Eastenders: where did it all go wrong?

I have always been given quite a bit of stick for watching Eastenders. I mean, I watch it religiously. When I am away on holiday, I usually find someway of watching it - legally or illegally - and am forever checking the entertainment news to find out what is going on on Albert Square.

It is sad really, but like a teddy you have kept with you since birth, I see it as a soother. Something that I have to take with me everywhere, something that if misplaced, I would very much miss.

All so I once thought. You see, any avid viewer of Eastenders would notice that, as of recent, the show has really let itself go. A few years ago, it was the king of the Soaps, with plenty of awards to its name, yet recently, it's lost ratings, cast members and even its executive producer. So where did it all go wrong?

The blame, I feel, should personally be given to Brian Kirkwood, who recently quit his role as executive producer, to the joy of many fans. The former Hollyoaks producer had certain knowledge, yet was given the gigantic, often impossible task of taking on the reigns at the BBC, filling the boots of Deidrick Santer, who had done such a fantastic job as executive.

Even before he had started the role, he was already faced with a cast mutiny. With two popular characters leaving - Peggy and Stacey - it was paramount that he brought back famous faces. And to some extent, he did. Popular couple Kat and Alfie soon made a return, yet this was overshadowed by other cuts, including most of the Slater family (he even admitted his mistake at cutting Jean, who was later re-written into the show) and the character of Minty, who had been in the show for more than 10 years.

He was immediately criticised for 'sexing' up the show by commentators, introducing characters such as Vanessa and Jodie Gold, Lola Pearce and Kim Fox to sex up the show, the latter being the only one who has shown real character potential. Other characters were introduced or returned, including Sonia and Lisa Fowler, only to disappear after one episode. Sam Mitchell, left soon after she returned, and Nicole Stapleteon, arriving only a year ago, is soon to depart, soon after the swift exit of Amira Masood. Interesting to note that the majority of these characters are blonde (just putting that out there.) Coincidence perhaps?

Understandably, all Soaps lose characters now and then. But the problem with Eastenders is that too many have gone, and not enough have been brought in to replace them. Kirkwood has, without a shadow of a doubt, tried to appeal to a new generation of young fans, with focus very much on the teens and kids of the soap, leading to the loss of older generations. Maybe this led to the departure of soap matriarch Pat Butcher, and fan favourites Heather Trott and Jane Beale?!

 But besides from the cast, what about the storylines? Perhaps his biggest mistake was the awful baby-kidnap plot involving Ronnie and Kat. I have no sympathy for him here, it was an awful storyline which was so far-fetched you would never have believed it if it wasn't for Kirkwood. For me, this was the turning point. It led to huge criticisms from all members of the public and society (over 10,000 complaints were made), and led to the departure of Ronnie Mitchell, played by the wonderful Samantha Womack. Ratings have declined ever since, with stories getting more and more far-fetched. Jodie and Darren, Lauren and her alcohol problem, Fatboy and Dot and so on, just a neverending line of bad decision making.

So what are his worst decisions so far? Here are my top five:

1. Cast losses - ultimately, this has been his number one flaw. If cast members leave, it suggests that something isn't working. The loss of Pat, Heather and Ronnie, to name a few, along with the temporary departures of Bianca, Ricky, Janine and Carol all suggest that the cast are not happy with the current producers.
2. Extending the Branning/ Moon families - both families are popular, but their new arrivals are absolutely awful. With the only exemption in the fantastic Cora, played by Ann Mitchell, the three Moon brothers, along with the terrible Derek Branning and the even worse Eddie Moon (played by crooner David Essex, who barely lasted 6 months in the role), have added little to the show. He would have been wise to stick with the characters he axed 2 years ago!
    
3. Storylines - the Ronnie baby plot was ridiculous, although this has been overshadowed by the recent Ben Mitchell storyline, which is so unbelievable I'm considering staging my own murder to show the producers how it's done. Please, once they introduce a new  producer, can they get rid of Ben!
    
4. Recasts - something strange which is usually criticised by audience members is when producers decide to re-cast actors. The problem with Kirkwood is that he brought in good actors, but changed the whole persona of the character, making it seem unrealistic. Ben went from camp and sweet to an evil thug, Lauren went from quiet to alcoholic and Lucy went from bitchy to, well, pretty dull. There's a lesson here, don't re-cast actors!
5. Youth - it was a given that, coming from Hollyoaks, Kirkwood would opt for a more youth feel to the show. But seriously? It's not Hollyoaks, it never will be so don't even bother. Get rid of Lola, Ben and the two Moon brothers, and please shut Fatboy up. Thanks.

 So, rant over! I am not going to hold my hands up and say I am never going to watch Eastenders again, partly because I am watching it now and partly because I look forward to the future. I am hoping that, once a new producer is sought, Eastenders will get its mojo back. It has been in a rut before (remember the 2004 years, with the dreadful Fererra family!?) and it can get itself out. But one things for sure, it needs change. Get rid of the characters that add little to the programme - i've mentioned a few already, but other might include Billy, Roxy, Derek and Michael. The show needs fresh characters, but not extended families - no, it needs completely new families. Introduce a few former characters, i.e. Sharon, which is the only god thing that Kirkwood has managed to get right in the last two years.

So alas, my weekday nights are still dedicated to Eastenders, but for how much longer? Time will tell.

Ten TV shows you should be watching

It's fair to say, I am a bit of a telly addict. Despite a heavy schedule of study, work and more study, I think it is fundamental to relax in front of my favourite shows after a hard days graft, and the list below is no exception. Featuring a mix of drama, comedy, reality tv and soaps, I hope these ten shows will interest you in watching them too.

1. Winners and Losers (ITV 2 - Tuesdays at 10pm) - This Australian series is one of the best things to come out of Australia since Holly Valance. Following the demise of soaps such as Neighbours and Home & Away, this series follows a group of four women who have won the lottery, and showing the ups and downs of having it all. Funny, sophisticated and glamorous, a great series with similarities drawn to shows such as Mistresses and Desperate Housewives.
2. The Voice (BBC 1 - starts 24th March) - The most talked about singing contest over the last year, international versions have been praised by the critics, and now it's coming to the UK. Featuring a line-up of mentors including Jessie J, Tom Jones and Will.I.Am, this costly show is hotly anticipated to dominate prime time Saturday nights, going up against rival ITV. A must watch if you hated X Factor last year.

3. The Apprentice (BBC1 - starts 21st March) - Sir Alan, Nick and Karen return next week for the brand new series of The Apprentice. With new candidates, new tasks and a new prize, the reality show should prove to be more popular then ever, hosted by the nation's most menacing, and most respected businessman.
4. Frost on Interviews (BBC4 - Tuesdays at 9pm) - This excellent new series featuring respected journalist and presenter Sir David Frost looks up-close at the role of the interviewer. Interesting, educational and inspiring, this show - featuring interviews with guests such as Michael Parkinson - uncovers the true grit of the natural interviewer.

5. Watchdog (BBC1 - starts tonight at 8pm) - The consumer programme, back again for another new series, is a favourite with the nation, as it promises to inform the audience of all the latest dodgy deals, high prices and rogue traders. Oh and 'the queen of mean' Anne Robinson presents, what else could you ask for in a programme.
6. Benidorm (ITV1 - Fridays at 9pm) - It pains me to admit that I am hooked on this series, but it really is pure comedy gold featuring the worst stereotypes of the British working class. Cringe or cry with laughter, the new series provides just as many laughs as the previous, award winning series. So grab your fake tan and Speedos, and settle down in front of the box.

7. New Girl (Channel 4 - Fridays at 8:30pm) - One of the most talked about shows to cross the pond from the States, this funny, warm-hearted show features the kooky, gorgeous Zooey Deschanel as Jess, a teacher living with her three male flat mates. It's easy to watch and enjoy.
8. White Van Man (BBC3 - Thursdays at 9:30pm) Another easy-to-watch programme, featuring the likeable Will Mellor, this second series of the comedy series follows the life of a builder, who drives a white van. Pretty self-explanatory, it's appealing with its simple plot line and comic situations.

9. Britain's Got Talent (ITV1 - starts 24th March) The talent show series returns, along with Simon Cowell, whose absence last year saw the series fail to attract as much media attention as it had done previously. With the likes of Alesha Dixon and David Walliams added to the judging panel, the refreshed look promises to be bigger and better as it competes against The Voice. Which will you watch?
10. Eastenders (BBC 1) Ok, nothing interesting has happened on screen for ages, but off screen, exciting plans are in-store for the soap. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has left the programme, to much delight from disgruntled viewers, and old stalwart Sharon Watts will be returning later in the year. I'm hoping a new producer will re-ignite the show, which has seen viewers turn off over the last few years.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia

NTA Awards: And the award goes to...

Soap stars, reality TV veterans and TV personalities descended onto the 02 Arena last night for one of televisions prestigious events; the National Television Awards. The NTA’s see some of Britain’s greatest small screen stars – and many others we would rather forget – gather together to celebrate the previous year’s best TV moments.

But who are the real winners at the NTA’s? It seems that, behind the cleavage, fake tan and ball gowns is an award show that simply does not add up. If the awards last night taught me anything, it is that either the British television in this country has gone downhill, or the people who vote for these programmes are morons.

But first, there were a few winners that deserved to win. As much as it pains me to say it, Coronation Street deserved to win Most Popular Serial Drama. Finally stealing the crown from Eastenders, it seemed bittersweet for the Manchester based soap opera, who poignantly dedicated the gong to the late Betty Driver. Although I am a firm fan of Eastenders, the last year has been disastrous for the soap. Losing iconic cast members – Lacey Turner, Barbara Windsor, Pam St.Clement  - and storylines which leave viewers confused and often angry. Wins for Outnumbered and Celebrity Juice were probably earned fair and square to. And although I have not watched it, judging by the popularity of the show, Downton Abbey also deserved its award for Most Popular Drama.

But besides this, it was a night of shock and surprise, and not in a good way. Because in nearly every other category, the award was given to the wrong person, and left me confused and bewildered at the winners. Now these might be my own opinion, and yes I am slightly biased towards the BBC, but I am sure you will agree with me on some of the awards.  

For one, it was dominated by ITV programmes. A coincidence perhaps? The show was hosted by an ITV presenter, screened on ITV and the awards were presented by many ITV stars. So naturally, the awards would go to them?

Well, it is voted by the British public. A few months ago, I was sent an email – again, glistening with familiar ITV faces – and voted for who I thought deserved an award. Yet none of the people I voted for won a single award.

But anyway, it is not about whom I wanted to win; it is more about who the audience wanted to win. But looking at the nomination list, and comparing it to the actual winners, it just does not seem to add up. Despite numerous controversies last year matched by falling viewing figures, The X Factor won the Best Reality Programme gong, despite Strictly Come Dancing dominating its ITV rival. Most Popular Factual Programming – if you can call it Factual – went to This Morning, another key ITV show. Awards also went to Katherine Kelly of Corrie and I’m A Celebrity, although the latter thankfully fought off TOWIE to win, so there is some hope for the future of British Television.

Or is there? Because more ITV figureheads picked up other key awards, with three awards being solely chosen by the NTA’s, and not the audience. The Landmark Achievement Award went to comic and new BGT judge David Walliams, presumably because he has just made the landmark achievement of becoming another fool to step into the jaws of Simon Cowell. Jonathan Ross won the Special Recognition Award – celebrating his 25 years on air, minus the three months for which he was suspended. And surprise surprise, a third award went to X Factor protégé Gary Barlow, who won the Outstanding Contribution Award. Yes, the musician who contributed superbly to the X Factor this year, which saw over 3 million viewers switch off.

And at the top of the ITV award cabinet, perched next to the ten other dusty figurines, stands the Most Popular Entertainment Presenter, which went to – yep you guessed it – Ant & Dec, for the eleventh consecutive year in a row. Despite the duo presenting three shows last year which all caused controversy in the media (Britain’s Got Talent, Red or Black, I’m a Celeb), they still manage to cling on to their precious gong; even admitting they find the whole thing hilarious. Change the record already Britain, why can't these two goons be moved to Room 101? Seemed desperate enough that host Dermot O’Leary was telling his Twitter followers to vote for the pair. The fact that the host of the show is also up for an award seems wrong anyway.

What it comes down to is an award show dogged by controversy, rigged by a broadcaster who longs for approval from the British public. Although some of the awards were rightly deserved, questions remain on the others. And with only 6 million viewers watching the event, nearly half of the audience in previous years, is anyone really taking the awards seriously? Apart from the immature teens and Jeremy Kyle mums who love to vote for this kind of rubbish.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia