Teen-Orientated web spin-off for EastEnders

BBC One soap EastEnders will gain an internet spin-off in the run-up to its 25th anniversary.

BBC Vision Multiplatform has commissioned EastEnders: E20. Launching in January 2010, the series following four teenage characters (casting yet to be announced) will see episodes released a few times a week via the soap’s official BBC web presence. The beeb say the show is ‘part of the BBC’s drive to develop and nurture new talent’ and that it will be written by 13 new London writers aged 17-22 who attended a summer school where they created and wrote the online drama.

“Online viewers will get the unique opportunity to see the much loved world of Walford from an entirely different point of view through the eyes of the young newcomers.” – BBC Press Office

The writers are also creating extra online material for the EastEnders: E20 characters, including video blogs and behind-the-scenes footage to enhance the whole online presence.

“These talented writers are creating a whole new Walford, infused with their own experiences of London life. A fresh perspective on a British classic, EastEnders: E20 will – I hope – delight new audiences and EastEnders diehards alike.” – Diederick Santer, EastEnders Executive Producer

While a stand alone production the show is expected to feature familiar Albert Square faces in cameo appearances.

EastEnders: E20 will be available at bbc.co.uk/eastenders in January 2010.