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Boris meets Barbara and upsets Ken
London mayor’s cameo appearance in BBC soap EastEnders has frustrated his predecessor
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, made his long-awaited cameo performance on EastEnders last night, sparking a political row over how such a high-profile Tory could appear on the country's favourite soap on the eve of the Conservative party conference.
Ken Livingstone, the Labour mayor ousted by Boris in May 2008, accused the BBC of picking "favourites". He said he had twice approached producers to appear on EastEnders, but was refused because it would be "too political".
Although the episode was filmed in July, it happened to be broadcast a week after the Conservatives called for the BBC to recruit more Tories. However, shadow culture minister Jeremy Hunt was referring to the BBC news department rather than drama when he called for something to be done about the corporation's "innate liberal bias".
A BBC spokesman argued that the mayor's cameo was acceptable under the corporation's strict rules on fair play because it was part of the storyline. "His appearance is compatible both with BBC editorial guidelines and the principle of due impartiality."
Whether the appearance is compatible with the high acting standards normally required by EastEnders producers is debatable.
The plot called for Boris to come in to the Queen Vic pub having punctured his bicycle tyre. After sipping a pint and asking the landlady Peggy, played by the veteran Carry On actress Barbara Windsor, to call him "Boris" rather than "Mister Mayor", he takes out a business card, saying: "If you have any ideas how I could help Walford, here is my card".
The Guardian's TV critic Nancy Banks-Smith describes Boris shambling into the Queen Vic pub "affably, like a bear about to order cocoa with a side order of marmalade sandwiches." She adds: "It was one of those spit-and-cough celebrity appearances that both sides think is good for business while viewers plait their toes and hum a bit."
Ben Felsenburg in the Daily Mail remarks: "This isn't a lengthy cameo, but he only has to ask for a pint of bitter at the bar to demonstrate that there may well be bunnies caught in headlights on the M25 with more acting ability." ·
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Boris is just great, a real card and he knows how to take a joke, be the joke, and make a joke. He is a shrewd fellah too. Boris for Prime Minister I say.
Boris Johnson is exactly who he is - Boris Johnson!
Let's lighten up a little, at least our Boris makes me :-) which is considerably better than what the rest of the sleezy bunch of Politicians do, which is :-( .......!
Just think back a moment, to all the dishonesty we have had to endure over these past months (if not years) acts which would put most of us behind bars.......... and you dare to criticize Boris for daring to pop into the Queen Vic .......!!!!!! Shame on you my girl.......
With Respect.
Margo..... :-)
I am of the opinion that folk look upon soaps as reality. Why all the fuss? Boris arrived on his bike. Ken would have had a long walk from his Tube Station. In short all should be influenced by fact not fiction.