EastEnders bosses forced to apologise over 'offensive' scenes after viewer complaints
ok.co.ukWhen 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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