EastEnders bans the slaps

EastEnders stars have been banned from slapping each other - by BBC health and safety chiefs.

Many of the famous Albert Square blows have been done for real to boost authenticity.

But actor John Partridge, who plays gay Christian Clarke, yesterday revealed: "We want to do real slaps but health and safety won’t let us.

"It’s got to be staged."

John, 38 - also a judge on reality show Over The Rainbow - told how Preeya Kalidas, Amira Shah on the show, smacked him recently but bosses made the pair fake it for the final take.

When he was clobbered at New Year by Zainab Masood, played by Nina Wadia, a stunt co-ordinator was there.

Nina said: "I thought, ’What? We need a stunt co-ordinator for a slap?’"

Memorable Albert Square slaps include Peggy Mitchell clouting Pat Evans over Frank Butcher and Peggy later hitting Frank.