EastEnders says bus crash is "not based on real life"

From Digital Spy

EastEnders stunned viewers on Monday night (January 23) when a bus crashed into Albert Square after its driver suffered a heart attack, leaving the lives of many residents hanging in the balance.

Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Louise Mitchell (Tilly Keeper) were on the bus as it tore through the market where Martin Fowler (James Bye) and Carmel Kazemi (Bonnie Langford) were in the middle of a heated argument.

However, the BBC soap has faced some backlash over the episode on social media. Some fans have called the timing of the scenes "insensitive" because of the Berlin terrorist attack which left 12 people dead and 56 others injured after a truck deliberately drove into a Christmas market on December 19.

But a spokesperson for the show told Digital Spy: "EastEnders is a fictional drama and the crash in tonight's episode was not based on any real-life event. We are always mindful of the content within our episodes."

It was clear in the episode that the driver of the bus had a heart attack before losing control of the vehicle. It ended up lodged in the bridge and, at the start of a shocking week for the soap, we could yet see it cause disaster on the Tube while the Queen Vic may also be in danger.

Other viewers upset by the scenes also pointed to Nice's attack last July, which left 87 dead after a cargo truck was deliberately driven into crowds celebrating Bastille Day, as well as the Glasgow bin lorry crash in 2014.

Louise Mitchell actress Tilly Keeper teased the storyline when she spoke to Digital Spy last week, even though she could reveal "absolutely nothing" about the scenes.

"I think it's definitely, definitely one to watch. I would certainly keep your eyes on those episodes," she enthused. "Filming them was hard work but really fun. I can't say anything else, though!"

Watch the fall-out from the shocking scenes when EastEnders continues tomorrow (January 24) at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Don't forget to vote for your favourite TV shows in this year's National Television Awards! Shortlist voting closes at 12 midday on Wednesday, January 25.

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