Eastenders on Brighton Beach

The Argus published a great story about EastEnders on this day in 1998, or rather a story with a great intro, as follows: ‘Millions of viewers saw George go on the run recently after a series of ding-dongs with hot-tempered Peggy in the top soap - he fled to New Zealand. But George, played by Brighton-based actor Paul Moriarty, is more down the road than down under. Paul has swapped sleaze for seaside as he enjoys his screen break from the series and has been spending more time with his family at home in Saltdean.’

Paul Moriarty, known for his role as the shady club owner George Palmer in EastEnders, may have left the Square for screen reasons - but in real life, he’d simply gone local - the Argus reported. A Saltdean resident, Moriarty enjoyed the calmer rhythms of Brighton life while taking a break from his acting career. It was a neat contrast to the criminal undertones of George’s story arc, which ended with a hasty fictional flight to New Zealand after falling out with Peggy Mitchell.

Brighton Beach itself has been the dramatic backdrop for several EastEnders episodes across the years - most notably a special set of episodes in November 1999. The storyline followed a group of Walford residents - including Ricky and Janine Butcher, Melanie Healy, Mick McFarlane, Sam Mitchell, Mark Fowler, and Fred Fonseca - on a weekend trip to the seaside. The episodes featured a mix of drama, personal revelations, and emotional turning points set against Brighton’s iconic backdrops such as the Palace Pier and seafront.

Key plotlines included Janine’s near-drowning after a night of heavy drinking (film still taken from Youtube), Melanie sharing a kiss with Steve Owen while doubting her engagement to Ian Beale, and Fred Fonseca attempting to come out as gay to his friend Mick. Meanwhile, Beppe di Marco misinterpreted a situation between Sam and Ricky, leading to emotional fallout. (NB: This publicity photograph is available for purchase at Alamy.)