EastEnders spin-off a hit

 

The internet based EastEnders spin-off series, E20, has proved to be a hit for the BBC with nearly 2 million viewers since its launch.

The BBC has today released the figures for EastEnders: E20 – the online soap – which took Walford into the wider world of the web.  Since the series launched on 8 January 2010 the episodes and supporting content have received 1.7 million views across the EastEnders website and BBC iPlayer – figures that will continue to grow as more episodes go live. Commissioned by BBC Vision Multiplatform, the EastEnders online spin-off was launched in the run-up to EastEnders celebrating its 25th anniversary on 19 February.

“It’s really encouraging to see Eastenders: E20 performing so well. It shows what can be achieved when brand new writing and acting talent plus BBC drama and web expertise combine to create something really impactful.” – Simon Nelson, Controller Portfolio & Multiplatform, BBC Vision.

As part of the BBC’s drive to develop and nurture new talent, EastEnders: E20 was written by 13 new London writers aged between 17 and 22, who attended a summer school where they created and wrote the online drama.  EastEnders: E20 also stars new acting talent: Fatboy (Ricky Norwood), Leon Small (Sam Attwater), Mercy Olubunmi (Bunmi Mojekwu) and Zsa Zsa Carter (Emer Kenny).

“I’m knocked out by these figures! For our little side project, something that started life as an experiment, to go so big is very exciting. I’m delighted in particular that the 13 young London writers who wrote the series have reached such an audience with their first professional work.” – Diederick Santer, Executive Producer of EastEnders: E20.

Episodes one to eight of EastEnders: E20 have already aired on the red button and are currently available on BBC iPlayer. The final four episodes can be seen on the red button on 31 January 2010 after the EastEnders Omnibus. Once aired they will be uploaded onto BBC iPlayer, making EastEnders: E20 a truly multiplatform offering.