Producer defends EastEnders

EastEnders executive producer Louise Berridge has defended the BBC soap after a newspaper survey found that 57% of viewers thought it had lost its appeal, reports BBC News.

"It's disappointing to read that a large number of viewers feel the show has been weaker over this last year - although to some extent I fear this was inevitable. In a way, it's been a victim of its own success."

Ratings have been lower than normal in recent months, with ITV scheduling Emmerdale in direct competition on several occasions.