Pauline Fowler’s big Irish adventure in Classic EastEnders
Back in the days when budgets were bigger, the people of Albert Square were off overseas at the drop of a hat. Just last week, we were in Paris with Phil and Kathy. Soon, we’re off to Italy with Ian, on the trail of Cindy, Steven and Peter. And in this week’s episodes of Classic EastEnders, our bags should have been packed, our teeth clenched and our toes curled, ready for perhaps the most notorious jaunt of all…
Alas, the Drama channel has decided to skip the episodes featuring the Fowlers’ trip to Ireland. This is possibly for the best, as they all-but sparked an international incident the first time around, so insulting did the show’s Irish viewers find the catalogue of clichés on display: portraying the residents of a small country town as a bunch of twinkly eyed, donkey-riding rogues at best – and abusive drunks at worst.
More damning still, while designed to bring a dash of much-needed sunshine and whimsy to the famously gloomy EastEnders, this whole sorry endeavour is about as whimsical as a toothache.
That means skipping three episodes, so we’re happy to bring you up to speed on what you’re going to miss, plot-wise. There is, at least, good news for Pauline, who discovers that kindly Maggie Flaherty is her full sister, and not a mere half-sister as she suspected – born to old Lou and Albert Beale before they could marry.
Meanwhile, Mark and Ruth befriend Maggie’s cocky son and impish grandaughter – Conor and Mary – of whom there is much more to come…
Taken for a ride
Back in Walford, Barry is puffed up like pigeon on parade, as the fragrant Vanessa reels him in to an exclusive business opportunity. The lovestruck fool sinks £140,000 into the deal, just as Vanessa stops taking his calls…
- Watch these episodes, first shown in September 1997, on Drama. Double bill at 1pm weekdays. Catch up on the UKTV Play app.
This week in Classic Coronation Street • This week in Classic Emmerdale
- Get this week’s issue of Inside Soap for your first look at next week’s classic plots – it’s on sale tomorrow (Tuesday), and details of how to buy your copy are below…
How to get your weekly copy of Inside Soap
LOCAL SHOPS: As always, the major supermarkets and grocery stores should have the new issue on their shelves – but if you wish to stay closer to home, we’ve been working hard to make sure that local convenience stores have stock as well.
ONLINE SHOP: The major supermarkets can deliver Inside Soap along with your online shopping. Just add it to your basket as you would anything else.
HOME DELIVERY FROM YOUR NEWSAGENT: Many local newsagents run a home-delivery service, and will be happy to deliver a copy to your door every week. Just pop in or ring them to place your order
SUBSCRIBE BY POST: We have fantastic money-saving deals on subscriptions – including free delivery! Get your magazine delivered by post every week, save money and never miss an issue. Click here to find out more, or call 01858 438 863
CLICK TO BUY: See www.magsdirect.co.uk/insidesoap to have this week’s issue of your favourite magazine sent to your home! Order online by Monday at midday and we’ll post-out the new issue, first class. You can pre-order future issues too. No contracts, no big commitments!
Postage and packaging costs apply.
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUR PHONE OR TABLET: Have the latest issue sent to your device every Tuesday, and at a great discount. Just log on to www.hearstmagazines.co.uk/inside-soap-magazine-subscription. Select “Digital”, choose your deal, order, and your confirmation email will click you through to the world of Inside Soap, right in the palm of your your hand!
BUY A SINGLE ISSUE ON PHONE OR TABLET: You can purchase single issues on our app for iPhone or iPad, Google Play and Kindle, or via Zinio.
GET THE MAGAZINE FOR YOUR PC, MAC OR LAPTOP: Want to read the magazine on a bigger screen? Our Zinio and Pocketmags editions can be viewed on your computer, as well as on their apps for phones and tablets.
Published at Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:16:28 +0000