Eastenders

More than 40 broadcasters, production companies and industry bodies set up home for the day in the Business Design Centre, London, to dispense advice to 1,300 young people hoping to break into TV. A series of sessions – featuring expert panels from across the industry – cast light on television genres, skills and opportunities.

BBC continuing drama head of production Nikki Saunders revealed there was a huge number of entry-level jobs across her department, including runners, camera assistants and make-up artists.

The two showrunners talked about their work, from writing episodes of UK soap staples EastEnders and Casualty to the development of hit dramas This Life and Life on Mars, to their contribution to established shows Doctor Who and Shameless.

They described television as being a writer’s medium and how their writing credits for US multinationals opened the door to their current roles as producers.

Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return this September as they announce the new dance pairings.

David James MBE

Former England goalkeeper David James MBE is one of the first celebrities announced joining this year's Strictly line-up.

James began his career at Watford F.C and went on to lift the League Cup for Liverpool and contribute to Portsmouth’s success in the FA Cup.

Coffee cup instead of goblet

Game of Thrones, Sky Atlantic/HBO

The EastEnders star will reflect on events from the past year, including the ongoing Brexit debates in Westminster, where “there’s been more backstabbing than we have in Albert Square.”

He will also raise a toast to mark the 100th anniversary of both the women’s vote and the First World War Armistice.

EastEnders: The Queen Vic Fire

2010

It really is the season to be jolly as far as television is concerned, the line-up is full of one-off specials, film premieres and climatic soap storylines.

So, crack open the port, grab a selection box and feast on our compilation of some of the finest moments in the history of Christmas television.

​Only Fools and Horses

Matthew Bell takes notes as top screenwriters explain how to pen a hit drama

British soaps have made huge strides in portraying the lives and loves of gay characters since the genre’s first on-screen kiss in EastEnders three decades ago.