EastEnders fans have shared their praise for the show as it became the first soap to add in a last-minute tribute to the Queen. The BBC One soap wasn't on air, on BBC Two, until 9pm on Monday (September 12), however, it was confirmed shortly before the episode aired that this week's episodes will drop nightly on BBC iPlayer.
As with other programmes and broadcasters, scheduling patterns for EastEnders have been altered in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. The Queen died peacefully on Thursday, September 8, at the age of 96, just a few short months after the country celebrated her 70-year reign.
The BBC suspended its regular programming from lunchtime on the day in question, when it was announced that there were concerns about the Queen's health and rolling news coverage hasn't stopped since around 6.30pm the same day when BBC News broadcaster Huw Edwards delivered the sad news of the Queen's passing.
And EastEnders fans weren't surprised that the soap paid tribute to the late monarch at the earliest opportunity. The latest episode started movingly with no theme tune but Linda Carter looking at a photo of Her Majesty in the Queen Vic pub. There was a period of silence before she, Denise Fox, and Kathy Beale began to reminisce about the Queen.
"She's been there our whole lives," Denise, played by Diane Parish, started by saying. "It's like she's everything we've ever known." Kathy, played by Gillian Tailforth, then added: "It just feels so personal. Just devasting." Denise replied: "It's like we've lost our Nan," before Linda, portrayed by Kellie Brigh, said: "Well we have. The country's lost... we've all lost our Nan.
"She dedicated her entire life to serving us." The ladies then called her 'sefless' and 'dignified' before Linda added: "We'll never see anyone like her again." They then ended their chat by saying: "Long live the King." Linda then gave some thought as to where to place The Queens’ picture, before settling on the bar, right beside the iconic Queen Vic bust.
"Take care of her, won’t you?", she said to the bust, before looking at the photo of Queen Elizabeth II and saying: "Thank You Ma’am, from all of us."
And EastEnders fans were soon taking to social media to comment. @lovelylaurajd tweeted: "That was a really touching tribute to The Queen on #EastEnders." @geordiegalg echoed: "Really lovely tribute to the Queen #EastEnders #RIPQueenElizabeth." @mishybabez_ shared: "Wow the first minute of #Eastenders was beautifully written. Stunning tribute to Her Majesty The Queen." @Barbsxoxox wrote: "What a lovely tribute to the queen before tonight’s episode well done Eastenders #EastEnders."
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