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Actor Jake Wood who portrays Max Branning in the soap Ian West/PA Archive/PA Images

Complaints over pre-watershed swearing on Eastenders

The programme’s Carol Jackson called her brother Max Branning a ‘bastard’.

USE OF THE word ‘bastard’ drew in almost 30 complaints from Eastenders viewers yesterday evening.

The programme saw Carol Jackson, played by actress Lindsey Coulson, use the term when speaking to her brother Max Branning.

The offending incident took place at 7.58pm, more than an hour before the 9pm watershed, after which more adult content is allowed to be shown.

Ofcom has said that in total they have received 29 complaints relating to the incident and will now take time to assess whether or not an investigation into it should take place.

According to the Mirror, in a Tweet that has subsequently been deleted, the show’s writer Darren Little apologised to anyone that might have been upset, saying that it had been the “first time in a soap I’ve been allowed to write that word”.

The use of the language provoked a strong reaction on Twitter, with some expressing concern that there might have been children watching, while others saw the funny side of things.

It was also noted that in a similar incident, Max’s wife Tanya Branning, played by actress Jo Joyner, had also called him a bastard during an episode broadcast in 2009.

Read: Eastenders featured two characters having sex next to a dead body, and viewers aren’t happy

Also: Eastenders’ Kat and Alfie to star in spin-off … set in Ireland

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    Mute Kevin Dobson
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    Dec 19th 2013, 9:12 PM

    Do you know what else happened today? Very strong GDP and GNP figures for the country were released. But God forbid good news would be prominently featured. Not when there’s a Bondholder non-story that can be rolled out to placate the naysayers and Shinners. Not a mention…

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    Mute Griffosaurus
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    Dec 19th 2013, 9:27 PM

    Ex imf chief says burdening the people with unguaranteed bonds was unfair. . . And he realises this after he finished in his position….. what a stoook!

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    Mute Tom Baxter
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    Dec 19th 2013, 9:52 PM

    wonder will Mr Shatter fly out to visit his troops in Syria :o

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    Mute Shane Scott
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    Dec 20th 2013, 12:12 AM

    When one considers Irish politicians, their attitudes, the things they say and do/have said and done… The totality of it all… One cannot help but wonder are the Irish people stupid …

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    Mute Terry O'Dowd
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    Dec 19th 2013, 9:09 PM

    “Everybody’s talking about goings-on at St Vincent’s Hospital, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan and the IMF on the bondholders…”

    What about Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan and the IMF on the bondholders?

    Oxford comma, woman.

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    Mute George Tómas Bradán
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    Dec 19th 2013, 11:11 PM

    can we have our money back i m f

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    Mute Bandy Wagon
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    Dec 19th 2013, 9:24 PM

    Deadly day

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