EastEnders fans praised the BBC One soap on Monday as it made a "touching" tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after she died aged 96 on the 8 September.
At the start of the episode before the opening credits in a last-minute scene added, Linda Carter, Denise Fox and Kathy Beale gathered around a picture of the monarch in the famous Old Vic pub, to discuss her "selfless" life of service.
The trio discussed milestones including the Queen’s coronation in 1953 and her silver and platinum jubilees, the latter of which was described as "a classy way to say goodbye".
In the scene, Linda, played by Kellie Bright, adjusted a picture of the Queen to which Denise (Diane Parish) said: "God bless her, she’s been there our whole lives. It’s like she’s everything we’ve ever known."
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With Kathy, played by Gillian Taylforth, replying: "Just feels so personal though, doesn’t it? Just devastating."
To which Diane pointed out: "It’s like we’ve lost our nan" with Linda replying: "Well, we have. I mean the country’s lost… we’ve all lost our nan. She dedicated her entire life to serving us. We’ll never see anyone like her again."
Recalling key moments of the Queen’s seven-decade reign, Kathy said: "I was, what, three when she became Queen. I wish I could remember the coronation but, well, I’ve got other people’s memories."
To which Diane added: "Do you remember the Silver Jubilee? I think I was eight or nine. I just remember I was so happy. I just remember everyone feeling so happy."
With Kathy responding: "Well that’s what she did, didn’t she, she made you feel so joyful and safe."
Earlier this year, a special episode marking the Platinum Jubilee featured appearances from the King and Queen Consort.
Charles and Camilla made a surprise visit to Walford where they were greeted by soap opera royalty Danny Dyer, and introduced to Walford's residents.
Recalling the occasion in Monday’s episode, Linda said of the Queen: "Thank goodness she made it to the Platinum Jubilee this year. I mean what a classy way to say goodbye."
With Kathy adding: "And what a day we had here, eh? We had Camilla and Prince Charles right here with us," to which Denise corrected her: "King Charles III!"
Together, the trio declared "long live the King", before Linda continued: "We’ve got Kat and Phil’s wedding in here today and the show must go on. But first I’m nipping up Buckingham Palace to pay my respects."
With Denise adding: "I think I’ll come with you!"
The touching scene ended with Linda placing the Queen’s picture in front of a bust of Queen Victoria, saying: "Thank you ma’am, from all of us."
"Look after her, won’t you?" she added, addressing the bust.
The camera then zoomed in and lingered on the photo before the famous opening credits rolled.
Soap fans were quick to praise the BBC One soap for the "touching" scene as one person tweeted: "What an amazing start to @bbceastenders . That tribute to the Queen was so beautiful. The best start ever #Eastenders #QueenElizabethII."
A different account put: "Hats off to the @bbceastenders team, that tribute to the Queen was lovely. #Eastenders."
Another follower said: "That was a really touching tribute to The Queen on #EastEnders."
While a different viewer added: "Touching moment to start tonight’s #Eastenders in tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II."
This week, OK! celebrates the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special in honour of Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy.
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