TV soap criticised for phone number blunder

EastEnders has been criticised by watchdog Ofcom after a woman received obscene phone calls when her mobile phone number was accidentally broadcast on the soap.

By The Newsroom

Published 27th Apr 2010, 12:03 BST

Updated 27th Apr 2010, 12:04 BST

Beautician Lisa Edwards's number appeared on screen last year on Ricky Butcher's (Sid Owen) telephone.

It was seen underneath a close-up of a text message sent by ex-wife Sam Mitchell (Danniella Westbrook) when she arrived in Albert Square unexpectedly after being on the run in Brazil.

The number and messages appeared on the prop phone on the September 7 episode on BBC1 last year and went out again on the BBC3 repeat.

After the broadcast, Mrs Edwards received calls asking if she was "Sam from EastEnders", while others reportedly asked for dates and sex.

Mrs Edwards received 2,800 texts after the incident.

The BBC said the number should not have been broadcast and apologised to Mrs Edwards for the error.

Ofcom Brazil