GET OUT OF MY PUB!

WORDS LIV RAINFORD

A LOOK INTO THE LASTING CULTURAL IMPACT OF THE QUEEN VIC’S PATRONS

Portrayed by Dame Barbara Windsor

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Portrayed by Leslie Grantham & Anita Dobson

Eastenders has always been a British rite of passage since the first episode aired in the 80s. Now, over 5,000 episodes later, its significance radiates throughout British culture and seeps into the rest of the world through its iconic characters and quotes as well as the collective writer’s ability to incorporate an impactful story line whilst including comedic value. The show continues to grip people with its high stakes storylines but also its relatability towards working class cultures. Being set in the fictional town of Walford, in East London where most characters struggle to make ends meet, the show is renowned for its ability to positively represent the neighbourhood friendliness and sense of community found within close knit council estates around the country.

Eastenders’ debut in 1985 was recently voted in a study by Honda and Dr. Ruth Adams (Senior Lecturer in Cultural and Creative Industries at King’s College London) as one of the most significant cultural movements in the past 50 years. Dr. Adams quoted for the study “Certain cultural events take on a significance not just for the individuals who were there but also become a part of our collective memory and identity. These events represent our experience and shared sensibility. We see ourselves reflected in them - often at our best, but sometimes at our worst.”

And it’s easy to see why Eastenders falls into this category.

Only this year did we see our now current King make a guest appearance on the show for Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee. Often, well-known names in British culture step onto Albert Square, like Danny Dyer - who’s death in 2023’s Christmas special gripped the nation. Eastenders Christmas specials themselves are their own beast too, a festive evening spectacle that follows turkey and trimmings; so much so, even Prime Video offers a selection of Eastenders Christmas specials from 1992 up to 2004 for viewing on their streaming service.

Eastenders serves a greater purpose too, with storylines often discussing stories that are considered taboo and opening the dialogue in the nation’s homes. Such as a hard-hitting knife crime story line in which a teenage character Shakil was killed off, and the repercussions of gang violence which is a prevalent stain on British Culture. The funeral episode featured the families of real-life victims holding up images of their own lost loved ones as the coffin was carried past, which received praise from critics and fans. This year a storyline for long-running character Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) was introduced where she joins what can only be compared to Only-Fans in order to support her pregnant daughter Lily (Lilia Turner) who is only 13. This story line shocked the media and fans alike initially, but quickly gained traction with Lilia winning best young actress at the 2023 British Soap Awards – where Eastenders dominated with four winnings, including Best British Soap.

Eastenders was the first British soap opera to show a gay kiss on screen in 1989, which led to intense scrutiny from tabloid newspapers, with The Sun releasing an article calling for the show to be scrapped entirely. It was not and this year became the first British soap to feature a drag queen character who was introduced earlier this year - Tara Misu.

Despite being a fan of the soap or not, Eastenders has remained a cultural icon for Brits due to the heavily recognisable characters and plot lines. There’s Dot Cotton (June Brown), remembered by her signature hair style and cigarette in hand;

Pat Butcher (Pat St Clement) recognised by her earrings (London rapper CASISDEAD even has his own song titled ‘Pat’s Earrings’); the brutally entertaining Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) who will always been known as the true landlord of the show’s monumental pub, The Queen Vic; and legendary gangster-type Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden). Eastenders actors have received knighthoods, damehoods, have gone onto Hollywood movies, and toured the clubs for University Freshers weeks to a chorus of rehashed quotes from the show: “I’ve got nothing left, Phil”, “I didn’t just become a slag, I became a total slag”, “Get out of my pub!”, “You’re not my mother” – “I am!” , “Riiiickkkyyyyyyyyy”.

Eastenders continues to lead cultural significance throughout British Culture, as it continues to explore impactful storylines as well as keep its comedic value. As well as introducing new characters with new storylines, Eastenders attempts to stick to their roots, keeping Phil Mitchell as Walford's resident mafia boss, Sonia as the resident trumpet player, and the legacy of Pat Butcher, Dot Cotton, and Peggy Mitchell living on even through episodes to this very day. It will be interesting to see how Eastenders continues to impact British culture over the next generation, but for now, you’ll find us on the BBC at 8pm, cup of tea and biscuits, shaken by the latest duff-duff.

@liivmaxiia