BBC EastEnders boss sends clear message as rival ITV shows accused of ‘slimy’ move during soap milestone
BBC EastEnders writer Daran Little has waded into a debate about rival soaps failing to acknowledge each other’s milestone moments.
The discussion emerged as EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary this week with special episodes, including a live broadcast on Thursday.
Meanwhile, ITV’s Emmerdale has scheduled a dramatic storyline involving a fatal limo crash into an icy lake.
The timing of these competing plotlines has sparked criticism from soap fans, who have called for more solidarity between the major British continuing dramas.
The scheduling clash comes as EastEnders marks its landmark anniversary with a series of high-stakes episodes, while its ITV rivals roll out their own major storylines simultaneously.
A fan took to X, formerly Twitter, to express frustration over the competing schedules.
“I do wish there was more solidarity between the soaps, because it feels quite slimy that both Corrie and Emmerdale have got big event weeks, seemingly out of nowhere, that perfectly line up with EastEnders’ 40th anniversary big week,” they wrote.
The viewer further suggested the scheduling clash could impact viewing figures negatively.
“I doubt it’ll end well, viewing figures wise, for either ITV soap, but especially Emmerdale which usually overlaps with EastEnders,” the fan added.
GB News has contacted ITV over the claims.
The criticism highlights ongoing tensions between the BBC and ITV’s flagship soap operas during significant broadcast events.
In response to the criticism, Daran Little revealed he had previously incorporated a reference to Coronation Street’s milestone into EastEnders.
“When it was Corrie’s 50th, I wrote Kat telling Dot she was going home to watch it,” Little wrote on X.
However, a fan quickly corrected his recollection of the scene.
The viewer pointed out: “I hate to question the author but wasn’t it Dot who was going to watch it…Kat said she’d rather watch the washing spin round in the machine…”
Little acknowledged his mistake with good humour, sharing: “Oh youre right!!!! Oops,” he admitted in response to the correction.
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The exchange demonstrated that cross-soap references have occurred in the past, albeit rarely.
Little brings significant experience to his commentary, having written across multiple major British soaps.
The Bafta-winning writer began his career at Coronation Street before moving to Hollyoaks and later EastEnders.
He has been writing scripts for EastEnders since 2010, with his most recent contribution airing earlier this month.