'Bring back EastEnders' fury as soap axed in US

Thousands of soap fans and expatriates are battling to bring EastEnders back to American TV screens after the popular drama was suddenly axed.

Nearly 9,000 people have signed a petition after BBC America pulled the programme from its schedules.

The announcement was made with little warning last week, just as one of the most dramatic storylines the return of Dirty Den was about to get under way.

Shows aired on the subscription cable channel were a few weeks behind those in the UK and Ireland, meaning the last episode shown in the US was the dramatic return of newlywed Phil Mitchell’s ex, Lisa.

“I can’t believe BBC America is cancelling this great programme. Do they really think people would rather watch repeats of Ground Force or Changing Rooms?” wrote one angry fan on the petition website.

Another wrote: “You know how much the Brits in Britain love it and all the awards it receives. Why would people in the States not feel the same way? They do!” Another commented: “How dare you cancel us when Den is coming back on again.” And another: “We will not give up our quest to put EastEnders back on the air!!!”

Many of those who signed the petition threatened to cancel their subscriptions unless the show was brought back.

BBC America said the decision was made because of poor viewing figures.

It will be replaced by At Home With the Braithwaites, Monarch of the Glen and Cash in the Attic BBC America said: “Unfortunately, EastEnders continued to under-perform compared with the rest of our schedule.

“As with all US basic cable networks our programmes have to attract ratings and advertisers to maintain their position in the schedule.

“We would like to thank those loyal fans who have supported this great show from the beginning.”