Well that's another scenario to consider.

I was thinking about her being in there on her own with Denny or with Phil and his lot. Neither an enthusing scenario for me. However, if they were to get Sharon away from being Phil's doormat and build her up as a character in her own right again then it could work. Is the show prepared to do that though? Surely if they had any plans for Vicky they would've executed them by now? Goodness knows it's been obvious for a while that Sharon and Phil just don't work anymore.

Overlooking the ludicrous accent issue, I actually didn't mind Mark in the end even if the circumstances in which he was introduced were an insult.

Love this idea! Vicki could return with a new guy in tow as well. Maybe even a kid.

There are characters who wouldn't/didn't work well out of the Vic (Mick/Linda, Peggy, Alfie, even Sharon was at her most successful when in there with Grant and hasn't caught that magic since) but there are also characters who wouldn't work in the Vic. Carol Jackson for instance. No character is suited to every possible role/scenario in the show.

I've said for a while that Vicky should return. Recast.

With or without the Vic, I'd like to see Sharon branch out from the Mitchells. I mean who has time to top up their tan when their husband's at death's door? There's no genuine love or affection there anymore.

Vicky was with Spencer Moon when last mentioned.

LHolmes often I agree with you but I can't agree on this. I think Martin would be the perfect landlord. Martin is the type of character they wanted Mick to be but Martin is not only played so much better, they actually write for his character better too. Martin is the local lad who has matured into a good, decent family man who is also respected enough to hold the title of Landlord.

Like I say, Martin is everything they wanted Mick to be. Martin is so much better at it.

As for how they could get the cash to buy the place. They could just say Aunt Nellie died and left him half a million in savings. Its no more of a farce than Mick turning up on Xmas day with half a million in cash to buy the place.

I would just wipe the Spencer thing from memory! lol

Haven't Vicky and Spencer got their own bar in Australia. She must be 30+ now. Mark is OK but he's a Fowler/Mitchell not an extension of the Watts.

This is a really good point about Martin and Mick.

It will be her, Denny Grant and Courtney (Mark maybe) do not know who Grants children are and who Phils children are??

I do like the idea of the Fowler/Slaters in the Vic. I do think they'd have to include Belinda though....a sort of joint enterprise. And somewhere for Mark to settle if he returns.

I can remember when Martin was announced as being recast. I was so against a new actor playing him but I think James Bye might be the best thing DTC brought to EastEnders. I could see him and Stacey running the pub with Belinda on hand too. Maybe Bex and Mark working there eventually. They could put Kathy in the Kitchen too perhaps. There are a lot of possibilities with the Fowler's.

Martin and Stacey running The Vic....I'd love that It'd be natural as well, as Martin and Stacey are likeable characters and elevate their status more. Plus it's only right one of the original families (Fowler) runs it in my view.

Shame, she is an entertaining character. The Carters are being decimated!

As with Derek Branning, Babe is played by a fantastic actor but I just cannot like the character. Too nasty and panto-like.

Won't miss her one bit, but I'd like to think that this isn't a sign about the Carters getting the chop. Babe is no where near as important as Mick, Linda or Shirley. Those predicting this to be a sign of their demise need to wait and see. If SOC wanted them all gone, he'd have axed them in one fell swoop, like what previous EPs did to the Di Marcos (Beppe remained for a couple of more years but he faded without a trace) or the Ferreiras. Of course the Carters aren't some low rung family like the latter, but usually if a soap family unit is flopping with the audience or being underused, a new EP will probably cut them.

I still think getting rid of Lee is a mistake while utterly unwatchable characters like Shakil (though thankfully he might get axed) and Louise stay on. Lou will probably get protected because she's Phil's daughter despite being an annoying, gobby cow with an attitude problem. They're trying so hard to make her into Stacey Slater or Lauren Branning when they were teenagers. Not working since Tilly Keeper isn't as good an actress as Lacey Turner or Jacqueline Jossa.

I can't see the Carters putting the Vic up for sale, they worked in pubs all their lives, & it is their livelihood. Of course in soap-land, unrealistic things do happen all the time.

DTC must be furious.

Lauren has done nothing since she returned

I don't think Martin & Stacey are rght for the Vic.

You do realise that they are her family now? Or do you not understand how families work?

Yes and didn't they have a baby at some point?

To be honest they would both need to be re-cast and so I would prefer new characters over them returning

the baby selling plot has been forgotten about. How can anyone forgive her? Mick like nothing happened. Also the blackmailing is brushed over.

I am glad Babe has got the boot.

Mick, Jonny and Tina next please SOC. You know it makes sense

Told you she was a shelf life character as much as I love her she wouldn't work much longer without an extended break.

One thing that surprises me is that Annette Badland had previously worked under SOC when he was producing The Archers. Part of me thought that he'd keep her based on that.

She chose to go I think

http://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/east...-abi-branning/

You were saying? I thought you had switched off after Peggy's funeral in July.