The "foreign soaps" topic

[Sylph]

Thanks, KS, and thanks, Dannigold!

[dannigold]

There are clips on you tube of the wedding

[JamesF]

I keep up with them as and when something takes my interest through various sources online. Episodes of all the soaps are readily available if you know where to look but I probably shouldn't say any more than that. Predominantly my interest lies with B&B but I've watched Y&R, DOOL, GL and GH regularly in the past and seen scads of the others.

Y&R, B&B, ATWT, GL, DOOL and GH have all been shown in the UK at one time or another but not in the past few years and that's where my interest began.

As for the wedding I'm afraid I don't know the exact date but the official website might be able to help.

[dannigold]

EastEnders actor Phil Daniels has quit the BBC soap after nearly two years.

The 47-year-old – who joined the cast as Kevin Wicks in September 2005 – has decided not to renew his contract, provoking Walford executives to axe his on-screen children, Carly and Deano (played by Kellie Shirley and Matt Di Angelo).

Diane Parish – who plays Daniels' screen wife Denise – will also make a temporary exit at the same time while she has a baby in real life.

Speaking of his decision to quit, Daniels told The Sun: "EastEnders has been an absolute pleasure, but it was always my intention, after two years in the job, to move on and do other things.

"I'd like to thank all on the Square for making my stay such fun."

Kellie, 25, commented: "It's a shame the option on my contract hasn’t been picked up, but it wouldn't feel right to remain in the Square without the rest of my family.

"I've not been able to accept work while playing Carly and I can't wait to get my teeth into others roles - but I wouldn't change a thing about my EastEnders experience."

Di Angelo, 19, added: "I've had a really good time at EastEnders and I've learnt so much from the cast."

Phil Daniels, Diane Parish, Kellie Shirley and Matt Di Angelo will continue filming with the BBC soap until November, with their characters remaining on screen until the new year. Diane, however, will return after her period of maternity leave.

Meanwhile, actress Linda Henry – who plays Kevin Wicks' ex-wife Shirley Carter – is sticking with the BBC soap as earlier this month, Bobby Davro signed to appear as Vince Monks, a new love interest for the wayward barmaid.

[Sylph]

Here's the ratings (that is why I asked):

1 EASTENDERS (FRI 2001) 10.29

2 EASTENDERS (THU 1929) 8.45

3 EASTENDERS (MON 1959) 8.45

4 EASTENDERS (TUE 1929) 8.17

1 CORONATION STREET (FRI 1934) 9.48

2 CORONATION STREET (MON 2029) 9.45

3 CORONATION STREET (MON 1933) 9.37

4 CORONATION STREET (WED 1930) 8.62

5 CORONATION STREET (SUN 1929) 7.57

[heatherwebber]

Maybe the Wicks family's exit is why they're bringing in all those new characters?

They certainly have a treasure in Shirley/Linda Henry.

[Sylph]

Week ending 05/08/2007:

1 EASTENDERS (MON 1959) 8.58

2 EASTENDERS (FRI 1959) 8.02

3 EASTENDERS (THU 1930) 7.73

4 EASTENDERS (TUE 1929) 7.51

1 CORONATION STREET (MON 2029) 9.62

2 CORONATION STREET (MON 1934) 9.03

3 CORONATION STREET (WED 1930) 8.70

4 CORONATION STREET (FRI 1934) 8.52

5 CORONATION STREET (SUN 1929) 8.13

[KSlater]

ITA -- Shirley is a great character. Although I did enjoy Kevin's relationship with Denise, I was never really drawn into the Wicks' family's story.

[heatherwebber]

Kevin was quite obviously an attempt to bring in a new "Alfie Moon." The kids never impressed me all that much. I did like some of the interaction they had with Pat.

Tonight's shows were a lot of stuff about Stella. Ben's return. Li running off and Wellington being abducted from Mickey. Bradley & Stacey announcing their engagement. Pat running more games at night and Mo eating a cockroach unawares. Phil hiding with Shirley instead of having the wedding. Deano & Chelsea trying to get revenge on Sean Slater but failing miserably.

Max hitting on a woman who put him in his place quickly then turned out to be working with Tanya.

There was also a drag queen singing and some further singing by Shirley's friend Heather.

The show does seem to be changing style rapidly.

[dannigold]

The changes you are seeing in my opinion are the work of Diederick Santer. The first exec producer in years who knows how EE should be written. Also the BBC have told them not to be afraid of tackling issues and tacking risks again.

[dannigold]

From September 3rd Uk fans can watch Days of our lives, The Young and the Restless and Guiding light on entertainment channel Zone Romantica

[Sylph]

What episodes? Fresh or somewhat old?

[dannigold]

Nobody knows yet. The last episode of Days to air in the UK, was the shootout at Greta's coronation.

[Sylph]

James Payne (wrote Thursday, July 19th EastEnders episode)

[heatherwebber]

Is Zone Romantica a cable channel, satellite, or digital cable?