The theme is an iconic piece of music in the UK . A 2000 UK poll named it as the sixth most popular TV theme of all time . In a 2008 poll by PRS for Music the '' EastEnders '' theme was found to be the most recognisable piece of music in the UK , beating the national anthem " God Save the Queen " as well as the theme tunes for '' Match of the Day '' and '' Coronation Street '' . Composer Simon May commented : " When '' EastEnders '' first appeared in 1985 it was such a great buzz walking down the street or being in a supermarket hearing people whistling or humming the theme . I 've been amazingly lucky that thanks to the huge success of the show the theme is still popular and in the national psyche . " The theme tune was used in the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony
2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony
2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony
EastEnders theme tune