Is the EastEnders controversy correct?

Sam Womack quitting, over 8,000 complaints and the story being cut short. But is all the controversy over EastEnders baby swap storyline correct?

EastEnders is known for its hard-hitting storylines but its most recent attempt to portray a sensitive issue has backfired considerably on the show with a media storm gathering over EastEnders. After finding her baby James dead in his coat, a devastated Ronnie swapped James' body for that of Kat and Alfie's alive son Tommy.

As a viewer who has witnessed a year of murders, stabbings, fires, drug use and tram crashes in the world of soap I must admit I am slightly torn on the plot.

The main ingredient to any soap storyline is emotion, drama and with EastEnders more often that not tragedy. And undoubtedly the baby swap plot has all these elements. But my criticism of the plot is that they could have achieved the same level of emotion and drama by only tackling the tragedy of cot deaths.

By adding the baby swap twist on a already upsetting storyline the show has dragged themselves into claims of sensationalism, despite Executive Producer Bryan Kirkwood's claims on the EastEnders website that their aim "was – and still is – to tell a strong story that would, in the telling - raise the profile of Cot Death in the UK."

But whilst I understand the viewers upset over such a powerful subject, this is and always has been a work of fiction. Soaps have never shied away from tackling tough subjects before and every viewer always has the choice to watch soaps or turn off their television.

The decision to cut the story short is completely correct as any plans to drag the story on would then become 100 % unbelievable. The news that there is also going to be a happy ending is also correct in sending the right message to viewers that are prepared to stick with the story.

With the outcry caused by the plot the acting of all involved has often been forgotten. Sam Womack (Ronnie) and Jessie Wallace (Kat) have been superb whilst the supporting cast of Shane Ritchie (Alfie), Derek Martin (Charlie) etc.. have made the storyline even more heartbreaking. Whilst the writing and producing have been heavily criticised, Kat saying 'I am not ready to say goodbye, I have only just said hello' or Ronnie begging baby James 'please don't do this to me' are haunting to watch.

The departure of Ronnie, whether due to the end of Sam's contract or her decision based on the plot is a huge loss to EastEnders (the announcement is either a case of a bad coincidence or bad timing).

I don't 100% agree with the direction of the plot but it has me torn and this is often the best ingredient for the most powerful storylines. But the anger directed at EastEnders looks like it won't be calming down anytime soon and with the plot set to run until the spring, the show looks like it will be hitting the headlines for months to come however well acted the storyline is.

Picture from whatsontv.co.uk

Kara dances her way to victory in Strictly finale

With the cold weather setting in again outside, there was nothing better than a Saturday night of Strictly Come Dancing. Oh and it was the glitzy finale as well!

Actress Kara Tointon, presenter Matt Baker and Psychologist Pamela Stephenson all battled it out for the crown but it was ex-Eastender Tointon who triumphed after completing four stunning dances (whilst having just enough energy to lift the glitterball trophy at the end).

In Tointon, the British public chose the right winner (proving how letting just the public decide the winner can be successful, ahem... no hint to other shows needed!). With near professional dance skills and a lovely relationship with pro partner Artem Chigvintsev, Tointon rightly stormed to victory, beating Baker into second place and Stephenson in third.

This year's series has been a raging success after last year's let-down. A snappier format, better mix of celebrities and some inspired partnerships (Ann and Anton looked like they were made to dance together or at least grace the comedy circuits as a superb double-act) have seen Strictly once again hit top-form.

And whilst last night's glamorous finale was a fitting ending, it did disappoint on one count - the showdances. A freestyle masterpiece where anything goes. But unfortunately none of last night's three showdances really dazzled and amazed in equal measure.

Matt Baker was let down by his partner Aliona Vilani reliance on his tricks and flicks and not his dancing whilst Artem and Kara's ridiculously fast routine caught out Tointon a few too many times. Pamela and partner James Jordan's effort lacked any 'show' whilst still being a good dance.

But in the end there was enough sublime dancing on show to glaze over that disappointment. Kara and Artem lifted the glitterball trophy to confirm themselves as one of Strictly's best ever couples and confirm the show's sparkling return to form.

Picture from What's on TV

EastEnders' Janine back to her best

Soapland's biggest bitch has gone a bit soft recently...

Since falling in love and getting married, EastEnders' Janine Malloy (formerly Butcher) has shown her softer side. And whilst I love to see different layers to soap characters, when it comes to Janine - the bitchier the better!

After stealing hubby Ryan (Neil McDermott) and Stacey's (Lacey Turner) daughter Lily and nearly getting her run-over by a train, The Sun reports that Janine (Charlie Brooks) will attempt to poison Ryan at Christmas. And who could doubt the wicked plot, Janine did 'accidentally' push first husband Barry Evans off a cliff!

Soap's baddest girl is a brilliant character. Janine's softer side has always been teased to viewers but in the end evil always seems to win out when it comes to Janine.

And it seems the superbitch has only just started when it comes to punishing new hubby Ryan.

Picture from bbc.co.uk

Lip Service, BBC3

I was once told that the opening paragraph of an article will tell you all you need to know about what you are about to read. And I would think the same could be said about watching a television program? The first five or ten minutes sets the feel and tone for a show, hooks the unsure viewer in. If that is the case then the first five minutes of BBC Three's Lip Service certainly made clear what the show was about...lesbians.

The first episode starts with two girls ripping each other's clothes off in a New York apartment (one being main character, bad girl photographer Frankie). From the opening scene it is clear that there will be no caution in covering what is still strangely some-what of a taboo subject on British TV.

But as the hour-long outing continued I realised that there was nothing else beyond the fact that it was a show about twenty-something lesbians living in Glasgow. The characters and their stories seem to be dominated too much by their sexuality, the conversation stuttered in between the sex scenes.

One scene in particular where Frankie (Ruta Gedmintas) and a funeral director secretary have sex in a morgue in front on a dead body seemed to be suddenly thrust upon the viewers at home and Frankie's ex Cat (Laura Fraser) who walked in on them.

Maybe after all the creator of Lip Service was too conscious that they were making a risque, bold and in-some-ways groundbreaking drama?

But this was only episode one of this six-part drama. Opening episodes are often used to set the tone, introduce the characters and what they are about.

After last night's episode no one can have any doubts about what Lip Service is about but hopefully the characters and their relationships can be explored further in the next five showings.

Picture from The Guardian

EastEnders: Billie's sad death

Too often soaps go for the over the top reaction to dramatic deaths. Wailing in hysterics is all well and good in certain situations but tonight EastEnders triumphed with an understated and emotional reaction to the sudden, alcohol-related death of Billie Jackson (Devon Anderson).

After celebrating his 22nd birthday in Friday's episode, Billie downed a huge amount of booze and collapsed on the sofa. Half-sister Bianca (Patsy Palmer) went to wake him but instead found him dead in the lounge.

The performances from everyone involved were brilliant, even cousin Lauren's (Jacqueline Jossa) nervous laugh seemed realistic. Carol's (Lindsey Coulson) reaction to her son's death was heartbreaking. There was no outbursts of tears just a blank look of shock and sudden emptiness. Little dialogue was needed as the family's reaction to Billie's death drove the episode forward.

Since his return to Walford earlier this year, the character of Billie has failed to make a huge impact in Walford. So his sudden and emotional demise will probably be remembered longer than anything the character did on screen.

The episode was depressing, even for EastEnders but the BBC show deserves praise for tonight's showing; highlighting the risks of binge drinking in such a sad and shocking way.

Picture from whatsontv.co.uk

Strictly Come Dancing - Kara and Ann steal the show

Tuning in to Strictly Come Dancing last night you would be forgiven for thinking that your television had magically developed a split screen effect. Surely you had to be watching two different programs?

One side of the dance floor was ex-EastEnder and model Kara Tointon clad in a skimpy dominatrix swimsuit whilst the other side was former MP Ann Widdecombe in a more respectful and dignified ballroom gown. But these two women showed last night just how good Strictly can be (in very different ways).

Despite catching her foot in the tail of her revealing outfit and falling to the floor Kara gave a spectacular and saucy cha cha cha. Kara is one of those (I will refrain from using the word celebrity) well-known people who clearly knows how to dance and has come on Strictly to help her career.

Before Kara's impressive cha cha cha came a different kind of dancing. Combine John Sergeant's dancing skills and Anton du Beke's cheeky personality and you have Ann Widdecombe doing the waltz. She looked stunning in a full-length gown and whilst little can be said about her dancing skills it was her quick wit when she responded to judge Craig Revel-Horwood's criticism that will make her a strictly star. "If you think that's bad you should see the salsa!" quipped Ann!

Kara should go far in the competition for the right reasons whilst Ann will probably go far for the wrong ones.

Kara and Ann were joined on the dance floor over both Friday and Saturday by former Coronation Street star Tina O'Brien, Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams, actress Patsy Kensit, ex England footballer Peter Shilton, TV presenter Matt Baker, film actor Jimi Mistry, EastEnders actor Scott Maslen, DJ Goldie, actress Felicity Kendal, rugby player Gavin Henson, psychologist Pamela Stephenson and magician Paul Daniels.

Matt Baker shone in a Countryfile themed outfit whilst an extremely nervous Henson and graceful Stephenson were surprisingly good. But performer Michelle Williams was disappointing. Maybe I waited for her performance with an misguided assumption that she could really dance as she used to be in Destiny's Child alongside Beyonce but she struggled with her Cha Cha and looked suitably annoyed after receiving criticism from the judges and a low score.

Last year Strictly struggled in a ratings battle with rival X Factor and lost the sparkle that had made it so endearing to the public. But after one weekend's outing it seems this series of Strictly could be back to its glittery best.

Scores from both shows:

Matt Baker: 31
Pamela Stephenson: 31
Kara Tointon: 30
Scott Maslen: 29
Gavin Hensen: 28
Jimi Mistry: 26
Peter Shilton: 25
Michelle Williams: 24
Tina O'Brien: 24
Felicity Kendall: 23
Patsy Kensit: 22
Goldie: 20
Ann Widdecombe: 17
Paul Daniels: 16

Picture from guardian.co.uk

Life Unexpected, E4

Premiering last night on E4 (7pm), US drama Life Unexpected follows the story of Lux, a 15-year-old (soon to be 16) who wants emancipation from the foster care system.

After being given away at birth Lux (Brittany Robertson) has bounced around foster homes. But with her 16th birthday approaching she goes off in search of her birth parents so they can sign a form that will hopefully grant her emancipation from the state. Lux first finds her dad, layabout and bar owner Nate "Baze" Bazile (Kristoffer Polaha) before meeting her birth mother, morning radio host Cate Cassidy (Shiri Appleby).

Predictably there are complications and instead of being granted emancipation Lux finds herself in the joint temporary custody of Cate and Baze. And that is where the story really starts, a emotional tale of reconnection and family.

With a Juno/Gilmore Girls feel, Life Unexpected is a heart-warming, gentle and funny hour of television that will one moment make you laugh and the next cry.

The show is mainly character-driven and while Cate does not look old enough to be Lux's mum (even though Cate had her in high school), the chemistry and connection between Cate, Lux, Baze and Cate's co-host/secret partner Ryan (Kerr Smith) makes this dysfunctional family dynamic work. The plot to the show feels honest and natural, a US drama with a simple premise written and performed well.

Without ruining the next 12 episodes Life Unexpected follows how everyone slots back into each others lives and deals with the issues this brings, whether it be Cate and Lux, Baze and Lux or Cate and Baze (plus the romantic complication of Cate's partner Ryan). With the Juno-type style there is plenty of teen angst as Lux yearns to be a normal teenager whilst her parents struggle with their own angst as they are forced to grow up.

And if you do enjoy the first season of Life Unexpected you can look forward to a second, which has just begun airing in the US.

Picture from Tv Fanatic