A laptop containing the scripts of EastEnders Christmas episodes has been stolen in a burglary at a script writer's home.
Diederick Santer, executive producer at the BBC, said the laptop "contains the twists and turns of our exciting EastEnders Christmas".
The incident highlights the importance of securing devices when offsite.
If the storylines are leaked before Christmas they may lead to reduced viewing figures and potentially be worth money to the burglars.
"Whilst it sounds an amusing tale, the fact that the laptop was stolen during a burglary brings the theft of the laptop firmly into focus. It shows that laptop thefts can occur anywhere and at any time, and that companies need to be aware of this issue," said Paul Huntingdon,UK director at security supplier Credant.
"The danger here is that the plotline for the Christmas episodes will leak out before Christmas and reduce the soap's viewing figures, almost certainly to the benefit of other broadcasters," he added.
"What is potentially worse, is that, if the scripts do fall into the wrong party's hands - perhaps by being posted on the internet - then a third party could profit from the situation, without any money going to the BBC coffers."
