±«Óãtv

To coincide with the launch of EastEnders' first online soap – EastEnders: E20 – the series teamed up with ±«Óãtv Radio 1, ±«Óãtv 1Xtra and ±«Óãtv Asian Network to offer remixers, DJs and music fans a unique opportunity to become part of EastEnders history – by remixing the iconic theme tune for the E20 title sequence.

Officially launched on Annie Mac's show Radio 1, the competition closed to entrants on Monday 30 November, having received a fantastic response.

The remix competition judges were: Diedrick Santer, Executive Producer, EastEnders: E20; Deborah Sathe, Producer, EastEnders: E20; Michael Keillor, Director, E20; Simon May, creator of the original theme tune; and Ace from 1Xtra.

The judges reached a unanimous decision and are delighted to announce the winner is: 21-year-old Carl Darling, who has recently completed a degree in music production.

Diederick Santer said of the winning remix: "I'm really pleased with Carl's new version, and think it will top and tail our new series brilliantly. It's noisy and fun and full of life – much like the characters of EastEnders: E20."

As part of the competition's prize Carl was invited to spend the day at ±«Óãtv Elstree working with the music production team to fine-tune his winning remix.

Carl said of his experience: "I have grown up hearing Simon May's original theme tune and watching Albert Square and the iconic Queen Vic, so I feel very privileged to be a part of Eastenders: E20 history.

"I was very excited to hear that my track was chosen by such an eclectic judging panel. And to spend time in the ±«Óãtv studios and walking around the Square was phenomenal."

Simon May is also enthusiastic about the remixing of his iconic theme tune and remarked: "I was very impressed and excited by all of the shortlisted remixes. Every single one of them had its merits. We were looking for an original and contemporary remix of the EastEnders theme, retaining its DNA but also something that had a young take on what ±«Óãtv One viewers have become familiar with over the last 25 years."

The final remixed version can be heard on bbc.co.uk/eastenders/e20 today, Friday 11 December, and can also be heard on Annie Mac's Radio 1 Show tonight.

Ace from 1Xtra said: "Being a massive EastEnders fan myself I was worried that an EastEnders theme tune remix would be slightly disrespectful to the iconic original composed by the legend Simon May. But the winning track is a definite banger! Don't be surprised if you start hearing this in clubs up and down the country!"

EastEnders: E20 will be available via bbc.co.uk/eastenders/e20 and it will go live at 8:29pm on Friday 8 January 2010.

EastEnders Publicity