EastEnders fans were left amazed when the soap paid tribute to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child – just 24 hours after the birth was announced.
Soaps can very rarely react to recent events as scenes are filmed months in advance.
However, in an amusing segment shown last night (Tuesday 24 April), the Carters were seen talking about the brand new baby.
Kensington Palace confirmed on Monday (23 April) that Kate Middleton had given birth to a healthy baby boy at St Mary’s Hospital in London after a short labour.
Read more: EastEnders fans ‘shocked’ and ‘excited’ by Max Branning’s bombshell news
And the EastEnders team decided to slip in a hastily-recorded scene to commemorate the royal baby’s arrival.
After all, Linda is a huge Royal fan… Her Lady Diana mug is one of her most treasured possessions, and she even named her pet pooch after the princess.
In the scene, a delighted Linda bored Shirley to tears talking about the new addition, saying: “Eight pounds and seven ounces. I mean, that is a very healthy weight, isn’t it? If he’s got his daddy’s smile and his mummy’s hair, he’s going to be perfect.”
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Dewy-eyed, she continued: “Makes me want to cry. Diana, a grandma again. All that joy she’s missing out on!”
After Shirley blasted “Linda, why are you even talking to me about it? I don’t care”, Mick was forced to feign interest in the happy event instead.
Fans conjoined on Twitter to give credit to the soap for honouring the event.
One said: Linda mentioned the new Prince!! WELL DONE ENDERS YOUR COUNTRY THANKS YOU.”
Another said: “Only watching EastEnders for my Linda Carter royal baby reference and as ever she didn’t disappoint, that’s my gal.”
A third said: “never mind rainie coming back, how did they film that first scene where Linda’s talking about the royal baby if it was only born yesterday.”
https://twitter.com/Fluffadelic/status/988848395606478848
linda mentioning the royal baby and princess diana, love it x #EastEnders
— orla // jc (@love_kellieb) April 24, 2018
Only watching EastEnders for my Linda Carter royal baby reference and as ever she didn’t disappoint, that’s my gal
— katie (@Kaaaaatie_x) April 24, 2018
ROYAL BABY KLAXON. #EastEnders
— Mr Hits (@darrenjl) April 24, 2018
Linda mentioned the new Prince!! #EastEnders WELL DONE ENDERS YOUR COUNTRY THANKS YOU. pic.twitter.com/wpqWSnFFxa
— Jo Russell 😇📻 (@JoRussell_FM) April 24, 2018
https://twitter.com/WhyThatFangirl/status/988848380846706688
never mind rainie coming back, how did they film that first scene where Linda’s talking about the royal baby if it was only born yesterday #eastenders
— holly (@hollyygale) April 24, 2018
#EastEnders delivers another topical insert with Linda chatting about the #RoyalBaby pic.twitter.com/CdyUWl9qll
— Ryan Love (@RyanJL) April 24, 2018
It’s not the first time the BBC1 soap has included topical news.
Last year, they managed to add a scene referencing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement the same day it happened. And the results of the Grant National also made the cut.
Previous scenes have included Mick, Linda and Johnny talking about the Brexit vote.
There’s currently no word on whether the Duke and Duchess made time to catch the episode… But we’d like to think they did.
Do you think it’s important to include current events? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!