When EastEnders first travelled across the Irish Sea 18 years ago, it found itself at the centre of criticism by many of its viewers that believed Ireland was painted in a negative manner.
In 1997, three episodes set in Ireland featuring rowdy party-goers and seemingly wild animals roaming the streets sparked a public backlash.The scenes followed Pauline Fowler, played by Wendy Richard, as she visited her long-lost half-sister, Maggie Flaherty.
Many Irish viewers were offended at the way Ireland and its people were portrayed after the show aired scenes depicting cows, sheep and donkeys wandering around a street, a menacing drunk, an unhelpful hotelier and resentful locals.
The BBC received "a number of calls" over the episode, according to a spokeswoman for the programme. Meanwhile, Ireland's national broadcaster RTE received six calls, even though it did not air the programme at the time.
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