BBC soap Eldorado is making a comeback after 32 years. Meanwhile, modern soaps like Coronation Street face cast departures, ratings dips, and financial struggles.
More than three decades after its cancellation, BBC’s Eldorado is set to return to television screens, offering soap opera fans a nostalgic treat.
The series, which originally aired in 1992 and was canceled after just one year due to low ratings, will begin reruns on UKTV’s UandDrama channel starting Monday, January 27.
A Second Chance for Eldorado
Set in the fictional Spanish town of Los Barcos, Eldorado followed the lives of affluent British expatriates enjoying the sunny Costa Eldorado.
Although the show only lasted a year, airing 156 episodes, it developed a cult following for its ambitious premise and dramatic storylines.
The original cast featured notable actors such as Jesse Birdsall (Hollyoaks), Polly Perkins (EastEnders), Derek Martin (EastEnders), and Julie Fernandez (The Office).
While no new episodes are planned, the reruns aim to introduce the series to a new generation of viewers and rekindle nostalgia among longtime fans.

The State of Modern Soaps: Coronation Street in Trouble
The return of Eldorado comes as modern soaps like Coronation Street struggle with ratings dips, cast departures, and financial constraints.
ITV’s iconic show has seen a wave of high-profile exits, including Shelley King (Yasmeen Nazir), who left after an 11-year tenure.
An insider revealed to The Mirror:
“This will be another blow for fans. Yasmeen is a much-loved character who’s had some major storylines. Her departure is understood to be driven by her desire to explore new projects.”
The financial pressures on Coronation Street have led to noticeable changes in production, with cast members reportedly upset over pay cuts and reduced screen time.

Changing Times in Soapland
In previous years, major characters enjoyed lucrative episode fees, regardless of their role’s prominence in a scene. A source told The Sun:
“Playing a barmaid or landlord was a dream gig because you’d get paid for the episode, even if you just served someone in the background.”
Now, budget constraints mean even short appearances demand pay adjustments, leading to fewer scenes featuring beloved characters.
Fans have noted the absence of key figures like Helen Worth (Gail Platt) and Mike Le Vell (Kevin Webster), who have had limited appearances despite major storylines.
Nostalgia Meets Modern Drama
As modern soaps like Coronation Street face challenges, the re-airing of Eldorado offers a reminder of soap opera storytelling’s heyday.
Whether the reruns will spark renewed interest in the genre or simply serve as a nostalgic escape remains to be seen.
For now, fans can revisit the sun-soaked drama of Eldorado while keeping an eye on the turbulent state of contemporary soaps.
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