HYLAND

Of all the great gags on Harry Hill’s TV Burp, the one that sticks in the head was about Britain’s favourite Cockney soap.

“This first series is starting to drag a bit, isn’t it?”

Well, thanks to Covid-19, that first series finally came to an end last night, Harry.

And what a cracker it bowed out on. If Eastenders named its episodes like Game Of Thrones, this would have been Battle Of The Bar Stewards.

It ended with Queen Sharon of Walford restored to her rightful throne in the Queen Vic – and Phil Mitchell looking more likely to implode than ever. It was beautifully done. For a minute it seemed Ian “I talk, people listen” Beale was Mick Carter’s mysterious lastminute buyer. Then the camera panned to Sharon, ready to deliver her killer line: “Hello Phil. What can I get ya?”

Of course, we could point out that since 1985 the Vic has changed hands more times than a clock repair shop. We could also suggest that in real life the only people fighting for a half-empty East End pub would be property developers.

But that would be too churlish right now. For fans, the Queen Vic is Walford’s heart and soul. As for non-fans? Enders won’t be back on until September at the earliest. So, as the sign above Tina’s Prince Albert bar says: “Let the good times roll.”