EASTENDER'S bosses have been warned not to repeat the controversy that clouded the show the last time it based itself in Ireland, with its new spin-off series.
When the British TV drama first travelled across the Irish Sea 18 years ago, it found itself at the centre of criticism by many of its viewers that believed Ireland was painted in a negative manner.
At the time the Irish Ambassador to Britain also described the show’s portrayal of Ireland as "prejudiced".
The new six-part spin-off series for BBC One - created by Exec Producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins – will focus on Walford's favourite couple Kat and Alfie Moon.
The soap, which is broadcast in Ireland on RTE One, regularly attracts millions of viewers.
In 1997, three episodes that were based in Ireland and showed drunken revellers and what appeared to be wild animals on the streets resulted in public outcry.
The show followed the character of Pauline Fowler who was visiting Ireland to meet her long-lost half-sister.
As a result, the BBC issued an apology after hundreds of viewers filed complaints.
Ireland’s Minister of State for Tourism Michael Ring welcomed the announcement, but added that he hoped the country would be showcased positively in the upcoming series.
"The British market is still our number one market for tourism,” he said. “And, once it is selling Ireland in a positive manner, I would welcome it.
"I hope they have learned from their mistakes and I hope they will be showing Ireland in a positive light this time."
