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EastEnders Complaints
Two episodes of EastEnders in which a character was drugged
and buried alive have been criticised by the BBC's editorial complaints
unit.
EastEnders scenes involving Max Branning and his wife, Tanya, caused "upset
among a segment of the audience which was neither anticipated nor intended",
ruled the corporation's internal editorial standards body.
The storyline featured in two episodes of EastEnders over the Easter holiday
weekend on March 21 and March 24 this year.
In the first episode viewers saw Tanya, played by Jo Joyner, spiking Max's
drink before driving him into Epping Forest with her lover, Sean Slater.
Max, played by Jake Wood, was then buried alive in a coffin before later
regaining consciousness.
The BBC had previously sought to defend the plotline, which prompted more
than 150 complaints, saying it had taken "great care" to flag up the nature
of the scenes in advance publicity and pre-programme announcements.
But the editorial complaints unit, ECU, said the "nature of the response"
registered with the BBC and Ofcom "suggested that the emotional impact of
the storyline was somewhat stronger than had been considered likely, and
that it had caused upset among a segment of the audience which was neither
anticipated nor intended".
Upholding three specific viewers' complaints, the ECU's findings have been
discussed among the EastEnders production team and will be taken into
account in the development of future storylines of the soap, the corporation
said.
In its initial response to viewers' complaints on March 25, the day after
the second episode was broadcast, the BBC said sorry to viewers who did not
enjoy the episodes but stopped short of a full apology.
"Whilst we appreciate that these episodes were dramatic, they were carefully
filmed and edited in order that Max's ordeal was in the main implicit,
rather than explicit, whilst still retaining their powerfulness," it said.
"It's also important to note that Max made it out alive after Tanya realised
she couldn't go through with her plan to leave him for dead," the BBC added.
21:50
May 12 2008 - waveguide.co.uk
Reader Comment
The storyline for Max & Tanya & Sean's attempted murder
was handled
excellently!! The world news is much much more objectionable than the
drama portrayed by Eastenders. I think, as a long time viewer & fan of this
brilliant production the writers, directors, actors deserve a well done
accolade for their performances!!!
mocconnor
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Davina
McCall Stays With Big Brother
Big Brother presenter Davina McCall has denied she is leaving
the Channel 4 reality show after this summer's series.
Speaking at the world premiere of new movie Sex And The City, she said: "I'm
not leaving Big Brother, they would have to kill me before I'd stop doing
it."
Speaking to the press about the new series, she said: "We're going to be
much tougher with rules this year."
The new run of Big Brother starts on
June 5.
21:30
May 12 2008 - waveguide.co.uk
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90210 Spin-off
Beverly Hills, 90210 star Jennie Garth has joined the cast of
its new spin-off series.
According to reports, Garth will reprise her role as Kelly Taylor for the
series.
In the new series Kelly Taylor is a guidance counsellor at West Beverly
Hills High where she went to school.
Further details about the spin-off are expected this week.
08:02
May 12 2008 - waveguide.co.uk
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Big
Brother's Little Brother Hosts
Channel 4 has announced that presenters George Lamb and Zezi
Ifore will be the new hosts of Big Brother's Little Brother.
Both are currently presenting on E4 Music and daily morning
music and entertainment show Freshly Squeezed.
George Lamb said: "Imagine how excited someone would be if they were
presenting Big Brother, well I'm just a little bit less excited than that
but I'm still extremely excited."
Zezi Ifore said: "This is preposterously good, I've always loved Big Brother
- it's omnipresent, you can't help but get sucked in! And working alongside
a lovely lamb too - George Lamb - ain't half bad either. Bring it on!"
Big Brother's Little Brother returns to E4 Monday to Friday, and T4 on
Sundays in the summer. Davina McCall presents the main Channel 4 launch
show, plus live eviction shows.
07:14
May 12 2008 - waveguide.co.uk
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Sky's School
Musical Series
Denise Van Outen is to host a new musical show for Sky One.
The 34-year-old will present Hairspray: The School Musical, where a school
will be challenged to recreate the his West End show.
Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton will also be appearing in the show.
Sky's Richard Woolfe said: “Over the past few years Hairspray and High
School Musical have brought musical theatre to new audiences worldwide.
“We’re going to show all the emotions of the theatre — stage fright, crises
in confidence, life-changing accomplishments and tears of joy.”
07:07
May 12 2008 - waveguide.co.uk
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