NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Monday, Januuary 31, 2000

Issued by: Maria McDonagh 301 347 2207

Jo Petherbridge 718 488 0142

BBC AMERICA CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF EASTENDERS

- Viewers vote for favorite episodes to be aired -

BBC AMERICA celebrates 15 years of EastEnders, Britain's award-winning soap opera, with a special gift to its U.S. fans. The channel, which premieres EastEnders three times a week, is inviting viewers to vote for their all-time favorite episodes to be aired as part of birthday celebrations on Saturday, February 19.

"EastEnders has become a phenomenon on both sides of the Atlantic," says Paul Lee, chief operating officer, BBC AMERICA. "Who would have thought that a British soap opera - where no one has money or plastic surgery - would have captured the hearts of so many of our American viewers? We wanted to give something back to our loyal U.S. fans, so now they can choose their favorite episode of all-time, and we’ll schedule their top two favorites.”

Fans are invited to cast their votes on BBC AMERICA 's web site - www.bbcamerica.com - until Friday, February 18.

The two episodes receiving most votes will be aired on Saturday, February 19, as part of an all-day celebration which also includes the very first episode of EastEnders, plus a marathon package of three episodes from the previous week followed by three brand new premiere episodes.

First transmitted in the UK on February 19, 1985, EastEnders quickly established itself as one of Britain's all-time favorite soaps with regular weekly audiences of 20 million and a reputation for dramatic, uncompromising story lines. Set in the fictional London borough of Walford, EastEnders is the ongoing saga of the lives of those who live and work in Albert Square. BBC AMERICA has been premiering contemporary episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, since its launch in March 1998. In addition, EastEnders archive episodes air on many PBS stations throughout the U.S.

CONTENTS SHEET

VIEWERS’ CHOICE……………………………………………………. page 3

FACT SHEET……………………………………………………………………5

STORY HIGHLIGHTS 1985 –1997……………………………………………7

HISTORY………………………………………………………………………..12

WHAT THE PRESS SAID ABOUT EASTENDERS…………………………14

THE CAST FERBRUARY 1985………………………………………………..15

ALBERT SQUARE, WALFORD, LONDON E20…………………………….16

VIEWERS’ CHOICE - THE BEST OF EASTENDERS

BBC AMERICA invites viewers to select their all-time favorite episodes for broadcast during the channel’s EastEnders birthday celebrations on Saturday, February 19. Votes will be cast via www.bbcamerica.com until Friday, February 18. Viewers can choose from the EastEnders top-seven list below or select an episode of their own choice. The two most popular episodes will be aired on BBC AMERICA from 7:40 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, 4:40 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. PT.

1. Den and Angie Split - 1986

‘Dirty’ Den has had just about enough. Before a packed crowd at the Queen Vic, he finally serves wife Angie with divorce papers. After a bitter shouting match, Angie departs with Sharon, setting her sights on a new life far away from Albert Square. This Christmas Day episode set a ratings record in the UK.

2. Den gets Shot - 1989

On the run from the law, Den secretly returns to Walford to see Michelle and his daughter. In a dramatic scene, filmed on location at North London’s Grand Union Canal, Den is shot.

3. Sharongate - 1994

Grant lights the fuse to his brother's engagement party. He finds out about Phil’s affair with Sharon (Grant’s wife) and then abruptly leaves the Queen Vic. Accusations fly and tempers flare between Sharon and Kathy. Michelle joins the fray while the groom-to-be searches the night for his brother. Phil finally finds Grant and a classic Mitchell brothers’ brawl ensues.

4. Bianca’s Father Revealed - 1995

Bianca doesn’t believe David when he tells her that he’s her dad, so they agree that the only way to decide the issue is to confront Carol. After an initial denial, Carol tells her the truth, prompting a huge screaming match between mother and daughter. Bianca storms out of the house to be consoled by Ricky.

5. Arthur Fowler Collapses - 1996

As champagne flows at the Mitchell clan’s christening party, fate strikes a cruel blow at the height of the festivities. Pauline goes looking for Arthur who has yet to appear at the Queen Vic. Arthur has been acting strangely ever since being released from prison. She arrives just as he is being carried into the ambulance.

6. Ian’s Shooting - 1996

Can Cindy stop the dangerous wheels she has set in motion? Having already paid a hit man to rub out hubby Ian, she is now having second thoughts. When he comes home alive, she is relieved and tells a surprised Ian that she realizes how much the family needs him. They go for an evening stroll, basking in the glow of reconciliation. A car is following them slowly and it speeds up as they reach the corner. Cindy tells Ian to duck, but it is too late. The car speeds past - someone has shot Ian. Cindy gasps in horror.

7. Ricky and Bianca’s Wedding - 1997

Ricky's bachelor party proves a memorable occasion. It is the morning after and the groom and his mates desperately try to find a way home…if they could just figure out exactly where they are. After mistaking the Kent countryside for France the hung-over group try to make their way back to London – a good hour and half away. A bumpy, smelly tractor-trailer ride brings this portion of the wedding party back just in time for the big day. The bride arrives, and everything goes without a hitch, but “what’s that strange smell?” Bianca asks Ricky – “oh, you know it's an old church,” the quick-thinking groom replies.

15 YEARS OF EASTENDERS - FACT SHEET

NETWORK: BBC AMERICA

BBC AMERICA brings the best of British television to the U.S. – delivering a diverse mix of internationally accalimed dramas, cutting-edge comedies, compelling documentaries and world-class news. The channel is available on multiple cable systems throughout the U.S. and on DirecTV and DISH Network. For more information on BBC AMERICAvisit our web site – www.bbcamerica.com.

SEASON: 15 YEARS OF EASTENDERS

PREMIERES Saturday, February 19

2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT.

FORMAT: BBC AMERICA celebrates 15 years of EastEnders, Britain’s award-winning soap opera, with a special gift to its U.S. fans. The channel, which premieres EastEnders three times a week, invites viewers to vote for their all-time favorite episodes to be aired as part of the birthday celebrations.

PROGRAM: EastEnders (Catch-up)

A chance to catch up with the previous week’s episodes.

TIME: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT.

PROGRAM: EastEnders (U.S. premiere)

Premiere of three all-new episodes.

TIME: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT.

PROGRAM: First ever episode of EastEnders – February 19, 1985

TIME: 7:00 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. ET, 4:00 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. PT.

PROGRAM: Viewers’ Choice – 2^nd most popular EastEnders episode

Viewers are invited to vote on www.bbcamerica.com for their all-time favorite episode. The number two top favorite will be aired.

TIME: 7:40 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. ET, 4:40 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. PT.

PROGRAM: Viewers’ Choice – the most popular EastEnders episode

Viewers’ favorite episode, voted for on www.bbcamerica.com,

will be aired.

TIME: 8:20 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, 5:20 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS 1985 - 1997

For 15 years EastEnders has kept viewers on the edge of their seats time and again, with contemporary, and sometimes controversial, stories that confront topical issues head-on.

1985

The series kicked off with the dramatic discovery of badly beaten Reg Cox, who subsequently died in the second episode. Meanwhile, middle-aged Pauline Fowler discovered she was pregnant – how would the family, especially her mother Lou, react?

There was heartbreak for café owner Ali Osman and his wife Sue with the cot death of their baby, Hassan. Arthur and Pauline celebrated the birth of their son Martin in July. In September, Queen Vic landlady Angie Watts, in an attempt to make her unfaithful husband Den jealous, unsuccessfully tried to seduce barman Lofty. In true whodunit style, pregnant teenager Michelle Fowler, who had consistently refused to name the father of her child, arranged to meet him in secret by the canal. Millions of viewers were gripped as the pub’s poodle Roly jumped from the car – followed by “Dirty” Den himself….

1986

The troubled marriage of Den and Angie Watts worsened when his mistress Jan visited the Queen Vic, and in despair Angie took a near-fatal overdose. Michelle’s daughter Vicki was born in May, and subsequently she jilted Lofty at the altar. Arthur had dipped into the Christmas Club money to pay for the reception and was subsequently imprisoned for 28 days. Later in the year Lofty and Michelle tied the knot in a quiet register office ceremony.

Throughout the year the strained relationship between Den and Angie kept audiences gripped. Den asked for a divorce, Angie said she was dying, Den agreed to stay. They took a trip to Venice where Den had a chance meeting with Jan and Angie started drinking. Confessing to a barman that she was not really dying, Angie was overheard by Den who, in a ratings-record Christmas Day episode, demanded a divorce.

1987

The Angie and Den saga continued with the pair operating as professional rivals. Den carried on running the Queen Vic and Angie managed the Dagmar for James Wilmott-Brown. Pat Wicks was a victim of the Walford Attacker.

Single mum Mary tried to support herself and baby Annie as she veered dangerously towards a life of prostitution. Mary’s parents took baby Annie away to live with them after Mary had left the child on her own. Later in the year, her relationship with Rod, the roadie, helped her to get Annie back.

1988

Pregnant by Lofty, Michelle had an abortion and when Lofty discovered the truth, he left her. Donna, Kathy Beale’s illegitimate daughter, turned up. The result of a rape when Kathy was a teenager, Donna was rejected by Kathy and died of a heroin overdose the following year.

History repeated itself for Kathy Beale when James Willmott-Brown, having given her a job at the Dagmar, raped her. Den organized revenge by getting the Dagmar torched, while back at the Queen Vic, Frank Butcher and Pat took over the tenancy. Angie left Walford to run a bar in Spain.

Lou Beale died in her sleep, and her son Pete broke down at the funeral.

1989

Unable to cope with the events in their lives, Kathy’s marriage to Pete crumbled in January. Michelle broke the news to Sharon that Den was Vicki’s father.

Willmott-Brown came up for trial and was sentenced to three years in prison for rape, while Den, who had taken the blame for the Dagmar fire, awaited his fate. The Firm, who were involved in the fire, decided to silence Den for good. Twenty-four million viewers in the UK watched as Den met Michelle by the canal and saw him get shot.

Pat and Frank tied the knot, while Ian Beale and Cindy’s wedding ended in tears with Ian arguing with his new wife. Best man Simon “Wicksy” Wicks knew one reason for Cindy’s sorrow – she was carrying his baby.

1990

During 1990 the Butchers had to cope with the trauma of Frank’s daughter, Diane, running away from home. A year after Den was shot, a body was found in the canal and, in May, Den was finally buried.

One of the most gripping story lines of the year was the love triangle between Wicksy, Cindy and Ian. Cindy confessed to Ian that she loved another man and that Steven was not his son. In an emotional frenzy Ian crashed his van and ended up in hospital. He later discovered that Wicksy was Steven’s real father. Scared of repercussions, Wicksy and Cindy left Walford with Steven and set up home elsewhere.

New faces on Albert Square in 1990 included: the Mitchells – Phil, Grant and their sister Sam, new landlord of the Queen Vic, Eddie Royle, and the Tavernier family.

1991

In a drama always willing to confront controversial issues head-on - Mark Fowler’s secret was revealed, when he confessed to his girlfriend Diane that he was HIV-positive.

Ian Beale’s business went from strength to strength. Michelle began a degree course at the local college and started dating Clyde Tavernier.

In September the brutal murder of Eddie Royle rocked the residents of Albert Square. Clyde Tavernier was the innocent murder suspect but the incident paved the way for Sharon Watts to return to the Queen Vic as landlady. On Boxing Day, Grant arranged a surprise for Sharon – their wedding!

1992

The year began with problems for newly weds Sharon and Grant Mitchell. He wanted to start a family while she wanted to concentrate on running the Queen Vic.

In June Mark Fowler married Gill, the day before she died of AIDS-related cancer, in scenes complemented for their sensitivity. Meanwhile, Arthur’s friendship with Mrs Hewitt continued to develop and on Christmas Eve they ended up in bed together.

During 1992 the sexual chemistry between Phil and his sister-in-law Sharon developed and eventually erupted into passion. They slept together and had to deal with the aftermath. Phil was prepared to risk everything and tell his brother, but, when it came to the crunch, Sharon chose Grant.

1993

The year began with the long-awaited trial of Nick Cotton for the murder of Eddie Royle. Although it was clear that Nick was responsible for stabbing Eddie, the jury’s verdict was “Not Guilty”.

Six months after knocking down and killing a girl in a drink driving incident, Pat Butcher was given a prison sentence. And, after a fight at the Queen Vic, Grant ended up in prison too.

Cindy and Ian got back together and at the end of the year Cindy gave birth to twins. Tragically on the day that they were born, their grandfather Pete Beale was killed in a car crash with his girlfriend Rose Chapman.

Pauline found out about Arthur’s affair with Mrs Hewitt and in the ensuing row she hit him over the head with a frying pan and threw him out – it seemed as if the Fowlers’ marriage was over.

The year ended with young lovers Mandy and Aidan homeless and in despair. New arrivals to the Square this year included Sanjay and Gita Kapoor and the Jackson family.

1994

In the year that EastEnders was aired thrice weekly in the UK, the happiest event was undoubtedly Nigel and Debs’ wedding, which coincided with the 1,000^th episode of the show. Both events were celebrated in style with a street party in the Square.

Moodier moments included a siege at the Queen Vic, in which Michelle got shot. Another story line which gripped the nation was the revelation at Phil and Kathy’s engagement party that Phil and Sharon had previously had an affair. The following episode attracted the highest ratings for seven years as Grant attacked his brother, and put him in hospital.

Devastated when a vagrant was killed in a deliberate fire at the car lot and facing dire financial problems, Frank had a breakdown and disappeared. Meanwhile Pat Butcher’s eldest son, David Wicks, moved into the Square.

1995

It was a new year and love was in the air. Pat reluctantly started dating car dealer Roy Evans – eventually he moved in with her. Mark Fowler and girlfriend Ruth married. Cindy cheated on Ian with David Wicks (brother of Simon “Wicksy” Wicks, and father of her son Steven).

Ricky Butcher was caught between two women – and ultimately chose Bianca over her best friend Natalie. In scenes that had UK audiences on the edge of their seats, David finally revealed himself as Bianca’s father, after Bianca unwittingly tried to seduce him.

Kathy and Phil finally married and announced they were expecting. Phil’s mother, Peggy, was overjoyed but Ian, Kathy’s son, had difficulty coming to terms with his mother having a child so late in life.

Michelle began to pull her life together with a new job – later she was offered a position at an American university.

Tragedy struck Nigel as his new wife Debs was killed crossing the road. Her death set in motion a heartbreaking custody battle between Nigel and her ex-husband Liam over Debs’ daughter, Clare.

Local public money went missing and all the signs pointed toward Arthur Fowler, again. The evidence continued to mount and Arthur was sentenced to jail.

1996

The Square mourned the passing of beloved character Arthur Fowler – who died after being wrongly imprisoned on corruption charges. Following his father’s death, Martin began to rebel at school.

During the year Tiffany (friend of Bianca) found an unexpected shoulder to cry on in Grant Mitchell – a union that left her pregnant with his child. But the brooding and suspicious barman sweated it out to the close of the year wondering if he was indeed the father or was ex-boyfriend, Tony, the real dad?

Residents had a new place to socialize as the Cobra Club opened for business.

In moving scenes, Peggy faced her toughest challenge yet as she battled against breast cancer. Ian was shot by a professional hitman while walking in the Square. He survived, but who was behind the trigger? Carol’s life began to unravel as she Alan broke up.

1997

New beginnings in Albert Square. Tiffany gave birth to Courtney and Grant found out that he was, in fact, the father. After a brief period of wedded bliss, the tempestuous twosome were again in trouble. Amid accusations of infidelity, punches were thrown as Grant attacked Tiffany, causing her to move in with Bianca.

Martin Fowler continued to get on the wrong side of the law – he broke into Carol Jackson’s house and was later arrested for burglary.

Tiffany’s ex-boyfriend, Tony, was attacked in a gay-bashing incident. Dot was held hostage by her son Nick’s prison chum, Damion, and upon her release announced she was leaving the Square.

HISTORY

For more than 17 million UK viewers EastEnders was born at 7:00 p.m. on February 19, 1985. However, exactly when the conception occurred is harder to pinpoint….

In March 1983, Julia Smith and Tony Holland were first asked by BBC Television if they would be interested in creating a bi-weekly soap. However, it was nearly a year and many discussions later, in February 1984, that their one-page, 300-word format, was accepted.

Having decided the series should be set in London, one of the first major considerations was where the production should be based. Real East End locations were investigated, but the problems caused by shooting in busy London streets would be immense and alternatives had to be considered.

Around the same time the BBC bought Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, north of London. After many hours of deliberation it was decided not only to use the studios for the indoor scenes but also to build a “Victorian” square as a permanent outdoor set on a piece of land – the “lot” – behind the studios.

So the BBC’s new bi-weekly drama series had a home, but for many months EastEnders was a new baby with no name. The possibilities seemed endless Round The Houses, London Pride, E8, Square Dance, and Round the Square were all considered but eventually they plumped for East 8. The working title East 8 remained until Julia realized the perfect title lay in a phrase she had been using everyday whilst casting the show ‘only genuine EastEnders need apply….’

With all the complex decision-making surrounding the choice of location, creating the characters had taken a back seat. So in March 1984 Julia and Tony gave themselves two weeks to create a cast of 23 characters who were to form the Walford community.

Out of this intensive brainstorming session came the Beales, the Fowlers, Dr. Legg, Ethel Skinner and most of the other personalities that were to grace the nation’s television screens a year later.

During the Spring and early Summer of 1984 other matters had to be addressed by the production team and creators: getting a team of writers together, casting and devising opening titles and music. A major problem was naming the pub, the square and the streets where their newly created characters were to live, work and play.

With four months to go - the “Victorian” square was finished, the studio sets were almost complete and casting was finalized apart from Mary the punk, Nick Cotton and two dogs…

As the first transmission approached with alarming speed rehearsals and recordings got underway. With one adjustment to the cast - Anita Dobson replaced the actress originally cast as Angie - the first two episodes were completed. Julia Smith and Tony Holland felt that these episodes reflected their original vision but were anxious to discover how the audience would react.

At 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19, 17 million UK viewers watched the first episode of EastEnders. That figure would have been 17 million and two if the show’s creators hadn’t decided to give the program a miss. Twenty-three months after the idea had originally been put to them, it was the last thing they wanted to watch!

“We hid ourselves way in the wine-bar where we first drew up our plans,” says Julia Smith. “The first reaction we had was the wine-bar owner coming downstairs with a smile on his face, and then gradually the writers, guessing where we were, came in and joined us for a drink.”

“But really in those days we didn’t know what we had created,” she adds. ”We had no idea that in 15 years time people would be asking us how we felt then!”

WHAT THE PRESS SAID ABOUT EASTENDERS

“Dallas is bloodless stuff compared with who put Michelle in the club.”

Daily Express, October 2, 1985

“It was telly’s most tantalizing teasers since “ Who Shot JR?’ ….. Susan Tully and Leslie Grantham acted their hearts out, without once going over the top. If ever I’ve seen a show on it’s way to No.1 that was it.”

The Sun, October 4, 1985

“EastEnders is fast-moving, well-written and full of potential for a long run. I’m hooked.”

Daily Star, February 20, 1985

“Great Mate!…. Would you Adam and Eve it? The Beebs’s new soap opera ain’t half bad… I fink EastEnders is t’riffic.”

The Sun, February 20, 1985

“So what did I think? Pacey, bright, convincing, I like the characters, thought the dialogue terrific and Wendy Richard wonderful.”

News of the World, February 24, 1985

“….. the cast is outstanding and the set is effective.”

The Sunday Times, February 24, 1985

“Having now watched five episodes, I have to say with as little superciliousness as I can muster, that I like EastEnders. Indeed, I might be getting hooked…”

The Financial Times, March 6, 1985

“EastEnders has not gone West since its launch. It’s better than ever, packed with incident, no scene too long.”

Daily Mirror, June 5, 1985

“EastEnders shows remarkable integrity for a “soap opera” in handling family problems.”

Daily Express, September 19, 1985

THE CAST OF FEBRUARY 1985

Pauline Fowler……………... Wendy Richard Dr. Harold Legg……………. Leonard Fenton

Arthur Fowler………………. Bill Treacher Ethel Skinner……………….. Gretchen Franklin

Michelle Fowler……………. Susan Tully Lofty (George) Holloway…...Tom Watt

Mark Fowler………………... David Scarboro

Tony Carpenter…………….. Oscar James

Lou Beale…………………... Anna Wing Kelvin Carpenter…………… Paul J Medford

Pete Beale…………………... Peter Dean

Kathy Beale………………… Gillian Taylforth Ali Osman………………….. Nejdet Salih

Ian Beale…………………… Adam Woodyatt Sue Osman…………………. Sandy Ratcliff

Den Watts………………….. Leslie Grantham Mary Smith………………… Linda Davidson

Angie Watts………………... Anita Dobson Dot Cotton………………….. June Brown

Sharon Watts.. ……………... Letitia Dean Nick Cotton………………… John Altman

Saeed Jeffrey………………. Andrew Johnson

Naima Jeffrey…………….… Shreela Ghosh

Debbie Wilkens……………. Shirley Cheriton

Andy O’Brien………………. Ross Davidson

ALBERT SQUARE, WALFORD, LONDON E20

Albert Square, the home of EastEnders, is a run-down square of Victorian houses, a mixture of public housing and privately-owned properties. The Queen Victoria pub stands on the corner of the Square and Bridge Street, and is a regular meeting place for the locals. On Bridge Street there is a small food store, a launderette, a café and a lively street market. Albert Square is populated by a mixture of multi-racial characters; it is basically working class, with a strong Cockney culture and values.

Although many a viewer (and more than one taxi driver!) believe it exists, Albert Square, Walford E20, is a product of both fiction and reality. It captures the essence of the East End but lives in a set behind the television studios at the BBC’s Elstree studios in Hertfordshire, just north of London. The interiors that make up the various living rooms, kitchens and hallways of the houses and apartments in the Square, as well as the interiors of the other places in Walford, such as the Queen Vic bar, café and launderette, are all filmed inside the Elstree Studios.

Although fictitious, the set draws on elements of existing East London boroughs - Poplar, Hackney, Limehouse, Mile End, Bethnal Green and Bow. Combining the multi-cultural populations, high unemployment, social problems, street markets and the rough but warm Cockney sense of humor. To ensure it all looked right, many East End squares were investigated and photographed. Keith Harris and his team of designers found a way to make the Elstree set look more like a crumbling bit of Victorian East London than the real thing.

Says Keith Harris: “The construction of the set took place between May and November 1984. We were very lucky, the weather was beautiful everyday and so we finished on time. My only worry was that the set wouldn’t have time to weather – it needed the dust to settle on it and to be washed with the rain, frost and snow.”

For the first 18 months of its existence Albert Square had only three sides and Bridge Street. It wasn’t completed until the summer of 1986 when further building work created the fourth side which housed, amongst other things, the Bed and Breakfast.

EastEnders has constantly developed though, and like the real East End, things don’t stand still for long on Albert Square. In 1987 a yuppie pub, the Dagmar, opened for business, its neon style reflecting the realities of late ‘80s London.

The late 1980s saw an expanding Albert Square, boasting a betting shop, a “chippie” (Fish and Chip carry-out) and a Chinese carry-out – allowing the program’s creators much greater flexibility in developing story lines and characters in new locations.