The latest episode of BBC's EastEnders has been praised by fans for its touching tribute to the Queen after she passed away aged 96 on Thursday, September 8. The soap's schedule has changed over the last few days as broadcasters have adjusted or removed shows to air special coverage.
The BBC suspended its regular programming from lunchtime on the day in question as the nation entered a mourning period for its longest-reigning monarch. And on Monday, September 12, EastEnders filmed a topical scene to pay tribute to Her Majesty.
The instalment started movingly with no theme tune. It then cut to Linda Carter, played by Kellie Bright, looking at a framed photograph of Her Majesty in the Queen Vic pub. There was then a period of silence before the landlady discussed the Queen's reign with Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth).
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Denise says: "God bless her, she's been there our whole lives. It's like she's everything we've ever known." Kathy replies: "Just feels so personal though, doesn't it? Just devastating."
"It's like we've lost our nan," Denise says as Linda adds: "Well, we have. I mean the country's lost… we've all lost our nan. She dedicated her entire life to serving us."
"Selfless," Kathy responds as Denise continues: "We'll never see anyone like her again."
After reminiscing the Queen's coronation and events such as the Silver and Platinum Jubilee, the trio then ended their chat by saying: "Long live the King."
Linda then placed the frame on the bar next to the iconic Queen Vic bust. "Thank You Ma'am, from all of us," she said, before telling the bust: "Take care of her, won't you?"
Viewers were touched by the scene with many taking to social media. "In tears at EastEnders," wrote one.
While another added: "Stunning tribute to Her Majesty The Queen," and a third commented: "That was a lovely scene and fitting tribute to the Queen."
"What an amazing start to @bbceastenders," said a fourth. That tribute to the Queen was so beautiful. The best start ever." For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
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