How Old Is Eastenders

Alright, gather 'round, 'cause we're about to dive into the age-old question that's been on everyone's lips since they first tuned into the BBC: How old is EastEnders, anyway?

Now, I'm not talking about the kind of old where you've got more wrinkles than a Shar-Pei, or where you've seen more summers than a sunflower. No, no, no. I'm talking about the kind of old where you've been around the block so many times, you've worn a path in the pavement.

So, let's rewind, shall we? EastEnders first graced our screens on February 19, 1985. That's right, it's older than some of your kids' kids. In fact, it's so old, it was born in the same year that Madonna was still singing about like a Material Girl, and Back to the Future was still a few years away from being a classic.

But here's the thing, EastEnders might be old, but it's certainly not over the hill. It's more like that fine wine that just keeps getting better with age. It's seen more drama than a soap opera (well, duh), more love triangles than a high school prom, and more twists than a pretzel factory.

I mean, it's had more storylines than a Choose Your Own Adventure book. Remember when Kat and Alfie's marriage was more turbulent than a stormy sea? Or when Phil Mitchell was more feared than a horror movie villain? And who could forget the time Den Watts served up a Wallace and Gromit-style cheese-based dish to his wife, Angie? Talk about a cheesy plot twist!

EastEnders' 100 best characters ever - from Queen Sharon to a baby

And the characters? Well, they're like that pair of jeans you've had since high school. They might be a bit faded, and a touch worn, but they're still your faves. I mean, who doesn't love a bit of Dot Branning's no-nonsense attitude, or Ian Beale's... well, his everything, really?

But here's where it gets a bit mind-boggling. While EastEnders has been around since the '80s, some of its characters have been there since day one. I'm talking about the likes of Kathy Beale, Ian Beale, and Pat Evans. That's right, they've been causing drama in the Square for over three decades. Talk about a long-running storyline!

EastEnders original cast – then and now

Now, you might be thinking, "Well, that's all well and good, but how old is EastEnders really?" Well, let me put it this way. If EastEnders was a person, it would be old enough to vote, old enough to drink, and old enough to rent a car. But it's not old enough to retire just yet. It's still got plenty of drama left in it, I reckon.

So, there you have it. EastEnders is older than your average soap opera, but it's still got plenty of life left in it. It's like that old friend who's been through thick and thin with you, and no matter how much time passes, you always pick up right where you left off. Now, who's ready for the next episode?