The latest Eastenders storyline did a lot more than keep viewers gripped - it could have saved their lives.
Albert Square favourite Heather Trott, played by actress Cheryl Fergison, gave 9 million UK viewers a nasty shock when she fell unconscious in her bedsit after a faulty boiler leaked carbon monoxide.

Gas Safe Register, which claims to be the UK's only official list of registered gas engineers, worked with BBC scriptwriters and producers for several months in the run up to the cliffhanger, aimed at raising public awareness of gas safety risks and the importance of always using a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Promoting the storyline and gas safety messages across national media in the week the soap story aired, Cheryl Fergison appeared on ITV's This Morning and warned another 1.5 million viewers about carbon monoxide signs and symptoms and how to avoid the dangers.

Cheryl Fergison was honoured that she could use her public profile as a star of Eastenders to bring awareness to carbon monoxide poisoning. She said: 'It's something that people don't really know much about but it's very important; people die from it. People should have their boiler sorted regularly and install carbon monoxide alarms in their houses.'

Gas Safe Register reached an audience of 22.5 million with supporting adverts in six national newspapers including The Sun and The Daily Mail, all with one clear message - badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can put you at risk, so always use an engineer who is on the Gas Safe Register. Other publicity around the Eastenders gas safety storyline included web adverts as well as radio coverage all across the UK, reaching over 2 million listeners.

Gas Safe Register also kicked off a campaign to help vulnerable elderly people stay Gas Safe, with a big tea dance at the Metrocentre in Gateshead, featuring special guests James and Ola Jordan from the BBC1 television show Strictly Come Dancing.

Paul Johnston, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, welcomes the support of popular television stars and their power to educate huge audiences about the importance of gas safety, he commented: 'There are no second chances with gas, so let's keep talking about how to stay Gas Safe: always use a Gas Safe registered engineer, call our free helpline or go to www.gassaferegister.co.uk to find one, and always check their ID card. The support of stars really helps get the message out there loud and clear but we can all play a part in spreading the word about gas safety in our local communities, particularly to those who are vulnerable like Heather was for example, or like the elderly who live in your area.'

'There can never be too many reminders that failing to get gas appliances regularly serviced, attempting DIY fixes, or using a rogue trader can all lead to fatal carbon monoxide leaks. Let's talk gas safety and try to prevent another tragic, real-life storyline.'