This year there were a whopping 63 characters eligible for the tournament, that’s ten more than last year – plus there was even a special write-in vote, meaning that 64 characters fought it out for the top spot this year.

Before we look at how the characters performed in the tournament this year, let’s take a look at the characters from last year who didn’t make it into this year’s tournament:

Bella Young, Rosie Spraggan, Carl White, TJ Spraggan, AJ Ahmed, Morgan Butcher, Nikki Spraggan, Jake Stone, Tiffany Butcher, Danny Pennant, Terry Spraggan, Kirsty Branning, Sadie Young, Poppy Meadow, Lucy Beale, Johnny Carter, Bianca Butcher, David Wicks

With 18 characters having departed the tournament, there were a huge 28 new characters eligible this year.

With so many characters to get through, let’s start counting down.

64. Bobby Beale (48)
It’s been over a year since the last tournament, so naturally one of the Beale children has grown a new head. Bobby was the only character to get no votes in the tournament this year, which is unusual for the youngest Beale, but perhaps once the new actor has settled in and been given a bit more to do, he might rise up the rankings next year.

63. Peter Beale’s Abs (NEW ENTRY)
Our first new entry, this was the special write-in vote. Peter Beale’s abs will have a special place in EastEnders history.

62. Lily Branning (NEW ENTRY)
The first REAL new entry is the daughter of Stacey Branning, a young girl with a striking resemblance to the original Janine, we could find ourselves looking at a the Square’s next biggest troublemaker.

61. Ineta Shirovs (NEW ENTRY)
Another new entry, Ineta was dumped by her mother on her father for a better life. She may have the chance of that in England, but in Walford? Really?

60. Donna Yates (NEW ENTRY)
The first adult new entry, it’s been a quiet first year for Donna. Could a big storyline be coming up? Could ANY storyline be coming up? Or is she destined to be nothing more than a glorified extra?

59. Dennis Rickman, Jr (53)
Following his mother’s marriage in September, Dennis is the only Rickman left on the Square. He’s barely been seen since then, which makes him just about bearable.

58. Martin Fowler (RE-ENTRY)
Last seen in early 2007 departing the Square with Sonia and Rebecca, Martin reappeared for a couple of episodes, only to be divorced by Sonia. I’m looking forward to his return, and the brief glimpse of a Fowler (a proper one) back on the Square, even if he does have a different head, was a comforting sight.

57. Sonia Fowler (RE-ENTRY)
Speaking of Fowlers… Sonia reappeared early in 2014 to help support her mum Carol through her cancer. Having had marriage troubles with Martin, fights with Bianca, dramas with Rebecca and a brief flirtation with lesbianism, Sonia’s first year back on the show has been a reminder of her greatest hits. Let’s hope she doesn’t rediscover the trumpet.

56. DS Cameron Bryant (NEW ENTRY)
Having appeared on and off since Lucy’s death in April, Bryant was revealed to be the ex-partner of DC Emma Summerhayes. Following her death, he’s popped up a couple of times, but will we see him again?

55. Amy Mitchell (NEW ENTRY)
Amy returned from Ibiza with her mother last year, with a new head and credited appearances to her name, making this the first year she’s been eligible for the tournament. She’s doing better than Dennis, so she’s got that in her favour.

54. Rebecca Fowler (RE ENTRY)
Rebecca’s back, not that she’s doing much, but with Martin heading back to the Square soon, we may be seeing more of her this year. An interesting quirk of the early rounds has meant she’s ranked higher than her parents.

53. Dexter Hartman (44)
He’s gone! Nancy was being dragged down a little by him, so it’s good to see him go. (AlthoughIQuiteLikedHimAndTheQuickWayHeHadOfSpeaking)

52. Janet Mitchell (NEW ENTRY)
My favourite thing about Janet is that the little diva who plays her is credited simply as Grace. Like Cher, or Madonna.

51. Liam Butcher (42)
I was pleased that Liam was sticking around following the rest of his family’s exit from the show, but it would be nice if he had an actual storyline to play out. Even Donna’s doing more than him.

50. DI Samantha Keeble (NEW ENTRY)
Oh, please, please, please can we have Keeble as a permanent character? Alison Newman plays her tough as nails cop perfectly… and the police have got to live somewhere, ain’t they? Why not Albert Square?

49. Lee Carter (NEW ENTRY)
Believe it or not, Lee Carter is still in the army. He might even go back at some point. My least favourite of the Carters.

48. Yvonne Cotton (NEW ENTRY)
Yvonne fled the Square a few weeks ago, but was that the last we saw of her, or will she be back to cause more trouble for Dot and Charlie? Will she be offering anyone a nice cup of tea?

47. Tamwar Masood (45)
Oh bless, Tamwar. I quite like him, but he’s another character who seems to have no purpose. I’m really liking his friendship with Nancy, though, so let’s see where that goes.

46. Alfie Moon (34)
What does the future hold for Alfie Moon? Prison hopefully. Gets on my wick.

45. Les Coker (NEW ENTRY)
A few cameo appearances in the past, Les Coker moved his business from Spring Lane to Walford when the market closed. Les is our first of the 14 suspects in the Lucy Beale murder case. Has he been touting for business on Walford Common? Unlikely, I think.

44. Fat Boy Chubb (43)
Only one place down year on year, but with more characters in the tournament this year, staying still is a great achievement. Fat Boy seems to be the unlikely stud of the Square, but will he acquire a new relationship in 2015?

43. Whitney Dean (16)
Our second Lucy Beale suspect, Whitney has had a big drop since last year. Her relationship with Tyler, I mean Lee, doesn’t seem to have helped her chances.

42. Ben Mitchell (RE-ENTRY)
Our third murder suspect, Ben stormed back into the show with a new head, and seemingly a new sexuality. I can’t help but wonder what was planned for the young Mitchell had Johnny Carter stayed in the show?

41. Sylvie Carter (RE-ENTRY)
Sylvie rocked up just before Christmas, suffering from dementia. A vicious tongue on her, she made a convincing mother for Shirley, but now in a home, will we be seeing her again?

40. Billy Mitchell (25)
Billy’s ex Honey showed up earlier this year, and shortly after, he found himself a suspect in the Lucy Beale murder case. It’s ben a quiet few months for Billy.

39. Babe Smith (NEW ENTRY)
Another new member of the Carter family, Babe turned up as a cheery, jolly aunt, but soon showed a sinister, ruthless side. Claiming to do everything for the family, could Babe 2015’s version of Peggy Mitchell?

38. Kim Fox-Hubbard (31)
Kim came back just in time for this year’s tournament, and while I’d hardly noticed she’d gone, she brings with her the promise of some more storylines for Denise and Patrick, which can only be a good thing.

37. Elaine Peacock (NEW ENTRY)
Perhaps my favourite new character of the year, Elaine breezed into the show, and stood behind that bar as if she’d always been there. She needs to be installed permanently behind the bar, and pronto.

36. Mo Harris (RE-ENTRY)
After being demoted to a recurring character, Mo wasn’t technically eligible for last year’s tournament. She’s appeared a bit more regularly this year, and it’s been great to have her back.

35. Kush Kazemi (NEW ENTRY)
Hubba, hubba. Shabnam’s one lucky girl. But is Kush hiding something? We know he had a wife who sadly died, is there anything more to it?

34. Cora Cross (21)
Another character who’s had a quiet year, Cora doesn’t seem to be doing much at the moment, not does she seem to have much purpose.

32. Tina Carter (20)
I felt Tina was dragged down a little by Tosh, but when not paired up with her the character of Tina is great, and very well played by Luisa Bradshaw-White. Definitely one to watch.

31. Abi Branning (27)
Another suspect, and possibly the favourite, could nice Abi finally have snapped, killing Lucy Beale with a barrage of nervous giggles? I really, really, don’t think so.

30. Emma Summerhayes (NEW ENTRY)
Emma’s first placing, and sadly last, in the tournament. Say what you like about her, but she’s the only out of the whole lot of us who knows for sure they’ve worked out who killed Lucy. Although, she was daft enough to walk in front of car.

29. Pam Coker (NEW ENTRY)
Another new entry, and another suspect. We know she’s got form for killing people, although she claims it was for compassionate reasons. Could she have got the taste for death?

28. Dean Wicks (RE-ENTRY)
Dean’s back, and his stint in the show is MUCH better than his previous stint. It’s a shame they’ve gone down the route of a rape storyline, as I’d liked to have seen him stick around.

27. Peter Beale (15)
With the departure of Johnny Carter, I’d like to have seen his storylines be given to Peter. I think him and Kush would make a wonderful couple. Back in the real world, Peter is my number one suspect in the death of Lucy Beale.

26. Lola Pearce (13)
After splitting up with Peter earlier this year, it’s been a quiet year for Lola. Hopefully she’ll get a bit more action in 2015.

25. Shirley Carter (4)
A big drop for Shirley in the rankings this year. Despite her increased presence in the show, it seems to have been for the worst with many people turning against her for her faith in Dean.

24. Aleks Shirovs (NEW ENTRY)
Another new entry, and a relatively successful one. Being paired up with Roxy seems to have given him some popularity, finishing in a very respectable place.

23. Masood Ahmed (18)
Masood looks set to re-open the Arghee Bhajee after having spent the last couple of years wandering aimlessly around Walford, the Masoods have had some new life breathed into them of late, and it’s the perfect time for Zainab to come back. Please?

22. Cindy Williams (39)
Up 17 places since last year, new mother Cindy has been a bit quiet lately. Could she be biding her time, waiting for her next victim?

21. Shabnam Masood (RE-ENTRY)
It’s been a bit of a slow burn for the re-entry of Shabnam, but almost a year after her return, we’ve finally found out her big secret. Could she be hunting for her abandoned daughter Roya soon?

20. Phil Mitchell (11)
A small drop since last year, 2014 saw Phil finally get his girl when he married Sharon, only to be shot a few hours later. Languishing in panto – I mean jail – Phil has recently started to admit that age is catching up on him.

19. Patrick Trueman (24)
Poor Patrick’s had a tough year, firstly keeping Ian’s prostitute secret, then suffering from a stroke rendering him incapable of looking after himself.

18. Kat Moon (3)
Kat nearly won the tournament last year, but her behavior during the Stacey/Janine saga earlier this year lost her many fans. She’s much better without Alfie dragging her down, hopefully, she’ll stay away from him for a bit longer.

17. Lauren Branning (26)
Lauren may have just worked out who killed Lucy – and she’s become a much more tolerable character since Joey Branning left. I’ll actually look forward to Jacqueline Jossa’s return from her maternity leave.

16. Nancy Carter (32)
A big jump for Nancy, the departure of Johnny has one benefit in that there is slightly less competition for screen time. Intriguing and annoying in equal measures, Nancy is a character that could go either way.

15. Jane Beale (28)
A surprise re-entry into the competition last year, Jane’s done much better this year. Remarriage to Ian is going to take place imminently, and although I think Peter killed Lucy, I think somehow Jane’s involved. I don’t trust her one bit.

14. Jay Brown (12)
Jay’s had an interesting year, splitting up with Abi, getting arrested, hooking up with surrogate brother Ben again. Following Ben’s illicit attempt at a kiss a few weeks ago, 2015 could be an interesting year for Jay.

13. Stan Carter (NEW ENTRY)
Poor Stan is dying of cancer. The show has done a wonderful job of portraying a man suffering from an evil disease, while still making him a thoroughly unlikable old man.

12. Ronnie Mitchell (6)
Ronnie had a patchy 2014, being away more than she was there, but her relationship with Charlie has seen the character become more settled. Let’s hope she wakes up from her coma soon and is finally able to become the mother she’s been longing to be.

11. Max Branning (19)
Max is a complete marmite character having hovered about the top 20 for the last few years. We may find out some new stuff about him in a couple of weeks time which could see him plummet again.

10. Charlie Cotton (NEW ENTRY)
Our highest new entry, Charlie has been a great addition to the show, made even better by his relationship with the two women in his life, Dot and Ronnie.

9. Carol Jackson (1)
Last year’s winner has dropped, but Carol’s positioning in the competition has always been dependent on her screen time, and having had a quiet few months, it’s not surprising she’s fallen from the pedestal. Who has taken her crown?

8. Ian Beale (14)
Ian’s most traumatic year yet could be about to be trumped if I’m right that Jane will reveal all about Lucy’s death at the altar. Thirty years since his first appearance, there’s still life in this character yet.

7. Roxy Mitchell (23)
I’m surprised, but pleased that Roxy has done so well. She’s a fun character to have around, and the reappearance of Ronnie and introduction of Aleks has re-energised her character.

6. Mick Carter (5)
Mick drops one place since last year. He’s a very popular character, but he has his detractors as much as he has his fans. Will he be able to top the vote next year?

5. Denise Fox (9)
This time last year, Denise had it all. Now she’s a broken woman. Is there any further down she can go, or is there more heartache in store for her. On the bright side for her, she’s risen four places since last year.

4. Dot Branning (10)
Dot and Denise seem to be intrinsically linked, finishing next in positions next to each other for three years in a row now. Upcoming storylines see a lot of drama in store for her, so she’s certainly not growing old quietly.

3. Linda Carter (22)
Up 19 places since last year, Linda wins the race to be the Best Carter (a tournament that would be nearly as big as this one). 5 months pregnant and awaiting for Dean to be arrested, Linda doesn’t look set to have a quiet year.

So that leaves us with just two characters left.

Stacey Branning returned to the show at the beginning of 2014 and started to make a career of just turning up for the last fifteen seconds of each episode. Returning full time in August following a short stint in prison, Stacey’s had a relatively quiet few months, seeming to have become the go-to person to confide in. Especially if you have a secret about Dean. We’re still waiting to find out what that key means…

Sharon Mitchell, in a way, also returned to the show this year, having been floundering as a character since her original return several years ago. Putting on some lippy and giving herself an up-do seemed to give her a new confidence, but also, her marriage to Phil seems to have finally given Sharon some purpose.

Which one of the two of these iconic ladies has made it to the top spot?




Your winner of the 2015 Favourite EastEnders Character tournament….












…with just 53.1% of the vote…










….is….

SHARON MITCHELL





I thought for a moment there I was going to have to invent a new rule in the event of a tie – however, Sharon did just pip Stacey at the end. Regular follows will know that Stacey is my absolute favourite character, however, I’ve got to say that in the week before the 30th anniversary, I’m DELIGHTED that an original character has won the tournament.


A big thank you to everyone who voted and continued to vote despite us being relegated to the games room:

vald, guestofseth, MrJames, Reserved, SoapAddict101, Pete Callan, CIARANTurner, casperfan2002@y, Harriet Grace, paton1983, dullagj2, eejm, Ownnn, sweetazkandi, ilikespoilers, _NiallDee_, BrokenSmiles, BadLadAsh, lulu g, emmageering, SMIDSYmk2, iMatt_101, Evilredzebra, Auds77, Amello, QueenAmy, mightybudgie, jamesc_715, InsideSoap, yohinnchild, Aaron1995, MrWoodySir, cobis, Lizzie Brookes, scarlet8715, 0…0, alias alias, lolly-licker, Scorpio87, wizardt, Steph_Cuckow, Sez_Babe, dancing.queen, Imogen_Gaelonti, sarahcadhill, fruitbased, Ozboz3, ALowsley, willows, xTonix, SULLA, hannah, Chase_Hamlyn, James_Parker1, Bathsheba, Ell_Ren, miaow_sponge, Kate Ford fan, sirbenson23, ArthurJBear, Cuishla, MissLc, ICON111, Emma_Henvey, avalonbhaji, soap-lea, Pink_Smurf, fang_rock, lilirose, PeteisGod, katieknowles, marius1, LeonaLewisJFan, minigocko, II_Calypso_II, Hannah_P, Eastenderstreet, Suitcase Berao, Hendra, jende, JeanetteB, Butterslove, EmmavEllick, spunger, JumptheQueue, tick_tick_tick, deco96, lemonpinklady, SammyBond, lucasade16, rikstan87, Lola_Rae_Perry, Bakervich, Seamus2008, marsha_Cutiepie, cardiff boyo, Lizzie B, ThaGazBoi, DC1983, SoulStarDreamer, Black Sofa, llgx, Seymour Butts, Stuart25, black_amaryllis, Luxray, The_abbott, TheGraduate2012, J-B, AngelicPrincess, bean_of_sb, bass55, dottzie38, curvybabes, Lisa_Thomas2, BubblysInFridge, Polly11, ChickenFromKiev, I've Got Glass, los.kav, FireGazer, Mattehhhftw, dd68, Yoko OhNo!, haphash, ImOnlyWee, ofthenight, marrakech, Maya_Sue, Twonky2000, Angela, CoreenBaconskin, marie67, varosvengeance, eponine3005, wackywearhouse, srhgts, dorothy7, mojo5000, SoapAddict99, Sylvia, shrinkingviolet, tiggerpooh, chels171, Goosebee, c4z, hildaonpluto, EloiseF, Paul_Palmer89, Sprungthwap, Aurora13, sultanina9, stellers, Joshua91, cezzy, Leonardo2505, Avalanche, Auntie Pauline, RandomPeter94, 09BeyonceFan, TorchwoodBoy, MutantX, Jordon_Westrope


And lastly, I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has voted, not only in this tournament, but in all the tournaments since I took this over in 2011.

Having done it for 5 years now, it’s time for me to hang up my hat and retire from hosting it.

Never fear, though, the lovely and original founder Pete Callan has agreed to take back ownership of the tournament, if only for a short period.



Your Favourite EastEnders Character will return….

Well blow me down. I never expected that! Woooooooo! Well done Shazza!

And thank you Berty! You have an inordinate amount of patience to do this!

Yay well done Sharon!!

Thanks Berty for doing this, Must take a lot of work.

Yes! Happy to see Sharon win over Stacey but she isn't particularly a favourite of mine.

Thanks for your hard work, Bertypop

I was rooting for Stacey, but I am more than happy for her to lose to Queen Mitchell. I am so pleased that she is finally back to her best.

Oh my gosh and thank you Bertypop for your relentless hard work every year. This is without question one of the highlights of my New Year. Maybe next year we can try and sneak it back into the main forum?

Yas!

Well done Sharon, really pleased with the result! Thanks Berty for doing this and all the effort you've put into it!

Good job Berty!

Great set of results. Go Shazza!

Thanks for all the time you have dedicated to this Berty. Stellar job.

Thank you Bertypop, it was a lot of fun!

Thanks so much

So happy Sharon won. She's becoming popular again and becoming a strong, feisty character again. Long live Sharon Mitchell

Well well, Sharon Watts wins! I never! It is absolutely wonderful to see her back to her best and regaining the legions of fans who deserted her when she was languishing in the wilderness. Overjoyed at this result


I think those days are over sadly. I sailed close to the wind with the mods for several years, they've always been a bit off with us ever since a boom of the thread genre led to complaints. I find it difficult to believe any complaints have been made in years, but I think we've got a tarnished image. If I were to try to launch another in the main forum I'd be risking my account here I think - so I understand completely why Bertypop has given up, he's done a fine job keeping it going this far against the current.

I'll give it a go launching one here in the Games Room next week, but I fear the worst. Without casual voters seeing each round I'm wasting my time, and I don't think I have the patience that Reserved has to DM users every time to remind people to vote. I applaud him, I do, he's certainly rallied the troops.

Keep your eyes out for a special ten year anniversary tournament when I will be taking back the reins from the far superior Berty. Unless it's unexpectedly wildly successful, it'll likely be the last, keeping Sharon's win a legacy for the ages

There is part of me that likes the idea of Sharon having won this one, because if it is the last one, then she's the reigning champion for the next thirty years. Better than if Mick or Linda - or even Stacey (even though she IS my absolute favourite) - had won.

And thank you everyone, especially Pete - for your kind words. Life has gotten very busy over the last two years or so, and the time taken up by the tournament (coupled with threatening emails from Digital Spy) finally took their toll.

Really peeved they took this to the games room. I never look here and only noticed this due to a link on the forum to another thread here. i was enjoying taking part but thought it had sizzled out.

Anyway, thanks for this Bertypop, really enjoyed your write up. Must be a lot of work, so again thanks.

Sharon won... see that to me is very bad! Really am surprised, i didn't think the was liked that much!! Personally, can't stand the character but yeah have to agree it does seem right that with 30th anniversary week, an original from back in the day won. So well done to her.

Oh darn. I didn't know this was here, I have been looking for it for ages . Anyway, congrats Sharon. She has improved a lot in the past year that I find her watchable now.

Great work as always Bertypop. See you next year!