Queen Vic's Bust

Classic Clip: Harry Hill's reworking of the Eastenders title sequence

2009-09-07T11:48:00.001+01:00

All you need is a blue tie and an Alka Seltzer

Since Eastenders is getting brand spanking new opening credits today, we thought it was only fair to remember the last time they were unofficially re-done. Harry Hill showed how simple it was to recreate the titles in the comfort of your own home.

New Eastenders title sequence to debut tonight

2009-09-07T11:06:00.000+01:00

New 3D Thames from now on

Environmentalists can rest easy knowing that the River Thames has got significantly cleaner over the last ten years. That's if the new Eastenders title sequence is to be believed at least.

The murky Thames that has graced our screens for the past decade has been replaced by a much bluer version. The titles were last updated in 1999 to incorporate the Millenium Dome.

Eastenders boss Diedrick Santer said: "The style of the map image, as well as the content, was a little out of date."

But do you prefer the new titles or the old ones?

Eastenders Spoiler: Sam and Ricky to get engaged

2009-09-06T12:04:00.000+01:00

And before the week is out!

Sam Mitchell is going to waste no time in rekindling old romances as she returns to the Square this week. Daniella Westbrook's character will end the week engaged to ex-husband Ricky.

The reunion is celebrated in traditional Walford style with a party at the Vic thrown by Peggy. Not everyone is feeling so jovial, least of all Bianca (who is faced with the prospect of losing her Rickaay) and Phil (who is seemingly the only character who remembers that Sam is on the run from a murder charge!).

Garry Hobbs in Strictly injury scare

2009-09-06T09:06:00.000+01:00

Is there a mechanic in the house?

Eastenders star Ricky Groves has been forced to quit rehearsals for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing after picking up an injury. Groves (Garry Hobbs in 'Enders) was hit by tendonitis in his right leg.

The 41-year-old, who quit his role in Albert Square last month, had to ditch rehearsals with dance partner Erin Boag while the inflammation settled.

Groves is 14-1 to win the show.

[Via Mirror]

Eastenders' biggest paid stars handed 15 per cent pay cuts

2009-09-05T17:41:00.003+01:00

The recession reaches Walford

Some of Eastenders' biggest names have been told to take 15 per cent pay cuts. It is fair to say the soap's stars won't be feeling the pinch to quite the extent of you and me, but their wages have been dropped.

Barbara Windsor and Steve McFadden - who play Peggy and Phil Mitchell respectively - face a £54,000 a year dent from their £360,000 salaries. Pam St Clement (Pat) will lose £49,500 of her £330,000 annual income, while Adam Woodyatt (Ian) will see his salary drop to £263,500 from £310,000.

The actors are paid their full wage if they appear in all four shows each week. They will be given the option of dropping their pay voluntarily or being left out of enough episodes to facilitate the pay cut.

[Via Mirror]

Classic Clip: Phil Mitchell covers Ian Beale in tomato ketchup

2009-09-05T16:54:00.003+01:00

Very saucy

A not-so-rare example of Phil attacking Ian/Ian getting his comeuppance!

Top five Eastenders comebacks

2009-09-05T15:47:00.007+01:00

This lot just couldn't stay away

1. Den Watts
The ultimate Walford comeback. Having been shot by a bunch of daffodils and sent for a quick dip in the canal, a return didn't seem to be on the cards for Dirty Den. But he was back in Albert Square dirtier than ever in 2003. That was until Sam, Chrissie and Zoe finished him off once and for all (we think).

2. Sam Mitchell
Peggy's daughter has made more returns to Albert Square than the District line to Walford East. She initially left in 1993 after cheating on husband Ricky to take a job on a cruise ship. She was back in 1995 but soon departed in 1996 as actress Daniella Westbrook's cocaine addiction began to affect her work. This time she was sent to Spain hot on the heels of her latest love interest, again keeping the hopes of a comeback alive. She was back in 1999 and swiftly moved to "north London" in 2000 as Westbrook's cocaine use eroded her nasal septum. Kim Medcalf took over the role in 2002 until 2005 when she went on the run in Brazil following Dirty Den's murder. And now Westbrook is back once more...

3. Bianca Jackson
Patsy Palmer left the show in 1999 before a brief cameo detailing her hectic life in sunny Manchester in 2002. Bianca and Ricky were both brought back into the fold in 2008 as Eastenders' bosses sought to boost flagging ratings.

4. Nick Cotton
The scripted reasons for Nasty Nick's comings and goings read a little bit like Daniella Westbrook's personal life, but he keeps coming back to Albert Square and it usually spells trouble for Dot.

5. Frank Butcher
Like Walford's answer to a boomerang, no sooner was he thrown out than he was hurtling back towards the Vic once again. Mike Reid could rarely stay away for more than a year or two until his death in 2007.