EastEnders icon Tracey The Barmaid gets own miniseries as part of new training schemes

The five short episodes focus on the soap's longest-serving character, Tracey The Barmaid, who has been played by actress Jane Slaughter in a background role since the show's first episode on 19th February 1985.

The series Tracey: A Day in the Life also features some guest appearances from much-loved characters such as original cast member Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and Queen Vic landladies Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Elaine Knight (Harriet Thorpe).

The stories revolve around the planning and celebrations of Tracey's 60th birthday and if anyone deserves a party it's Tracey! The mini-episodes also introduce some new characters that expand Tracey's backstory and shed light on her enigmatic personal life.

Also look out for regular background artists Ulric Browne and Ben Champniss as market traders Winston and Shrimpy, respectively.

Speaking of the new initiative, Slaughter said: "It was a fantastic experience to work on this project and to work with such talented directors, actors and crew - the collaborative experience was second-to-none and I was delighted to be a part of it."

Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer of EastEnders, added: “EastEnders has a rich history of championing new creative voices and the show often provides writers, directors and actors with their first credit. We’re really excited to be working with such exciting talent as the show prepares to celebrate its milestone 40th anniversary.”

Kris Green, Training Executive for BBC Studio Drama Productions, commented: "EastEnders sits pride of place at the heart of the scripted industry and we're incredibly proud that the show - alongside its regional soap counterparts across the UK - continues to play such a pivotal role in developing, nurturing and elevating new voices, both on and off screen."

The training videos are all available to watch on the BBC Studios website.

The trainee directors - Danny Albury, David Bispham, Benedict Cohen, Nicole Charles, Kerri McLean, Emma Reynolds, and Maninderpak Sahota - will all go on to direct future episodes of EastEnders, according to Broadcast.

The course is also revealed to have allowed other EastEnders crew members in various professions to engage in upskilling.

EastEnders is also noted to have taken part in 'Ascend' Acting workshops around the country and two actors from this scheme will soon star in guest roles in the main show.

This speaks to new ways of accessibility for the television industry and ensuring developing professionals get experience in the most practical way possible.

It's already an embarrassment of riches for fans of the soap at the moment as they get to tuck into every Christmas special now on BBC iPlayer and also look forward to the upcoming 2024 Christmas special.

The episodes will centre on the scandalous affair between schemer Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) and her former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) being exposed - along with her undying love for his father, her now remarried ex-husband George Knight (Colin Salmon).

Now, what will poor old Ian say? Well, we imagine his furious mother Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) will have a few things to say!

Read More

• EastEnders 2024 Christmas preview: Cindy Beale and Junior Knight affair exposed on Christmas Day
• EastEnders airs ominous cliffhanger return in early BBC iPlayer release
• 6 EastEnders spoilers: Linda Carter gets ultimatum and Phil Mitchell's secret exposed
• EastEnders' Kellie Bright on Linda's rock bottom: "You will see the very worst version of Linda"
• EastEnders' Colin Salmon and Harriet Thorpe on the future for George and Elaine: 'Cindy's always looming'
• EastEnders' Himesh Patel stopped Tamwar Masood heartbreak with exit

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer.

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