BBC EastEnders fans vent fury as they’re asked to choose ‘unimportant’ plot for history-making episode: ‘Couldn’t care less!’
EastEnders has finally provided details about how fans could influence the script as part of the soap’s 40th-anniversary plot.
On Tuesday, bosses revealed the storyline involved after teasing in September that fans, for the first time, would be able to vote on the outcome of a major scenario – but their chosen plotline has left fans “disappointed”.
The soap will celebrate its landmark 40th year next month, with the classic BBC drama having debuted for the first time on February 19, 1985.
In a history-making move, the soap decided to reward its loyal fanbase by allowing them to have a say in an ongoing story.
The big reveal was announced this week when social media pages for the soap shared: “For the first time ever, #EastEnders viewers will get the power to decide whether Denise Fox reunites with Jack or picks Ravi Gulati instead!
“The vote outcome will be revealed during a special live episode in anniversary week!”
Unfortunately for the decision-makers at the soap, fans weren’t pleased with the modest plotline and many had been hoping to share their input on something more significant.
They didn’t hold back as several noted exactly this argument in response to the soap’s announcement.
On X, one person bluntly responded: “Are we meant to care for this? Literally nothing riding on whoever she chooses.”
Another wrote: “How predictable the man who cheated on her and treated her like c**p or the man who manipulated and had this weird intense infatuation with her… what a choice to make how this is so predictable.”
For the first time ever, #EastEnders viewers will get the power to decide whether Denise Fox reunites with Jack or picks Ravi Gulati instead! The vote outcome will be revealed during a special live episode in anniversary week! Head here for more info 👉 https://t.co/V4NKTF6Ps0 pic.twitter.com/lcpizmlQeD
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) January 6, 2025
“Silly gimmick imo. Let us vote to bring someone back from the dead instead…” a third suggested.
Another X user pointed out: “Will there be some way of knowing that the viewers vote is actually affecting the storyline and they’re not just writing what they want anyway? Also I wish I cared about this storyline #Eastenders.”
“Disappointed in this. I thought us viewers could decide a more important storyline.. I couldn’t care less who she gets with!” one viewer admitted.
Others were a little more inspired by the idea of having their say though.
“In an ideal world, Denise would choose herself. However, I am rooting for Ravi as there is some unfinished business between them,” one replied. “The smoldering looks, stolen kisses, and knowing he played a hand saving her life makes me think they can make a proper go of it.” (sic)
The love triangle plot has been a key storyline for a while. Denise Fox (played by Diane Parish) has been married to Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) for a few years.
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However, last year the relationship fell apart after it was revealed Jack had been cheating on Denise with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
More recently, Denise has been seeing Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) in secret. However, she has her doubts due to Ravi’s troubled past and the fact he tried to make her jealous previously by using her daughter, Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams).
EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw commented on the historic move: “We’re all so excited to give our audience their first ever chance to decide how one of our big storylines plays out.
“Their votes will determine whether Denise picks Jack or Ravi, with the outcome being revealed as part of our live episode. There is a lot to come over the next few weeks for all three involved, so it’ll be extremely exciting to see which way the audience choose to take the story!”