EastEnders to be broadcast in HD on Christmas Day

Image caption, The EastEnders Christmas episode is traditionally packed with drama

大象传媒 One show EastEnders will be broadcast in high definition for the first time on Christmas Day, the corporation has announced.

The soap will join other shows such as Doctor Who and Top Gear which are already being shown in the HD format.

EastEnders executive producer Bryan Kirdwood said the show would be "even more spectacular" in HD.

The 大象传媒 One HD channel will be launched on 3 November, which will simulcast the 大象传媒 One schedule.

The majority of popular shows including The Apprentice, Strictly Come Dancing, Children in Need, Antiques Roadshow and Countryfile will be shown in HD.

Shows which are not made in HD - including EastEnders up until Christmas Day - will still be shown on 大象传媒 One HD, but will be upscaled.

Upscaling does not offer the same picture quality as HD.

Jana Bennett, head of 大象传媒 Vision, said: "Whether it is seeing the flicker of irritation on Lord Sugar's face in a boardroom showdown or watching the beads of sweat fly from the dancers on Strictly, 大象传媒 One HD is the biggest sign yet that HD viewing is now part of the mainstream."