A year later, in 1998, BBC chairman Christopher Bland admitted that as result of the Irish-set EastEnders episodes, the station failed in its pledge to represent all groups accurately and avoid reinforcing prejudice.[13]. [34] Their return was voted as one of the Golden TV Moments of 2005 in a BBC poll. This impact heightens in 1999 when Grant goes into partnership with Phil's new enemy Steve Owen (Martin Kemp), and they end up having a feud which ends with Grant punching Steve after getting annoyed with his disrespectful attitude towards him. Classic Eastenders (14th August 1997) MDTVS. Sean leers over Pauline Fowler (Wendy Richard)'s breasts and tries to buy her a drink, only to be told to leave her alone by Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt). Sean Flaherty, portrayed by Pat Laffin, is first seen as a lecherous drunk in a pub in the Irish village of Kilmoneen. He then returned to the show on 24 October 2005 for a few weeks and returned again between March and June 2006. 27:12. Classic Eastenders (6th January 1994) MDTVS. He does not check to see whether Sharon is out of the way, and she and her dog Roly nearly die in the blaze. Catch a bunch of memorable moments - from that scene where Phil Mitchell was shot by his girlfriend Lisa to Martins dramatic hit-and-run that sealed Jamie Mitchells death. [16], The following year EastEnders topped the ratings at Christmas 1998 when Grant was accused of the attempted murder of Tiffany, and the following Monday 15.7 million viewers tuned in to see Grant make a first court appearance. I am an Irishman and I'm proud of it, but I'm not a drunk and I'm certainly not backward and neither are my compatriots." Watch fullscreen. [5] Steve McFadden was given the role of Phil. It is going to be fireworks from the start."[22]. Her father also follows her. Her first appearance was in a special week of episodes set in Ireland, first broadcast in 1997. Follow. Trending Pedro Pascal. The continuity announcer stated that the episode was unavailable and that the channel would instead be showing the following episode. Following his arrest, Johnny is sentenced to life imprisonment and later dies of a heart attack allowing Phil and Grant to finally put their demons to reason for good. 28:38. Grant often displayed laddish, thrill-seeking behaviour; drinking, chasing women, clubbing, gambling and living off of his wits. After discovering that Grant vengefully had sex with his wife Kathy Mitchell, Phil went ballistic with a handgun causing the car Grant was driving to career at high speed into the River Thames. "[43], Grant and Phil's brotherly confrontation marking Grant's initial exit in 1999 was panned by critics. Classic Eastenders (28th April 1997) MDTVS. BBC I didn't know my way around, but everyone knew me. Maggie races to Mary's school to collect her before violent Sean can get to her. The repercussions of Phil's betrayal contributed to many subsequent storylines involving the brothers throughout the 1990s. Grant tells Phil he immediately needs the money that he lent him. Drama channel has caused confusion among fans of more vintage episodes of EastEnders. Sharon is ready to turn him down in front of a packed pub and his family; however, in the end, she cannot go through with it, and stops him from publicly proposing before he humiliates himself. Gerry McCrae is the shopkeeper in Kilmoneen, the Irish village where the Flaherty family live. An archived recording of his voice was heard on 25 January 2022. First Broadcast BBC. Alternatively, fans can also catch up via the UKTV Play website - where you can stream episodes that have been recently shown. ? 19:09. Watch fullscreen. ? Category:1997 Episodes | EastEnders Wiki | Fandom in: 1997, Episodes by year, 1990s Episodes 1997 Episodes Category page View source Trending pages Episode 1412 (18 February 1997) Episode 1550 (25 December 1997) Episode 1553 (30 December 1997) Episode 1551 (26 December 1997) Episode 1441 (24 April 1997) Episode 1433 (7 April 1997) "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. If youd like to join in, please sign in or register. However, more often than not, Grant reverted to form and when placed under pressure he seemed incapable of controlling his aggression, disregarding all consequences. When Grant's nephew Ben Mitchell (Harry Reid) goes missing and Phil is reluctant to get the police involved, Sharon contacts Grant for help, but Courtney (now played by Alice Nokes) meets Sharon instead; Grant has not seen the messages. I didn't quite know what I was letting myself in for. 29:09. Mick battled to save Linda - who had trapped her ankle - as they began to drown below deck. Many were introduced by the show's executive producer, Jane Harris . Writers 2 January 1997 Sign up. Mary also comes between couple Joe Wicks (Paul Nicholls) and Sarah Hills (Daniela Denby-Ashe), but Joe returns to Sarah after they have a one-night stand, breaking her heart. Nothing to do with his mum pissing off for ages just after his dad died. Known as the "Mitchell brothers", Grant and Phil have become household names in the United Kingdom due to their association with the stereotypical black leather jacket wearing bald and brutal thug. In May 2016, Peggy returns to Albert Square following a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Grant returns to the square soon after and walks in on Phil and Peggy. Their arrival heralded a new era for the soap, which aptly coincided with the beginning of a new decade EastEnders during the 1980s having been very much dominated by the hugely popular Fowler and Watts families. As for being drunks, surely they must only mean on a Saturday night! The episode was written by Tony Jordan, directed by Paul Annett and was watched by 19.5 million viewers. Easter Monday was March 31st in 1997. Trending. Id have loved to see .Lorraine turn round and slap Peggy in the face. Grant Mitchell is a fictional character from the British soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Kemp.He was introduced by producer Michael Ferguson to revamp the show, and originally served as one of the show's leading protagonists throughout the 1990s; with the character first appearing in 22 February 1990 and then departing on 25 October 1999 after Kemp had opted to leave the show. Apologies for not uploading over the last few days- every video I've tried to put up has been blocked! Furthermore, they suggested that the episodes "presented a prejudiced and stereotyped view of Ireland that [was] utterly unrecognisable. ? Browse more videos. Classic Eastenders (7th August 1997) MDTVS. Linda and Mick have organised a boat party to celebrate winning the Pub of the Year contest, but disaster struck when the boat hit an obstacle and began to sink. It is outrageous and untrue to portray us like that. An example of this was that he was one of the few people who offered support to Mark Fowler when he was isolated by the rest of Albert Square (led ironically by Grant's mother, Peggy), because of his HIV illness. After hearing Phil explain his reasons for wanting to bring Johnny to justice for killing Dennis, specifically as a promise he made to Sharon before she left Walford, Grant reluctantly accompanies his brother in settling their score with Johnny once and for all. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Grant visits Jane where he learns that she has been paralysed by her adoptive son Bobby Beale (Eliot Carrington). BBC contributor Mike Philpott described the show as "the worst case of stage 'Oirish' seen for a long time" and "one of the most shameful half-hour episodes in the history of British television". Classic Eastenders (28th August 1995) MDTVS. Grant would not find out that the baby is his until years later. Grant accuses Phil of killing Peggy and asks for his money back, but Phil does not have it. Apols if already mentioned, but it looks as if Drama are skipping an episode this week. Grant had returned to civilian life in London having been a paratrooper in the Army, which included serving in the Falklands War at the age of 19. 27:20. 588 subscribers Whilst looking for files for the BBC Christmas section, I found this recording of Eastenders from 1997. All Rights Reserved. 17th April - Ricky Butcher and Bianca Jackson get married. In the latter part of 1989 EastEnders executive producer Michael Ferguson, had taken over from Mike Gibbon. Michelle has a volatile relationship with Grant but, following Sharon's exit, falls pregnant following a one-night stand with him and then flees to the US without telling Grant that he is to be a father. 27:32. The two brothers manage to convince Sharon that Chrissie is the real killer and that Sam is innocent. Classic Eastenders (14th August 1997) 24:56. The BBC was inundated with complaints from angry viewers from Ireland for negative stereotyping, portraying Irish people as "dirty, rude, and drunk". [19] Shot in London's Docklands, the scenes required stunt doubles, divers and crash test dummies and it has been hailed as "one of the soap's most dramatic storylines ever. It's been 35 years since EastEnders first debuted on screens. Births Ferguson had previously been a producer on ITV's The Bill a hard-hitting and successful police drama, which seemed to be challenging EastEnders in providing a realistic vision of modern life in London. Instead of wasting all their time on this ridiculous ending they could have made it a heart-wrenching farewell"[44], There were mixed reviews for the highly publicised storyline (dubbed "Get Johnny Week") involving the Mitchell brothers reunion in 2006. Ross Kemp was chosen to play Grant. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 27:31. Kemp was an actor with a stocky, muscular build and shaven hair, making him an ideal choice to play one of Walford's latest "tough-men". He cannot live up to his promises, however, and, on Sharon's birthday in October 1992, Grant sets fire to The Queen Vic to generate insurance money to pay off debts. [40], In 2009, a poll by magazine Inside Soap named Grant as the UK's favourite leading male character in a soap opera. "[37] Kemp also received 'Most Popular Actor' nominations at the 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2006 National Television Awards,[35][38] and British Soap Award nominations for 'Villain of the Year' in 1999,[35] and 'Spectacular Scene of the Year' in 2006, for Grant's brush with death in 'Get Johnny Week'. But what nostalgic fans really want to know is where can you watch old episodes? "[24], On 18 January 2016, it was announced that Kemp had agreed to reprise his role for a few episodes. 29:04. 27:20. Neighbours. Old-school fans were excited when UKTV revealed that the early shenanigans from Albert Square would be returning to TV screens in time for summer. The BBC was forced to issue an apology for causing offence.[2]. Their efforts quickly falter by Grant arguing with Phil about the situation he has put them in, all the while Phil demands Grant to maintain their course against Johnny who uses this opportunity to capture the brothers.