Best EastEnder poll delayed after stars' bad behaviour

by Daniel Farey-Jones,, Brand Republic 19-Nov-04, 12:00

LONDON - The BBC has backtracked on a new series, 'Britain's Best EastEnder', which will get the public to vote for their favourite character from the soap, reportedly because of recent negative tabloid coverage of the show's current stars.

The series was to have begun around Christmas with Jonathan Ross lined up to present, but has been put on hold.

There is speculation that the delay is due to coverage of Leslie Grantham's (Den Watts) webcam sex exploits, Jessie Wallace's (Kat Slater) drink drive conviction and Dalip Tahil's (Dan Ferreira) immigration problems.

A BBC spokesperson said: "It is on hold. It is hoped that it will go ahead next year, but efforts are currently being concentrated on the series and 'EastEnders' Christmas Party."

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