February 17th 2025.
When I was just 11 years old, I stumbled upon a show called EastEnders and it instantly captured my attention. I can still vividly recall the very first episode that aired on 19 February 1985. It was a moment that would stick with me forever.
In that first episode, I witnessed the dramatic scene of ‘Dirty’ Den Watts, Arthur Fowler, and Ali Osman breaking down the door of Reg Cox’s flat. They found him barely alive in his chair and I remember feeling a mix of confusion and intrigue. Even though I didn't fully understand everything that was happening, it felt like the characters in the show were just like any other family, with their own struggles and dysfunctional dynamics. Of course, the added drama made it all the more entertaining.
From that moment on, I was hooked and made sure to tune in regularly. It almost felt like I was growing up with the characters, as if they were a part of my own family. And now, after 40 years, I'm still watching and enjoying every moment.
Back when EastEnders was only airing twice a week, I made it a ritual to settle in at 7pm (and eventually 7:30pm) to catch the latest episode. Even when it became four times a week, I was a bit hesitant, thinking it might be too much. But I was proven wrong, as I found myself eagerly waiting for each new episode.
One of the most memorable storylines for me as a child was when Michelle Fowler became pregnant at just 16 years old. Even though I was a few years older than her at the time, it made me terrified of sex and the possibility of getting pregnant. I didn't want to end up like her.
Then in 1991, as a teenager, I watched in shock as Mark Fowler revealed his HIV diagnosis, around the same time as the hard-hitting ‘don’t die of ignorance’ campaign in the UK. It was a bold move for the show, and Mark's bravery in standing up for himself and dispelling myths about HIV and AIDS was truly remarkable. He became the first mainstream British TV character to be diagnosed with the condition.
As an adult, some of the hardest scenes for me to watch were about baby loss. This is because I experienced the loss of my own son to stillbirth and was also diagnosed with a rare condition called hyperfertility after multiple early pregnancy losses. So when characters like Ali and Sue Osman lost their baby son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 1985, or when Shabnam and Kush lost their son to stillbirth in 2015, or when Whitney and Zack lost their baby in 2023 when she was only five months pregnant, it hit very close to home.
Now, at 51 years old, my morning routine consists of getting to my home office by 8:30am and putting EastEnders on in the background while I get set up for the day with a cup of coffee. Sometimes I miss it if I'm traveling for work, but I always make sure to catch up later in the day. I've even gone back to rewatch some episodes to refresh my memory and relive the moments that have stayed with me all these years.
It's fascinating to see how much the show has evolved over the last four decades. From introducing its first gay character, Colin Russell, played by Michael Cashman, in 1987 and the uproar when he kissed his boyfriend Barry Clark (even though it was just a peck on the forehead), to now having multiple LGBTQ+ characters and even a gay bar called The Prince Albert. And let's not forget Zack's HIV diagnosis in 2023, a far cry from Peggy Mitchell's reaction to Mark's diagnosis back in the day.
EastEnders has never shied away from tackling hard-hitting issues, and it's amazing to see how much society has progressed in its understanding and acceptance of these issues. But it's not all serious and heavy, as we've also been treated to some of the most dramatic and entertaining moments in soap history. Who could forget Den Watts blindsiding Angie and serving her with divorce papers, or the infamous ‘Who Shot Phil?’ or ‘Who Killed Lucy Beale?’ storylines?
As much as I've enjoyed the show from the very beginning, I do have a soft spot for the old days. I would love to see EastEnders go back to its roots and focus more on the original families, like the Beales or the Fowlers. While I appreciate the show's boldness in tackling important issues, there are some plot lines that are a bit far-fetched for my taste, like when Mick Carter was swept out to sea.
For the 40th anniversary week, I'm thrilled that the show is bringing in a live element – allowing the audience to vote on who Denise should end up with: Jack Branning or Ravi Gulati. It's the first time that viewers have had a say in the show's history, and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
I also hope that the 40th anniversary show takes the time to pay tribute to the past by bringing back classic characters. It was a pleasant surprise to see Grant Mitchell again, and I'm excited to see who else might make an appearance. And of course, there's the question of who will finally get their comeuppance – will it be Reiss?
One of the reasons why EastEnders has stood the test of time is its ability to adapt and evolve. I have no doubt that it will continue to do so for many years to come. Because at the end of the day, EastEnders isn't just a soap to me; it's a part of British culture. It's been a constant in my life for 40 years, bringing me shocking twists, heart-wrenching moments, and unforgettable characters.
Here's to at least another four decades in Albert Square. And if you have a story you'd like to share about EastEnders, I'd love to hear it. Share your views in the comments below.
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