What is EastEnders?
EastEnders is a long-running British soap opera on BBC One, first broadcast in 1985. It follows the lives of residents of Albert Square in the fictional East London borough of Walford.
The show was created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland to compete with ITV's Coronation Street. It quickly became one of the most-watched programs in Britain.
Central locations include the Queen Victoria pub, known as the Queen Vic, the launderette and the market.
Drama and cliffhangers
EastEnders is known for dramatic storylines, family feuds and cliffhanger endings, accompanied by the famous drum beats of its theme tune, called the doof doofs by fans.
The 1986 Christmas Day episode, in which Den Watts handed his wife Angie divorce papers, was watched by more than 30 million people, one of the largest audiences in British television history.
Well-known characters include Dot Cotton, Phil and Grant Mitchell, Pat Butcher, Peggy Mitchell and Ian Beale.
The show has tackled social issues such as racism, HIV, domestic abuse and mental health. The set is at the BBC's Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire. EastEnders celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025.