The EastEnders theme tune, composed by Simon May, is one of the most famous pieces of music ever written in Britain.
Interestingly, a 2008 PRS for Music poll actually found that this tune was more likely to get stuck in your head than the national anthem.
In 1984, Julia Smith and Tony Holland asked May to compose a theme tune. He initially created something darker to match the show’s realistic and tough tone, but it was rejected. They decided on a more welcoming and accessible tune that would appeal to a wider audience, even those just relaxing at home.
He also created a piece of music called “Julia’s Theme” – a tribute to Smith – that could replace the usual drum outro at the end of an episode. It’s built around several gradual piano swells, designed so it can be faded out at any point.
The iconic musical cue is now instantly associated with the most moving and memorable scenes from the BBC soap opera’s four decades on air, and viewers frequently guess which scene will be highlighted with it next.
In this episode, TopMob revisits the history of Julia’s Theme, recalling all 76 of its appearances in the soap opera, as well as the various alternate versions that have been played.
Every time EastEnders has used Julia’s Theme…
1. Ian cries to grandmother Lou Beale (1985)
The initial use of Julia’s Theme is meant to enhance the emotional impact of a tender scene between teenage Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and his strong-willed grandmother, Lou Beale (Anna Wing). It’s fitting that Ian is the first character associated with the theme, considering he’s been on the show the longest.
2. Sue Osman breaks down to her husband Ali after the death of their son (1985)
Sue Ratcliff and Ali Osman were devastated to learn of the sudden and tragic death of their infant son, Hassan, from SIDS.
3. Sue Osman holds baby Annie Smith (1985)
Still grieving the loss of her baby, Hassan, Sue gently holds Annie, the daughter of Mary Smith, also known as ‘The Punk’ (played by Linda Davidson).
4. Den Watts and Michelle Fowler hide the paternity of her unborn baby (1985)
One of the earliest big storylines on EastEnders revolved around who was the father of Michelle Fowler’s baby. While a pub landlord having a baby with a teenage friend of his daughter would be considered very shocking now, in 1985, the show’s creators thought it deserved dramatic, emotional music – specifically, the theme tune known as Julia’s Theme.
I’ll never forget when Den and Michelle first really clicked! It was down by the canal, and when Roly the dog showed up, everyone watching knew for sure – Den Watts was Michelle’s secret boyfriend. It was such a classic moment!
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
5. Pauline Fowler has a heart-to-heart with son Mark on Southend Beach (1985)
Pauline and her son, Mark Fowler, share a heartfelt reunion on the beach at Southend, Essex, after Mark returns following a long time away from their home in Walford.
6. Lofty Holloway asks Michelle Fowler to marry him (1986)
Michelle’s saga continues as barman Lofty Holloway (Tom Watt) pops the question to her.
7. Michelle Fowler agrees to marry Lofty Holloway (1986)
After a difficult journey, Michelle decided to marry the kind-hearted Lofty Holloway, hoping to build a peaceful family life.
8. Lofty Holloway and Michelle Fowler share a kiss (1986)
Perhaps by this point, Julia’s Theme should’ve been renamed Michelle’s Theme.
9. Sue Osman tells Michelle Fowler that she’s had a false pregnancy (1986)
Sue shared heartbreaking news with Michelle: she believed she was pregnant, but sadly discovered it wasn’t true. This adds another layer of pain to her already challenging experiences with trying to become a mother.
10. Den Watts wishes Michelle Fowler good luck for her wedding the next day (1986)
As with many soap opera weddings, things didn’t go smoothly. Den had a quick fling with Michelle right before the wedding, which caused Michelle to leave Lofty heartbroken at the altar the next day.
11. Arthur Fowler returns from prison (1987)
After stealing from a local charity and experiencing a mental health crisis, Arthur (Bill Treacher) was imprisoned but eventually returned home to his family.
12. Dot Cotton and Ethel Skinner reminisce about the war (1987)
In this special episode, the elderly residents of Walford share memories of their vastly different lives during wartime Britain while looking after baby Vicki.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
13. Magda Czajkowski asks Simon Wicks to move in with her (1987)
Magda, a lively caterer played by Kathryn Apanowicz, quickly fell for the charming Wicksy (Nick Berry) and invited him to live with her, though their relationship sadly wouldn’t last.
14. Arthur Fowler turns down Christine Hewitt… but kisses her goodbye (1992)
Arthur made a mistake by having an affair with his gardener, Elizabeth Power, also known as Mrs. Hewitt.
15. Mark Fowler takes Mandy Salter back to his family home for Christmas dinner (1992)
The 1992 Christmas Day episode concluded with a heartwarming scene: Mark (played by Todd Carty) brought the troubled teenager Mandy Salter (Nicola Stapleton) back to the bustling and cheerful Christmas celebrations at the Fowler family home.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
16. Pauline Fowler and Pat Butcher have a heart-to-heart after Pat ran over and killed a girl (1993)
Pat, played by Pam St Clement, had a difficult Christmas after causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence. She accidentally killed a young woman named Stephanie and later confided in her ex-sister-in-law, Pauline, about what happened.
17. Nigel Bates tells stepdaughter Clare that her mother Debbie has died (1995)
One of the most emotionally powerful moments in EastEnders history shows Nigel (Paul Bradley) gently telling his stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) that her mother, Debbie, has died in a car crash. Clare is devastated and breaks down in his arms while they sit on a park bench.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
18. Pauline Fowler walks away from husband Arthur’s grave after his funeral (1996)
The Fowler family is mourning the loss of their father, Arthur, who tragically died from a brain injury suffered during a prison riot. Recently, Ian Beale shared with Bea Pollard the story behind the bench dedicated to Arthur in the Square Gardens.
19. Cindy Beale flees with her sons Steven and Peter (1996)
Cindy Beale, after a difficult marriage to Ian and several affairs, ran away from the UK with the help of her lovers, David Wicks and Barry Evans. She had to make the heartbreaking decision to leave her daughter, Lucy, behind as she escaped to start a new life in Italy by train.
20. Grant, Courtney and Peggy Mitchell scatter Tiffany’s ashes (1999)
Grant and Peggy Mitchell travel to Peacehaven on the Sussex coast with baby Courtney to say goodbye to Tiffany, who tragically died in a car accident on New Year’s Eve.
21. Bianca Butcher tearfully departs Walford for Manchester with son Liam Butcher (1999)
While Bianca and Liam’s departures were happening, the show shifted its focus to Ricky Butcher, who was left to cope with losing his wife and son.
22. Frank and Peggy Butcher vow to fight Dan Sullivan for the Queen Vic (2000)
Okay, so Peggy’s really in a tough spot. Her son, Phil, has cost her a big chunk of ownership in the Queen Vic, but she’s not going down without a fight! She and her husband, Frank, are gearing up to battle it out with this ruthless guy, Dan Sullivan, who’s trying to take control. It’s a classic underdog story, and honestly, I’m rooting for Peggy – she’s a force to be reckoned with!
23. Sonia Jackson breaks down after giving her child Chloe up for adoption (2000)
Luckily, Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) was able to reconnect with Chloe, who was now going by Rebecca, within a few months. She eventually gained full custody of her in 2005.
24. Roy and Pat Evans reconcile (2001)
Pat finally repaired her relationship with her husband, Roy (Tony Caunter), after the emotional fallout from her affair and lasting feelings for her ex-husband, Frank Butcher.
25. Ian Beale and Laura Dunn marry (2001)
Ian’s previous two marriages to Cindy and Mel hadn’t worked out, so this was his third attempt at finding happiness. Unfortunately, this marriage also faced difficulties. Tragically, just two months after divorcing her husband, Laura accidentally fell down the stairs – tripping over a toy left by her son Bobby – and died.
26. Jim Branning proposes to Dot Cotton (2001)
Jim Branning proposed to Dot Cotton while they were at the top of the London Eye, with a stunning view of the city. She was surprised, but happily accepted his proposal.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
27. Peggy Mitchell says goodbye to Frank Butcher in Spain (2002)
Frank apologized to Peggy and expressed remorse about how their relationship had ended, asking for another chance. However, Peggy felt too much had happened for them to ever get back together.
28. Sonia Jackson and Jamie Mitchell break up (2002)
Sonia and Jamie (Jack Ryder) had a very difficult relationship in Walford, marked by frequent arguments and Jamie’s affair with Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan). They broke up, but their story wasn’t over.
29. Dr Anthony Trueman proposes to Zoe Slater (2002)
We wish we could have warned Zoe about what was to come. Twenty-three years later, their daughter, Jasmine (Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness), fatally struck Anthony (Nicholas Bailey) with a salt lamp, leading to Zoe’s short time in prison for the crime.
30. Little Mo Morgan returns from prison (2002)
After spending time in prison for seriously injuring her abusive husband, Trevor Morgan (Alex Ferns), Little Mo (Kacey Ainsworth) finally returned to Walford, but she was deeply changed by her experiences.
31. Pauline and Martin Fowler return home after the departure of Mark (2003)
Mark heartbreakingly told his mother, Pauline, to let him go, revealing his HIV medication wasn’t helping and that they wouldn’t see each other again. Shortly after, residents of Albert Square learned of his death from complications related to AIDS.
32. Alfie Moon and Kat Slater walk away together after she jilts Andy Hunter at the altar (2003)
Honestly, as a long-time viewer, that Kat and Alfie storyline was just classic EastEnders! After Kat left Andy Hunter at the altar – can you believe it? – she finally ran off with Alfie. It was such a relief to see them together, finally admitting their feelings and just walking off into the sunset, or, well, down the road, together. A truly iconic moment!
33. Zoe Slater leaves Walford for Ibiza (2005)
It’s been tough for Zoe, especially after everything that happened with Den. I was really hoping for a happy ending for her, but it wasn’t quite what anyone expected! She actually reconnected with Anthony away from the show and they had twins. It was heartbreaking to learn she thought her little girl hadn’t made it through the birth, and she felt like her son would be better off if she wasn’t around. She left a keyring from her Ibiza days at the hospital and just… left. It was such a sad way to see her go.
34. Stacey Slater returns to Walford after her mother Jean’s suicide attempt (2005)
Soon after Stacey arrived in Walford, viewers saw the difficult relationship between her and her mother, Jean, who was battling bipolar disorder. Stacey came home visibly upset and looked at a picture of her brother, Sean, who was about to return after being away.
35. Nana Moon dies in Alfie’s arms (2005)
It was a heartbreaking scene for young Alfie, who was being raised by his grandmother. They were watching a robotic snowman dance when, sadly, it stopped working just as she passed away.
36. Grant and Courtney Mitchell leave Walford for a new life in Portugal (2006)
After his marriage to Carla ended and his affair with Jane Beale was revealed, Grant left Walford for Portugal with his daughter Courtney. He’s lived there ever since, marking the end of one of his longer periods back on the show.
37. Martin and Sonia Fowler leave Walford for Manchester with daughter Rebecca (2007)
Although it appeared the Fowler family was leaving for good, that change actually only meant Martin Fowler would be played by a new actor. James Alexandrou, who originally played Martin, left after seven years, and James Bye later took over the role.
38. Frank Butcher’s funeral (2008)
Walford paid tribute to Frank Butcher with a moving week of episodes, culminating in a heartfelt goodbye from his family and friends. His long-time partner, Pat Evans, was especially emotional, wearing red as she fondly remembered Frank’s last words to her: “Take care of yourself, babe.”
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
39. Garry Hobbs and Dawn Swann leave Walford on a tugboat with her daughter Summer (2009)
I always wondered where Garry and Dawn were going on that boat! It definitely didn’t seem like a trip with a happy ending. Later, when Garry briefly reappeared in 2025, he told us they’d travelled around for a bit, but ultimately went their separate ways. It was so sad to hear.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
40. Dot and Rachel Branning lay flowers on Bradley’s grave (2010)
After his tragic death during a special live episode celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary, Bradley received a touching farewell from the residents of Walford. Following the funeral, his step-grandmother Dot, and mother Rachel, paid their respects by laying flowers on his grave.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
41. A secretly pregnant Amira Masood leaves Walford after learning her husband Syed is gay (2010)
Amira (Preeya Kalidas) found herself in a terrible predicament when she discovered her husband, Syed (Marc Elliot), was having an affair with Christian Clarke (John Partridge). She desperately asked Chelsea Fox (Tiana Benjamin) not to reveal that she was pregnant.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
42. Stacey Branning holds her daughter Lily after giving birth (2010)
It was such a beautiful moment when Stacey first held Lily, her newborn daughter. I knew there was a secret though – Lily is actually Ryan Malloy’s child, but everyone thinks Bradley is the father right now. It’s a complicated situation, but seeing Stacey so happy with Lily was amazing.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
43. Syed Masood admits his feelings for Christian Clarke, and they make things official (2010)
Syed’s life had been full of ups and downs – his mother had rejected him, and he didn’t know Amira was pregnant with their child. But this was really just the start of everything that was about to happen!
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
44. Stacey Branning flees the country on a plane to Mexico with baby Lily (2010)
After a turbulent time in Walford – including being falsely accused of attempted murder by Janine Butcher and admitting to Archie Mitchell’s death – Stacey left the country to start a new life in Mexico with her daughter, Lily. Before leaving, Max Branning confessed his feelings for her one final time.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
45. Charlie Slater leaves Walford by train (2011)
It was a surprising departure – you’d expect the cab driver, played by Derek Martin, to have gone to see his daughter Lynne in his taxi.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
46. Phil Mitchell and Shirley Carter leave for their honeymoon together after deciding not to marry (2011)
Shirley and Phil surprised everyone at their wedding by announcing they weren’t going to be married after all. As they drove away, their friends and family waved goodbye, realizing it wasn’t a typical ‘just married’ send-off.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
47. Kat and Alfie Moon are reunited with son Tommy following his kidnapping by Ronnie Branning (2011)
The music perfectly matched the emotional weight of the story. After Ronnie Mitchell’s baby James tragically died of SIDS, she desperately swapped him with Tommy. Once Ronnie (played by Samantha Womack) admitted what she’d done, Kat and Alfie were happily reunited with their real son.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
48. Jane Beale leaves Walford after the end of her marriage to Ian (2011)
Following a difficult period, including Ian’s affair with Glenda Mitchell and her struggles with motherhood, Jane and Ian’s marriage fell apart, leading Jane to leave Walford to start a new life.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
49. Jim Branning moves into a care home (2011)
After actor John Bardon suffered a stroke in 2008, the show incorporated the illness into his character’s storyline. When Bardon retired, his character, Jim, moved into a care home, a poignant moment for his on-screen family.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
50. Ricky Butcher leaves Walford after a goodbye to his family (2012)
Ricky Butcher left Walford after having an affair with his ex-girlfriend, Mandy Salter. His wife, Bianca, was devastated and ultimately ended their relationship, prompting him to start a new life elsewhere.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
51. Zainab Khan departs Walford with son Kamil Masood for Pakistan (2013)
Nina Wadia’s character, Zainab, has left EastEnders after realizing her marriage to Masood couldn’t be saved. It was a sad departure for a beloved and strong character, and fans are hoping she’ll return someday!
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
52. Jean Slater leaves Albert Square to live with husband Ollie Walters in Brighton (2013)
Jean Slater found happiness and a sense of belonging in Walford, making friends and building a new life. However, she eventually left everything behind to be with a man named Ollie, who showed her kindness. Years later, she would return after things didn’t work out.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
53. David Wicks leaves Walford after his split from Carol Jackson (2014)
Their relationship, which began in childhood, fell apart after a disastrous wedding and his health scare. When he recovered, Carol (Lindsey Coulson) had already left, and she realized they were no longer meant to be together.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
54. Peter Beale and pregnant Lauren Branning leave Walford for New Zealand (2015)
Okay, so the Lucy Beale mystery finally wrapped up, and it led to a genuinely sweet ending for Peter and Lauren. Seeing them leave Walford together, heading off on the tube, felt like a real turning point. And then, the big reveal – they’re expecting a baby! Little Louie Beale is on his way. It was a lovely moment, but also a bit sad knowing it was Ben Hardy’s last time playing Peter. A good send-off, though, all things considered.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
55. Kat and Alfie Moon leave Walford with their children for a new life in Spain (2015)
This storyline led to the strange Irish series, Redwater. Current producer Ben Wadey has described it as taking place in a separate, alternate reality – quite a twist!
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
- Read More: EastEnders boss Ben Wadey reveals old spin-off Kat & Alfie: Redwater exists in “parallel universe”
56. Carol Jackson rides out of Walford (2015)
After finally beating breast cancer and going through a really tough breakup with David, poor Carol decided she needed a fresh start. I was so happy for her when I saw she was leaving Walford – riding off on a motorcycle, no less! It felt like the perfect way for her to begin a new chapter.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
57. Charlie Slater dies (2016)
Kat cried as she said goodbye to her father, Charlie, who had unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
58. Shabnam Masood leaves Walford with her daughter Jade Green (2016)
Shabnam left Walford after learning her husband, Kush, had a child with her friend Stacey. She also gained legal guardianship of her biological daughter, Jade, leaving Kush devastated.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
59. Les and Pam Coker walk home after getting justice for their murdered grandson, Paul (2016)
Lin Blakely and Roger Sloman delivered a powerfully emotional performance as the Cokers, grieving the loss of their grandson Paul. He was tragically killed in a violent, hate-fueled attack while out with his boyfriend, Ben Mitchell (played at the time by Harry Reid).
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
60. Masood Ahmed leaves Walford with son Kamil Masood bound for Pakistan (2016)
So, things just weren’t working out for Masood in Walford after his family moved away and his love life fizzled. He decided to pack it all up and head to Pakistan with Kamil, hoping for a fresh start. He promised he’d be back in a couple of years, though – I’m still holding out hope for a return!
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
61. Lauren Branning leaves Walford and boyfriend Josh Hemmings behind (2018)
After saying goodbye to Abi Branning, her sister Lauren also decided it was time for a change. Following the funeral, Lauren left Walford with her son, Louie, and ended her relationship with Josh Hemmings. Thankfully, Lauren didn’t stay away for long, and she’s become a familiar face in the Square.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
62. Dr Harold Legg dies with Dot Branning at his bedside (2019)
Dr. Legg, played by Leonard Fenton, shared a touching farewell with his friend Dot Branning before his character died in February 2019. His passing came almost 39 years after he first appeared on the show.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
63. Iconic Walford residents light memorial candles following Dr Harold Legg’s funeral (2019)
After the passing of the original doctor in Albert Square, Dot was joined by Lofty and Mary the Punk to pay their respects outside the building that used to be his doctor’s office.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
64. Max Branning leaves Walford (2021)
Max left Walford in tears after Linda Carter didn’t return his feelings, entrusting his granddaughter, Abi Branning Jr., to the care of his ex-wife, Rainie Highway, and her husband, Stuart. He later returned to Walford last year.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
65. Mick Carter and his family walk away from court following the sentencing of his abuser, Katy Lewis (2021)
A touching, yet sad, scene – set to the tune of ‘Julias’ Theme’ – allowed Mick (Danny Dyer) a chance to begin healing from the abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of Katy (Simone Lahbib).
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
66. Tiffany Butcher-Baker emotionally leaves Walford (2021)
Following her divorce from Keegan (Zack Morris), a heartbroken Tiff (Maisie Smith) chose to start a new life away from Walford. She moved to Germany with her brother, Liam (Alfie Deegan), to live with their father, Ricky.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
67. Keegan and Tiffany Butcher-Baker leave Walford for Germany after reconciling (2022)
Did this couple’s fresh start deserve a famously emotional song? Julia’s Theme, known for its tear-jerking quality, was only played once in 2022 – and this was the moment.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
68. The sun rises on Walford after the death of Lola Pearce-Brown (2023)
Lola Pearce-Brown’s heartbreaking story recently came to an end after her battle with a brain tumor. In a moving visual, a fox – symbolizing Lola and played by Danielle Harold – was shown walking through the East End’s Walford as the sun came up, marking her peaceful passing.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
69. Karen Taylor flees Walford with Mitch and Bailey Baker, Mia and Mackenzie Atkins (2023)
Although it appeared Karen (Lorraine Stanley) had left Albert Square for good, she surprisingly returned just a few months later after learning of her son Keanu’s death. And we’re not going to question how she transported her daughter Chantelle’s memorial tree on a plane.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
70. Whitney Dean leaves Walford behind with her children (2024)
After fifteen years of emotional turmoil, Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) left Walford with her baby daughter, Dolly, and foster daughter, Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell), following a dramatic breakup with her unfaithful fiancé, Zack Hudson (James Farrar), right at their wedding. The way she left echoed her first arrival in Walford, with Britney even wearing a similar outfit to the one she wore then.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
71. Suki and Eve Panesar-Unwin bask in Nish Panesar’s demise as they lie in hospital (2025)
After a difficult period, Sukeve (Balvinder Sopal and Heather Peace), the couple at the heart of the BBC soap opera, were finally able to celebrate their wedding happily following the death of Nish, which brought their troubles to an end.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
72. Martin Fowler dies in the arms of Stacey Slater (2025)
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EastEnders marked its 40th anniversary with a dramatic week culminating in the death of Martin Fowler. He died after being injured while rescuing his ex-wife, Stacey Slater, during an explosion at the Queen Victoria pub.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
73. Phil Mitchell returns home with his loved ones after a stay in a mental health unit (2025)
After a difficult period, Phil found peace while visiting his parents’ graves, accompanied by his close friends Nigel and Billy (played by Perry Fenwick), friend Linda, and granddaughter Lexi (Isabella Brown).
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
74. Martin Fowler is laid to rest (2025)
Friends and family gathered for a moving funeral to say goodbye to Walford resident Martin Fowler, leaving Stacey and many others heartbroken.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
75. Sonia Fowler and Bianca Jackson leave Walford for Bali with Bex and Julia Fowler (2025)
Sonia’s departure was unforgettable! She played a final trumpet solo as she and Bianca left Walford by boat, heading for Bali.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
76. Nigel Bates passes away (2026)
Nigel Bates passed away in the hospital after a challenging battle with young-onset dementia. His wife, Julie (played by Karen Henthorn), and close friend Phil shared a moment of grief and embraced each other following his death.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
Alternative EastEnders Themes
Kathy’s Theme (1998)
In April 1998, a slightly jazzy version of the theme song – similar to one first used five years prior – played as Kathy Mitchell relocated to South Africa.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
The Bates family’s story concluded later that month, leaving fans unsure if they’d ever see the characters again. However, Clare returned ten years later, and more recently, Paul Bradley and Karen Henthorn have revisited their roles as Nigel and Julie.
‘Kathy’s Theme’, as the music has been affectionately dubbed, was used in this instance too.
Peggy’s Theme (2010-)
Peggy Mitchell’s departure from the show in 2010 was marked by a special piece of music composed by Simon May, a fitting tribute to such a beloved character.
As she glanced back at her favorite pub, Queen Victoria, the music wouldn’t fade away completely – we’d hear it again.
Sometimes, this music has been used instead of Julia’s Theme, for example after Ronnie Mitchell went to prison, before the fireworks at the show’s 30th anniversary live broadcast, and when Peggy Mitchell left for good in 2016.
Pat’s Theme (2012)
A gentler, more serious version of the music played during Pat Evans’ last appearance on the show, which aired on January 1st, 2012.
It was accompanied by the screen fading to black and was also released commercially by Simon May.
Jubilee Theme (2022)
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2022 was a memorable year for the BBC soap opera. It coincided with celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, and the show received a royal visit from Prince Charles, now King Charles III, and his wife, Camilla, Queen Consort.
Dot’s Theme (2022)
This theme was created as a tribute to June Brown, the actress who played Dot Branning, following her death and the character’s departure from the show.
You can watch this episode on BBC iPlayer here.
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Authors
As a total film and TV buff, I’m always fascinated by the people behind the scenes, and I recently learned about Lewis, the News and Trends Editor at TopMob. He’s basically the one who keeps them on top of what’s happening and makes sure they’re delivering content people actually want. And get this – he really loves Nicole Kidman! Beyond that, he’s into sci-fi, independent films, and whatever gripping drama HBO is putting out. His background is interesting too – he studied Psychology and then got a Masters in Film Studies. Before TopMob, he spent three years at The Mirror, handling everything from community engagement and SEO to covering showbiz, film, and television. It’s clear he knows his stuff!
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Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at TopMob, providing the latest news and spoilers for popular shows like Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders, and Hollyoaks. Before joining TopMob, he worked as a Soaps Reporter at Metro for two years and also gained on-set experience with both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
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2026-04-29 21:45