±«Óãtv

The ±«Óãtv has today released the figures for EastEnders: E20 – the online soap – which took Walford into the wider world of the web.

Since the series launched on 8 January 2010 the episodes and supporting content have received 1.7 million views across the EastEnders website and ±«Óãtv iPlayer – figures that will continue to grow as more episodes go live.

Commissioned by ±«Óãtv Vision Multiplatform, the EastEnders online spin-off was launched in the run-up to EastEnders celebrating its 25th anniversary on 19 February.

Simon Nelson, Controller Portfolio & Multiplatform, ±«Óãtv Vision, said. "It's really encouraging to see Eastenders: E20 performing so well. It shows what can be achieved when brand new writing and acting talent plus ±«Óãtv drama and web expertise combine to create something really impactful."

As part of the ±«Óãtv's drive to develop and nurture new talent, EastEnders: E20 was written by 13 new London writers aged between 17 and 22, who attended a summer school where they created and wrote the online drama.

EastEnders: E20 also stars new acting talent: Fatboy (Ricky Norwood), Leon Small (Sam Attwater), Mercy Olubunmi (Bunmi Mojekwu) and Zsa Zsa Carter (Emer Kenny).

Diederick Santer, Executive Producer of EastEnders: E20, commented: "I'm knocked out by these figures! For our little side project, something that started life as an experiment, to go so big is very exciting. I'm delighted in particular that the 13 young London writers who wrote the series have reached such an audience with their first professional work."

Episodes one to eight of EastEnders: E20 have already aired on the red button and are currently available on ±«Óãtv iPlayer. The final four episodes can be seen on the red button on 31 January 2010 after the EastEnders Omnibus.

Once aired they will be uploaded onto ±«Óãtv iPlayer, making EastEnders: E20 a truly multiplatform offering.

Notes to Editors

EastEnders: E20 – The Making Of An Online Drama

EastEnders: E20 will showcase Albert Square like never before. It's an edgy, spin-off drama told through the eyes of four new teenager characters, scripted by some of the hottest young writing talent and broadcast as part of EastEnders 25th anniversary celebrations in 2010. And it will only be available to watch online.

If the show has inspired you to get creative, EastEnders: E20 – The Making Of An Online Drama should be your first port of call at the ±«Óãtv's Media Literacy website: bbc.co.uk/medialiteracy.

With exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and commentary by ex- EastEnder Shane Richie, this four-part series will give you a unique insight into how you could make your own online drama, from the first inkling of an idea to the final tweaks in the edit.

RN