Live episodes of soaps are always a thrilling watch for fans. With no room for retakes, actors must deliver flawless performances while tackling high-intensity drama.
Over the years, EastEnders has aired seven live episodes, while Coronation Street has had three and Emmerdale has broadcast one.
Most recently, EastEnders celebrated its 40th anniversary with a dramatic live episode, during which Martin Fowler was tragically killed following an explosion at The Queen Vic.
However, as with many live episodes before it, this milestone event was not without its blunders.
One moment involving Sonia Fowler quickly caught fans’ attention, leading to plenty of jokes online.
But this is far from the first time a live soap episode has delivered unexpected mishaps.
From forgotten lines to unintended gaffes, here’s a look back at some of the biggest blunders in EastEnders history.
Sonia Fowler’s Rapidly Growing Baby
In the 40th-anniversary live episode, Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) gave birth to her baby daughter while trapped inside The Queen Vic. The dramatic moment saw Sonia, along with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), desperately trying to ensure the newborn was safe. Viewers were left on edge when the baby initially remained silent, only for relief to set in once she finally let out a cry.
However, fans couldn’t help but notice an amusing inconsistency. During the same episode, Sonia’s newborn seemed to undergo an unexpected growth spurt, appearing much bigger than a brand-new infant. This continuity blunder didn’t go unnoticed, and viewers took to social media to poke fun at the situation, with many questioning how Sonia’s baby had aged so quickly.
Tanya Branning’s Famous Name Slip
One of the most memorable live episode blunders occurred in EastEnders: The Week of Revelations in 2015. The weeklong event celebrated the soap’s 30th anniversary and included five dramatic live episodes.
During one scene, Tanya Branning (Jo Joyner) was supposed to ask Jane Beale about her husband, Ian Beale. However, instead of saying Ian’s name, Joyner accidentally called him “Adam”—which happens to be the real first name of actor Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian.
Realizing her mistake immediately, Joyner carried on with the scene, but fans quickly caught onto the blunder. Later, she admitted she had no idea how it happened, given the extensive rehearsals leading up to the episode. Her slip-up became one of the most talked-about moments of the live episodes, with many fans embracing it as an iconic blooper.
Max Branning’s Unexpected Reaction to Bradley’s Death
In 2010, EastEnders aired a live episode to celebrate its 25th anniversary, delivering an unforgettable night of drama. One of the most shocking moments was the tragic death of Bradley Branning, who fell from the roof of The Queen Vic after being wrongly accused of Archie Mitchell’s murder.
His father, Max Branning (Jake Wood), was devastated upon seeing Bradley’s lifeless body. However, the moment took an unexpected turn when Wood, following the script’s direction, attempted to act out Max being physically sick. In the heat of the moment, he put his fingers down his throat to mimic vomiting, a move that many viewers found strange.
Jake later explained that the original plan had involved using a fake vomit prop, but with no time for that, he had to improvise. The result was an awkward yet unforgettable moment that still gets talked about today.
Jack Branning’s Jumbled Lines
The same 2010 live episode delivered another memorable mistake when Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) struggled to get his lines out during an intense scene. Acting alongside Lacey Turner, Charlie Clements, and Jake Wood, Maslen visibly stumbled over his words, momentarily throwing off the scene’s rhythm.
Despite the slip-up, the cast managed to keep the moment flowing, and the scene continued without further issues. However, it served as yet another reminder of the unpredictable nature of live television.
Ronnie Mitchell’s Accidental Theft
Another amusing mistake came during a live episode featuring Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack). In the scene, Ronnie entered Minute Mart to buy paint stripper. However, after getting caught up in a conversation with her sister Roxy, she absentmindedly walked out of the store—without paying for it.
The moment was never intended to be part of the script, and Womack later admitted she had completely forgotten the planned exchange of money. While a small blunder, it was another example of how even the most seasoned actors can make mistakes when the cameras are rolling live.
Peggy Mitchell’s Name Confusion
Another legendary slip-up came from none other than Barbara Windsor, who played the iconic Peggy Mitchell. In a heated confrontation with Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks), Peggy was supposed to deliver a scathing line. However, instead of calling Janine by her correct name, she mistakenly referred to her as “June.”
Despite the unexpected mix-up, Windsor carried on with the scene as if nothing had happened. Fans, however, were quick to catch the blunder, making it yet another memorable EastEnders live episode moment.
Coronation Street’s Hard Hat Blunder
While EastEnders has had its fair share of live episode mistakes, it’s not the only soap to experience on-air mishaps. In Coronation Street’s 2010 live episode, which celebrated the soap’s 50th anniversary, an unexpected mistake caught viewers’ attention.
During the dramatic tram crash storyline, Sally Webster (Sally Dynevor) was supposed to wear a hard hat before entering the wreckage. However, despite being instructed to do so, Dynevor completely ignored the direction and walked into the dangerous scene without any protective gear.
Though the moment didn’t disrupt the episode’s flow, it was a noticeable continuity error that fans picked up on.
The Unpredictability of Live TV
Live episodes are always a gamble, and these moments highlight just how unpredictable they can be. While actors prepare extensively for such high-stakes performances, unexpected blunders can still slip through.
Yet, rather than detracting from the experience, these mishaps often make live episodes even more memorable. Fans love to rewatch and discuss them, turning these mistakes into legendary moments in soap history.
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