No Five Times For Enders

The BBC has ruled out broadcasting EastEnders five times a week - because it wants to keep its schedules "distinctive".

The Corporation was considering adding to the current four episodes a week.

On Wednesday, EastEnders, one of BBC1's highest-rated programmes, beat Coronation Street to win best soap at the National Television Awards.

In a speech to the Royal Television Society, Sir Michael Lyons said the BBC needed to innovate.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "EastEnders is a fantastic jewel in the BBC1 crown and is much loved by BBC audiences, as demonstrated by its success at the National Television Awards."

"However, in addition to continuing dramas, we are focusing new investment on a range of high-impact, distinctive drama series of wide appeal, from classics such as this autumn's new five-part drama serial Cranford Chronicles, starring Judi Dench, to modern drama that captures the imagination of audiences, such as Life On Mars, Doctor Who and Spooks."

EastEnders was first broadcast on BBC1 in 1985 and was originally screened as two half-hour episodes a week.

It increased to three episodes in 1994 and four in 2001.