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EastEnders ratings surge after tragic death of Mitchell sisters Ronnie and Roxy

The show has seen almost 9 million viewers tune in this week following the appointment of soap boss Sean O'Connor

EASTENDERS boss Sean O’Connor has enjoyed a bumper start to New Year as the soap has earned the highest consistent ratings in over a year.

The show has seen just fewer than 9 million viewers tune in this week following the dramatic death of Mitchell sisters Roxy and Ronnie.

 EastEnders ratings have soared to new heights following the dramatic death of Mitchell sisters Ronnie and Roxie
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EastEnders ratings have soared to new heights following the dramatic death of Mitchell sisters Ronnie and Roxie

Sources at the BBC say bosses are “delighted” with the new approach as the much loved soap is back to its best.

An insider said: “Sean believes some of the stories on British soaps had become a bit far-fetched.

“But he wants everything in Albert Square to be totally believable – and that approach certainly seems to be working.”

Fans raved over the soap’s New Year’s Day episode that saw bride Ronnie Mitchell and sister Roxy drown.

The pair died in a hotel pool just hours after Ronnie’s New Year’s Day wedding to Jack Branning.

 The pair died in the episode aired on New Year's Day when they both drowned in a hotel pool
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The pair died in the episode aired on New Year's Day when they both drowned in a hotel pool
 Roxy jumped into the pool drunk and Ronnie died as she struggled in the weight of her wedding dress.
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Roxy jumped into the pool drunk and Ronnie died as she struggled in the weight of her wedding dress.

Roxy, played by Rita Simons, 39, jumped into the pool drunk and Ronnie, Samantha Womack, 44, died as she struggled in the weight of her wedding dress.

The iconic pair had planned to relocate to Essex with Roxy saying: “I’m gonna miss it. Walford, the Square. It’s the end of an era.”

BBC soap producer Sean O’Connor had promised a “dramatic ending” and fans weren’t disappointed after watching the final scene.

The sisters were left motionless in the dark and murky water floating side by side in death.

 Phil Mitchell has been on his death bed in recent episodes of the much loved soap
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Phil Mitchell has been on his death bed in recent episodes of the much loved soap
 The cast are sure to win big at this year's National Television Awards
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The cast are sure to win big at this year's National Television Awards

One Twitter user said: “The ending scene for Ronnie and Roxy’s death was sad but beautiful at the same time, really artistic #EastEnders.”

Another tweeted: “Nah EastEnders did the most with the visuals. That last shot of Roxy and Ronnie in the pool was iconic. Truly sensational. Art.”

In other scenes longstanding Albert Square favourite Phil Mitchell has been on his death bed as he continues to suffer from alcohol addiction.

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