After a previous threat, I'm thinking about pitching this to DTC. So there would be a TV series called 'Spring Lane' would be about Walford in the early 1970s and life in the East End underworld. It would be about the effect it has on the individuals' families and friends etc. It would involve some well known characters but focus around characters who don't appear in the main series at the moment (or less so). It won't be based on Albert Square but mainly Spring Lane although characters from Albert Square would visit and it would show parts of Walford. Because it's after the water shed, there would be bad language and it would be more gruesome/gritty than EastEnders is allowed to be. I'm thinking high drama based on a soap.
One episode would focus on Eric Mitchell and his affair with Maureen Loftus. I have a picture in my head of Eric, Archie, Johnny Allen, Gavin, Den, Arthur, Pete and Henry Hubbard playing poker. Then Ted Hills interrupts them and a fight breaks out between Den, Ted and Pete (which involves the wives being called). Eric sees his mistress but is warned by Dougie Loftus and tells his mates in the poker game. Henry Hubbard has an incident with Dougie but both Henry and Eric kill Dougie. You'd see flirting between Den Watts and Glenda Mitchell, Johnny Allen and Claudette.
Another episode would focus on Johnny Allen and his work with prostitutes, including Ivy Sullivan. Ethel Skinner would appear because she lived next door and so would Dr Legg. Gavin would somehow get invovled. Pat Butcher would talk to Johnny and would sell herself to Les Coker but helps him cope with his identity. Les meets Pam at the Roxy. You'd also see Mo and Jimmy as well as Charlie and Viv make an appearance.
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I mean feel free to suggest other ideas but I think it could be an incredibly popular show. Anyone wants to help me suggest it to DTC?

I would also bring a young Kathy Hills and Cora Anderton into it too.

A previous 'threat?'

Sounds about right.

Nope.

Confused!

Cora Anderton has no previous links to Walford. Kathy does.

Pour quoi?

A young Cora Anderton lies to her Parents Ernie & Marg that her daughter who Ernie forced her to give up was the result of a one night stand with a black sailor on leave when in fact the real Father of baby Ava was Henry Hubbard. The only person Cora told was 14 year old Kathy Hills.

That's not a bad shout. But why bring in Kathy? Cora's go no links to her. Henry could find Cora and ask about their baby? That might be interesting.

We don't know that, Cora is pretty secretive and she definitely knows Gavin Sullivan.

Cora knows Kathy's older Brother Ted.

What year would it be set in? Any idea on Actors?

No she doesn't. She doesn't know Ted or Gavin. She didn't know him from Adam. She is not from Walford. This isn't about your favourite characters, it's about people who have been in the show for years or who through their backstories are from Walford. Cora Cross is not one of them.

I disagree I think she does know Gavin, however I think it's a great idea for a prequel.

If so, why didn't she actually talk to Gavin when she asked for a lighter. No recognition or interaction. He was a stranger. You can't retcon something like that. But thanks anyway, would you like to help promote this idea?

I think its a great idea, as I said do you have a year when it may be set?

I could see Nick Moran in it, he would be great in EE but they may never get him but he would be great in the prequel.

Hi Gav,

When you talk to DTC can you tell him that he's a terrible producer and a menace to society.

Thanks.

Ted Hills wasn't around Walford in the 1970s. Den got rid of him after he stitched up Pete over stolen goods round about the time Pete started dating Kathy. Ted didn't come back until he was sure that Den and Pete were both "dead". This was all referenced on screen when Ted first showed up btw.

That is true but the introduction of Gavin Sullivan means that there has been a bit of retconning because Ted, Gavin, Eric, Den and Henry were in a gang (I think it was a bad idea, I would have stuck with the original but there you go). What could have happened is that Ted arrives at the Roxy to meet Eric, Gavin and Henry but Den Watts comes along and that starts a fight (and gives him one last warning). That would be consistent with both storylines.

Yeah, I think loads of good Cockney actors would be good in it. I reckon it should be set in 1971 or 1974. I prefer 1971 but you could do good stuff with 1974.

Sounds like a great idea! Maybe a BBC Iplayer exclusive show?

Wasn't Stan meant to be around from years ago drinking in the same pub as Cora?

won't happen. Major reason is there is no room at Elstree to build a 70's Albert Square and constantly redressing the existing set to represent two different eras would be impossible and highly time consuming.

He said Old Kent Road which is in South London. Though he said he did go drinking in Walford years ago. Maybe he's a punter at the Roxy?

I explicitly said that it wouldn't be based in Albert Square.