BBC soap EastEnders is set to be honoured with the Bafta Television Craft Special award this weekend, for its commitment to nurturing off-screen talent.
EastEnders has been home to countless writers and directors over the years, with many going on to have illustrious careers in the film and television industry.
It has launched the careers of some big names, including Hollywood director Tom Hooper and Rivals producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins.
Behind the scenes, the soap has invested in a number of trainee schemes to nurture new talent through the production process.
‘On behalf of everyone at EastEnders we are absolutely delighted and honoured to receive the BAFTA Television Craft Award Special in our 40th anniversary year,’ Head of Drama Production at the BBC Kate Oates said.
‘EastEnders and BBC Studios have a proud tradition of training new talent and broadening existing skillsets, and you only have to look at the industry to discover just how many individuals, who are now at the top of their game within their specific fields, started or spent some of their careers at EastEnders, as well as those who still work on the show today.’
EastEnders is also in the running for the Best Soap award at this year’s Bafta Television Awards, having been nominated alongside Casualty and Coronation Street.
ITV soap Emmerdale was also nominated, but pulled out earlier this year after one of its writers was involved in a domestic abuse case.
In February, the London-based soap celebrated 40 years on our screens with an exciting live episode.
The episode gave viewers the chance to have their say on one integral storyline, as they voted on whether Denise Fox (Diane Parish) would decide to be with husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) or lover Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
In the end it was Jack who came out on top in the poll, with the result playing out on screen less than an hour later.
Fans were also able to choose the name of Sonia Fowler’s baby, who was born during the live episode. Given the choice between Julia and Toni – inspired by the creators of the show – fans ultimately decided on Julia.
Elsewhere in the episode, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Martin Fowler was k.i.l.l.e.d off in emotional scenes.
EastEnders has also garnered praise this year for its handling of Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) mental health storyline, which has seen him deal with depression and psychosis.
