EastEnders theme tune
Encyclopedia
The EastEnders
theme tune was composed
by Simon May
in 1984. He was assisted by Leslie Osborne
.
The theme is largely based upon percussion, strings and the piano, it is widely known for its dramatic use of sound, particularly the drums that begin at the end of an episode – which adds a sense of importance, suspense and drama to the cliff-hanger. This in itself, has been parodied and used by television shows since, such as in a Friends
spoof that featured on SMTV Live
.
The theme has become widely recognised. A 2008 poll by PRS for Music cited it as the most recognisable piece of music in the UK, beating the national anthem "God Save the Queen
".
The theme tune was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award in 1985 for Best TV Theme and in 1987 it won the Television and Radio Industries Club
Award for Best TV Theme Music.
, was impressed with composer Simon May and graphic-designer Alan Jeapes for their work on the titles and music for the spy thriller Cold Warrior. May was told that EastEnders was going to be an edgy drama, and came up with a piece of music that was rejected. Producers wanted something melodic, "to bring people in from the kitchen or garden", and he offered an attempt that conveyed everything about the East End that the producers wanted; "bells, whistles, hand-claps, sitar
s, steel drums and an underlying feel of being on a merry-go-round."
All of the chords used in the piece of music are diatonic, with no chromatic alterations; it has been said that this "adds to the directness of the music". The main melody is scored for a piano, which has been described as having a "pub sing-a-long feel" to it. The tune is also doubled by a whistle, and there are two rhythmic permeations, a dotted crotchet-quaver moving the music forward, and a two-quaver hand-clap on the fourth beat of every other bar.
". The lyrics were created by Don Black, and it was recorded in 1986 by EastEnders cast member Anita Dobson
who portrayed Angie Watts
in the show, and produced by her husband, Queen
guitarist Brian May
. It reached number four on the UK Singles Chart
, and Dobson appeared on Top of the Pops
. In 1988, the tune was transformed again, this time becoming a hymn called "Glory Be", which was performed on the BBC
's Songs of Praise
.
In 1993, Simon May was asked to produce a jazzed up version of the EastEnders theme, which spawned yet another vocal version (Sharon Benson's "I'll Always Believe in You"). The new theme tune proved somewhat unpopular with the viewers and was replaced with a reorchestration of the original theme. Many of the synthesized sounds which always proved popular in music and on TV in the 1980s were taken out to fit in with the acoustic sound that became popular again in the 1990s. This was only 11 months later, from 11 April 1994. Starting from that date, the synth drums that preceded the closing theme was added to the beginning of the opening theme. From 7 September 2009, the theme tune was rescored by May to include stronger drum beats and more background percussion.
The theme has also been remixed into a much slower and less dramatic version for use with EastEnders Revealed and a rock version for use with EastEnders Xtra. Subsequent spin-offs, Ricky & Bianca and EastEnders: Slaters in Detention, have used the softer guitar version. The 2010 Internet
spin-off, EastEnders: E20
, features a new remix of the theme tune, which was chosen by the show's producer, Deborah Sathe, executive producer, Diederick Santer
, Simon May, director Michael Keillor and BBC Radio 1Xtra
's DJ Ace from entries in a competition launched on Annie Mac
's BBC Radio 1
show. The winner was announced on 4 December 2009 as Carl Darling.
DJ Osymyso
—known for remixing popular culture
—produced a mashed-up
version of the theme, which turned the infamous fight between Peggy Mitchell
and Pat Butcher
into a breakbeat dance track. The theme was part of a routine by stand-up comic
Bill Bailey
during his Bewilderness shows. Bailey describes how depressing he finds the theme and imagines lyrics he feels are fitting: "Everyone is going to die/We're all gonna die/In a variety of different ways". He then proceeds to supply an alternative version of the theme which he feels is more appropriate, embodying the multicultural nature of the East End of London
by using Eastern modes, sitar
and tabla
. The theme has also been remixed by the somewhat famous remix group encompassing Jason Dunne, Leo Corcoran, and, although added to the group after this remix was compiled, Nathan Sweeney. This remix alternates between the theme tune and the song "Wake Up
" by Rage Against the Machine
. In 2009, American alternative metal
band Faith No More
performed the theme tune at the Reading Festival.
According to PRS for Music it has 99 different recordings of the EastEnders theme tune registered on its system.
In 2010 in the lead up to the shows 25th silver anniversary, Patsy Palmer
(Bianca) Sid Owen
(Ricky) appeared on the Alan Carr
show for an interview and decided to have an old "Knees up" round the piano to do their own version of "Anyone Can Fall In Love" which proved to be popular with the audience. Including a glass statue "Wellard" singing along.
. It has been used in place of the regular theme 54 times as of 7 July 2011.
The full version of the theme was included on the compilation album Simon's Way
.
This theme sees a change from the drums that are usually featured instantly at the end. Julia's theme ends an episode with a slow buildup played on piano, usually after the departure of a character or a particularly emotional event. Simon May's 1984 memo to the producers giving a breakdown of the various versions of the theme he had prepared refers to this as the "romantic pre-empt".
's farewell episode, transmitted on 10 September 2010, where it replaced the entire theme tune.
"Peggy's Theme" features on the album The Simon May Collection
and was also released as an EP along with other EastEnders songs including "Anyone Can Fall in Love
".
" as well as the theme tunes for Match of the Day
and Coronation Street
. Composer Simon May
commented: "When EastEnders first appeared in 1985 it was such a great buzz walking down the street or being in a supermarket hearing people whistling or humming the theme. I've been amazingly lucky that thanks to the huge success of the show the theme is still popular and in the national psyche."
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
theme tune was composed
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
by Simon May
Simon May
Simon May is a British musician and composer, best known for composing some of British television's best known theme tunes, including EastEnders and Howards' Way, and for composing the music for the 1988 film The Dawning....
in 1984. He was assisted by Leslie Osborne
Leslie Osborne (composer)
Leslie Osborne was an English composer of light music and themes for television and radio. As a composer he wrote a number of lighter orchestral pieces such as Lullaby for Penelope, although nowadays he is perhaps best known for co-composing the theme to the BBC soap opera EastEnders with Simon May...
.
The theme is largely based upon percussion, strings and the piano, it is widely known for its dramatic use of sound, particularly the drums that begin at the end of an episode – which adds a sense of importance, suspense and drama to the cliff-hanger. This in itself, has been parodied and used by television shows since, such as in a Friends
Friends
Friends is an American sitcom created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, which aired on NBC from September 22, 1994 to May 6, 2004. The series revolves around a group of friends in Manhattan. The series was produced by Bright/Kauffman/Crane Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television...
spoof that featured on SMTV Live
SMTV Live
SMTV Live , also written SM:TV Live and in early promotional material SMTV://live, was a British Saturday morning children's television programme, first broadcast on ITV on 29 August 1998 and last broadcast on 27 December 2003.On the surface, the programme did not seem to stray away from the format...
.
The theme has become widely recognised. A 2008 poll by PRS for Music cited it as the most recognisable piece of music in the UK, beating the national anthem "God Save the Queen
God Save the Queen
"God Save the Queen" is an anthem used in a number of Commonwealth realms and British Crown Dependencies. The words of the song, like its title, are adapted to the gender of the current monarch, with "King" replacing "Queen", "he" replacing "she", and so forth, when a king reigns...
".
The theme tune was nominated for an Ivor Novello Award in 1985 for Best TV Theme and in 1987 it won the Television and Radio Industries Club
Television and Radio Industries Club
The Television and Radio Industries Club is a British institution chartered in 1931 to "promote goodwill in the television and radio industries"...
Award for Best TV Theme Music.
Inception
The co-creator of EastEnders, Tony HollandTony Holland
Anthony John "Tony" Holland was an English television screenwriter best known as a writer and co-creator of the BBC soap opera EastEnders.-Early career:...
, was impressed with composer Simon May and graphic-designer Alan Jeapes for their work on the titles and music for the spy thriller Cold Warrior. May was told that EastEnders was going to be an edgy drama, and came up with a piece of music that was rejected. Producers wanted something melodic, "to bring people in from the kitchen or garden", and he offered an attempt that conveyed everything about the East End that the producers wanted; "bells, whistles, hand-claps, sitar
Sitar
The 'Tablaman' is a plucked stringed instrument predominantly used in Hindustani classical music, where it has been ubiquitous since the Middle Ages...
s, steel drums and an underlying feel of being on a merry-go-round."
All of the chords used in the piece of music are diatonic, with no chromatic alterations; it has been said that this "adds to the directness of the music". The main melody is scored for a piano, which has been described as having a "pub sing-a-long feel" to it. The tune is also doubled by a whistle, and there are two rhythmic permeations, a dotted crotchet-quaver moving the music forward, and a two-quaver hand-clap on the fourth beat of every other bar.
Remixes and remakes
Due to its popularity, the tune was turned into a song, titled "Anyone Can Fall in LoveAnyone Can Fall in Love
"Anyone Can Fall in Love" is a song, released in 1986, by EastEnders actress Anita Dobson, who played the character of Angie Watts. The song was released as a single, reaching #4 in the UK Singles Chart....
". The lyrics were created by Don Black, and it was recorded in 1986 by EastEnders cast member Anita Dobson
Anita Dobson
Anita Dobson is an English television actress and singer. She gained her highest profile while playing Angie Watts in the BBC soap opera, EastEnders...
who portrayed Angie Watts
Angie Watts
Angela "Angie" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Anita Dobson from the first episode of the show until 1988 when the actress decided to quit and the character was written out....
in the show, and produced by her husband, Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
guitarist Brian May
Brian May
Brian Harold May, CBE is an English musician and astrophysicist most widely known as the guitarist and a songwriter of the rock band Queen...
. It reached number four on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
, and Dobson appeared on Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops
Top of the Pops, also known as TOTP, is a British music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly from 1 January 1964 to 30 July 2006. After 25 December 2006 it became a radio program, now hosted by Tony Blackburn...
. In 1988, the tune was transformed again, this time becoming a hymn called "Glory Be", which was performed on the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
's Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise
Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional Christian hymns. It is a widely watched and long-running religious television programme, one of the few peak-time free-to-air religious programmes in Europe Songs of Praise is a BBC Television programme based around traditional...
.
In 1993, Simon May was asked to produce a jazzed up version of the EastEnders theme, which spawned yet another vocal version (Sharon Benson's "I'll Always Believe in You"). The new theme tune proved somewhat unpopular with the viewers and was replaced with a reorchestration of the original theme. Many of the synthesized sounds which always proved popular in music and on TV in the 1980s were taken out to fit in with the acoustic sound that became popular again in the 1990s. This was only 11 months later, from 11 April 1994. Starting from that date, the synth drums that preceded the closing theme was added to the beginning of the opening theme. From 7 September 2009, the theme tune was rescored by May to include stronger drum beats and more background percussion.
The theme has also been remixed into a much slower and less dramatic version for use with EastEnders Revealed and a rock version for use with EastEnders Xtra. Subsequent spin-offs, Ricky & Bianca and EastEnders: Slaters in Detention, have used the softer guitar version. The 2010 Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
spin-off, EastEnders: E20
EastEnders: E20
EastEnders: E20 is a British Internet soap opera, which began airing on 8 January 2010. A spin-off from the established BBC soap EastEnders, it is set in EastEnders regular setting of Albert Square, a Victorian square in the fictional borough of Walford, in the East End of London...
, features a new remix of the theme tune, which was chosen by the show's producer, Deborah Sathe, executive producer, Diederick Santer
Diederick Santer
Diederick Santer is a British television producer and is best known for his work on the popular BBC television soap opera EastEnders, a post which he assumed on 23 October 2006 and left on 1 March 2010...
, Simon May, director Michael Keillor and BBC Radio 1Xtra
BBC Radio 1Xtra
BBC Radio 1Xtra is a digital radio station in the United Kingdom from the BBC specialising in new black music, sometimes referred to as urban music. Launched at 18:00 on 16 August 2002, it had been codenamed Network X during the consulation period and is the sister station to BBC Radio 1...
's DJ Ace from entries in a competition launched on Annie Mac
Annie Mac
Annie Mac is an Irish DJ and television presenter who hosts an eponymous electronic dance music show on BBC Radio 1 in the United Kingdom which airs at 7:00 pm on Friday evenings as well as a Sunday evening show alongside co-presenter Nick Grimshaw.-Personal life:Annie Mac was born in Dublin,...
's BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
show. The winner was announced on 4 December 2009 as Carl Darling.
DJ Osymyso
Osymyso
Osymyso is a musician and DJ from the United Kingdom who specializes in the genres of bastard pop and breakbeat. He has been making music since 1994, but he released his first album, Welcome to the Pailindrome, in 1999...
—known for remixing popular culture
Popular culture
Popular culture is the totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes, images and other phenomena that are deemed preferred per an informal consensus within the mainstream of a given culture, especially Western culture of the early to mid 20th century and the emerging global mainstream of the...
—produced a mashed-up
Mashup (music)
A mashup or bootleg is a song or composition created by blending two or more pre-recorded songs, usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the instrumental track of another...
version of the theme, which turned the infamous fight between Peggy Mitchell
Peggy Mitchell
Margaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by...
and Pat Butcher
Pat Evans
Patricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired...
into a breakbeat dance track. The theme was part of a routine by stand-up comic
Stand-up comedy
Stand-up comedy is a comedic art form. Usually, a comedian performs in front of a live audience, speaking directly to them. Their performances are sometimes filmed for later release via DVD, the internet, and television...
Bill Bailey
Bill Bailey
Bill Bailey is an English comedian, musician and actor. As well as his extensive stand-up work, Bailey is well known for his appearances on Black Books, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Have I Got News for You, and QI.Bailey was listed by The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy in...
during his Bewilderness shows. Bailey describes how depressing he finds the theme and imagines lyrics he feels are fitting: "Everyone is going to die/We're all gonna die/In a variety of different ways". He then proceeds to supply an alternative version of the theme which he feels is more appropriate, embodying the multicultural nature of the East End of London
East End of London
The East End of London, also known simply as the East End, is the area of London, England, United Kingdom, east of the medieval walled City of London and north of the River Thames. Although not defined by universally accepted formal boundaries, the River Lea can be considered another boundary...
by using Eastern modes, sitar
Sitar
The 'Tablaman' is a plucked stringed instrument predominantly used in Hindustani classical music, where it has been ubiquitous since the Middle Ages...
and tabla
Tabla
The tabla is a popular Indian percussion instrument used in Hindustani classical music and in popular and devotional music of the Indian subcontinent. The instrument consists of a pair of hand drums of contrasting sizes and timbres...
. The theme has also been remixed by the somewhat famous remix group encompassing Jason Dunne, Leo Corcoran, and, although added to the group after this remix was compiled, Nathan Sweeney. This remix alternates between the theme tune and the song "Wake Up
Wake Up (Rage Against the Machine song)
"Wake Up" is a song by American rap metal band Rage Against the Machine. It is the seventh track from their self-titled debut album. While never released as a single, it remains a staple of their live shows and is usually played as the last song before the encore...
" by Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1991, the group's line-up consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist and backing vocalist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk...
. In 2009, American alternative metal
Alternative metal
Alternative metal is a genre of alternative rock and heavy metal that gained popularity in the early 1990s. Most notably, alternative metal bands are characterized by heavy guitar riffs and experimental approaches to heavy music.-Origins:...
band Faith No More
Faith No More
Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed originally as Faith No Man in 1981 by bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist Wade Worthington, vocalist Michael Morris and drummer Mike Bordin. A year later when Worthington was replaced by keyboardist Roddy Bottum, and Mike...
performed the theme tune at the Reading Festival.
According to PRS for Music it has 99 different recordings of the EastEnders theme tune registered on its system.
In 2010 in the lead up to the shows 25th silver anniversary, Patsy Palmer
Patsy Palmer
Patsy Palmer is an English actress. Palmer made an early television appearance on the children's drama show Grange Hill, but is best known for playing Bianca Jackson in the popular British television soap opera EastEnders. Originally in the cast from 1993–1999, Palmer returned to EastEnders in...
(Bianca) Sid Owen
Sid Owen
Sid Owen is an English actor, television presenter and former singer, most famous for playing the role of Ricky Butcher in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders, which he appeared in from 1988 until 2000, 2002 until 2004 and then again from March 2008.-Career:Prior to his role in EastEnders he had a...
(Ricky) appeared on the Alan Carr
Alan Carr
Alan Carr is an English comedian and television personality. Born in Weymouth, he was raised in Northampton before moving to Manchester during his early 20's....
show for an interview and decided to have an old "Knees up" round the piano to do their own version of "Anyone Can Fall In Love" which proved to be popular with the audience. Including a glass statue "Wellard" singing along.
Julia's theme
"Julia's theme" refers to an alternative version of the usual theme, which was named after one of the show's creators, Julia SmithJulia Smith
Julia Smith was an English television director and producer.- Early career :London-born Smith became involved in television production when she directed the series Suspense in 1962...
. It has been used in place of the regular theme 54 times as of 7 July 2011.
The full version of the theme was included on the compilation album Simon's Way
Simon's Way
Simon's Way is an album by The Simon May Orchestra and released in 1986. Anita Dobson, who also starred in the television show EastEnders sings the theme to the show...
.
This theme sees a change from the drums that are usually featured instantly at the end. Julia's theme ends an episode with a slow buildup played on piano, usually after the departure of a character or a particularly emotional event. Simon May's 1984 memo to the producers giving a breakdown of the various versions of the theme he had prepared refers to this as the "romantic pre-empt".
Events where Julia's theme has been used
| No | Date | Circumstances |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 April 1985 | Ian Beale Ian Beale Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985... cries into the arms of his grandmother Lou Lou Beale Louise Ada "Lou" Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Anna Wing. The character is played by Karen Meagher in the 1988 EastEnders special, Civvy Street, set during the Second World War.... after a heart-to-heart, because his father Pete Pete Beale Peter "Pete" Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Peter Dean. He made his first appearance in the programme's first episode, on 19 February 1985. The character was created by Tony Holland, one of the creators of EasEnders; he was based on a member of... disapproves of him becoming a chef. |
| 2 | 20 June 1985 | Sue Osman Sue Osman Susan "Sue" Osman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sandy Ratcliff. She was one of the serial's original characters, appearing in its first episode on 19 February 1985 and departing on-screen in May 1989. Created by Tony Holland and Julia Smith, Sue was... tells her husband Ali Ali Osman Ali Osman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nejdet Salih. He was a member of the original EastEnders cast, appearing in the first episode on 19 February 1985. He remained with the show for nearly five years afterwards, making his final appearance on 10 October... that she has a lump in her throat and cannot cry for her recently deceased baby, Hassan. |
| 3 | 1 August 1985 | In order to make a despondent Sue Osman Sue Osman Susan "Sue" Osman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sandy Ratcliff. She was one of the serial's original characters, appearing in its first episode on 19 February 1985 and departing on-screen in May 1989. Created by Tony Holland and Julia Smith, Sue was... acknowledge her grief, Dr. Legg forces her to hold baby Annie . As she comforts the crying baby, she breaks down in tears. |
| 4 | 3 October 1985 | Michelle Fowler Michelle Fowler Michelle Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actress Susan Tully.Although she was one of the brighter people in Walford, that didn't stop Michelle making some huge mistakes during her time in Albert Square... meets Den Watts Den Watts Dennis Alan "Den" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. He became well known for his tabloid nickname, "Dirty Den".... at the canal to tell him that she is pregnant with his baby. |
| 5 | 2 January 1986 | Pauline Fowler has a heart-to-heart with her son Mark on Southend beach. |
| 6 | 6 February 1986 | Lofty Holloway asks a pregnant Michelle Fowler to marry him. |
| 7 | 8 April 1986 | Michelle Fowler agrees to marry Lofty Holloway Lofty Holloway George "Lofty" Holloway is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tom Watt. Lofty is one of the serial's original characters, making his first appearance in the third episode, 26 February 1985.... . |
| 8 | 17 April 1986 | Whilst alone in the bar at The Queen Victoria, Lofty and Michelle share a kiss before she leaves. |
| 9 | 22 July 1986 | Sue Osman Sue Osman Susan "Sue" Osman is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sandy Ratcliff. She was one of the serial's original characters, appearing in its first episode on 19 February 1985 and departing on-screen in May 1989. Created by Tony Holland and Julia Smith, Sue was... tells Michelle Fowler Michelle Fowler Michelle Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actress Susan Tully.Although she was one of the brighter people in Walford, that didn't stop Michelle making some huge mistakes during her time in Albert Square... that she has had a phantom pregnancy. |
| 10 | 23 September 1986 | On the night before Michelle Fowler's wedding to Lofty Holloway, the father of her child, Den Watts wishes her good luck. |
| 11 | 4 June 1987 | Arthur Fowler Arthur Fowler Arthur George Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Bill Treacher.The father of the Fowler family, Arthur was essentially a good man, but he made some foolish choices and he always ended up paying dearly for them, also being bossed to the brink of insanity by... returns home from prison and thanks his family for their support. |
| 12 | 2 July 1987 | Dot Cotton and Ethel Skinner Ethel Skinner Ethel May Skinner is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Gretchen Franklin. Ethel Skinner also features in a 1988 EastEnders special, entitled Civvy Street, set on Albert Square during the Second World War, where the character is played by Alison... reminisce about life in the war in a two-hander episode. |
| 13 | 20 August 1987 | Magda Czajkowski asks Simon Wicks Simon Wicks Simon "Wicksy" Wicks is a fictional character from the British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nick Berry between 1985 and 1990. Wicksy was introduced to take on some of the more adult storylines that had been scripted for another character, Mark Fowler; Mark's actor David Scarboro had left... to move in with her. |
| 14 | 20 August 1992 | Arthur Fowler reluctantly turns down Christine Hewitt Christine Hewitt Christine Hewitt is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Elizabeth Power. Introduced in 1992 as a lonely divorcée who became besotted with married Arthur Fowler while he tended her garden... 's advances, but he kisses her passionately before he leaves. |
| 15 | 25 December 1992 | Mark Fowler Mark Fowler Mark Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders. Mark was an original regular character in the series starting February 1985 but became a semi-regular after his original portrayer David Scarboro was written out of the role in April 1985. Scarboro made... rescues Mandy Salter Mandy Salter Mandy Salter is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Nicola Stapleton. Introduced on 12 March 1992, Mandy was portrayed as a teenage tearaway. She was featured in storylines about homelessness, child and drug abuse. Her relationship with Aidan Brosnan was one of the... from her mother's abusive boyfriend and takes her back to Walford, where they celebrate Christmas at the Fowlers' house. |
| 16 | 18 February 1993 | Pauline Fowler Pauline Fowler Pauline Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a long-running serial drama about working class life in the fictional London borough of Walford. She was played by actress Wendy Richard between 1985 and 2006. Pauline was created by scriptwriter Tony Holland and producer... and Pat Butcher Pat Evans Patricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired... have a heart-to-heart after Pat runs over and kills a girl. |
| 17 | 2 September 1993 | Sharon Sharon Rickman Sharon Anne Rickman is a fictional character from the popular BBC1 soap opera EastEnders, played by Letitia Dean, who was a regular cast member for the first 10 years after the programme began on 19 February 1985. She returned in May 2001, and appeared on and off, having most recently appeared in... , Grant Grant Mitchell (EastEnders) Grant Anthony Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. Grant first appeared in 1990, introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show. Kemp remained until 1999 when he opted to leave... and Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy... , Kathy Beale, Frank Frank Butcher Francis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long... and Pat Butcher start their journey home from France after visiting Frank's pregnant daughter Diane Diane Butcher Diane Maureen Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Sophie Lawrence. Diane appeared as a regular character between 1988 and 1991, when Lawrence decided to leave. The character made several brief returns in 1993, 1994, and 1997... . Sharon watches on as Phil and Kathy embrace. |
| 18 | 21 October 1993 | Ian Ian Beale Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985... begs his wife Cindy Cindy Beale Cindy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Collins.Cindy always had an eye for the lotharios of Walford and despite trying to settle down repeatedly with the more reliable Ian Beale, she was unable to remain faithful to him. She had a selfish... to return home after lies have spread and he thinks she has cheated. |
| 19 | 22 June 1995 | Nigel Bates Nigel Bates Nigel Bates is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Paul Bradley from 1992 to 1998. Introduced in 1992 by Leonard Lewis, the character was incorporated gradually and brought back as a regular following a brief stint due to a popular reception. He was depicted as a... tells his stepdaughter Clare that her mother Debbie Debbie Bates Debbie Bates is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actress Nicola Duffett from 1993 to 1995. She was introduced as a love-interest for Nigel Bates, but was killed-off in 1995 on Duffett's request.-Storylines:Debbie first appears in Walford in May 1993 as a friend... has died in a hit-and-run accident. |
| 20 | 20 June 1996 | Arthur Fowler Arthur Fowler Arthur George Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Bill Treacher.The father of the Fowler family, Arthur was essentially a good man, but he made some foolish choices and he always ended up paying dearly for them, also being bossed to the brink of insanity by... 's funeral. |
| 21 | 17 October 1996 | Cindy Beale Cindy Beale Cindy Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Collins.Cindy always had an eye for the lotharios of Walford and despite trying to settle down repeatedly with the more reliable Ian Beale, she was unable to remain faithful to him. She had a selfish... runs away with her sons Steven Steven Beale Steven Peter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Edward Farrell from 1989 to 1990, Stuart Stevens from 1992 to 1996, Edward Savage from 1997 to 2002, and Aaron Sidwell from 2007 to 2008... and Peter Peter Beale Peter Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. He was played by Thomas Law from 2006 until 2010. The character has previously been portrayed by James Martin, Joseph Shade, Alex Stevens and Francis Brittin-Snell. Law took over the role on 31 August 2006... to start a new life in France. |
| 22 | 10 April 1998 | Kathy Beale leaves Walford with her son Ben to start a new life in South Africa. |
| 23 | 30 April 1998 | Nigel Bates Nigel Bates Nigel Bates is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Paul Bradley from 1992 to 1998. Introduced in 1992 by Leonard Lewis, the character was incorporated gradually and brought back as a regular following a brief stint due to a popular reception. He was depicted as a... , Clare Tyler Clare Tyler Clare Bates is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Gemma Bissix. Bissix originally played the character as a schoolgirl from 1993 to 1998. She left the serial with her screen stepfather Nigel Bates, when his actor Paul Bradley opted to leave. After a ten year... , Julie Haye Julie Haye Julie Haye is a fictional character that appeared in the BBC soap opera EastEnders between 1997 and 1998, played by Karen Henthorn. Julie was a love interest for the popular character Nigel Bates. After "a whirlwind affair", the couple left the soap together for a new life in... and Josh Saunders leave Walford for a new life in Scotland. |
| 24 | 4 February 1999 | Grant Grant Mitchell (EastEnders) Grant Anthony Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. Grant first appeared in 1990, introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show. Kemp remained until 1999 when he opted to leave... , Peggy Peggy Mitchell Margaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by... and Courtney Mitchell scatter Tiffany Tiffany Mitchell Tiffany Dawn Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Martine McCutcheon from 1995 until 1998. The character was created by the writer, Tony Jordan... 's ashes at Peacehaven. |
| 25 | 10 September 1999 | Bianca Butcher Bianca Jackson Bianca Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Patsy Palmer. The character was introduced by executive producer Leonard Lewis and appeared initially from 1993 to 1999, when Palmer opted to leave. In 2002 executive producer John Yorke brought the character... leaves Walford with her son Liam Liam Butcher Liam Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by twins Jack and Tom Godolphin in 1998 and 1999, Gavin and Mitchell Vaughan in 2002, and by Nathaniel Gleed from 2002 to 2004... to start a new life in Manchester. |
| 26 | 20 February 2000 | Frank and Peggy Butcher vow to stay in Walford and fight Dan Sullivan for ownership of The Queen Victoria. |
| 27 | 28 November 2000 | Sonia Jackson breaks down after giving Chloe up for adoption. |
| 28 | 22 February 2001 | Roy Roy Evans (EastEnders) Roy Edmund Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tony Caunter. Introduced by Series Producer Barbara Emile in 1994, Roy was scripted as a love interest for Pat Butcher... and Pat Evans Pat Evans Patricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired... get back together. |
| 29 | 10 May 2001 | Ian Beale Ian Beale Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985... and Laura Dunn get married |
| 30 | 21 December 2001 | Jim Branning Jim Branning James Archibald "Jim" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by John Bardon, first appearing on 29 April 1996 and becoming a regular character in 1999 and has remained in the series right up to 2011.... proposes to Dot Cotton Dot Branning Dorothy "Dot" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by June Brown since 1985. In a special episode entitled EastEnders: Dot's Story a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in flashbacks. Dot first appeared in EastEnders in July 1985 as the mother of... on the London Eye. |
| 31 | 1 February 2002 | Peggy Mitchell Peggy Mitchell Margaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by... says farewell to Frank Butcher Frank Butcher Francis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long... in Spain. |
| 32 | 6 May 2002 | Sonia Jackson and Jamie Mitchell Jamie Mitchell Jamie Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jack Ryder, who made his first appearance on 9 November 1998. Ryder decided to leave in 2002, and his final episode aired Christmas Day 2002, when Jamie was killed off.... decide to end their relationship. |
| 33 | 21 June 2002 | Anthony Trueman proposes to Zoe Slater Zoe Slater Zoe Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Ryan. She made her first appearance on the 18 September 2000... . |
| 34 | 16 August 2002 | Little Mo Little Mo Mitchell Maureen "Little Mo" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kacey Ainsworth.-Storylines:... returns from prison. |
| 35 | 14 February 2003 | Mark Fowler Mark Fowler Mark Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders. Mark was an original regular character in the series starting February 1985 but became a semi-regular after his original portrayer David Scarboro was written out of the role in April 1985. Scarboro made... leaves Walford to end his days travelling the world. |
| 36 | 14 November 2003 | Alfie Moon Alfie Moon Alfred William "Alfie" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Shane Richie. He made his first appearance on 21 November 2002, and left on 25 December 2005... interrupts the wedding of Andy Hunter and Kat Slater to declare his love for Kat. Alfie and Kat decide to get together, and Kat jilts Andy. |
| 37 | 24 June 2005 | Zoe Slater Zoe Slater Zoe Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Michelle Ryan. She made her first appearance on the 18 September 2000... leaves Walford to start a new life in Ibiza. |
| 38 | 9 December 2005 | Stacey Slater Stacey Slater Stacey Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lacey Turner. She made her first appearance on 1 November 2004. The character was introduced as a feisty and troublesome teenager, an extension of the already established Slater clan... returns to Walford after her mother Jean Jean Slater Jean Elaine Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Gillian Wright. She appeared in December 2004 briefly and in December 2005. She returned as a recurring character in June 2006 and returned again as a regular character from November 2006... 's attempted suicide. She looks at a picture of her brother Sean Slater Sean Slater Sean Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Robert Kazinsky. Sean left the Square temporarily on 27 March 2007, as Kazinsky was suspended from work for two months. He returned on 28 May 2007... and breaks down. |
| 39 | 16 December 2005 | Nana Moon dies in Alfie's arms. |
| 40 | 9 June 2006 | Grant Grant Mitchell (EastEnders) Grant Anthony Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp. Grant first appeared in 1990, introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show. Kemp remained until 1999 when he opted to leave... and Courtney Mitchell leave Walford to start a new life in Portugal. |
| 41 | 2 February 2007 | Martin Martin Fowler (EastEnders) Martin Albert Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by James Alexandrou from 1996 to 2007.The role was previously played by Jon Peyton Price from early life as a baby in 1985 to 1996, just before Martin's teenage years began.-Storylines:Martin is the younger son... and Sonia Fowler Sonia Fowler Sonia Ann Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Natalie Cassidy. Her first appearance was on 21 December 1993 and she made her final appearance on 2 February 2007... leave Walford with their daughter Rebecca to start a new life in Manchester. |
| 42 | 1 April 2008 | Frank Butcher Frank Butcher Francis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long... 's funeral. |
| 43 | 27 August 2009 | Garry Hobbs Garry Hobbs Garry Pelé Hobbs is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ricky Groves. He made his first appearance on 18 September 2000... and Dawn Swann Dawn Swann Dawn Roxanna Swann is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kara Tointon, who first appeared on 26 September 2005... leave together on a boat. |
| 44 | 5 March 2010 | Rachel and Dot Branning Dot Branning Dorothy "Dot" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by June Brown since 1985. In a special episode entitled EastEnders: Dot's Story a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in flashbacks. Dot first appeared in EastEnders in July 1985 as the mother of... lay flowers on Bradley Branning Bradley Branning Bradley Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Charlie Clements. He made his first appearance on screen on 24 January 2006 and last appeared on 22 February 2010. Clements has won multiple awards for his portrayal.... 's grave after his funeral. |
| 45 | 26 April 2010 | A secretly pregnant Amira Shah Amira Shah Amira Shah is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Preeya Kalidas. The girlfriend, and later wife, of Syed Masood , she first appeared on screen in the episode broadcast on 7 May 2009. She returned on 10 October 2011.The character was described as high maintenance,... leaves Walford by car after it is revealed her husband Syed Syed Masood Syed Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Marc Elliott, and first appeared on screen on 21 April 2009. Syed is the eldest son of Masood Ahmed and Zainab Masood , and brother of Tamwar and Shabnam and Kamil Masood... is gay. |
| 46 | 23 June 2010 | Stacey Branning Stacey Slater Stacey Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lacey Turner. She made her first appearance on 1 November 2004. The character was introduced as a feisty and troublesome teenager, an extension of the already established Slater clan... holds her baby daughter Lily after giving birth in hospital. |
| 47 | 16 July 2010 | Syed Masood Syed Masood Syed Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Marc Elliott, and first appeared on screen on 21 April 2009. Syed is the eldest son of Masood Ahmed and Zainab Masood , and brother of Tamwar and Shabnam and Kamil Masood... admits his true feelings to Christian Clarke Christian Clarke Christian Clarke is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by John Partridge. He made his first appearance on 17 January 2008.-Storylines:... and they walk away together as a couple. |
| 48 | Stacey Branning Stacey Slater Stacey Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lacey Turner. She made her first appearance on 1 November 2004. The character was introduced as a feisty and troublesome teenager, an extension of the already established Slater clan... flees the country with her daughter Lily. |
|
| 49 | 13 January 2011 | After saying an emotional goodbye to his family, Charlie Slater Charlie Slater Charles "Charlie" Slater is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Derek Martin, making his first appearance on 4 September 2000. He is played by Jason McGregor in flashbacks broadcast in 2001. He also makes a cameo appearance in the second series of the... leaves Walford by tube. |
| 50 | 11 March 2011 | Phil Mitchell Phil Mitchell Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy... and Shirley Carter leave for their honeymoon after deciding not to marry each other, but to stay together. |
| 51 | 18 April 2011 | Kat Kat Moon Kathleen "Kat" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Jessie Wallace. She was also played by Kate Peck in a flashback in 2001. She appeared in the show from September 2000 to November 2004, then returned in May 2005... and Alfie Moon Alfie Moon Alfred William "Alfie" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Shane Richie. He made his first appearance on 21 November 2002, and left on 25 December 2005... are reunited with their son, Tommy, concluding the baby-swap storyline. |
| 52 | 19 May 2011 | Jane Beale leaves Walford Walford Walford is a fictional borough of east London in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. The name Walford is both a street in Dalston where one of the series' creators, Tony Holland, lived and a blend of Walthamstow, where Holland was born, and Stratford. The suffix 'ford' is also found throughout East... after an emotional farewell to her adopted son Bobby Beale |
| 53 | 26 May 2011 | Jim Branning Jim Branning James Archibald "Jim" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by John Bardon, first appearing on 29 April 1996 and becoming a regular character in 1999 and has remained in the series right up to 2011.... leaves in an ambulance to go to a care home as his wife, Dot Branning Dot Branning Dorothy "Dot" Branning is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by June Brown since 1985. In a special episode entitled EastEnders: Dot's Story a young Dot was played by Tallulah Pitt-Brown in flashbacks. Dot first appeared in EastEnders in July 1985 as the mother of... , looks on. |
| 54 | 7 July 2011 | Ronnie Branning finds peace after being sentenced to three years imprisonment for the kidnap of Tommy Moon. |
Alternative endings
Occasionally, singular episodes of EastEnders have used a different theme tune for the closing credits, or the initial drum beats are missing or have been replaced by something else.| Date | Circumstances |
|---|---|
| 12 September 1985 | Michelle Fowler Michelle Fowler Michelle Fowler is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actress Susan Tully.Although she was one of the brighter people in Walford, that didn't stop Michelle making some huge mistakes during her time in Albert Square... cries into the arms of her grandmother Lou Lou Beale Louise Ada "Lou" Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Anna Wing. The character is played by Karen Meagher in the 1988 EastEnders special, Civvy Street, set during the Second World War.... after Lou realises that Michelle is pregnant and they have a talk. As Michelle cries the scene fades into the closing credits. There were no drum beats. |
| 23 February 1989 | When Den Watts Den Watts Dennis Alan "Den" Watts is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by actor Leslie Grantham. He became well known for his tabloid nickname, "Dirty Den".... was shot and supposedly killed, the screen went black and cut into the closing credits. There were no drum beats. |
| 22 June 1989 | At the end of Pat Wicks Pat Evans Patricia Louise "Pat" Evans is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. She has been played by Pam St. Clement since 12 June 1986, just over a year after the show first aired... and Frank Butcher Frank Butcher Francis Aloysius "Frank" Butcher is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Mike Reid. Frank made his first appearance on-screen as a guest character in 1987 but, due to a positive viewer reception, he was reintroduced in 1988 as a regular. Reid took a long... 's wedding episode the drum beats were replaced by a conga tune. |
| 1990 | When Pete Beale Pete Beale Peter "Pete" Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Peter Dean. He made his first appearance in the programme's first episode, on 19 February 1985. The character was created by Tony Holland, one of the creators of EasEnders; he was based on a member of... 's stall was demolished by a JCB, the drum beats were replaced by the sound of the JCB demolishing the stall. |
| 8 May 1995 | The square celebrated VE Day. The theme tune was replaced with a wartime waltz. |
| 31 December 1999 | When Mel Beale Melanie Owen Melanie Jane "Mel" Owen is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tamzin Outhwaite. She appeared from October 1998 to April 2002 when Outhwaite opted to leave the role... left her husband Ian on the strike of midnight on millennium eve, the regular closing drum beats were replaced by the tune of Auld Lang Syne Auld Lang Syne "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song . It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world; its traditional use being to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight... . |
| 7 September 2000 | The song "Guilty Guilty (1931 song) "Guilty" is a popular song published in 1931. The music was written by Richard A. Whiting and Harry Akst. The lyrics were written by Gus Kahn.... " was used over the end credits instead of the programme's usual title music to signify the final appearance of character Ethel Skinner Ethel Skinner Ethel May Skinner is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by the late Gretchen Franklin. Ethel Skinner also features in a 1988 EastEnders special, entitled Civvy Street, set on Albert Square during the Second World War, where the character is played by Alison... (Gretchen Franklin Gretchen Franklin Gretchen Franklin was an English actress with a career in showbusiness that spanned over eighty years.She was born in Covent Garden, west London, a cousin of the actor Clive Dunn. She was best known for playing the character of Ethel Skinner in the long running BBC One, soap opera, EastEnders... ) who had persuaded her friend Dot Cotton (June Brown June Brown June Muriel Brown, MBE is a British actress, best known for her role as the busy-body, chain-smoking gossip Dot Cotton in the long-running British soap opera EastEnders and for making other high profile television appearances on shows such as Doctor Who, Coronation Street, Minder, The Bill and... ) to help her die. |
| 23 November 2000 | When Ian Beale was declared bankrupt, a sinister piano theme preceded the drums as Ian was driven round the Square, looking at his former business empire. |
| 25 December 2003 | After the wedding of Alfie Moon Alfie Moon Alfred William "Alfie" Moon is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Shane Richie. He made his first appearance on 21 November 2002, and left on 25 December 2005... and Kat Slater on Christmas Day, the residents of Albert Square celebrate by dancing to Wizzards "I Wish it could be Christmas everyday". The drum beats were replaced by this song. |
| 31 January 2008 | This single hander episode featuring Dot Branning used the song "Pretty Baby Pretty Baby (song) Pretty Baby is a song written by Tony Jackson during the Ragtime era. The song was remembered as being prominent in Jackson's repertory before he left New Orleans in 1912, but was not published until 1916.... " over the closing credits. |
| 18 February 2010 | In the lead-up to the show's 25th anniversary, the BBC asked viewers to upload videos of themselves singing the theme tune to the EastEnders website. This episode ended with a montage of these performances. |
| 10 September 2010 | For Peggy Mitchell Peggy Mitchell Margaret Ann "Peggy" Mitchell is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Peggy was initially played by Jo Warne when she first appeared on 30 April 1991, featuring in the series on a recurring basis over several weeks. Peggy was reintroduced in 1994, recast and was then played by... 's final episode during her moving away from Albert Square following the Queen Vic Fire Queen Vic Fire Week "Queen Vic Fire Week" is a group of four episodes of the BBC soap opera EastEnders, broadcast between 6 and 10 September 2010 on BBC One. The episodes included a fire at The Queen Victoria public house, also known as The Queen Vic or The Vic, and the departure of the character Peggy Mitchell,... , "Peggy's Theme" was used. |
Peggy's Theme
"Peggy's Theme" is a new variation of Julia's Theme, written by Simon May. It was featured in Barbara WindsorBarbara Windsor
Barbara Ann Windsor, MBE , better known by her stage name Barbara Windsor, is an English actress. Her best known roles are in the Carry On films and as Peggy Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders....
's farewell episode, transmitted on 10 September 2010, where it replaced the entire theme tune.
"Peggy's Theme" features on the album The Simon May Collection
The Simon May Collection
The Simon May Collection is a 2010 compilation album of television and film music written by Simon May.The album was released to coincide with the departure of the character Peggy Mitchell, played by Barbara Windsor, from the BBC soap opera EastEnders...
and was also released as an EP along with other EastEnders songs including "Anyone Can Fall in Love
Anyone Can Fall in Love
"Anyone Can Fall in Love" is a song, released in 1986, by EastEnders actress Anita Dobson, who played the character of Angie Watts. The song was released as a single, reaching #4 in the UK Singles Chart....
".
Legacy
It is recognised as an iconic piece of music, largely establishing itself based upon shocking and surprising cliff-hangers that have featured dominantly throughout the years. A 2000 UK poll named it as the sixth most popular TV theme of all time. In a 2008 poll by PRS for Music the EastEnders theme was the most recognisable piece of music in the UK, beating the national anthem "God Save the QueenGod Save the Queen
"God Save the Queen" is an anthem used in a number of Commonwealth realms and British Crown Dependencies. The words of the song, like its title, are adapted to the gender of the current monarch, with "King" replacing "Queen", "he" replacing "she", and so forth, when a king reigns...
" as well as the theme tunes for Match of the Day
Match of the Day
Match of the Day is the BBC's main football television programme. Typically, it is shown on BBC One on Saturday evenings during the English football season, showing highlights of the day's matches in English football's top division, the Premier League...
and Coronation Street
Coronation Street
Coronation Street is a British soap opera set in Weatherfield, a fictional town in Greater Manchester based on Salford. Created by Tony Warren, Coronation Street was first broadcast on 9 December 1960...
. Composer Simon May
Simon May
Simon May is a British musician and composer, best known for composing some of British television's best known theme tunes, including EastEnders and Howards' Way, and for composing the music for the 1988 film The Dawning....
commented: "When EastEnders first appeared in 1985 it was such a great buzz walking down the street or being in a supermarket hearing people whistling or humming the theme. I've been amazingly lucky that thanks to the huge success of the show the theme is still popular and in the national psyche."