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Entertainment • Television

EastEnders

EastEnders is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

EastEnders is a British television soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland. It has aired on BBC One since February 1985 and is set in the fictional London borough of Walford, focusing on the lives of residents around Albert Square.

Premise

The series centres on the domestic and professional lives of people living and working in Walford, a fictional borough in London’s East End. Its ensemble cast is built around interconnected families and community relationships.

Broadcast history

EastEnders began on BBC One in 1985 and has remained a flagship UK soap opera. It has been scheduled multiple times per week and has also been repeated in omnibus format.

Setting and characters

The programme is primarily set in Albert Square, a Victorian terrace square containing homes, shops, and the Queen Victoria pub. Its long-running narrative structure allows for many recurring families and characters.

Cultural impact

EastEnders has been noted for its popularity in the United Kingdom and for tackling controversial or socially relevant topics. It is frequently discussed as one of the major British soap operas.

Key facts

  • One of the longest-running British television soap operas.
  • Follows the everyday lives of working-class families in Walford.
  • Most action takes place around Albert Square, including the Queen Victoria pub.
  • Known for storylines involving social and personal issues.
  • Has won major British television awards, including BAFTA recognition.
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Canadian context

EastEnders has aired internationally and is of interest to Canadian viewers through global television and soap opera fandom, though it is a distinctly British programme.

Frequently asked questions

What is EastEnders?
EastEnders is a British soap opera about the lives of residents in the fictional London borough of Walford.
When did EastEnders first air?
It first aired on BBC One on 19 February 1985.
Who created EastEnders?
It was created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland.
Where is EastEnders set?
It is set in Walford, a fictional borough in the East End of London, mainly around Albert Square.
What channel broadcasts EastEnders?
The series has been broadcast on BBC One since its debut.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EastEnders
    Supports: Creation by Julia Smith and Tony Holland; BBC One broadcast since 1985; setting in Walford and Albert Square.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/East-Enders
    Supports: 1985 debut on BBC One; synopsis of the show’s focus on working-class families in Walford; cultural significance and awards.
  3. Encyclopedia of Television & Radio — https://www.tvencyclopedia.org/tv-encyclopedia-5/eastenders
    Supports: Broadcast schedule history; setting in Walford and Albert Square; status as a successful British soap opera.