LEAST ENDERS
EASTENDERS is in crisis after the lowest ratings in its 34-year history.
The BBC1 soap got just 2.4million viewers for its 7pm episode on Thursday amid complaints of weak storylines and lacklustre characters.
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It is the first time EastEnders — even beaten by shows including Question Time — has seen its audience slump below three million.
Bosses claim the low ratings were because of the warm weather and the Fifa Women’s World Cup causing scheduling changes.
But ITV rival Emmerdale was on the same time and got 4.9million.
A source said: “The BBC has always prided itself on the enduring success of EastEnders but its popularity has slowly drooped over the past year.
“The ratings on Thursday were embarrassing, especially given in its heyday EastEnders would get over eight million.
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“The storylines aren’t resonating with fans and it doesn’t seem to have any of those exciting “doof doof” moments it’s famed for.”
EastEnders was watched by a record 30 million on Christmas Day in 1986 when Dirty Den handed Angie divorce papers.
The ratings low comes months after Kate Oates was appointed senior executive producer.
Since then, fans have complained about storylines, including one saying: “It’s so far removed from what it once was.”
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Previously EastEnders’ lowest rating was 3.4 million when it was moved to BBC2 during Wimbledon in 2017.
A spokesperson for the BBC said: “With the growing popularity of this year’s Women’s World Cup, it was decided that BBC One viewers should have the opportunity to watch as many of the matches as possible. Although this meant a late schedule change for EastEnders this week, we are confident that our audience know they can watch EastEnders on BBC iPlayer as we have already seen a significant number of viewers watching this week’s episodes.”
It comes just a day after star Jessie Wallace was caught launching a vile rant at a gay club night.
Viewers switched to Emmerdale as the aftermath of Jessie Grant's shooting was revealed, Dawn discovered her evil dad Will was sleeping with Harriet again and Bear left fans furious after revealing the gender of Chas and Paddy's baby.
The ITV soap won an audience share of 30 per cent, while EastEnders could only manage 18 per cent - it's lowest ever showing.
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The show has struggled in the ratings despite a creative revival at the hands of new bosses Kate Oates and John Sen after a tumultuous few years.
But it has never previously fallen as far, recording a previous low of 3.7m.
In last night's episode, Ben Mitchell schemed against his best friend Jay and girlfriend Ruby in an effort to split them up so Lola Pearce would remain in Walford.
He was successful but Lola insisted she was still planning to leave the Square.
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Meanwhile it was also revealed that Rainie Cross was the one who had stolen Jack and Max Branning's money so she could run away with baby Abi - leaving Mel Owen to take the blame.
She video called the brothers to brag about her theft, telling them she and Abi were going to flee abroad and use their money to live.
But it didn't appear to be enough to tempt viewers to watch.
Emmerdale's Jessie is shot in the stomach by gangster Max after being held hostage
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