February 2009

Friends pay tribute to Wendy Richard

Some of Wendy Richard’s former EastEnders co-stars have paid tribute to the actress, who died this morning. Earlier today, it was announced that the 65-year-old had lost her battle with cancer. Adam Woodyatt, who plays her screen nephew Ian Beale, said: "I am so sorry to hear the very sad news about Wendy’s death. I have many fond memories of our time together at EastEnders and will remember her with affection. "Knowing that she is no longer in pain and suffering is the only comfort and I hope she rests in peace.
Submitted by admin on 26 February 2009 - 6:34pm

Wendy Richard dies aged 65

Former EastEnders actress Wendy Richard has died aged 65, her agent has confirmed. The star, who played Pauline Fowler in the BBC One soap opera, had been suffering from cancer. Her agent Kevin Francis said: "She was incredibly brave and retained her sense of humour right to the end." Last October, Richard revealed she had an aggressive, terminal form of cancer.
Submitted by admin on 26 February 2009 - 2:22pm

Rob Kazinsky’s EastEnders bet

Rob Kazinsky has a bet riding on ’EastEnders’ characters Roxy Mitchell and Jack Branning getting together.

The former EastEnders actor says he is positive Roxy, played by Rita Simons, will end up with the show’s resident Romeo Jack, played by Scott Maslen.

Submitted by admin on 25 February 2009 - 8:52am

’EastEnders’ makes history with episode featuring all-black cast

For the first time in the soap’s 23-year history an episode of EastEnders featuring an all-black cast is to be broadcast. The programme, which centres around character Patrick Trueman - played by Rudolph Walker - focuses on his views about how attitudes to race have changed in Britain since he arrived from Trinidad in the Fifties.

Submitted by admin on 24 February 2009 - 3:31pm

Trouble for Patrick? Edward Woodward joins EE

Edward Woodward — who starred as 80s telly tough guy the Equalizer — has landed a role in EastEnders. He plays mysterious old-timer Tommy Clifford seemingly charming but hiding a darker side. He sets tongues wagging in Albert Square by asking questions about Patrick Trueman, played by Rudolph Walker. Woodward, 78, has already started filming and will appear on the BBC1 soap next month. He said “I’ve watched and enjoyed EastEnders for many years and it has been a joy to work on this great show.” Woodward found fame with 1960s spy series Callan, then started as a cop in cult horro
Submitted by admin on 21 February 2009 - 1:00am

EastEnders’ Masoods welcome new family member to the Square

Marc Elliott will join EastEnders, playing the character of Syed Masood, appearing on screen from May 2009.

Syed is the much talked about son of Masood Ahmed and Zainab Masood who turns up in Walford to be reunited with his parents – but how will he fit back into family life?

Syed Masood is the handsome, suave and sophisticated eldest child of the Masood family.

Submitted by admin on 20 February 2009 - 11:58am

Hustle re-commissioned for sixth series

BBC controller of drama commissioning Ben Stephenson has commissioned long-running drama Hustle for a sixth series. Made by Kudos Film and Television in association with Red Planet Pictures, the company formed by EastEnders’ former chief scriptwriter Tony Jordan, the new series will be broadcast next year on BBC1. The BBC said the show’s sixth outing “cemented Hustle’s place as one of the channel’s most successful and popular dramas”. Hustle’s fifth series saw the return of Adrian Lester, who was in the show’s first three series but not its fourth, and introduced brother and sister du
Submitted by admin on 13 February 2009 - 7:57pm

Palmer hopes for Carol Jackson return

EastEnders star Patsy Palmer has claimed that producers should bring back her on-screen mother.

The actress, who plays Bianca Jackson on the BBC One soap, confirmed that she would be thrilled if Lindsey Coulson was recruited to reprise her role as Carol.

Palmer also confirmed that she is keen for Nick Berry and Michael French to return in their respective parts of Simon and David Wicks.

Submitted by admin on 9 February 2009 - 5:46pm

Calls to Childline jump by 50% after child abuse story

Soap opera storylines about sexual abuse and increased reporting of violence towards children in the media has led to a 50% increase in calls to ChildLine, the charity said today.

It believes abused children have been encouraged to tell on their tormentor after seeing similar stories on the news and on programmes like EastEnders.

ChildLine bases in Swansea and Prestatyn counselled 1,876 children about sexual abuse in 2007-08, which the charity said is more than at any other time in its 23-year history.

Submitted by admin on 9 February 2009 - 9:34am

Swash ordered to pay child maintenance

Joe Swash has been ordered to pay £60 per week maintenance for his son after his ex-girlfriend contacted the Child Support Agency, according to a report. The former EastEnders actor welcomed the arrival of his first child Harry in June 2007, but he split from the baby’s mother Emma Sophocleous just seven months later.
Submitted by admin on 8 February 2009 - 9:40pm