when did the first episode of eastenders air
EastEnders The launch was delayed until February 1985[28] due to a delay in the chat show Wogan, that was to be a part of the major revamp in BBC1's schedules. Smith was uneasy about the late start as EastEnders no longer had the winter months to build up a loyal following before the summer ratings lull. The press were invited to Elstree to meet the cast and see the lot, and stories immediately started circulating about the show, about a rivalry with ITV (who were launching their own market-based soap, Albion Market) and about the private lives of the cast.[29] Anticipation and rumour grew in equal measure until the first transmission at 7Â p.m. on 19 February 1985.[29] Both Holland and Smith could not watch; they both instead returned to the place where it all began, Albertine's Wine Bar on Wood Lane.[29] The next day, viewing figures were confirmed at 17 million.[29] The reviews were largely favourable,[29] although, after three weeks on air, BBC1's early evening share had returned to the pre-EastEnders figure of seven million, though EastEnders then climbed to highs of up to 23 million later on in the year.[30] Following the launch, both group discussions and telephone surveys were conducted to test audience reaction to early episodes. Detailed reactions were taken after six months and since then regular monitoring was conducted.[citation needed]
Ian Beale Ian is the most-married character in EastEnders history, with five marriages to four women (Cindy Williams, Mel Healy, Laura Dunn, and twice to Jane Collins) and two aborted engagements (to Mandy Salter and Denise Fox). He has fathered three children (Peter Beale, Lucy Beale and Bobby Beale), and acted as a father figure to Peter and Lucy's half-brother and half-sister, Steven Beale and Cindy Williams, respectively. As of 2017 and 2018, Ian is also the current owner of 45 Albert Square, traditionally represented within the series as the family home of the Beale and Fowler family, and has also been on the show for 33 years, making him the longest-serving character on the show.