Know I'm writing on a topic where threads have already been posted - so sorry guys --

Really pleased Jean (Gillian Wright) got a Julia's theme - especially considering the character having appeared since 2004 (so almost 9years) but more constant (as in full-time) since 2007 and survived the axe (although initially axed in 2010 by Kirkwood).

Especially as Wright allegedly quit the show of her own accord (which was similar to Tanya's Jo Joyner).

Although I gather the Julia's Theme is nothing to do with length of a time or longevity of a character appearing (it can't be as Pauline didn't get one after 21 YEARS!!!) i think overall it is good as --

as with Stacey Slater the issues and storys addressed and dealt with, such as the mental health / illness ones are very challenging, thought-provoking and current -- so a good decison IMO and a very well-written exit

-- which unlike Tanya's which wasn't (although a year was spent writing it -- apparently, though you wouldn't believe that seeing it on-screen).

Well about the theme... I don't think it is to do with specific storylines. I think it is when a popular character leaves but obviously alive and not dead like Pauline. It would not have made sense for Pauline to get Julia's theme while she's dying on the floor at Christmas would it?

And Tanya did not deserve Julia's theme. And what her leaving storyline was planned a year in advance? Really? What with all the "taking an extended break" after having how many of those the last few years? to then being "just a year off but definitely coming back" to then suddenly "oh no I am leaving and it was planned for ages"??? Why not just say you're leaving and admit the storyline was not planned for ages but only thought up after producers did not renew her contract so basically she was axed. It was definitely planned for her to seek out her long lost half sister to then never interact with her and leave like it never happened.....

Jean did deserve Julia's theme and from what I can tell is a far more popular character than Tanya.

Yes I think THIS would seem to answer the Julia's Theme queries - popular character leaving - obviously alive not dead.

Pauline didn't get one no - which I would debate the wisdom of - and based on your argument - why did Pat get the theme then - albeit Pat's Theme - as she was killed off and therefore dead - which Barbara Windsor has stated more than once now to have been a mistake.

As far as I understand it the situation with Tanya changed one could concur as initially Jo Joyner was taking a year-long break, then it appeared to be more permanent and she'd not be returning, Jo said a new EP could come in with completely different ideas (which has happened since or at least is in the process of happening with DTW taking over from LN) - so although she may or may have quit under that particular EP - a return would appear less likely under a new EP IMO.

Not getting the theme may have been a final snub to the actress's decision (not for the time time clearly) to walk away - although harsh IMO after 7 years - as IMO although perhaps not popular is the best phrase - certainly a central character of the time.

From what I read the story was planned and written a year beforehand, in advance of her exit - but it just seemed very reminiscient of what had gone before with Tanya.

Jean thoroughly deserved one however and I'm glad she got one - I can't wholeheartedly say that to be the case for Tanya.

She did not deserve any kind of special theme.

In your opinon, most people wouldn't agree with you.

Julia's theme is not an award that certain characters are 'deserving' of. Like the underscores of Home and Away and Neighbours, it is used when it's appropriate to the mood of a scene.
The drums are dramatic, Julia's theme is bittersweet... when an ending is bittersweet (or 'the end/ beginning of an era) which is quite rare, then the drums kinda spoil the mood. The final scene in Paulines death episode was driven by drama/ shock, so the drums fit... a melancholy piano theme over a load of shocked faces= no. I can't comment on Tanya's departure, because I haven't seen it.

In the past I think they've been great in selecting when it is/isn't used.

considering it was first used for Ian crying to Lou Beale because Pete didn't want him to become a Chef it has nothing to do with people leaving or the length of time on the show(so no Tanya should not have got it).

There are times when the drums aren't appropriate, yesterday was one of them. Jean was off to start a new life, it was the start of a new beginning(she won't be back) but also it was an emotional scene and you could see it was the start of the journey that will be Kat and Alfie getting back together and it was fitting to have that instead of the drums.