before going live on this Thursday’s hour-long episode, which is to be followed straight afterwards by a flashback episode.

Much loved characters, including Tanya Branning and Peggy Mitchell, are coming back for these episodes. But could this be a hint as to who the murderer is? It’s possible one of the returnees will turn out to be the one who admits to murder.

I’ll be on the edge of my seat till Thursday. Emma Brand

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