Exactly. They may not be everyone's cup of tea but the Mitchells/Beales are the ONLY characters generating any kind of drama at the moment. It's all very well saying other families deserve more of the limelight, but when they're given the limelight the show falls to pieces. I don't get why anyone would want to watch a soap devoid of any drama. Do people seriously, honestly prefer watching salsa classes and Carter karaoke parties?

It will definitely Pick up more once SOC has his stuff on screen.

I do agree it's lacking direction at the moment, but I don't know whether it's the transition between EPs or what.

The Mitchells and Beales are the main families on the Square and are iconic - they have mix of characters and some highly capable actors. It's only right they are the focus as they have had a lot of happen, and we know we'll get powerhouse performances from Adam Woodyatt and Steve McFadden.

I do agree that stories begin...then get swept under the carpet. This with Belinda and the beauty salon - she'll annoy most of the Square then it will go. The same with this Ronnie and Andy storyline - it has a point, then peters out. Plus add to the fact characters disappear for weeks on end, then pop-up again. Bloc-storytelling has damaged the show.

I think the fact as well as Paul's death/Ben's disapperance, we're seeing it hijacked almost with the Carters again. I like Mick, I like Linda, I do like Babe as we need a baddy on the show, and I love Shirley as she's funny - but their kids.....Johnny should never have returned and NuJohnny is a poor actor. Lee is a drip and Tina is boring. Nancy was the only one of their older kids who had something to offer. I do echo Zsa Zsa should have come back - bought Tina out a little bit and got her out of the shell. Whitney has had the life sucked out of her since being with Lee, and who gives a crap about Lauren/Whitney/Abi. I hope for our sake the Dona baby storyline doesn't come back.

i'm worried Stacey, Martin and Kyle are just going to be in the background and will be secondary characters - shame as all of them are strong actors and have good characters that are multi-layered. I'd like the relationship with Kyle and Stacey explored a bit more.

The Hubbards - when is Claudette's revenge going to happen? I feel they don't serve a purpose anymore. I am sad the Cokers are going - granted Pam is a bit of a strange one, but the cross-dressing storyline has been handled well and I would want Claudette to get back at Babe.

Masood - bring Zainab back or move Bushra and her family into the Square That would be a lot of fun. The Kazemis - ditch Shakil and send him back to his Dad. Kush and Carmel have a lot to offer. Also use some of the older characters - granted June Brown is limited at the moment, but give Patrick a bit more of a purpose and bring Cora back, even Aunt Sal living with Ronnie.

I think they need storylines to engage people, stop the Carter over-use and let storylines follow-up.

Sorry I've rambled

Well usually, soaps can go through quite a strong period, when it comes to producer change over. This is because the current producer will want to go out with a bang and the new one will want to make their mark. This changeover is weird though. We haven't even heard anything from SOC!

As for the cast, I have never known it in such a state! 80% of the characters don't even serve a purpose! The Mitchell's and Beale's are the only decent ones, then everyone else is either mediocre or dull. Even the likes of Stacey and Shirley have become secondary characters.

I honestly don't mind the Beale's and Mitchell's playing the biggest part in the show. They are iconic and always a joy to watch, and I would much rather choose to watch them over the dreadful Carter's. I do believe we could have some other families playing a big part now. (That's if SOC actually sorts out the shows families!!!)

I think overall its still enjoyable.

I think we have seen EastEnders hit some terrible lows, that when it gets a bit lacklustre some tend to panic a bit.

I remember it being a lot worse in not too recent years.