Popular dramas can engage people in serious issues,” he tells i. People wouldn’t read an academic article about divorce or HIV but they will watch a drama. “I think the BBC still situates storylines in real life and tries to talk about real issues. With the BBC’s remit to inform, educate and entertain, programmes like EastEnders show “education and entertainment don’t have to be separate from one another”, says media historian Dr Anthony Mcnicholas.
The show is known to work closely with charities to ensure what it portrays on screen is accurate, and will often carry helpline information at the end of the programme. EastEnders carries out in-depth research into its storylines, especially those that might affect viewers. Other important and agenda-setting storylines include the first soap character to be diagnosed as HIV-positive, rape, illness, alcoholism, loneliness, and grief. The Sun ran a story with the headline: “Scrap EastEnders call over gay kiss.” The scene involving actor-turned politician Michael Cashman shocked some of the 20 million people who tuned in – and the press. In 1989, Albert Square was the backdrop for the first gay kiss on the lips on British television. EastEnders will mark its 35th anniversary with episodes beginning ono 17 February 2020 (Photo: BBC) Covers important topicsĮastEnders was first broadcast in 1985 and from the off it was covering important topics that informed the public, improved understanding of social and cultural issues, and addressed taboos.
But you can save your side-eye, as standing up for the importance of soaps is a hill I am willing to die on. Many can’t seem to understand my love for EastEnders and believe it to be boring, out-of-date or unrealistic. But with an explosive week on EastEnders upon us marking the 35th anniversary of the show, I am reminded of my attachment to the soap and will sheepishly be embracing it again.
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