Get the latest news, spoilers, video exclusives and more... fresh from Albert Square.2017-03-03T13:41:43+00:00Zend_Feed_Writerhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders<![CDATA[Lisa Faulkner to EastEnders]] n3r36 <![CDATA[Lisa will play Fi Browning - a stylish, sophisticated business woman. Some may say Fi has a glacial exterior, but is there more to her than meets the eye?]]>2017-03-03T13:41:43+00:002017-03-03T13:41:43+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/e4cc1c33-154e-4983-8a99-08b0c2af6a3eEastEnders News Team<div class="component">
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<p>Lisa Faulkner is set to EastEnders later this year and will play Fi Browning - a stylish, sophisticated business woman. Some may say Fi has a glacial exterior, but is there more to her than meets the eye?</p>
<p>When she arrives in Walford it is purely for business reasons, but what makes Fi Browning keep coming back?</p>
<p>Lisa has appeared in many television dramas including Spooks, Holby City and Death in Paradise, to name just a few. Since winning Celebrity MasterChef in 2010 Lisa has forged a successful career as a cookery author, writing several bestselling books and presenting numerous TV cooking shows.</p>
<p>Speaking of ing the show, Lisa said: “I’m so happy to be ing the cast of EastEnders – it’s an iconic show and I can’t wait to play my part in it. Fi Browning is a hugely exciting character and I’m really looking forward to working with Sean and all the team, and revealing more about her. I can’t say any more now as I’m sworn to secrecy, but it’s going to be a lot of fun.”</p>
<p>Sean O’Connor, Executive Producer added: “I’m really thrilled that we have been able to tempt Lisa Faulkner back to TV drama and back to the BBC. She’s an extremely accomplished and hugely popular actress and we’re very excited to have her in Albert Square. Fi Browning is something of a departure for EastEnders; a no-nonsense but sophisticated business woman with strength and vulnerability. But does she have an agenda? And who - or what- has she set her sights on?”</p>
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<![CDATA[Happy 90th Birthday June Brown!]] 714j5c <![CDATA[It's an exciting day here at BBC Elstree, as our dear friend and colleague, June Brown turns 90.]]>2017-02-17T16:45:00+00:002017-02-17T16:45:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/2b34452e-3d27-47e5-b7f6-4893e15b7984EastEnders News Team<div class="component prose">
<p>It's an exciting day here at BBC Elstree, as our dear friend and colleague, June Brown turns 90.</p>
<p>Many of the production team, including Executive Producer Sean O'Connor, Series Producer Sharon Batten, cast Adam Woodyatt, Laurie Brett, Tameka Empson, Letitia Dean, Linda Marlowe and Lacey Turner, were on hand to present a delighted June with a special cake and flowers.</p>
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<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04t3ncs.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04t3ncs.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04t3ncs.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04t3ncs.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04t3ncs.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04t3ncs.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04t3ncs.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04t3ncs.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04t3ncs.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""></div>
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<p>Don't forget that a special tribute show: June Brown at 90 – a Walford Legend, premieres at 8.30pm tonight (Thursday) on BBC One.</p>
<p>Here's to many more years of June delighting the nation as Dot!</p>
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<![CDATA[All Rise! Lee Ryan's ing EastEnders]] 3z4r6r <![CDATA[New character ‘Woody’ Woodward is expected to cause quite a stir when he arrives in Walford this spring.]]>2017-02-16T00:00:01+00:002017-02-16T00:00:01+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/c44721cd-6a27-47e8-bac6-5c2ff9e1ddd4EastEnders News Team<div class="component">
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<p>Don't forget that a special tribute show: June Brown at 90 – a Walford Legend, premieres at 8.30pm tonight (Thursday) on BBC One.</p>
<p>Here's to many more years of June delighting the nation as Dot!</p>
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<![CDATA[June Brown at 90 – a Walford Legend]] i624s <![CDATA[BBC One will broadcast a special thirty minute documentary next month, June Brown at 90 – a Walford Legend, to coincide with the star’s 90th birthday.]]>2017-01-30T11:41:06+00:002017-01-30T11:41:06+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/6e237093-6f82-4127-a08d-546015cc2ca2EastEnders News Team<div class="component prose">
<p>Ooh, I say! To coincide with the star’s 90th birthday, BBC One is set to broadcast a special thirty minute documentary next month.</p>
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<p>“Give us a tea, Lofty. And a glass of water so I can take a Paracetamol.” Those were the first words June Brown ever uttered as Dot Cotton, and they would prove to be a turning point in EastEnders’ history.</p>
<p>Celebrating a milestone birthday, June Brown at 90 – a Walford Legend, spends half an hour in the company of one of Albert Square’s most beloved actors, as she talks about her life and career. From her early days in theatre, to the reason she believes she was cast in the role of Dot, June Brown’s views on almost everything are both surprising and entertaining.</p>
<p>“June Brown is a one-off, a genuine national treasure. It’s been a privilege to be given the chance to capture her magic,” explained Executive Producer Caroline Wright.</p>
<p>June talks of how in the early days, she was seen as a rival by a fellow cast member, and how she coaxed more out of her character than just being a hypochondriac (“I loved it when Dot went hysterical”). She also reveals the effect Dorothy Branning has had on her life and the opportunities it has given her, from BAFTA nominations to revealing all in Calendar Girls.</p>
<p>But who is June Brown? And how similar is she to her EastEnders’ character? Funny, eccentric and straight talking, while Dot might be often impersonated, June Brown is unique.</p>
<p>Featuring contributions from many Walford regulars (Danny Dyer, Adam Woodyatt, Gillian Taylforth, Rudolph Walker, Lacey Turner and Natalie Cassidy) all of whom pay tribute to their unique colleague.</p>
<p>The show's Producer is Matt Taylor.</p>
<p>Don't miss June Brown at 90 – a Walford Legend, which premieres from 8.30pm to 9pm on BBC One on Thursday 16 February. </p>
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<![CDATA[National Television Awards 2017 711c36 time to vote!]]><![CDATA[The shortlist nominations for the National Television Awards 2017 have just been announced!]]>2017-01-03T00:00:01+00:002017-01-03T00:00:01+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/5cfd9290-76c4-4938-a367-59f5c39c4294EastEnders News Team<div class="component">
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<p>The shortlist nominations for the National Television Awards 2017 have just been announced!</p>
<p>Our very worthy nominees are as follows:</p>
<p><strong>Serial Drama Performance - </strong>Lacey Turner<br /><br /><strong>Newcomer - </strong>Tilly Keeper</p>
<p><strong>Most Popular Serial Drama - </strong>EastEnders</p>
<p>Public voting opens today and closes on Wednesday 25th January, so please get voting for your favourite soap and actors:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nationaltvawards.com/vote">VOTE NOW </a></p>
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<![CDATA[Lee's Story 4w56h Working with Samaritans]]><![CDATA[Samaritans tell us how they advised on Lee's traumatic storyline, which literally pushed him to the edge.]]>2017-01-01T20:00:00+00:002017-01-01T20:00:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/4887ea41-f64a-4dc5-856d-f164240e2265EastEnders News Team<div class="component prose">
<p><em>Samaritans tell us how they advised on Lee's traumatic storyline, which has literally pushed him to the edge.</em></p>
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<p>Soaps can play a really effective role in raising awareness of sensitive issues, including suicide, and generating helpful discussion about these through carefully developed storylines. </p>
<p>The more we increase people’s understanding of the issues surrounding suicide, such as the kinds of problems that can mount up and lead a person to feeling they can no longer cope, the more we can equip people to look out for and each other. </p>
<p>We have seen character Lee Carter going through an extremely turbulent time in recent months. He has encountered a number of problems in his new job, financial pressures which have prompted him to make some reckless choices, and these have all impacted his relationship with new wife, Whitney. </p>
<p>We know that these are all issues people can find difficult to cope with and they are issues people talk to Samaritans about. </p>
<p>We were very pleased that EastEnders approached us for expert advice on Lee’s storyline, covering such a topic requires great care and sensitivity. We have worked closely with their researchers and writers advising on scripts and we also worked alongside director Toby Frow and actor Danny-Boy Hatchard, advising on particular scenes. </p>
<p>Through Lee’s story EastEnders has clearly shown that these huge personal struggles can mount up and in the worst case, can lead a person to reaching a point where they feel completely consumed with hopelessness and unable to cope. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>At this point people often lose sight of being able to work through their problems, some can even start to falsely believe that their loved ones might be better off if they were no longer here – something Lee has considered. </p>
<p>One of the major barriers for Lee in all of this has been his inability to speak out and share what he’s been going through. In doing this he has further isolated himself from his loved ones and the valuable he so needs. </p>
<p>Talking can really help us to see a way through our problems and it’s really important to encourage people to reach out for help. This can be done very effectively by demonstrating the value of talking, through storylines and signposting sources of , such as Samaritans.</p>
<p>We know that people can sometimes feel apprehensive about how to start a conversation with a person they think may be going through a tough time. It can be hard to know what to say, but in truth there isn’t really a right or wrong thing to say, the best approach is simply to start that conversation. Allowing the person the space to talk through how they feel, often serves as a huge relief and can be a vital first step in getting the help they need. </p>
<p>From time to time people call Samaritans’ helpline prompted by something they have watched on TV. For some, this can be the first vital step in talking about a problem they have been suffering alone. </p>
<p>We encourage any viewers who have been touched by Lee’s story to get in touch with Samaritans, we are here day and night, to listen and give confidential . People can call us free of charge on 116123, or email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or find the details for your local branch at <a href="http://www.samaritans.org">www.samaritans.org</a>. Calls to Samaritans’ helpline do not show up on phone bills. </p>
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<![CDATA[EastEnders working alongside Samaritans on storyline]] 6m566d <![CDATA[EastEnders has been working closely with Samaritans on a storyline which sees Lee Carter (Danny-Boy Hatchard) contemplate suicide.]]>2016-12-29T20:00:00+00:002016-12-29T20:00:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/9e41091f-4d01-498d-a1b4-ba465d5a0808EastEnders News Team<div class="component">
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<p>EastEnders has been working closely with Samaritans on a storyline which sees Lee Carter (Danny-Boy Hatchard) contemplate suicide.</p>
<p>Over the past year, viewers have seen Lee struggling to cope with a number of significant pressures and in recent episodes, things have got even worse for Lee as he has had to contend with the burden of his many secrets which has sent him into a dark downward spiral. In tonight’s episode (Thursday 29th), Lee left a note for his family in his car.</p>
<p>Viewers have recently seen Lee suffer in silence after hiding the fact he was involved with the break-in at The Vic. Earlier this week, Lee was forced to tell Whitney the truth after his wife caught him being arrested. On top of this, Lee has continued to hide his financial woes from his family and instead has resorted to desperate measures to earn enough cash, including multiple payday loans and stealing from his family.<br />In tomorrow’s episode (Friday 30th Dec) everything will come to a head for Lee as the guilt and consequences of his actions becomes too much leaving Lee wrongly believing his family would be better off without him.</p>
<p>Lorna Fraser, Samaritans’ Media Adviser said: “Given the sensitivities with covering the topic of suicide we were pleased that EastEnders came to us for guidance on Lee Carter’s storyline.<br />“Increasing people’s understanding on the issues surrounding suicide, such as the kinds of problems that can lead a person to experience suicidal feelings and encouraging people to seek help, can help generate conversation and for some this can be a lifeline.</p>
<p>“Coverage of suicide, in drama and news, carries an element of risk, therefore it’s important that guidance is sought. Samaritans has been working with the media for over two decades providing expert advice on this.</p>
<p>“We would encourage any viewers who have been touched by Lee’s story to get in touch with Samaritans, we are here day and night, to listen and give confidential . People can call us free of charge on 116123, or email [email protected] or find the details for your local branch at www.samaritans.org. Calls to Samaritans’ helpline do not show up on phone bills.”</p>
<p>Danny-Boy Hatchard adds: “Lee’s storyline is covering such an incredibly important and serious issue and I can only hope that his journey will encourage people to speak out about their problems and come to realise they are not alone.”</p>
<p>EastEnders has a rich history of tackling difficult and sensitive issues and Lee’s story is one of these.</p>
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<![CDATA[Chelle's bells 1a1223 look who's back!]]><![CDATA[A familiar character, with a new face, returns to Albert Square. Welcome back Michelle Fowler!]]>2016-12-24T21:00:00+00:002016-12-24T21:00:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/c797f88d-270c-4c6a-81f7-66642f3d079c<div class="component prose">
<p>A familiar character, with a new face, has returned to Albert Square. Welcome back Michelle Fowler!</p>
<p>Tonight’s EastEnders Christmas Eve episode saw the shock return of Michelle Fowler after more than twenty years, having left Walford in 1995 to start a new life in America.</p>
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<p>As one of the show’s original and iconic characters, viewers saw Michelle (played by a new actress, Jenna Russell), pull up outside the Minute Mart in the back of a black cab, before an emotional reunion with long-time best friend Sharon Mitchell (Letitia Dean).</p>
<p>Michelle was last seen leaving Albert Square in 1995, with daughter Vicki, having discovered she was pregnant with Grant Mitchell’s baby. Now she is back and proves to be a more than a welcome sight for Sharon, who is finding the strain of husband, Phil (Steve McFadden), awaiting a liver transplant all too much to cope with.</p>
<p>In the episode tonight, (Saturday 24th December), Sharon was stunned to see Phil waiting at home after walking out on the Mitchells days before. His apology to Sharon came with a touching gift – an eternity ring – and as an overwhelmed Sharon stepped outside for some air, she came face to face with Michelle.</p>
<p>Reasons for her returning to the Square will unfold in episodes airing in early January. In a special episode focusing on her and Sharon, viewers will learn the truth as to why Michelle is back in Walford after all these years.</p>
<p>Talking about taking on the role of such a well-known character, Jenna Russell said: “It is a great honour to play such an iconic character. I know the audience loved Michelle Fowler so much, and even though she hasn’t been on our screen for twenty years, she’s very much in the fans’ psyche. When I used to watch EastEnders all those years ago, she was one of my favourite characters. I’m extremely excited for what is in store for Michelle.”</p>
<p>Sean O’Connor, Executive Producer added: “I am thrilled to have secured Jenna Russell to play Michelle Fowler, one of the show’s most celebrated characters. The Square really has missed her over the past twenty years. Having worked with her before, Jenna was always in mind when I first started planning for Michelle’s return. I think the audience are going to take Michelle back into their hearts; still flawed, complicated and infuriating after two decades away, but still loveable all the same. It’s going to be appointment TV watching Michelle’s car crash of a life unravel all over again.”</p>
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<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04m36ry.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04m36ry.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04m36ry.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04m36ry.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04m36ry.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04m36ry.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04m36ry.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04m36ry.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04m36ry.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""></div>
<div class="component prose">
<p>Award-winning actress Jenna has an extensive range of television and theatre credits to her name. Her accolades include both an Olivier Award and Theatre World Award for Broadway Debut Performance playing Dot, in Sunday In The Park with George, which she performed in London and on Broadway. She was also nominated for both a Tony and Drama Desk Award for that role. She has received Olivier Award Nominations for her performances as Mary Flynn in Merrily We Roll Along, and Sarah Brown opposite Ewan McGregor in Guys and Dolls. Other recent Theatre credits include Mephistopheles in Dr Faustus starring opposite Kit Harington, and Little Edie in Grey Gardens with Sheila Hancock. Jenna has played leading roles at The National Theatre, Royal Court, RSC and Almeida Theatre as well as many other West End credits.</p>
<p>Jenna's TV credits include Call the Midwife, The Paradise and Holby City. Jenna also played the leading roles of Deborah in Born and Bred (4 series), Maggie in On The Up (3 series), Bernadette in Picking Up The Pieces (1 series), and Petra in the 2009 version of Minder alongside EastEnders actor Shane Richie (1 series). Jenna also sings the theme tune for the hit TV series, Red Dwarf.</p>
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<![CDATA[Coming up on EastEnders next week...]] dc <![CDATA[Take a look at the pictures below as we look ahead to what's happening over the festive period, from Christmas Eve and beyond.]]>2016-12-21T10:30:00+00:002016-12-21T10:30:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/7e1b103d-8a18-4641-9f0a-124aa1fbf521<div class="component prose">
<p>Take a look at our preview of the Christmas week ahead on The Square as we bring you the latest spoiler pictures...</p>
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<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04lxtl8.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04lxtl8.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04lxtl8.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04lxtl8.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04lxtl8.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04lxtl8.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04lxtl8.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04lxtl8.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04lxtl8.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>On Saturday 24th December Abi helps decorate the launderette for Dot's leaving party.</em></p></div>
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<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04lxtv3.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04lxtv3.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04lxtv3.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04lxtv3.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04lxtv3.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04lxtv3.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04lxtv3.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04lxtv3.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04lxtv3.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>On Sunday 25th December the Mitchells tuck into Christmas dinner, but Sharon begins to crack under the strain of the day.</em></p></div>
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<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04lxvhb.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04lxvhb.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04lxvhb.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04lxvhb.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04lxvhb.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04lxvhb.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04lxvhb.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04lxvhb.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04lxvhb.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>On Monday 26th December Max waits outside The Vic.</em></p></div>
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<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04lxw0c.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04lxw0c.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04lxw0c.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04lxw0c.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04lxw0c.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04lxw0c.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04lxw0c.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04lxw0c.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04lxw0c.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>On Tuesday 27th December Tina & Shirley arrive, dressed in Ibiza party fancy dress at the hen do.</em></p></div>
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<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04lxwtp.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04lxwtp.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04lxwtp.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04lxwtp.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04lxwtp.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04lxwtp.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04lxwtp.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04lxwtp.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04lxwtp.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>On Thursday 29th December Ronnie arrives home to find Roxy sleeping off another hangover.</em></p></div>
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<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04lxx3p.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04lxx3p.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04lxx3p.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04lxx3p.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04lxx3p.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04lxx3p.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04lxx3p.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04lxx3p.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04lxx3p.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>On Friday 30th December Martin is unhappy about Max's return.</em></p></div>
<div class="component prose">
<p>Make sure you keep watching to find out more about what's happening in Walford.</p>
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<![CDATA[Dot’s Story 654ys Working with RNIB on wet age - related macular degeneration (AMD)]]><![CDATA[The RNIB advise on how they consulted on the storyline.]]>2016-12-09T20:00:00+00:002016-12-09T20:00:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/0058e43b-eafd-4bc4-8274-2d647a864444EastEnders News Team<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04kpdh1.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04kpdh1.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04kpdh1.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04kpdh1.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04kpdh1.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04kpdh1.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04kpdh1.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04kpdh1.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04kpdh1.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""></div>
<div class="component prose">
<p>Dot Branning’s frightening and isolating experience of being diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one we at Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) know all too well.</p>
<p>According to NHS figures, at least 1 in 10 people over 65 are living with AMD. At RNIB we hear from worried older people who have been diagnosed with this eye condition on a daily basis, concerned about what it means for their life and what is available. This is what makes Dot’s story so believable and why we are ing EastEnders to portray her experiences realistically and sensitively.</p>
<p>At the beginning of the year EastEnders approached RNIB with its plans to run a storyline about Dot’s sight deteriorating. In August we began working closely with EastEnders’ researchers and writers as they explored and developed the storyline about Dot being diagnosed with wet AMD and what this could mean for her life in Albert Square.</p>
<p>Since then we have offered the programme script advice, information about treatment options for people with wet AMD, and checked facts. RNIB will continue to work with EastEnders as Dot’s story develops over the coming months as she adapts to living with her sight loss.</p>
<p>EastEnders has made a real commitment to getting Dot’s story right, while also raising awareness of a condition that affects more than 600,000 people to some degree in the UK.</p>
<p><strong>Understanding AMD</strong></p>
<p>AMD is an eye condition that affects a tiny part of the retina at the back of your eye called the macula. The macular contains a few million specialised photoreceptor cells called cone cells. AMD causes problems with your central vision, but it doesn’t lead to total loss of sight and isn’t painful.</p>
<p>The symptoms of AMD include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Difficulty reading small print, even with your glasses on</li>
<li>Vision has a small blurred area in the very centre</li>
<li>Straight lines start to look wavy or distorted</li>
<li>Your vision is not as clear as it used to be</li>
</ul>
<p>If you notice any changes like this have your eye examined by an optometrist (an optician). If your optometrist thinks you have AMD he or she will refer you to an ophthalmologist (a hospital eye doctor) for further tests and examinations.</p>
<p>If your sight suddenly changes in a short period of time then go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital.</p>
<p><strong>Wet vs dry AMD</strong></p>
<p>There are two different types of AMD: wet AMD and dry AMD. Wet AMD can develop very quickly, causing serious changes to your central vision in a short period of time. Like Dot’s has, wet AMD can unexpectedly develop over a few days or weeks.</p>
<p>Wet AMD develops when the cells of the macula stop working correctly and the body starts growing new blood vessels to fix the problem. These new blood vessels cause swelling and bleeding underneath the macula which can lead to scarring. The new blood vessels and the scarring damage your central vision and may lead to a blank patch in the centre of your sight.</p>
<p>Only 10 per cent of people with AMD have wet AMD, which is treatable if detected early. The remainder have dry AMD, which develops very slowly and causes changes in your central vision. At its worst, dry AMD causes a blank patch in the centre of your vision. There is currently no treatment for dry AMD.</p>
<p><strong>Treatment for wet AMD</strong></p>
<p>The NHS treatment available for wet AMD is via a group of medications called anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs (anti-VEGF drugs). Anti-VEGF drugs work by stopping new blood vessels from growing, preventing further damage to your sight. The medicine is injected in to the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye.</p>
<p>Getting your wet AMD detected and diagnosed quickly is important because the treatment is better at stopping sight getting worse than it is at restoring vision. Having the treatment as early as possible can help you keep as much vision as possible.</p>
<p><strong></strong></p>
<p>RNIB knows how important it is for older people like Dot to look after their eyes. We recommend people have an eye test every two years, which is free for people aged 60 and over.</p>
<p>Older people with sight loss are almost three times more likely to experience depression than people with good vision. Although there is no cure for wet AMD, people who have the condition can continue to live independently with the right treatment and . This is why we provide a range of information, services, products, and in-depth advice and for people with or at risk of experiencing sight loss, including wet and dry AMD.</p>
<p>For more information please visit <a href="http://www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health/dots-amd-story-eastenders">www.rnib.org.uk/eye-health/dots-amd-story-eastenders</a></p>
<p>Call RNIB’s Helpline from Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9.30am to 4pm: 0303 123 9999</p>
<p>Or email: [email protected]</p>
</div>
<![CDATA[Kathy's Café 1o50r Back where it belongs]]><![CDATA[After a 21 year gap, The café is back to where it belongs, with Kathy! And it's once again named Kathy’s Café.]]>2016-12-06T20:00:00+00:002016-12-06T20:00:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/ee57d701-a8e2-4ad7-8751-0892c77c3270<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04jqq5y.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04jqq5y.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04jqq5y.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04jqq5y.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04jqq5y.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04jqq5y.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04jqq5y.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04jqq5y.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04jqq5y.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Back in the day: Kathy and Phil in 1997 when they were together, and during the time that she previously ran the café.</em></p></div>
<div class="component prose">
<p>After a 21 year gap, the café is back where it belongs, with Kathy! And it's once again named "Kathy’s Café". This follows numerous owners and name changes such as Al’s Café, Laura’s Café, Cindy’s Café, Shirley’s Café, Mandy’s Café and Bridge Street Café.</p>
<p>When EastEnders began in 1985 Ali and Sue Osman were the café owners, which was also home to their taxi firm, OzCabs. But by 1989, Ali's gambling addiction had become so bad that he had no choice but to sell it.</p>
<p>Walford's favourite entrepreneur, Ian Beale, purchased the café because his mother had always wanted it, fittingly naming it "Kathy’s Café". Ian proceeded to run it with wife Cindy until Kathy eventually bought it from him.</p>
<p>Kathy remained in charge until 1995, when Ian bought back his shares of the café from her following the birth of her baby, Ben Mitchell.</p>
</div>
<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04jqq2r.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04jqq2r.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04jqq2r.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04jqq2r.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04jqq2r.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04jqq2r.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04jqq2r.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04jqq2r.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04jqq2r.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Al's Cafe 1985: How the café looked when it first opened.</em></p></div>
<div class="component prose">
<p>Ian later ended up losing the café when he tried to avoid paying tax - but it caught up with him and he was left in a huge amount of debt. The café closed down for a couple of months and underwent a makeover, eventually reopened under the ownership of the Mitchell family. Phil Mitchell enjoyed erasing any memory of his rival Ian Beale from the it and making it his own!</p>
<p>Ian, wanting to regain his business empire, desperately wanted to regain control of the café. Phil, knowing how much the it meant to Ian and loving seeing him suffer, was having none of it- and even hired Ian's ex-wife, Laura Beale, as manager to wind him up even more.</p>
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<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04jqq3b.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04jqq3b.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04jqq3b.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04jqq3b.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04jqq3b.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04jqq3b.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04jqq3b.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04jqq3b.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04jqq3b.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>1999: Bridge Street Café</em></p></div>
<div class="component prose">
<p>Phil, framed for armed robbery in 2003 by Den Watts, signed the café over to his sister, Sam. Ian took advantage of Sam's naivety and persuaded her to sell it to him. Ian employed his new lover, Jane Collins, to manage it.</p>
<p>When Ian and Jane’s marriage fell apart in 2011, Phil helped Jane to win the café in the divorce battle, leaving Ian devastated. However, Jane left Walford soon after and sold the café back to Phil, who gave it to Shirley as a present. The name was changed to "Shirley's Café".</p>
</div>
<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04jqq2x.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04jqq2x.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04jqq2x.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04jqq2x.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04jqq2x.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04jqq2x.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04jqq2x.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04jqq2x.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04jqq2x.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>Café interior.</em></p></div>
<div class="component prose">
<p>Ian bought the café back off Phil in April 2012 (are you keeping up with this?), and named it "Mandy's" after Mandy Salter, his current fiancee. When Ian and Mandy split up Ian had a nervous breakdown and disappeared onto the streets. With no one to help, Ian's daughter, Lucy, took charge all the businesses herself, and named the cafe "Cindy's", after her mother. Eventually, the café returned to Ian, as did Jane!</p>
<p>In 2015 the unexpected happened - and that's putting it mildly. Despite claims that she had died in a road accident in 2006, Kathy returned from the dead, having faked her own death. In December 2016 Ian handed back the reins - and the name - to his beloved mother, and "Kathy's Café" was once again re-born.</p>
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<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04kcqw8.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04kcqw8.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04kcqw8.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04kcqw8.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04kcqw8.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04kcqw8.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04kcqw8.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04kcqw8.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04kcqw8.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""><p><em>2016: Kathy's</em></p></div>
<![CDATA[Bex and Shakil s6l1o NSPCC advice on sexting]]><![CDATA[The storyline involving Bex and Shakil highlights the pressures facing young people today and is likely to have struck a nerve with parents.]]>2016-12-01T20:00:00+00:002016-12-01T20:00:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/0123bf95-db6d-4800-b62d-fbfbd1ac7d07EastEnders News Team<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04jbjks.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04jbjks.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04jbjks.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04jbjks.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04jbjks.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04jbjks.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04jbjks.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04jbjks.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04jbjks.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""></div>
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<p>The storyline involving Bex and Shakil highlights the pressures facing young people today and is likely to have struck a nerve with parents.</p>
<p>Here at the NSPCC we are all too aware of the risks associated with sexting which is increasingly common among children and young people. And whilst it is very worrying that so many children are sharing explicit images of themselves we should understand that many of them treat this activity as part of everyday life.</p>
<p>Because they do not see sexting as a problem they may be reluctant to talk to adults about it because they are afraid of being judged or having their phones taken away. However, when something goes wrong the consequences can be devastating. Apart from exposing them to bullying when images are shared, it could make children targets for sex offenders in some cases.</p>
<p>ChildLine dealt with more than 1,200 concerns last year from young people worried about indecent images they'd shared, or who felt pressured into sexting. Children and young people need to understand the risks of sending these images and know what to do to get .</p>
<h3><a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/sexting">How to talk to your child about sexting</a></h3>
<p>It may feel awkward but, as a parent, it's important to explain to your child the risks of sexting, how to stay safe and that they can talk to you if something ever makes them feel scared or uncomfortable.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Think about the best way of starting the conversation: </strong>You know your child best and your approach should be based on your child and your parenting style.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Explain the risks of sexting: </strong>Tell your child what can happen when things go wrong. Don't accuse your child of 'sexting', but do explain the dangers<strong>.</strong></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Reassure your child you will be ive and understanding: </strong>Let your child know that you are always there for if they feel pressured by anyone.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>What to do if your child has been affected by sexting</strong></h3>
<p>We understand that finding out your child has been affected by sexting can be very distressing. How you react to the situation may influence whether your child will open up to you in the future.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Stay Calm: </strong>If your child has been sending explicit images or videos of themselves, they are likely to be anxious about talking to you. Reassure your child that they are not alone and that you will do all you can do to help</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Report it: </strong>It’s important to find out who your child shared the image or video with. You can use our website to signpost you towards the correct way to report it. Regardless of the situation you should inform your child’s school. They can keep an eye on the situation and help stop images or videos being circulated. The school can also offer to your child and any other children that have been affected.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Make sure your child is ed: </strong>We know that young people often feel pressured into sexting. This can cause a child great emotional distress and can sometimes lead to them self-harming or being bullied.</li>
</ul>
<p>Tell your child they can <a href="http://www.childline.org.uk/">ChildLine</a> at any time if they want to talk to someone about how they are feeling. ChildLine counsellors are used to talking to children about sexting and can give non-judgemental advice and . ChildLine has also produced a free app for young people called<a href="https://www.childline.org.uk/Play/GetInvolved/Pages/sexting-zipit-app.aspx"> Zipit</a>, which is designed to provide them with witty images to send in response to a request for explicit images, and advice on how to stay safe. If a child has lost control of a sexual image, they can speak to ChildLine who will work with the <a href="https://www.iwf.org.uk/">Internet Watch Foundation</a> (IWF) to get the image removed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.childline.org.uk/sexting."><em>ChildLine offers </em></a><em> and advice for young people on any problem and is completely free and confidential.</em></p>
<p><em>For parents there is advice on the NSPCC website and through our helpline – 0808 800 5000. Teachers can the </em><a href="https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/Teachers/"><em>Sexting in Schools toolkit</em></a><em> produced by CEOP.</em></p>
<p><em><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5VPkfNx0yWSW337c9tp49cr/sexting">BBC Radio 1 Advice Sexting page.</a></em></p>
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<![CDATA[Phil's story 6x6o5b Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust]]><![CDATA[Phil Mitchell has now been referred to the Royal Free Hospital and may require a liver transplant. Liz Shepherd, a specialist nurse in substance misuse and transplantation, at the RFH, tells us more.]]>2016-11-29T19:58:00+00:002016-11-29T19:58:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/2e78cd9b-7c47-4ac8-989a-1e11a731ebf5<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04hpvbr.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04hpvbr.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04hpvbr.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04hpvbr.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04hpvbr.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04hpvbr.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04hpvbr.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04hpvbr.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04hpvbr.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""></div>
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<p><em>Phil Mitchell has now been referred to the Royal Free Hospital and may require a liver transplant. Liz Shepherd, a specialist nurse in substance misuse and transplantation, at the RFH, explains what it is like for patients like Phil who are referred to the Royal Free and about the hospital’s collaboration with the EastEnders team.</em></p>
<p>Organ transplantation saves lives. At the Royal Free Hospital we perform around 100 liver transplants every year - but we aren’t able to perform all the transplants we would like to because there aren’t enough organs for the people who need them.</p>
<p>Every day in the UK three people die because a donor organ has not been found in time. That’s why it’s crucial that more people the NHS Organ Donor and that those people speak about their decision with their families. Currently only six out of ten families agreed to donation and often that’s because families find it difficult to give their consent during what is understandably a very stressful time. Letting your family know your organ donation decision will make it much easier for them to what you want.</p>
<p>The BBC first came to the Royal Free for advice about alcohol misuse and liver transplantation at the start of the year. I explained to the EastEnders team how and when patients with alcohol-related liver disease might come to need a transplant and when they might be put on the transplant list. I worked with our clinical director for liver transplants, Doug Thorburn, to give the EastEnders team help with their scripts and advice about transplantation generally.</p>
<p>We worked with the EastEnders team to ensure their hospital sets and staff uniforms looked as close to the real thing as possible and advised them on patient charts and paperwork. We’ve been pleased by how much they want this storyline to reflect what happens in real life – even down to the smallest details like name badges.</p>
<p>The liver is a hugely complicated organ which has many functions, including removing toxins from the blood, controlling the level of fat and sugar in the blood, helping process digested food, regulating hormones, producing immune cells which protect the body from infections.</p>
<p>There are a number of reasons why somebody might need a liver transplant and most patients have not suffered liver failure because of alcohol misuse. A patient may require a liver transplant if, like Phil, they develop liver cirrhosis. This means the liver has scarring and as a result might be unable to perform its normal functions. Sometimes cirrhosis is caused by drinking too much alcohol over a prolonged period.</p>
<p>Organs are allocated on the basis of clinical need and benefit and the NHS is committed to a system that is transparent and non-judgmental. If a patient requires a liver transplant because of alcohol-related liver disease, they must prove they have stopped drinking alcohol for a period before they will be placed on the transplant list. Patients are offered alcohol counselling to help them stop drinking. They are regularly assessed by our medical team and have random alcohol tests. Following a period of abstinence the liver will often improve to the point where a transplant is not required. However, if things do not improve a liver transplant will be offered - but only if we expect that the person will not drink alcohol again in the future. Our staff work to ensure the patient will look after themselves and their donated organ.</p>
<p>Information about liver transplants canbe found on our website <a href="http://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/livertransplant">www.royalfree.nhs.uk/livertransplant</a> and you can find out more about organ donation at <a href="http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk">www.organdonation.nhs.uk </a></p>
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<![CDATA[Ian Lavender to return as Derek Harkinson]] oyv <![CDATA[Walford will be welcoming back a familiar face later this month when Ian Lavender returns to the Square to reprise his role as Derek Harkinson.]]>2016-11-03T12:36:03+00:002016-11-03T12:36:03+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/b99367b7-1a64-4a8d-860e-b4b3145883a1<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04f19ky.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04f19ky.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04f19ky.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04f19ky.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04f19ky.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04f19ky.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04f19ky.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04f19ky.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04f19ky.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""></div>
<div class="component prose">
<p>Walford will be welcoming back a familiar face later this month when Ian Lavender returns to the Square to reprise his role as Derek Harkinson.</p>
<p>Ian will be seen in a number of episodes over the festive season as part of a storyline involving a number of the residents.</p>
<p>Best known for his role in Dad’s Army, Ian was last seen in the Square back in 2005 when his character, Derek, waved an emotional goodbye to Walford to be with his family. During his time in the Square, Derek became close friends with Pauline after she made a move on him, only to discover he was gay. Over the years, he became a father-figure for Martin and the pair are now set to be reunited once more.</p>
<p>On his return, Ian said: “It was a lovely surprise to be back and I had a great time. It was brilliant to work with some old friends again, especially those who I only briefly got to work with before.”</p>
<p>Ian’s first appearance will be later this month for a short stint throughout the festive period.</p>
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<![CDATA[Ben's story b1s8 Working with NHS Blood and Transplant]]><![CDATA[Ben’s decision to volunteer to donate part of his liver to Phil marks the start of a long and thorough process.]]>2016-10-17T19:28:00+00:002016-10-17T19:28:00+00:00https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/eastenders/entries/eac96bab-44fc-4446-a810-7785175948d1<div class="component">
<img class="image" src="https://image.staticox.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fichef.bbci.co.uk%2Fimages%2Fic%2F320xn%2Fp04c8sfw.jpg" srcset="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/80xn/p04c8sfw.jpg 80w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/160xn/p04c8sfw.jpg 160w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/320xn/p04c8sfw.jpg 320w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/480xn/p04c8sfw.jpg 480w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/640xn/p04c8sfw.jpg 640w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/768xn/p04c8sfw.jpg 768w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/896xn/p04c8sfw.jpg 896w, https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1008xn/p04c8sfw.jpg 1008w" sizes="(min-width: 63em) 613px, (min-width: 48.125em) 66.666666666667vw, 100vw" alt=""></div>
<div class="component prose">
<p><em>Phil Mitchell has now been referred to the Royal Free Hospital and may require a liver transplant. Liz Shepherd, a specialist nurse in substance misuse and transplantation, at the RFH, explains what it is like for patients like Phil who are referred to the Royal Free and about the hospital’s collaboration with the EastEnders team.</em></p>
<p>Organ transplantation saves lives. At the Royal Free Hospital we perform around 100 liver transplants every year - but we aren’t able to perform all the transplants we would like to because there aren’t enough organs for the people who need them.</p>
<p>Every day in the UK three people die because a donor organ has not been found in time. That’s why it’s crucial that more people the NHS Organ Donor and that those people speak about their decision with their families. Currently only six out of ten families agreed to donation and often that’s because families find it difficult to give their consent during what is understandably a very stressful time. Letting your family know your organ donation decision will make it much easier for them to what you want.</p>
<p>The BBC first came to the Royal Free for advice about alcohol misuse and liver transplantation at the start of the year. I explained to the EastEnders team how and when patients with alcohol-related liver disease might come to need a transplant and when they might be put on the transplant list. I worked with our clinical director for liver transplants, Doug Thorburn, to give the EastEnders team help with their scripts and advice about transplantation generally.</p>
<p>We worked with the EastEnders team to ensure their hospital sets and staff uniforms looked as close to the real thing as possible and advised them on patient charts and paperwork. We’ve been pleased by how much they want this storyline to reflect what happens in real life – even down to the smallest details like name badges.</p>
<p>The liver is a hugely complicated organ which has many functions, including removing toxins from the blood, controlling the level of fat and sugar in the blood, helping process digested food, regulating hormones, producing immune cells which protect the body from infections.</p>
<p>There are a number of reasons why somebody might need a liver transplant and most patients have not suffered liver failure because of alcohol misuse. A patient may require a liver transplant if, like Phil, they develop liver cirrhosis. This means the liver has scarring and as a result might be unable to perform its normal functions. Sometimes cirrhosis is caused by drinking too much alcohol over a prolonged period.</p>
<p>Organs are allocated on the basis of clinical need and benefit and the NHS is committed to a system that is transparent and non-judgmental. If a patient requires a liver transplant because of alcohol-related liver disease, they must prove they have stopped drinking alcohol for a period before they will be placed on the transplant list. Patients are offered alcohol counselling to help them stop drinking. They are regularly assessed by our medical team and have random alcohol tests. Following a period of abstinence the liver will often improve to the point where a transplant is not required. However, if things do not improve a liver transplant will be offered - but only if we expect that the person will not drink alcohol again in the future. Our staff work to ensure the patient will look after themselves and their donated organ.</p>
<p>Information about liver transplants canbe found on our website <a href="http://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/livertransplant">www.royalfree.nhs.uk/livertransplant</a> and you can find out more about organ donation at <a href="http://www.organdonation.nhs.uk">www.organdonation.nhs.uk </a></p>
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