EastEnders to Receive 2025 BAFTA Craft Award

EastEnders, the long-running BBC soap, will receive the 2025 BAFTA Television Craft Special Award in honor of its 40th anniversary and its significant impact on nurturing behind-the-scenes talent. Since 2015, the show has introduced various training schemes and partnered with industry bodies, including the BBC's Continuing New Directors' Training Scheme and the Diversity Director Training Scheme, to increase diversity and opportunity in UK television. EastEnders has been instrumental in the careers of celebrated figures like Oscar-winning director Tom Hooper, BAFTA-winning writer Sarah Phelps, and rising stars such as Nicôle Lecky and Tosin Cole. The show also pioneered the use of a carbon calculator for TV production, influencing the creation of BAFTA's Albert carbon footprint tool. The award underscores EastEnders' influence both in captivating viewers and shaping the television production landscape. The honor is set to coincide with the show's 40th anniversary.