EastEnders viewers feelings were split during last night's episode (Wednesday, October 12) after the soap aired a new take of the iconic EastEnders map to promote the final episode of Frozen Planet II.
The image aired after the end credits, which showed the soap's map of London flooded to show the River Thames bursting its banks, with parts of the city plunged underwater. This was to show a hypothetical scenario of what some parts of London could potentially look like in the future if the effects of climate change continue and sea levels keep rising.
The transformed credits then zoomed out to show a satellite image of the Arctic, with Sir David Attenborough highlighting the issue that melting ice could one day impact us all close to home.
Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, said: “Over the course of Frozen Planet II, we have encountered some of the world’s most remarkable animals and discovered some of the challenges they face due to a warming climate.
"As we get ready for the final episode of the series, I hope this striking image will remind viewers that what happens in the coldest parts of the world directly impacts us here in the UK.”
If you missed out on seeing the one-off special, you can watch it in the clip below...
🌍 Great creative idea to grab attention. Special version of #EastEnders endboard - transiting into a trail for this Sunday’s #FrozenPlanetII, highlighting the impact of #globalwarming. Via @cleanfeed_ttvr #climatecrisis #climateemergency #climatechange #FrozenPlanet2 pic.twitter.com/zBpPVlkPI6October 13, 2022
However, EastEnders fans were divided over this one-off special twist, with some rather disappointed at the anticlimactic wait for the end credits and one even saying that they thought it would be the soap's Christmas trailer...
@bbceastenders is that it! The final episode of Frozen Planet II!! I was expecting a Christmas trailer! #eastenders #anticlimaxOctober 12, 2022
OMG is that it?! That #FrozenPlanetII thing wasn't worth waiting for! #EastEndersOctober 12, 2022
So it was just an advert for frozen planet…#EastEndersOctober 12, 2022
On the other hand, some viewers liked it and thought it was a clever way to highlight the issue of climate change and spread the important message...
The end credits of @bbceastenders advertising frozen planet 2, loved that shot of the Thames leaking in to the city #eastendersOctober 12, 2022
Okay that was cool as an ending to warn people and spread a message #EastEnders #FrozenPlanetIIOctober 12, 2022
Clever segue between #eastenders and the promo for #FrozenPlanetII 🗺October 12, 2022
EastEnders continues tonight at 7:30pm on BBC One.
The final episode of Frozen Planet II will air on Sunday October, 16 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
