This week marks a significant milestone for EastEnders as the beloved British soap opera celebrates its 40th anniversary. Fans are in for a treat with a special hour-long episode airing on Wednesday, followed by an unprecedented live broadcast on Thursday. In this interactive episode, viewers will have the opportunity to influence the storyline by deciding whether Denise Fox reunites with her estranged husband Jack or chooses her secret lover, Ravi Gulati, instead. Meanwhile, music lovers can look forward to the release of Sam Fender's new album, "People Watching," and Canadian pop sensation Tate McRae's third studio album, "So Close to What," both dropping on Friday. Additionally, the eagerly anticipated third series of "The White Lotus" returns for UK viewers on Sky starting Monday, promising a deep dive into spirituality at a wellness retreat in Thailand.
The EastEnders live episode presents a unique challenge for the production team, who must execute every scene perfectly in real-time. Richie, one of the show's key figures, expressed his apprehension about potential mishaps during the live broadcast.
"My biggest fear [is] that people will tune in to see something go wrong. And over the years, there's some famous ones, you can go and check them out, where there have been some bloopers."
Richie also highlighted the significance of the episode's storyline, emphasizing its importance to the show's ongoing narrative.
"It's a big, big story we are dealing with on the live there."
As EastEnders gears up for its landmark anniversary celebration, Sam Fender is set to captivate audiences with his latest musical offering. "People Watching," his new album, is a follow-up to 2021's chart-topping "Seventeen Going Under." This release delves into themes of self-discovery, love, and searching for balance amidst life's uncertainties. The album draws inspiration from Fender's poignant experiences visiting his friend and mentor, Annie Orwin, at a palliative care home. Annie's influence on Fender is profound, with the artist describing her as "a surrogate mother."
"She was the one that gave me the confidence to go on stage, and always used to be like 'why haven't you mentioned my name in your acceptance speech'" – Fender
Annie Orwin's encouragement and support have left an indelible mark on Fender's life and music.
"about time kid" – Annie Orwin (as mentioned by Fender)
The themes of death and loss permeate "People Watching," further enriched by the production expertise of The War On Drugs' Adam Granduciel. Meanwhile, Tate McRae's "So Close to What" promises to deliver another dose of her signature pop sound, adding to the excitement of this week's music releases.
Television enthusiasts eagerly await the return of "The White Lotus," which embarks on its third series set in a Thai wellness retreat. The series is known for its satirical exploration of wealth and privilege, and this new season will focus on spirituality—or what passes for it—in a setting designed for rejuvenation and self-discovery.
In addition to television and music, gamers have much to anticipate with two major releases. "Avowed," a fantasy role-playing game from one of Microsoft's in-house studios, promises to be an immersive experience for players. Additionally, "Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Part 1," a cinematic game from Don't Nod—the original creators of the acclaimed "Life is Strange" series—aims to captivate players with its storytelling and emotional depth.
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