A look at the behind-the-scenes struggles of Eldorado, the BBC's attempt to create a Spanish-set soap opera to rival the success of EastEnders. Explore the challenges faced by the production team, including script inconsistencies, casting dilemmas, and a changing narrative direction, ultimately leading to the show's demise.
The BBC 's ambitious attempt to replicate the success of EastEnders with a sun-soaked soap opera set in Spain, Eldorado , was plagued with challenges from the outset. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the project, a combination of factors, including script inconsistencies, questionable casting choices, and a shifting narrative direction, ultimately led to the show's downfall.
Julia Smith, the producer known for her knack for discovering talent, assembled a cast of unknowns alongside seasoned actors, hoping to capture the magic of EastEnders. The remote Spanish location, a meticulously crafted village built from scratch at a considerable cost, was intended to be the backdrop for a captivating saga of British expats navigating life abroad. However, the creative vision soon encountered turbulence. Scriptwriter Tony Jordan, brought in for his EastEnders experience, expressed concerns about the influx of non-British characters, which he felt disrupted the original premise of a British community striving to survive in a foreign land. The changing landscape of Europe in the early 1990s, with its newfound openness and interconnectedness, prompted the BBC to push for a more inclusive narrative, introducing diverse nationalities into the mix. While this seemingly innocuous change proved to be a point of contention for Jordan and others involved, it ultimately reflected the shifting societal norms of the time. The introduction of Danish, French, and other European families added a layer of complexity to the plot, often sidelining the initial focus on the British characters and their struggles. Further compounding the issues were the performances themselves. Jordan recalled a particularly jarring scene involving Bunny Charlson, a middle-aged man newly married to a teenage girl named Fizz, and their interactions with a local handyman. The scene, he claimed, lacked the nuance and emotional depth required, leaving him with a sense of profound disappointment. Despite the valiant efforts of the production team, including Smith's commitment to casting fresh talent and the creation of an immersive Spanish setting, Eldorado ultimately failed to capture the magic that had made EastEnders such a global phenomenon. The show's ambitious premise was ultimately undermined by internal conflicts, questionable creative decisions, and a cast that struggled to find its footing.
ELDORADO BBC SOAP OPERA SPAIN CASTING SCRIPTWRITER PRODUCTION EASTENDERS
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