EastEnders: Discussion Thread

[DRW50]

There were claims years ago that he didn't want her back when she rejoined the show in 2010, I think (if I'm wrong, my apologies).

The pairing was random and the buildup was not even shown oncamera. It worked better than I would have expected, even if we are now back to the default (Kat/Alfie in the most apathetic reunion story, and likely Sharon/Phil again next year).

[BetterForgotten]

Yeah, it was said that the reason Kat and Phil were rarely in scenes together for years was because Jesse and Steve didn’t get along. The phone tapping tabloid scandal also created a lot of mistrust in the cast in the early 00’s - I’ve seen people suggest (with no proof obviously) that information about Steve and Lucy Benjamin’s then relationship came out as a result from tapping Jessie somehow. A lot of the cast assumed each other were selling stories about them to the tabloids.

Barbara Windsor also said that Jessie and Patsy Palmer were the only two cast mates she ever had a tiff with, in both cases because they held up production sometimes. She later mended things with them both, but in Jessie’s case, she did say she exploded at her (but later felt bad as she realized Jessie was going through things personally and had a tough time adjusting to sudden fame) and then went crying into John Yorke’s office. 

Whatever the case, Jessie and Steve seem to be on good terms now. Jessie posted some pics on her IG today.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOfrtb6DPYf/?igsh=MXZ0OGJpemoxM3VtZg==
 

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Edited September 12 by BetterForgotten

[detroitpiston]

The last scene of today’s episode was so beautiful. Michelle Ryan and Jesse Wallace are great examples of actors who stay locked in regardless of what the storyline is, so when they’re given the really good stuff they hit you right in the heart. Salute to all the Slater women

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[BetterForgotten]

She’ll probably never come back (really, what would be the use with Freddy on his way out anyway?), but I thought Kacey’s post acknowledging the 25th anniversary of the Slater’s arrival was lovely.

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[Vee]

That is lovely. I'd kill to see her back.

[DRW50]

 

Unlikely as it may be, I'd actually prefer having her back once Freddie is gone, as I don't really need to see another female character reliving rape trauma, and Freddie is a waste of space. If there's any way they could Elaine Lordan back, even just for a scene, what a great way to celebrate 25 years.

I haven't kept up with the show much the last few weeks - I haven't felt up to it to be honest - but I'm not too surprised Zoe's return has gotten mixed responses. Even with the writing issues at present, Zoe was mostly just a brat who was bookended by some powerful stories.

I've also seen people saying the Slaters are too judgmental of her - given that some of them, Jean especially, are among the biggest hypocrites ever in soapland, I'm not shocked.

[BetterForgotten]

Sharon’s come back looking more like Pauline Fowler with the current hairstyle. 

[DRW50]

I saw some of that - I was interested to see that they have, after 2 years or so, finally started having Ian and Sharon as friends again. Maybe with Letitia's absences in recent years they decided to go ahead and bring back some of Sharon's old ties even with the damage done to them. 

[Vee]

I guess it's good there's another Watts out there.

[detroitpiston]

Not going to lie, I’m definitely missing Clenshaw at the moment. The Joel storyline was actually pretty well done and I’m enjoying every minute of having Zoe back and the Slaters running The Vic, but honestly, most of the other stories right now just aren’t hitting.

The drug plot feels like someone binge-watched Top Boy and couldn’t think of anything else for the minority characters to do. Okie was so miscast that I can’t take any of it seriously, and I really hate how the Knights only seem to exist to push Harry’s story forward. Don’t even get me started on what they’ve done with Ravi and Kojo or George, Gina, Teddy and Nicola running around like idiots — the whole thing just reeksz

I’ve never cared much for the Ben/Callum/Jay crowd, but this Johnny and Callum pairing is a new low. Johnny only worked when he was cleaning up after Linda — now he’s written like a straight-up weirdo, especially with Lexi. Callum still brings nothing; the actor is like a wet sock at this point. I was hoping for a Ben recast tbh but wheb the last actor returned for the funeral and break up cameo I realized at least he brings some energy. Honestly, I’d rather watch him raising Lexi and dating than sit through another second of the other two on screen.

The Nigel stuff has gotten tedious as well. I laughed when he ran over Gina and Jasmine, but Julie’s dramatics are wearing thin — it’s all she ever gets lately.

And speaking of Jasmine, I am curious about her possible connection to Cindy, but that interest died the minute they paired her with Oscar. He still grates on my nerves every scene he’s in.

I’m still watching, but my enjoyment has definitely gone down a lot.

Edited October 21 by detroitpiston

[DRW50]

The Johnny material with Linda worked for me briefly but went on for an eternity. Johnny's never really been a character - he was only ever created because the producer at the time wanted to recreate his own coming out - but I think the main issue with the character is none of the men cast in the role ever felt quite right, or couldn't act, or both. 

It's interesting you mention this Ben and energy as he has always drained the life out of them for me.

Clenshaw I just found to be cold and plot-driven, not helped by all the overhype. I struggled to watch on a frequent basis. I'm still not that into it now...Wadey doesn't seem to be telling many stories and what he is telling isn't really interesting to me, although I wanted to give him a chance. I liked the idea of the drugs story but the execution is not there. I wasn't rushing for a Zoe return but I thought if she was coming back they'd have a reason, and that hasn't followed through either.

I think I just have to remind myself most of modern EE (Santer on) and its perpetual self-awareness isn't for me, even if I still try.

Edited October 22 by DRW50

[Liberty City]

[AMCOLTLLover]

I looove her! And she’s still so Beautiful! 

[Liberty City]

Hoping this brings on a fulltime return in 2026.

[BadBoy93]

Pat & Barry are returning this Christmas for Nigel's dementia story.

Should be an intriguing episode.