Soap fans electrified by Watts
Den and Angie Watts's festive showdown on EastEnders was today named the most memorable Christmas TV soap moment.
Den, played by Leslie Grantham, presented his wife (Anita Dobson) with divorce papers in the gripping episode screened in 1986.
It was way ahead of nearest rival Coronation Street's 2002 edition in the poll for NTL Home Digital TV.
TV bosses often roll out their most dramatic storylines to catch the Christmas ratings, but the poll showed that even 17 years on, 29% of the 2,335 voters reckoned the Watts's were still electrifying.
Corrie's runner-up was serial killer Richard Hillman's failed attempt to smother Emily in her sleep.
Leigh Bennett, director of TV at NTL Home, said: "This year's Christmas ratings battle looks set to be as fierce as ever, but the real test for storylines is whether, like Den and Angie's divorce, they remain memorable for years to come.
"This year with EastEnders offering Alfie and Kat's wedding and Corrie equally promising Ciaran and Sunita's marriage it will be interesting to see who comes out on top."
The Top Ten Most Memorable Christmas Soap Moments:
1. Den gives Angie divorce papers on Christmas Day - EastEnders - 1986 (29%)
2. Richard Hillman attempts to smother Emily with a pillow - Coronation Street - 2002 (17%)
3. Jamie dies after being hit by a car driven by Martin Fowler - EastEnders - 2002 (15%)
4. Little Mo and Billy get married on Christmas Day - EastEnders - 2002 (9%)
5. Norris helps to deliver Emma and Curly's baby - Coronation Street - 2001 (8%)
6. Pat and Roy's Christmas Day is disturbed by Frank reappearing on their doorstep saying he has come back for Pat - EastEnders - 1995 (7%)
7. Beth Jordache and Margaret Clemences' Christmas Eve lesbian kiss - Brookside - 1993 (6%)
8. Louise Appleton comes face-to-face with her stalker - Emmerdale - 2002 (5%)
9. Deidre sleeps with Dev after he has had a row with Gina - Coronation Street - 2001 (3%)
10. Martin and Rebecca begin an affair at the hospital - Coronation Street - 1999 (1%)
