30 Facts About Sharongate

What is Sharongate?

Sharongate is one of the most memorable storylines from the British soap opera "EastEnders." It revolves around the dramatic love triangle involving Sharon Watts, Grant Mitchell, and Phil Mitchell. This storyline captivated audiences and became a defining moment in the show's history.

1. Sharongate aired in 1994 and quickly became one of the most talked-about storylines on British television.

2. The central character, Sharon Watts, was portrayed by actress Letitia Dean.

3. Grant Mitchell, one of Sharon's love interests, was played by Ross Kemp.

4. Phil Mitchell, Grant's brother and Sharon's other love interest, was portrayed by Steve McFadden.

5. The storyline's climax occurred when Grant discovered Sharon's affair with Phil, leading to explosive confrontations.

The Impact of Sharongate

Sharongate had a significant impact on both the characters involved and the show's audience. It brought intense drama and emotional scenes that left viewers on the edge of their seats.

6. The episode where Grant finds out about the affair attracted over 25 million viewers, making it one of the highest-rated episodes in "EastEnders" history.

7. Sharongate boosted the popularity of the characters involved, especially Sharon, Grant, and Phil.

8. The storyline won several awards, including the National Television Award for Most Popular Serial Drama.

9. Sharongate's success led to increased media coverage and discussions about the show.

10. The storyline is often cited as one of the best in the history of British soap operas.

Behind the Scenes of Sharongate

Creating such a memorable storyline required careful planning and execution. The actors and writers worked hard to bring the drama to life.

11. The writers spent months developing the Sharongate storyline to ensure it had maximum impact.

12. Letitia Dean (Sharon) and Steve McFadden (Phil) had to keep their affair a secret from the rest of the cast to maintain the element of surprise.

13. The confrontation scenes between Grant, Sharon, and Phil were filmed over several days to capture the intense emotions.

14. Ross Kemp (Grant) had to perform several physically demanding scenes, including smashing up the Queen Vic pub.

15. The actors received praise for their performances, with many considering it some of their best work on the show.

The Legacy of Sharongate

Even years after it aired, Sharongate remains a significant part of "EastEnders" history. It continues to influence storylines and characters in the show.

16. Sharongate's impact is still felt in "EastEnders" today, with references to the storyline appearing in later episodes.

17. The love triangle between Sharon, Grant, and Phil set a precedent for future dramatic storylines in the show.

18. Fans often revisit Sharongate episodes, and they are frequently included in "EastEnders" retrospectives.

19. The storyline inspired similar plots in other soap operas, both in the UK and internationally.

20. Sharongate's success demonstrated the power of well-crafted drama in engaging audiences.

Fun Facts About Sharongate

There are many interesting tidbits and lesser-known facts about Sharongate that fans might find intriguing.

21. The nickname "Sharongate" is a play on the Watergate scandal, highlighting the storyline's dramatic nature.

22. Letitia Dean received fan mail from viewers who were both supportive and critical of Sharon's actions.

23. The Queen Vic pub set had to be repaired multiple times due to the damage caused during the confrontation scenes.

24. Sharongate's popularity led to increased merchandise sales, including posters and DVDs featuring the storyline.

25. The storyline was parodied in various comedy shows, showcasing its cultural impact.

Sharongate's Place in Pop Culture

Sharongate has transcended its origins in "EastEnders" to become a part of British pop culture. Its influence can be seen in various forms of media and entertainment.

26. Sharongate references have appeared in other TV shows, movies, and even music videos.

27. The storyline has been discussed in academic studies on television and media, highlighting its significance.

28. Sharongate memes and gifs are popular on social media, keeping the storyline alive in the digital age.

29. The storyline has been included in documentaries about "EastEnders" and British television history.

30. Sharongate's legacy continues to inspire new generations of "EastEnders" fans and creators.

The Legacy of Sharongate

Sharongate remains one of the most iconic storylines in British soap opera history. The explosive reveal of Sharon's affair with Phil Mitchell captivated millions, leaving a lasting impact on EastEnders fans. This storyline not only boosted the show's ratings but also cemented the Mitchell brothers as central figures in the series.

The drama and tension of Sharongate showcased the power of well-crafted storytelling in television. It highlighted the complexities of relationships and the consequences of secrets. Even years later, fans still discuss and reference this pivotal moment, proving its enduring legacy.

Sharongate's success lies in its ability to blend emotional depth with high-stakes drama, making it a benchmark for future soap opera plots. Its influence can be seen in many subsequent storylines, both within EastEnders and beyond.