EastEnders actress faced six-week house arrest over death threats

Annette Badland faced six weeks of house arrest after receiving death threats while performing on the BBC soap opera EastEnders. The actress, who played the character Babe Smith, said BBC security officials instructed her not to go out or use social media. This security team previously worked for Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, according to The Standard.

Security response to threats

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The actress told Sally Lindsay on a podcast that the security team identified red alert code words within the messages. This prompted the instruction for Badland to avoid public spaces and keep her movements private. The investigation into the source of the threats lasted between one month and six weeks. Investigators eventually traced the messages to a public computer located just outside Liverpool. While the computer was located in a school, officials did not believe a child was responsible. However, the use of a public machine prevented further progress in the investigation.

“There are red alert code words in this, so we have to take it seriously.”

BBC security official, as reported by The Standard

Character villainy and departure

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Badland joined the London-based soap in 2014. Her character, Babe Smith, was involved in several dramatic storylines involving blackmail and baby farming. The actress noted that writers increased the level of villainy for her character as she prepared to leave the show. She departed EastEnders in 2017. Public reaction to her exit was largely positive, with some fans expressing relief that the character was leaving.