I think we have seen so many sad and crying scenes for Ronnie it is enough by now same ole same ole I'm fed up of her now
Jessie has been brillant as Kat and also Shane and Derek as Alfie and Charlie
Printable View
I think we have seen so many sad and crying scenes for Ronnie it is enough by now same ole same ole I'm fed up of her now
Jessie has been brillant as Kat and also Shane and Derek as Alfie and Charlie
An EastEnders spokesperson has confirmed that changes were made to scenes involving the baby swap storyline.
Producers made the decision following the strong viewer response to the plot, but assured fans that the changes did not weaken the overall story.
The spokeswoman told the Daily Star Sunday: "We can assure you that no complete scenes were cut from this episode. Given the audience response to this storyline, we felt on this occasion that it was appropriate to respond and make some changes.
"The vast majority of material remains intact and we don't believe that those trims we have made will weaken or detract from the overall storyline for viewers."
An insider added: "The scenes showing the little white coffin were a bit much. A lot of people who had already seen the episode felt it was going a little too far. So all the scenes which showed Kat clutching the coffin were left on the cutting room floor.
"After all the controversy that this storyline has caused, the last thing anyone at the BBC wanted was to make the situation even worse. The corporation's top chiefs got involved and ordered the changes. No scenes were reshot - they were just tweaked slightly."
DS
Eastenders: Kat Moon will make Ronnie Branning pay for stealing her baby
January 18th, 2011 by Lisa McGarry.
Insiders have assured viewers that EastEnders’ Ronnie Branning will be “made to pay” for swapping her dead baby with Kat Moon’s healthy tot.
The grief-stricken new mum – played by Samantha Womack, who has since announced her decision to leave the BBC One soap – eventually admits what she’s done and returns baby Tommy to his real parents Kat and Alfie Moon.
However, that won’t be the end of the matter. While Kat (Jessie Wallace) will initially be elated to have her child back in her arms, her happiness will soon turn to anger.
An insider explained: “There’s no doubt that when Kat moves past her elation at getting Tommy back, she’ll want Ronnie to pay. It’s very likely that her first port of call would be to the police. Ronnie has committed a serious crime.”
After soap bosses were forced to bring the harrowing storyline to an early end when the BBC was flooded with complaints about the nature of the plot, viewers will see Ronnie face even more heartache when her husband Jack (Scott Maslen) finds the shocking revelations too much to deal with.
The ‘EastEnders’ source added to Inside Soap magazine: “However much Jack loves Ronnie, this will be almost too much to bear. It’ll be interested to see if Ronnie is treated with compassion by her family and friends.
“She has clearly not been in her right mind since the tragedy on New Year’s Eve (31.12.10). Ronnie’s a woman battling serious psychological issues. It will be vital that she gets the help she needs to overcome this.”
If I were Kat I would want to kill her
Jack didnt even have a chance to see or say goodbye to his son - I cant see anyone forgiving her for this
Yeah.. can't see anyone backing her up.. but again she does need treatment.. some how I can see her in a mental hospital talking to both James and Danielle when all this comes out
Rita Simons has said that she cannot "even imagine" how EastEnders' Roxy Mitchell will react when she discovers the truth about her sister Ronnie's baby.
Roxy remains unaware that Ronnie (Samantha Womack) switched her dead son James with Kat and Alfie's newborn son James on New Year's Eve.
"Ronnie's obviously not herself," Simons told Soaplife. "Most people in the Square have noticed. Roxy thinks it's the baby blues, that Ronnie, having lost a child herself and seeing Kat mourn, is struggling. She's worried about her but has no idea of the true situation."
Asked what Roxy, who has developed a close friendship with Alfie (Shane Richie), would do if she found out, she added: "I can't even imagine... It would be a massive shock."
The controversial plot, which will see Womack leave the soap, will conclude in April.
EASTENDERS fans will be over the Moon to see these photos - of Kat and Alfie finally reunited with son Tommy.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/a...0_1264738a.jpg
It follows the baby swap plot that turned out to be the soap's most controversial storyline ever.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/a...0_1223612b.jpg
On New Year's Eve Ronnie Branning (actress Samantha Womack) exchanged her dead son James for Kat and Alfie's newborn - leaving them to cope with a tragedy.
But 6,000 people complained the storyline was sick and BBC bosses cut the plot short.
Even stars were furious, with Sam quitting and Barbara Windsor calling it a "disgrace".
In scenes filmed this week, Kat and Alfie, (Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie) get to see Tommy again after Tanya Branning and Greg Jessop's wedding.
The pair, still in marriage gear, take him to hospital for a check-up while Kat vows that if she ever sees Ronnie she will kill her.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/a...6_1264934a.jpg
Later, overjoyed Kat hugs her crying son and kisses a relieved Alfie. An insider said: "These are scenes viewers have longed to see. They were extremely emotional for everyone but it was the right outcome to the story." They will be shown next month.
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/a...6_1264903a.jpg
(c) The Sun
I'm glad this story is coming to an end soon. It's getting a bit wearing. How were they going to keep it going till Christmas as they originally planned? I think it would have driven everyone mad!!!
The climax to EastEnders' baby swap storyline will see Ronnie Branning finally come to her senses and confess to her terrible mistake, a report has claimed.
Yesterday, it was revealed that the soap had finally filmed the conclusion to the controversial plot, which began at New Year when Ronnie lost her son James to cot death before switching him with Kat Moon's newborn child Tommy in her grief-stricken state.
According to the Daily Star Sunday, the stress of Ronnie's tragic secret becomes too much to bear after her brother-in-law Max suffers an accident on the day of Tanya and Greg's wedding next month. Visiting Max at the same hospital where she gave birth to James, Ronnie bumps into the midwife who delivered the child and reportedly realises the enormity of what she has done.
Speaking of the baby she has stolen, Ronnie apparently tells husband Jack: "I'm sorry, but there's something I need to do. You don't deserve any of this, but he's not your son. He's not yours."
Sources say that Ronnie then heads off alone to the Queen Vic, where she will make her confession. Exact details are currently being kept under wraps, but it is thought that she either tells the truth to her sister Roxy, Tommy's real father Michael Moon, or anguished Kat and Alfie.
After coming clean and handing Tommy over, Ronnie is expected to do a disappearing act - but as Samantha Womack does not finish filming with EastEnders until May, she will be seen on screen again as the aftermath of the storyline is fully explored.
An insider told the newspaper: "Kat is finally reunited with her baby as the shocking news sinks in. After all they've been through, Kat and Alfie can't believe what they're being told. The episode will be a must-see for all fans."
An EastEnders spokesperson said: "We do not comment on future storylines but we have always said Ronnie will do the right thing and Tommy will be reunited with Kat."
SCARED Ronnie Mitchell will hand herself over to the police after admitting she swapped her dead baby for Kat Moon’s son Tommy.
The controversial storyline will come to an end next month when Ronnie finally sees sense and confesses what she’s done.
But rather than do a runner from the Square, we can reveal that she will own up to her crime and then hand herself in at the local police station.
Fans will get to see the official investigation unfold and the chaos it causes for all involved.
BBC bosses are keeping tight-lipped about whether Ronnie (Sam Womack, 38) will be charged and face a court appearance or be let off and allowed to leave Walford.
While her future is far from rosy either way, things are also rocky for Kat (Jessie Wallace, 39).
She is overjoyed to be reunited with her son after believing he died in his cot. But in the days and weeks to come, she will struggle to bond with the baby.
A show insider said: “It’s a tough thing for Kat to get her head around.
“She’s been through so much pain mourning the loss of Tommy and now she’s got to get used to him being alive.”
Ronnie’s shock revelation also comes as a hammer blow for doting dad Jack (Scott Maslen, 37) who had no reason to think that the baby wasn’t his son James.
Daily Star
I seen on another board that Jack and Kat become very close (I hope it isnt an affair) over this - I would think Kat wouldnt want him or anyone near her baby from now on
Maybe he just needs to be near "james".. after all he did bond with him as his own son so it will be really hard for him to let goQuote:
Originally Posted by tammyy2j
Yes I hope it is this and not an affair - It will be difficult for Jack also as he thinks Tommy is his son and he never got to see or hold his real son JamesQuote:
Originally Posted by Siobhan
Exactly... Ronnie has been mourning her child for weeks, she got to hold him but Jack never did.. How do you just tell someone "sorry the child is not yours, even though you thought so for 4 months, and now you can't see or hold him anymore".. that is heartbreaking.. Jack didn't know at all.. so Kat probably recognises this and lets him around Tommy
EastEnders star Jessie Wallace has revealed that there are happier times ahead for her character.
The actress, who plays Kat Moon in the BBC One soap, also told the Sunday Mirror that the controversy surrounding the baby swap storyline had been good for the show.
Speaking of Kat getting her baby back from Ronnie Branning (Samantha Womack), she said: "We've just shot the scenes. There'll *happier times for Kat and Alfie. But it probably won't stay too happy for long.
"This 'controversy' has done us good. If anything we've got more viewers out of it. Why should the show not push the boundaries? People need to chill out.
"A lot of people just jumped on the bandwagon and complained before the scenes even went on air."
The plot attracted 12,500 complaints from fans of the show.
DS
Ronnie Branning is to be sent to prison for her callous kidnapping of toddler Tommy Moon in the latest twist in EastEnders's controversial baby swap storyline.
The troubled character, played by Samantha Womack, is to hand herself in to police, filled with guilt over her actions.
But, it turns out, Kat and Alfie will not be completely rid of Ronnie after being reunited with baby Tommy - as she comes back to haunt them.
A show source told the Daily Mirror: 'Ronnie gets out on bail on the day of Tommy's christening, and is in Albert Square as celebrations kick off.'
It was reported in January that Womack, 38, was planning to quit following the controversial storyline and this could provide the perfect way out of the show. Her contract is up in May.
The baby swap plot started on New Year's Eve when Ronnie exchanged her newborn son James, who'd died of cotdeath, for Kat and Alfie's newborn.
But more than 6,000 enraged people complained that the storyline was sick so BBC bosses had to cut the plot short and do a U-turn.
After bumping into the midwife who delivered her baby, the enormity of what she has done finally hits Ronnie.
She takes baby Tommy and drives to the Queen Vic - where he is reunited with his parents.
The police are then called and baby Tommy is taken to the hospital to be checked over.
Meanwhile, former Albert Square star Natalie Cassidy, 27, has revealed that she cried over the cot-death story.
Talking in The People, she said: 'The cot death storyline has been heartbreaking. The way you see Ronnie cradling that baby, I almost felt that I was holding it myself. Jessie Wallace and Samantha Womack have both been immense.
'It was harrowing stuff and I did cry when I was watching it.'
However, she defended the plot, saying: 'I can see where people are coming from when they say Ronnie stealing the baby was a step too far. But that's where the soap element comes in.
'EastEnders is a dramatic programme, which has been pushing the boundaries for years.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...#ixzz1HOnzElZj
Ronnie Branning will end up behind bars for stealing Kat Moon's child as EastEnders' baby swap storyline reaches its climax, a report has claimed.
The hard-hitting plot, which began at New Year when Ronnie swapped her dead son James with Kat Moon's child Tommy, will draw to a conclusion next month as Kat is reunited with the baby she thought she had lost.
According to The Mirror today, after Ronnie gives Tommy back and hands herself over to the police, she will be jailed as the matter is investigated.
However, in a further twist, the troubled blonde is expected to be released on bail a few weeks later on an important day for Kat (Jessie Wallace) and her husband Alfie (Shane Richie).
A source told the newspaper: "Ronnie gets out on bail on the day of Tommy's christening, and is in Albert Square as celebrations kick off in The Vic.
"The fact she is back is going to have huge repercussions for that day and she is likely to come face-to-face with Kat."
Rumours about the plot's conclusion are still unconfirmed as EastEnders bosses do not comment on future storylines.
Samantha Womack - who plays Ronnie - is to leave the soap later this year, but it is understood that the door will be left open for a possible return in the future.
DS
Who would bail her out?
EastEnders stars Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie have hinted that the soap's baby swap storyline could have a long-lasting impact on their characters Kat and Alfie Moon.
The pair recently filmed scenes showing Kat and Alfie reunited with baby Tommy, months after they thought they had lost him to cot death. Reports suggest that Ronnie Branning, who swapped Tommy with her late son James at New Year, will soon come to her senses on screen and finally give the child back.
Discussing the Moons' reunion with Tommy, Wallace told All About Soap: "It's so lovely having the chance to work with a baby all the time. It's made me really broody.
"But it's definitely not going to be easy for Kat and Alfie. They've grieved for the death of their child. They thought they'd buried him, and now they've suddenly got him back. That's a massive thing to deal with."
Richie added: "While Alfie happily throws himself into being a dad to Tommy, it's Kat who's going to be finding things difficult."
More trouble ahead for the Moons has been rumoured for some time, as one report recently suggested that Kat will struggle to bond with Tommy following the shock development.
Asked whether Kat will want revenge against Ronnie, Wallace replied: "Almost certainly! I'm sure that Kat's too much of a feisty person just to let that one go."
Kat and Alfie will get Tommy back next month.
SHANE Richie has told how the EastEnders cot swap was extra tough for him - as his wife Christie is eight months pregnant.
Shane's character Alfie's wife Kat had her baby snatched by Ronnie Branning, whose son died of cot death. Shane, 47, said it made him keep his baby news a secret. He tells Hello! magazine, out today: "I wanted to keep the two things separate.
"People would ask me about the cot death and it would have felt strange tagging on the end, 'Oh, and by the way, we're expecting a baby'. If they asked about Christie I said she'd just put on weight."
The Sun
EastEnders' Ronnie Branning's husband doesn't believe her when she tries to tell him she swapped their baby with Kat Moon's son.
The troubled mum was devastated when he newborn James passed away from cot death and switched his body with that of little Tommy Moon on New Year's Eve (31.12.10) and after growing increasingly strained over the weight of her secret, she finally cracks and tells Jack (Scott Maslen) that the baby isn't his.
The matter comes to a head after Ronnie and Jack visit his brother Max in hospital and the troubled blonde is unable to cope with being in the same place where she gave birth months earlier, so she runs away, before blurting out part of her shocking secret when her husband follows her.
However, Samantha Womack, who plays Ronnie, revealed: "She blurts out that James isn't his son - but Jack doesn't believe her and thinks her depression is making her say it.
"He's really worried and insists on returning to Albert Square with her - but Ronnie drives off without him."
Ronnie is now determined to come clean about her actions and heads straight for the Queen Vic to speak with Kat (Jessie Wallace).
Samantha added to Inside Soap magazine: "All she wants to do now is the right thing. And, after telling Tommy she loves him like as her own, Ronnie walks into the Vic to bring an end to the torment and confusion she has caused."
(C) BANG Media International
EastEnders star Samantha Womack has explained what goes through her character Ronnie Branning's mind as the soap's baby swap storyline reaches its long-awaited conclusion.
At the end of next week, Ronnie finally comes to her senses as she realises the enormity of her decision to switch Kat Moon's newborn son Tommy with her dead child James at New Year. Deciding to put things right, she bids Tommy a final farewell before heading into The Vic with the intention of ending Kat and Alfie's turmoil.
Ronnie's life-changing decision comes after her brother-in-law Max Branning and his daughter Abi are involved in a car crash on Tanya's wedding day, which brings the troubled character to the same hospital where she gave birth to James in December.
Speaking of the baby swap climax, Womack told Inside Soap: "The pressure of what Ronnie has done has been building and building for months and it's becoming enormous.
"There have been several moments where she's realised what she has to do, and being in the church for Tanya's wedding and around Kat and Alfie is particularly difficult for Ronnie. But it's the car accident involving Max and Abi that makes everything just too much to bear."
The actress noted that returning to the place of James's birth reminds Ronnie that his arrival was "the happiest day of her life" and prompts her to do the right thing at last.
Discussing how Ronnie tells husband Jack the truth, Womack said: "She blurts out that James isn't his son, but Jack doesn't believe her and thinks that her depression is making her say it. He's really worried and insists on returning to Albert Square with her, but Ronnie drives off without him.
"All she wants to do now is the right thing. And after telling Tommy that she loves him as her own, Ronnie walks into The Vic to bring an end to the torment and confusion she's caused."
Womack will leave EastEnders later this year. Although reports have suggested that Ronnie will spend time in jail after handing herself into the police, her final fate currently remains unknown.
DS
JACK Branning breaks down after discovering baby Tommy is not his son.
The hardman sheds tears after wife Ronnie confesses that their son James died and she swapped his dead body for Kat and Alfie Moon’s son Tommy.
It means Jack (Scott Maslen, 39) has to hand over the little lad he has raised as his own and then mourn the loss of his own child.
And Ronnie ends up behind bars as cops investigate the baby swap.
But while it’s heartbreak for Jack, there’s joy for Kat and Alfie (Jessie Wallace, 39, and Shane Richie, 47) as they are reunited with the son they believed was dead.
They can’t hide their excitement outside the hospital after getting the all- clear from doctors.
The truth comes out this week after Jack’s brother Max (Jake Wood, 38) is hurt in a car crash on his way to Tanya’s wedding.
Ronnie and Jack rush to the hospital and it’s there that the enormity of what she’s done hits Ronnie.
Sam Womack, 38, who plays Ronnie, said: “The pressure of what Ronnie has done has been building and building for months.
“There have been several moments where she’s realised what she has to do, and being in the church for Tanya’s wedding and around Kat and Alfie is particularly difficult for her.
“But it’s the car accident involving Max and Abi that makes everything just too much to bear.”
She explains that returning to the place of James’s birth reminds Ronnie that his arrival was “the happiest day of her life” and prompts her to do the right thing at last.
Daily Star
'EastEnders' Kat Moon almost loses her son for the second time when she "freaks out" after learning he is still alive.
The bolshy barmaid is stunned to learn son Tommy is still alive after he was taken by grieving Ronnie Branning - whose own baby James died from cot death - and Jessie Wallace, who plays Kat revealed her alter ego is so overwhelmed she almost misses a vital meeting with a social worker who has come to assess whether she and husband Alfie (Shane Richie) can take their baby home.
Jessie said: "Kat finds it too much to bear and scarpers. She goes home to The Vic, where Jean is waiting.
"Jean gets Tommy's toy, Clarence. She says, 'You're bringing your little boy home'and that's when it hits Kat. She can't get a cab so she runs to the hospital. She's desperate to make it on time."
However, when Kat makes it to the hospital, where Tommy is being checked over, the social worker is driving away.
Jessie added to Inside Soap magazine: "There's no way she's going to let that car drive off. She's not prepared to lose Tommy again."
Kat and Alfie are eventually given their baby back, and Jessie admits her character is left "overwhelmed" with emotion.
She said: "She's completely overwhelmed. Kat just wants to be the best mum possible. This is her second chance and she's determined to do a good job."
(C) BANG Media International
Ow where did they get his suit from. It is so Kat and Alfie. hahahaha nice touch.Quote:
Originally Posted by alan45
EastEnders star Jessie Wallace has confirmed that there will be no quick happy ending for her character Kat Moon once the soap's baby swap storyline has reached its climax.
Kat will finally get her son Tommy back this week, months after she thought she had lost him to cot death. The life-changing moment occurs as Ronnie Branning (Samantha Womack) comes to her senses at last, realising the enormity of her decision to swap the child with her late son James on New Year's Eve.
In an interview with Inside Soap, Wallace explained that there will still be difficult times ahead for Kat and her husband Alfie (Shane Richie) even after the emotional family reunion has taken place.
The actress commented: "Oh yes, there's still a bit of a way to go. There'll be lots coming up for Kat and Alfie. Kat is really struggling to get her head around the fact that Tommy was swapped with James, and Alfie quickly realises that she's finding it hard to cope with the situation.
"Kat really struggles to come to terms with how Ronnie could have done such a terrible thing. It's such a whirlwind of emotions - from anger and hatred, to happiness and joy at having Tommy back again. But it's going to take a lot for Kat to ever forgive Ronnie for what she's put her and Alfie through."
Discussing how things progress in the longer term, she added: "There's the complication of Michael being Tommy's biological dad for starters. And then we have some new Moons arriving in the summer."
Wallace and her EastEnders co-stars filmed the baby swap climax in early March.
DS
Scott Maslen has confirmed that his EastEnders character Jack Branning will find it impossible to cope after his wife Ronnie's devastating secret is revealed.
The soap's baby swap storyline finally reaches its climax this Friday as Ronnie comes to her senses, tells Jack that Tommy is not his son and heads over to the Queen Vic with the intention of putting things right.
Next week, after she has come clean, fans will see Ronnie spend time in jail as her crime is investigated. Meanwhile, Jack is left reeling following the news that his baby son James was the child who died on New Year's Eve.
In an interview with Inside Soap about Jack's role in the aftermath of the baby swap reveal, Maslen explained: "He couldn't believe what Ronnie was saying when she tried to tell him about James, but now he's heartbroken.
"At first, he just couldn't understand what she was on about and thought she was saying it to be spiteful. He doesn't believe it until he hears the results of [a] paternity test, and then he's completely lost."
Discussing how Jack has to say goodbye to Tommy as Kat and Alfie get him back, the actor continued: "Jack is distraught - he loves the baby like he's his own. It feels like losing his own child. Jack can normally cope when things go wrong, but this situation has brought him to his knees."
Maslen also pondered what the future could hold for Jack and Ronnie, who tied the knot late last year.
He said: "Jack loves Ronnie. There's an unbreakable bond between them. One day, he might even be able to understand why Ronnie did what she did."
DS
Happy Moons
Few soap storylines have divided opinion as much as EastEnders' baby swap saga, a plot which provided high drama both on screen and off as the actions of a grief-stricken Ronnie Branning sparked viewer complaints and a public debate. Tonight, millions of viewers will watch the storyline reach its long-awaited climax as Ronnie finally realises the enormity of what she has done and decides to put things right at last.
To mark the plot reaching its peak, Soap Scoop now takes a look back at the storyline with a full, in-depth timeline detailing how a tragic story twist became one of the most talked-about events in Walford history…
LATE 2010
September 23: During an interview on This Morning, Shane Richie offers the first teaser of what is ahead, explaining that he and Jessie Wallace will be at the centre of a massive EastEnders storyline. Shane promises that "it is going to be the biggest soap story in probably the history of soaps", but no further details are revealed.
October 17: The Daily Star Sunday is the first newspaper to reveal details of a baby tragedy ahead on EastEnders. A report in the tabloid discloses that either Kat Moon or Ronnie Mitchell will lose their child just a few days after giving birth.
November 3: In an interview about Ronnie's pregnancy, Samantha Womack confirms that there will be a "baby saga" ahead for the character in the New Year. She adds: "I hope it will be okay. It would be nice to see Ronnie happy... for a bit."
November 12: EastEnders bosses officially announce the details of the baby swap storyline, confirming that Ronnie will lose her son to cot death on New Year's Eve before switching him with Kat's child in her grief-stricken state.
November 20: A report in The Sun claims that the cast involved in the baby swap storyline have been offered counselling due to the hard-hitting scenes.
December 22: EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood praises the storyline, describing it as a "bold" plot with "absolute believability".
December 23: Scrutiny surrounding the storyline increases as Samantha Womack admits that filming the plot has been "horrific" due to the emotional scenes. At the same time, Shane Richie admits that he has been deeply affected by the story. By the end of the day, EastEnders bosses announce plans to tone down the forthcoming cot death scenes to avoid upsetting viewers.
December 29: The first report of complaints surrounding the upcoming storyline is published as The Sun reveals that Facebook groups have been set up which brand the baby plot "ridiculous" for its portrayal of a bereaved mother as unhinged. However, a show source says: "Bosses are keen to assure viewers that they're not portraying Ronnie's behaviour as typical of bereaved mothers. Regular viewers know she's lost two children before this tragedy with James. She acts in a state of grief and shock."
December 30: 9.65m viewers watch Ronnie and Kat give birth to their baby sons James and Tommy.
JANUARY 2011
January 1: The episode in which Ronnie swaps James with Tommy following her tragic loss is watched by 8.95m viewers.
January 4: The BBC confirms that more than 3,400 complaints have been received about the baby swap storyline. The total includes viewers who complained before the plot had gone to air.
January 5: Internet rumours suggesting that the climax to the baby swap storyline has already been filmed are denied by EastEnders.
January 6: The attention surrounding the storyline turns into a frenzy as The Sun reports that Samantha Womack has quit EastEnders over the baby swap storyline. Womack's agent later issues a statement confirming her departure but denying any connection to the current plot. Meanwhile, as viewer complaints near the 6,000 mark, the BBC defends the storyline and media regulator Ofcom confirms that it is unlikely to launch an official investigation into the matter. Amid the row, reports in The Mirror and The Guardian claim that the story will be cut short in response to the complaints.
January 7: The BBC confirms that the baby swap storyline will reach its conclusion "earlier than planned". EastEnders' executive producer Bryan Kirkwood, BBC drama boss John Yorke and BBC Vision director Jana Bennett all defend the storyline, with the key message being that there is no intention to portray Ronnie's actions as typical of a bereaved mother. As the day concludes, it is confirmed that the storyline is now the most complained-about plot in the soap's history.
January 8: The latest tabloid rumours suggest that the baby swap storyline will have a "warm ending", focusing on Kat's joy at being reunited with her son. Meanwhile, EastEnders bosses agree to meet with bereaved mothers who have complained about the storyline.
January 9: Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace pledge their commitment to EastEnders in response to reports of unrest among the soap's cast. Show bosses insist that there is "absolutely no truth" in talk of poor morale on set.
January 10: Samantha Womack breaks her silence over the storyline, laughing off reports that she is heading for a breakdown over the plot.
January 11: The day of the baby's funeral arrives on screen, but fans notice that some cuts have been made to the episode at the last minute.
January 16: The BBC confirms that changes were made to the funeral episode, telling the Daily Star Sunday that it was "appropriate to respond" to the strong feelings surrounding the storyline.
January 18: Patsy Palmer denies reports that she has quit EastEnders over the baby swap storyline, clarifying that she is focusing on motherhood following the arrival of her fourth child Bertie but will return to filming "when the time is right".
January 26: EastEnders bounces back from the baby swap controversy by winning three prizes at the National Television Awards, including the hotly-contested 'Best Serial Drama' gong. On the red carpet at the event, Jessie Wallace defends the ongoing storyline, while Scott Maslen says that Samantha Womack may return to EastEnders in the future.
FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2011
February 6: A report in the News of the World claims that Samantha Womack will return to EastEnders in 2012 following a 12-month break. The BBC insists that it is too early to discuss any rumoured 'plans' for 2012.
February 13 The baby swap storyline gets its first award nomination, appearing in the 'Best Baby Drama' category in the All About Soap 'Bubble' Awards, which will be determined by a public vote.
March 2: A Digital Spy report exclusively reveals that Charlie Slater will make a brief return to EastEnders for an emotional reunion with daughter Kat. The pair's relationship had become strained in January as Kat blamed him for the loss of her baby.
March 5: Reports reveal that the climax to the baby swap storyline has now been filmed. Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace are spotted filming at a hospital with the baby.
March 6: A report in the Daily Star Sunday exclusively reveals the ending to the baby swap plot, confirming that Ronnie will come to her senses after Max suffers an accident on Tanya's wedding day, which brings Ronnie to the same hospital where she gave birth to James. The report adds that Ronnie will realise the enormity of what she has done and rush to the Queen Vic in a bid to put things right.
March 10: A Daily Star report says that Ronnie will hand herself over to the police after giving the baby back.
March 13: Jessie Wallace discusses the upcoming plot climax by confirming that there will be "happier times for Kat and Alfie".
March 22: Jessie Wallace backs the decision to end the baby swap storyline early, noting that "as an audience you want everything to fall back into place again".
March 23: A report in The Mirror reveals that Ronnie will spend time in prison for stealing the baby, before being released on bail on the day of Tommy's christening.
March 27: EastEnders continues to bounce back from January's row as the storyline wins the 'Best Baby Drama' prize in the All About Soap 'Bubble' Awards. Meanwhile, Jessie Wallace wins the 'Best Actress' gong and Kat and Alfie's return to Albert Square is named 'Best Comeback'.
March 29: Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie confirm that the plot will have a long-lasting impact on Kat and Alfie. Jessie says: "They've grieved for the death of their child. They thought they'd buried him, and now they've suddenly got him back. That's a massive thing to deal with."
APRIL 2011
April 4: Shane Richie reveals that he will soon become a father again but had previously chosen not to reveal the news due to the scrutiny surrounding the baby swap storyline.
April 5: Detailed spoilers released for the baby swap confirm that Ronnie will come to her senses following Max's car crash, verifying the Daily Star Sunday's report from a month earlier. Meanwhile, Samantha Womack explains that the plot's climax sees Ronnie decide "to bring an end to the torment and confusion she's caused".
April 12: Scott Maslen confirms that Jack will be "distraught" once the truth about the baby swap is revealed. Meanwhile, Jessie Wallace explains that the story will still have "a bit of a way to go" even after the reveal scenes have aired.
April 14: Viewers see that Ronnie's world is starting to crumble around her due to the problems stemming from her terrible mistake.
April 15: Fans will see the plot reach its climax as Ronnie decides to do the right thing at last. :cheer: :thumbsup:
DS
Ronnie tells Jack that the baby is not his
JACK: "Ronnie, where you been? I've been looking all over for you."
RONNIE:"I'm sorry."
JACK: "Well come on, Tanya's in a right state. What you doing?"
RONNIE: "I'm going."
JACK: "Going where? I need to talk to you."
RONNIE: "No, there's something I've got to do, Jack."
JACK: "Well it can wait."
RONNIE: "It can't!"
JACK: "Ronnie, I'm serious, you need to tell me what's happened."
RONNIE: "Don't worry, I am going to put it right. I am going to put everything right."
JACK: "Ronnie, what are you talking about?"
RONNIE: "You don't deserve this, Jack! You deserve much better, I should never have lied to you."
JACK: "So you lied to me."
RONNIE: "Yes."
JACK: "Is it about Michael?"
RONNIE: "No."
JACK: "Then what is it, Ron?"
RONNIE: "Jack, I've got to go."
JACK: "Go where?"
RONNIE: "Back, okay - I've got to go back!"
JACK: "Go back where? Oi, you tell me, right. If it's not about Michael, then what is it?"
RONNIE: "It's him, it's about him, okay? It's about James."
JACK: "Ronnie, what about him?"
RONNIE: "He's not your son."
JACK: "What you talking about?"
RONNIE: "Jack, listen to me - I'm sorry but it's true."
JACK: "No, I don't understand Ronnie, what are you saying?"
RONNIE: "I've got to go!"
JACK: "What are you talking about?"
RONNIE: "He is not yours and that is all you need to know."
JACK: "You're lying to me, right - you're doing this to hurt me and to mess with my mind. Ronnie, look at him - look at his face, everyone always says that this kid is the spit of me, everyone knows that he's my boy!"
RONNIE: "Jack, I'm so sorry - I'm so sorry, it's true."
Ronnie tells Kat the shocking truth
KAT: "What is it?"
RONNIE: "Maybe we should go upstairs."
KAT: "I'm working. I ain't really got the time, so just spit it out."
RONNIE: "It's about James."
KAT: "Right."
RONNIE: "I know what you've been through. I know how difficult it's been for you, I understand."
KAT: "What do you want, Ronnie? I've got a pub full of punters."
RONNIE: "He's not mine."
KAT: "Sorry?"
RONNIE: "He's not mine, he's yours."
KAT: "What are you talking about?"
RONNIE: "I know. I know it sounds crazy. I should have come here before - I tried to come here before. This isn't James, it's Tommy!"
Outside, Jack arrives back on Albert Square and looks over towards The Vic.
RONNIE: "Please listen to me, Kat, you don't understand. You don't understand."
KAT: "Why don't you go home, yeah, call a doctor, go and talk to someone!"
RONNIE: "Listen to me, Kat!"
KAT: "You're mad!"
RONNIE: "Please, please, listen to me. I took your baby. I know how you feel. I am the only other person in this world who knows how you feel. To give birth to a baby and have it… to have your heart shrivel up inside. I know because it happened to me."
KAT: "You need to go."
RONNIE: "My baby died on New Year's Eve. Kat, listen to me! I went in, I went in and saw him in the cot, and he was still. He wasn't breathing, he was still and I was so scared. I was so scared. And I was trying desperately to believe that it wasn't true and then I ran out, I panicked - I ran out into the Square and I wanted somebody to come and help, but nobody came. Nobody came and then I heard him - I heard Tommy crying and I came in there and I walked up the stairs and I took him. I took him, Kat."
KAT: "No, you couldn't have, you wouldn't do that…"
RONNIE: "I'm sorry Kat, I'm so sorry…"
KAT: "No, no, no, no, no, no, no, my Tommy's dead! Yeah, I saw him, I held him in my arms - he's dead!"
RONNIE: "You didn't, that wasn't Tommy!"
KAT: "No! No, no, no!"
Alfie enters.
ALFIE: "What's wrong?"
KAT: "Get her out of here! Get her away from me!"
ALFIE [to Ronnie]: "What have you said to her? Just stop."
KAT: "No, he's not mine! How can he be mine?"
RONNIE: "Please take him, you need to take him!"
KAT: "No, I can't!"
RONNIE: "He needs his mum! You need to take him."
Jack has now entered The Vic and seeing the commotion, goes to join Ronnie, Kat and Alfie.
RONNIE: "Please take him, please take the baby…"
Ronnie hands Tommy over to a distraught Kat.
ALFIE: "I need to phone the police, alright."
RONNIE: "You don't need to phone them, I've already phoned them, and I'm so sorry."
KAT: "Get her out of here! Get her away from me."
RONNIE: "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry."
Ronnie heads for the exit, and following a final apology to Jack, she gets into a police car to face her punishment.
DS
The conclusion to the EastEnders baby swap storyline was apparently re-shot to be more emotional.
The original scenes, filmed last month, saw Ronnie Branning (Samantha Womack) storm into the Queen Vic and confess her secret to Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) in front of everyone.
However, according to the Daily Star Sunday, producers decided that the climax would be more effective if it focused on the four central characters - including Alfie, played by Shane Richie, and Jack (Scott Maslen).
"The original ending showed Ronnie telling Kat what she'd done right in the middle of Greg and Tanya's wedding reception," a source revealed. "We saw the reaction from people who were not involved in the storyline and Kat reacted a lot more angrily.
"She told Alfie that she was going to kill Ronnie for what she'd done and, as you can imagine, there were a lot of gasps of shock from people watching the events unfold inside the Queen Vic.
"But once the producers watched it back they realised it didn't have to be done in front of everyone. In fact, it was better for Ronnie to confess to Kat alone. The scene was re-written and the actors were called in a couple of weeks ago to re-shoot."
The scenes were eventually watched by 10.21m people on Friday, with a further 1.15m watching the 10pm repeat on BBC Three.
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Sometimes less is more. The only emotions that count are the 4 involved.
And that goes for the Character Michael. Maybe he had some emotion about the death, but if he had it at all he hid it very well.
DEVASTATED Jack Branning is set to make a move on his sister-in-law after discovering wife Ronnie's baby swapping.
The troubled ex-cop seeks solace from Ronnie's (Samantha Womack) sister, Roxy Mitchell (Rita Simons) after his wife confesses that she swapped their dead son James with Kat Moon's (Jessie Wallace) tot, Tommy, at Christmas.
With Ronnie banged up after she confesses all to the police, Jack (Scott Maslen) asks Roxy to take him to James' grave where the headstone has been changed.
Jack, who is dad to Roxy's daughter Amy after an affair three years ago, has a heart-to-heart with the club owner.
And in scenes due to air on 29 April, confused Jack can't stop himself from leaning in for a kiss from his former flame - but Roxy pushes him away.
Actor Scott, 39, admitted that his character is a broken man since discovering the truth about his son.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star told Inside Soap: "Jack is distraught - he loves the baby like he's his own.
"It feels like he's losing his own child. Jack can normally cope when things go wrong, but this situation has brought him to his knees."
He continued: "Added to that, Jack loves Ronnie. There's an unbreakable bond between them, despite what's happened. One day he might even be able to understand why Ronnie did what she did."
The baby swap plot, which earned the BBC a record number of complaints - more than 8,000, was not one of Scott's favourite storylines.
Speaking to This Morning today, the ex-Bill star said: "It's not a story that I enjoyed because we've all got kids and we all know what the implications of these sorts of things are.
"It's a tragic story but I felt that in the circumstances we played it really well and that was the very positive thing to come out of it."
He added: "You have to keep yourself very focused on what you're doing and not listen to what other people are saying about things, otherwise it influences it."
The Sun
DEVASTATED Jack Branning is to return to his wild ways in a bid to get over the loss of his son - by bedding his ex's SISTER.
EastEnders' reformed romeo romps with ex-drug addict Rainie Cross while wife Ronnie is behind bars.
They come together for a one-night stand after Rainie (Tanya Franks) - the sister of his former girlfriend Tanya Jessop - offers grieving Jack a shoulder to cry on.
He is still in shock after learning that his baby son James is dead. Desperate wife Ronnie swapped the infant with Kat and Alfie Moon's newborn son Tommy, so Jack (Scott Maslen) had no idea that his child had died.
He also has to deal with Ronnie (Samantha Womack) being imprisoned for the baby swap.
An insider at the BBC1 soap said: "Jack's a real mess. He's lost his son and his wife. Rainie is there for him."
The storyline will hit screens from early next month.
The Sun
*Yawn* :rolleyes:
^ I think we can add Vanessa and Roxy to his bed list also I seen on another board they also make their way into his bed
Please give the man a decent storyline.
EastEnders star Scott Maslen has claimed that Jack and Ronnie's relationship is strong enough to survive their recent devastating experience.
The actor's alter ego discovered the shocking truth about his baby son James last month as Ronnie finally confessed that she swapped him with Kat Moon's newborn child on New Year's Eve after losing him to cot death.
Although Jack is currently keeping his distance from his jailed wife, Maslen told Inside Soap that the businessman could soon decide to build bridges with her.
Maslen explained: "There is this unbreakable bond between them. Would Scott Maslen forgive? I don't know, but Jack would. Jack loves Ronnie that much.
"He'd want to sort things out because they're married, and they promised to be together and work through things."
The 39-year-old also reflected on the controversy which surrounded the baby swap plot after it began in January, insisting that he never had any doubts about the story.
"I trust what they do here - you've got to," he commented. "The BBC is renowned for its stringent policy when addressing issues and I didn't doubt our producers for a minute. I believe in what they do.
"Through adversity comes strong stuff. The bosses listened to the complaints which were voiced in the media and by the public, and changed things accordingly. In the end, I'm happy with what we've produced - and on the plus side, maybe now people will finally stop coming up to me in the street and telling me, 'That baby ain't yours!'"
Earlier today, it was revealed that the baby plotline has been nominated for the 'Best Storyline' prize at this year's British Soap Awards.
Samantha Womack has hinted that there could be a long road ahead before her EastEnders character Ronnie Branning is forgiven by husband Jack.
The pair's relationship comes back to the forefront of the BBC soap in next week's episodes as Ronnie returns to the Square after being released from prison.
Although Ronnie keeps a low profile by going to stay with sister Roxy, viewers will soon see Jack confront his troubled wife over the baby swap and his sadness over their late son James.
Speaking to Inside Soap about the row, Womack explained: "Ronnie tries to apologise for everything. But Jack says he'll never be able to forgive her for not giving him the chance to say goodbye to his son. Later on, Jack asks her once again to try to explain the reasons why she took the baby that night."
Following a heart-to-heart in which Ronnie finally speaks candidly about her decision to steal Kat Moon's child, Jack invites Ronnie to come home. However, Womack warned that even this is not a sign of forgiveness.
"The pair of them have a lot to sort out. Even though Jack has told Ronnie to come home, it doesn't mean that he's forgiven her," she said. "And Ronnie still believes that she should be punished for her actions. Although she loves Jack deeply, she feels they can never really get over this."
Womack will soon be leaving EastEnders before joining a touring production of the musical South Pacific.
Put a blond wig on Phil and hey presto a new Mitchell for Jack this couple could rival ChryedQuote:
Originally Posted by Dutchgirl