OK I'll have my twopenny's worth. One's opposite gender partner has been dragged into watching it because of all the publicity and her ex profession She seems hooked. I stopped watching many year ago 'cos it seemed to become a faux public information agency rather than entertainment. It really is utter utter utter depressing rubbish.

I love the drama.


 EE dismissed rumour that Auntie Glenda would become a surrogate mother for Christian and Syed, however I got a feeling that Roxy will instead.

I love t'Enders, so you're not alone darlo.

Not sure about the surrogacy story. I shall have to wait and see how they handle it.

My greatest wish is for Ian Beale to be held hostage by his whole family while they spend all of his money. That and for Phil Mitchell to be mistaken for a potato and made into chips. Unfortunately I don't think it'll come true. Ah well!

I look forward to your spoilers, Darlo.

 Maybe that's the problem GJ, people think it's real-life when actually it's a drama/soap and sometimes not at all well researched to reflect what would actually happen under certain circumstances in rl

I think I'd rather live in Albert Square than Summer Bay...they drop like flies there....

OMG to the surrogate mother story

Of course Glenda won't do it - she'd be too worried about her figure

Love the spoilers darlo - keep them coming

I've also seen that Roxy is to become a surrogate for Christian and Syed....and that she has an ulterior motive and that she won't do it the tirkey baster way, if you get my drift????!!! Why are the Mitchell girls both so stupid????? Christian is NEVER going to be straight!!

Also heard that Whitney will leave the family home in the wake of fallout from the whole Connor love triangle...and she will move in with Janine!!!!! The very same madwoman who tried to kill her brother!!!!

It's not been the same for me since Dirty Den was bumped off  (first time around),  He was lush (IMO)

Howabout Glenda finding that she is pregnant with two babies, the father of one being Phil and the other Ian - apparently it is biologically possible. That would be some storyline

The Daily Mirror reports that 18-year-old Whitney - Bianca Butcher's step-daughter, played by Shona McGarty - will become a £50-a-time hooker after a row with her family.
Whitney was previously the victim of child abuse by Bianca's former partner Tony King. Scriptwriters are collaborating with Comic Relief on the storyline, which will highlight the sexual exploitation of young women.



Nothing confirmed yet but it seems Jody Latham who played Lip in Shameless is apparently tipped to play one of the punters who Whitney will come into contact with, I like her and actually think this will be an interesting storyline and this issue has recently been in the news with that case from day.


This will be after the fallout surrounding Carol and Connor's relationship being revealed, she runs away from home. Connor is assaulted with an iron bar, apparently from what i've heard Bianca wrongly accuses Connor of coming onto little Tiff as she doesn't know why she's acting weird and it's Max who hits him, which then must lead Tiffany to confess.

She won't make any money in the East End with those rates

Hope no-one's missed the highlighted spoiler.


Latest paper rumours saying that the cast have threatened a revolt over this Ronnie storyline and also about how Samantha Womack has been treated plus Lindsey Coulson has allegedly quit as they both share the same agent, if true she was only on a years contract anyway...


Laurie Brett who plays Jane has announced she is pregnant so Ian and Bobby will be the only Beales around.

Aha! I noticed her expanding waistline and suspected she might be pregnant.

'A living hell': Samantha Womack attacks EastEnders bosses for ruining her life over 'sick' cot death storyline

eastenders confirms sex exploitation plot


Whitney in a 10 minute episode for Comic Relief.


No cast revolt. Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace both broken their silence and dismissed rumours they are quitting.


Sam Womack has also had to dismiss claims she's heading for a breakdown, good grief some of the rubbish that is reported.

An EastEnders spokesperson has confirmed that changes were made to scenes involving the baby swap storyline.

Producers made the decision following the strong viewer response to the plot, but assured fans that the changes did not weaken the overall story.

The spokeswoman told the Daily Star Sunday: "We can assure you that no complete scenes were cut from this episode. Given the audience response to this storyline, we felt on this occasion that it was appropriate to respond and make some changes.

"The vast majority of material remains intact and we don't believe that those trims we have made will weaken or detract from the overall storyline for viewers."

An insider added: "The scenes showing the little white coffin were a bit much. A lot of people who had already seen the episode felt it was going a little too far. So all the scenes which showed Kat clutching the coffin were left on the cutting room floor.

"After all the controversy that this storyline has caused, the last thing anyone at the BBC wanted was to make the situation even worse. The corporation's top chiefs got involved and ordered the changes. No scenes were reshot - they were just tweaked slightly.

I wish people could differentiate between real life and fiction.  Eastenders is NOT a docu-drama!

Thank bog! Mrs Jer lost interest rather quickly.

Cant believe Jo Joyner the woman who plays Max's wife is only 33! she looks much older.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvs...a-play-Barbados.html

Phil proposes to Shirley, reckon Shirley's gonna find out soon about Glenda and Jane then both Phil and Ian will have hell to pay.

Yes, I must admit, I thought she would have been older .... but I think she's really pretty

I hate it when they take pics of people that are  obviously unflattering ..... I hope she's the type who doesn't give a monkeys

Oh no Kat kisses Michael, i'm tired of Kalfie breaking up then getting back together...


Phil Mitchell has a heart attack and Ian is the only one who sees him on the floor but sensing revenge over what Philip has done to him over the years e.g. shoving his head down a toilet he leaves Phil lying there so doesn't ring for help...

Could this be the end for Mr. Potato Head?

No, although they need some new strong male characters plus a few characters in the 20-25 age range.


Patsy Palmer issued a statement to say she's not quitting, press said she wanted to go over the baby swap storyline such is their agenda, turns out her contract has expired and she wanted to spend some more time with her newborn then return back to Eastenders.

EastEnders bosses were forced to think of an "inventive" way to continue Bianca Jackson's current storyline after Patsy Palmer gave birth early, Digital Spy can reveal.

Producers at the BBC soap faced a problem in December after Palmer welcomed the arrival of her fourth child Bertie almost a month before he was due.

Bertie's early arrival came as Palmer was about to film explosive scenes focusing on a showdown between Bianca and her loved ones, sparked by the revelation of her mum Carol's secret relationship with Connor Stanley.

Speaking in a new interview with Hello magazine, Palmer admitted: "I wasn't planning to go on leave for another three weeks so they will have to explain my sudden absence - maybe aliens will abduct Bianca! But they were very supportive and told me their only concern was for me and my baby's health."

A Walford source told DS today: "Everyone was thrilled for Patsy when she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, but his early arrival did create a big challenge because some key scenes showing Bianca becoming involved in the Carol and Connor storyline had yet to be filmed.

"We had all the build-up shot as well as the aftermath, but there were some important scenes in the middle that hadn't been done. In the end, we had to be quite inventive in the way that we proceeded with the storyline.

"As a result, one of the affected scenes from the storyline will play out in a special way, showing events unfold through the eyes of Bianca's daughter Tiffany. It worked out quite well as we had already been showing how Carol's secret was having a big effect on Tiffany and causing her to behave strangely. But the viewers will have to wait and see exactly how it all happens when the episodes air."

The scenes in question - which lead to Bianca's temporary departure from the Square - will be screened this week. Show bosses also brought back Natalie Cassidy's character Sonia Fowler for a one-off episode to help with the conclusion of the storyline.

EastEnders bosses have reportedly planned Phil Mitchell and Shirley Carter's marriage to coincide with the royal wedding.


The pair, played by Steve McFadden and Linda Henry respectively, will tie the knot on April 29 - the same day that Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry at Westminster Abbey.


A source told The Mirror: "The royal wedding is the biggest event of this year and, for soap fans, Phil Mitchell is pretty close to royalty having been a favourite since he arrived in 1990. The show's bosses thought a wedding storyline would be perfect to coincide with William and Kate."

Phil is due to propose to Shirley on Monday after being rushed to hospital following a heart attack.


However, the weeks leading up to the ceremony will apparently be "riddled with drama" as Glenda Mitchell (Glynis Barber) threatens to reveal her affair with Phil.

Some more spoilers


Monday 21 February
8.00-8.30pm BBC ONE and BBC ONE HD

The new B&B opens as Denise struggles to put the past behind her, in the week's first visit to Albert Square.

Meanwhile, Alfie comes up with a plan to try to impress Kat.

Elsewhere, Shirley tries to persuade Heather that George would be better off with her; and when Whitney tries to reconnect with her family at Ricky's birthday, Janine ruins it for her.

Tuesday 22 February
7.30-8.00pm BBC ONE and BBC ONE HD

Roxy hires Tanya as the new manager of the beauty salon and Janine tries to make up with Whitney, as life in Walford continues.

Zainab, meanwhile, is horrified to discover that Dr Yusef Khan has moved into the Square.

Thursday 24 February
7.30-8.00pm BBC ONE and BBC ONE HD

Patrick puts himself in charge of getting Alfie and Kat back together in tonight's visit to Walford.

Meanwhile, Whitney tries to kiss Max and Yusef tries to find out who has been spreading rumours about him.

Friday 25 February
8.00-8.30pm BBC ONE and BBC ONE HD

Heather and Julie bond while talking about their children, in today's visit to the Square.

Masood is shocked to discover how much Afia's engagement ring is going to cost.

Looks like Ronnie Mitchell might be coming back.


IT'S the return of the Womack - EastEnders star Samantha is planning a shock comeback just months after she quit over the dead baby swap plot.


The News of the World can exclusively reveal that soap bosses have only written her character Ronnie Mitchell out of the show for 12 months.


The actress, who said the recent controversial storyline made her feel sick, has told bosses that she wants to go back to the show.


Last night, a top BBC source told us: "Sam went through a very difficult few weeks during the filming and airing of the baby swap plot.


"Everything got a bit too much for her and she said things that, on reflection, she now doesn't agree with.


I felt ill having to portray it. It was the most horrific four weeks of my life

"Sam stood up to speak at a meeting of the cast and producers to make it clear she is committed to the soap in the long-term and doesn't harbour any grudges.


"She has a lot going on in her life and wants to focus on other priorities for a year, then she'll return."


Sam's return has been encouraged by her on-screen husband Scott Maslen, who plays Jack Branning.


He remains committed to Enders and has privately urged the 38-year-old mum to come back after taking time off.


Our source added: "The plot will have Jack and Ronnie separating when Sam is on her break.


"However, the plan is to bring them back together."


But Sam's decision will stun the 13,000 furious fans who complained about the harrowing baby drama after learning of her unhappiness.


The storyline, which saw Ronnie swap Kat's healthy baby Tommy with her dead baby James, engulfed the BBC in a major scandal.


Sam said of the storyline: "I felt ill having to portray it. It was the most horrific four weeks of my life."


Sam resigned in November after finding out about the plot and is due to finish in May.


But she could be back as early as April 2012.


The source said: "Ronnie's return will be a huge ratings boost so the producers are working towards that."

I so hope if this is true then they give Ronnie some happier storylines for once but this is EastEnders after all.

EastEnders star Steve John Shepherd has suggested that his character Michael Moon could have a future with Roxy Mitchell.


Next week's episodes of the BBC soap see Michael and Roxy (Rita Simons) enjoy a date together at The Vic, leaving fans to wonder whether a more serious relationship could develop between the pair.


In an interview with Inside Soap, Shepherd explained: "They spend a nice evening together and then share a kiss. Roxy and Michael just enjoy each other's company.


He likes her no-nonsense, feisty nature - and she's wild, so I think he enjoys that too."

He continued: "Roxy and Michael make a good couple and although this first date isn't a major deal, there's every chance it could lead to something more in the future."


Michael returned to screens earlier this week when he arrived at The Vic unexpectedly - providing a shock for Kat and Alfie.

Anyone think the Glenda character's being lined up for one of EE's over used plot device of a murder whodunnit? 

All the signs are there of lots of characters wanting to kill her. So when is her character going to get killed?  A month's time, I think.  I know that program's form and can usually see a plot line coming a mile off. 

Roxy, Phil, Ian, Jane, Shirley, Ben or Ronnie.  Chuck in a plot development affair with bad boy Conor or some Joonine scheming and her character's life expentence can only be a few months.

That's my guess, Glenda's character's a gonna, EE script writers have just got to put the icing on the cake so they can have their who killed Glenda cliff hangers.

darloboy
EastEnders bosses have reportedly planned Phil Mitchell and Shirley Carter's marriage to coincide with the royal wedding.


The pair, played by Steve McFadden and Linda Henry respectively, will tie the knot on April 29 - the same day that Prince William and Kate Middleton are to marry at Westminster Abbey.


A source told The Mirror: "The royal wedding is the biggest event of this year and, for soap fans, Phil Mitchell is pretty close to royalty having been a favourite since he arrived in 1990. The show's bosses thought a wedding storyline would be perfect to coincide with William and Kate."

Phil is due to propose to Shirley on Monday after being rushed to hospital following a heart attack.


However, the weeks leading up to the ceremony will apparently be "riddled with drama" as Glenda Mitchell (Glynis Barber) threatens to reveal her affair with Phil.

---

Hi Darlo
I find it quite odd that EE script writers think the wedding of two very unlikeable, grim characters is going to get the viewers all loved up, so close to the Royal Wedding.

The EE scriptwriters have proven repeatedly over the last couple of years that they're not only completely out of touch with what the show's fans actually think, but that they simply don't care.

Anyone who can say with a straight face that Phil Mitchell is a "favourite" character doesn't deserve to be taken seriously. I've never liked Phil as a character, butI know I'm not alone: he's almost certainly one of the least popular regular characters. In the most recent DS poll of favourite EE characters, he didn't even make the top 40...

LOL all DS do is bitch, they are the ones out of touch with public opinion most of the time...


Phil and Shirley (or Phirley as I call them) are amongst my favourite current characters/couples at the moment but it's obvious this is happening till all the Glenda and Ian stuff is finally revealed to everyone, although I hope they do get married.


I have to say judging by the picture of Whitney jumping out of a brothel window to try and escape the pimps, this storyline will be interesting and can see some ringing up OFCOM again.

EastEnders bosses have confirmed that actor Colin Mace has been cast in the role of Fatboy Chubb's father Ashley.


Mace, who has previously appeared in a number of other TV shows, is understood to have filmed several episodes of the BBC soap and will appear on screen in the spring.

News of Mace's casting - revealed exclusively by EastEnders fansite Walford Web - comes just a few weeks after show bosses announced their plans to introduce the character of Ashley.


Ashley is expected to arrive in Walford when he faces problems in his personal life and decides to pay his son a visit, looking for somewhere to stay. His appearance on screen has been billed as a chance to give viewers an insight into Fatboy's background and upbringing.


An Albert Square source recently said: "Fatboy has been a real hit with viewers and the bosses have decided that it's now time to bring in his dad so people can see what Fatboy is really all about."


Mace's television credits include appearances in Casualty, The Bill and Doctors. He has also starred in a number of theatre productions.


Meanwhile, Ricky Norwood, who plays Fatboy, recently won the 'Best Newcomer' prize at this year's National Television Awards.

Stage star Margaret Tyzack has joined the cast of EastEnders, taking on the role of Janine Malloy's maternal grandmother Lydia Simmonds.


The 79-year-old actress will appear on the Walford soap for the first time in April, when Lydia comes face-to-face with Janine following years of estrangement between the pair.


Tension within the family dates back to when Janine's mother June embarked on a relationship with Frank Butcher, angering Lydia - who believed that "common as muck" Frank was not good enough for her daughter.


Lydia was "a lady of class and dignity" at the time of the family feud, but she now has a reputation for nasty behaviour in her neighbourhood which makes people do their best to avoid her.


As Janine and Lydia become part of each other's lives, viewers will be left to wonder whether a happy family reunion is on the cards or whether Lydia has more sinister motives.


Speaking of her casting, Tyzack commented: "I am delighted to be joining a great British tradition and a fine company of actors."


EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood added: "What a coup to have Margaret Tyzack starring in EastEnders. She is an actress of incredible class and talent. Lydia has endless possibilities as a character and I can't wait to see Janine meet her match."


Tyzack has an extensive stage background, having joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1962. She has since received two Olivier Awards, a Tony award and numerous other accolades for her performances.


The actress's notable roles away from the stage include appearances in 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, The Forsyte Saga, I, Claudius and The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles.

I have to say, the imminent arrival of the totally sexy David Essex is the only reason I'm still watching!!!!

Albert Square's the right place for him so