BBC EastEnders fans annoyed as characters gone for weeks

The Herald Scotland

17-06-2025

But some viewers have been discussing their thoughts about other recent storylines around Albert Square.
EastEnders fans 'annoyed' over 'disappearing' characters
Slaters, bickering, and Alfie caught slap bang in the middle. Welcome back Zoe! #EastEnders tonight at 7:30pm on @BBCOne and on @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/iFopIzZqJZ — BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) June 17, 2025
It comes as someone asked on Reddit: 'Why does EE keep doing this a storyline starts heating up and then next episode the characters are just gone for weeks.'
They added: 'Just recently we've had the Lauren, Peter and Jimmy storyline, which was heating up, just for them to not be shown in around 2-3 weeks.
'The same with Zack and Barney and also Jean finding out about Kathy and Harvey, just for her to be randomly gone in the next episode, and there's more that I've not mentioned.
'Am I the only one that gets annoyed with how they are doing it?'
This person replied to the r/eastenders subreddit post: 'I'm always surprised when they return because it's been so long.. 'oh yes! This story'. Emmerdale is doing it too.'
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A third wrote: 'This has always annoyed me. I assume it's to keep everyone on the edge of their seat and keep them watching to see the end of the story I guess to keep viewership up.'
Some argued it was due to the style of ex-executive producer Chris Clenshaw and hope new boss Ben Wadey 'puts a stop to it', while others said it was simply due to the format of 'block storytelling' and is something most soaps do, and have done for years.
As one viewer shared: 'Block storytelling? Deffo not a Clenshaw thing - it's been going on for years (to some degree or another) and it'll only stay that way whilst we have such a big cast lol.'
Another agreed: 'Nope. That's the nature of soaps. They can't have the same characters on all the time. I'm sure you can find something else to worry about.'
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However, it seems Reddit profiles were also in favour of the move, as they explained: 'I prefer the block storytelling to be honest.
'I think it keeps it fresh by telling stories properly instead of churning them out half baked Coronation Street style.'
Have you been "annoyed" by EastEnders characters "disappearing" recently during big storylines, or do you agree it's just the way British soaps work? Let us know in the comments below.