The BBC took the decision several weeks ago, when it said that the show was being taken off because it was performing poorly. The last episode aired in the US on Saturday, September 27.
In a statement, the BBC said: "We regret to inform you that BBC America is ceasing to air the UK soap 'EastEnders'. We would like to thank those loyal fans who have supported this great show from the beginning.
"Unfortunately, 'EastEnders' continued to underperform compared with the rest of our schedule. As with all US basic cable networks, our programs have to attract ratings and advertisers to maintain their position in the schedule."
More than 9,000 viewers are reported to have signed a petition to bring the show back to BBC America's schedules. A campaign to save the soap in the US is being led by the .
In an open letter to BBC America, the campaign says it hopes BBC America will think again and reconsider its decision to keep "our favourite British programme on the air".
"British television has so much more to offer and, once again, the powers that be at BBC America refuse to share this rich resource with American fans as well as British expats. 'EastEnders' has a wide audience across the US. BBC America fleetingly promoted the show at one point and then decided that this wasn't even worth the effort. How can you get positive demographics on a programme when it isn't advertised or promoted in any way? The US-based 'EastEnders' fans will not go down without having our voices heard," the letter said.
The announcement that saw the show axed came with little warning and at a crucial time in the life of the long-running British soap, as one of its best-loved characters Dennis "Dirty Den" Watts makes his dramatic return in a plot twist worthy of 'Dallas'.
Den was last seen in 1989 in a storyline that had him gunned down, with his body seen falling into a canal.
'EastEnders' is being replaced by an ITV1-made programme called 'At Home with the Braithwaites' and 'Monarch of the Glen'.
One angry viewer wrote: "I can't believe BBC America is cancelling this great programme. Do they really think people would rather watch repeats of 'Ground Force' or 'Changing Rooms'?"
Another wrote: "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the removal of 'EastEnders'. As a fan of 16 years, a supporter of public television this entire time -- strictly in support of 'EastEnders' with my pledge -- and a purchase of satellite equipment strictly for the viewing of 'EastEnders', it is criminal to find that it can be taken from us without any say. I think you will find that it will affect the performance of BBC America in the future."
Another said: "Please don't cancel 'EastEnders'! Of all the shows on BBCA, don't cancel the one that has become a must-see every week. The time slot it's in is a tough one -- Saturday afternoon (and for 2.5 hours at that)."
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