EastEnders is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a huge week of storylines, including the return of a soap legend, a live episode and the resolution of a Christmas Day mystery

EastEnders is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a week packed full of can’t-miss storylines, including the comeback of a beloved character and a live episode featuring an interactive twist.

The iconic soap first hit our screens on February 19, 1985, kicking off with a murder plot and an unexpected pregnancy. Apart from a brief hiatus during the Covid lockdown, it’s been delivering non-stop drama ever since.

Over the past four decades, EastEnders has kept us hooked with compelling plots ranging from affairs and murders to weddings and divorces, not to mention addressing serious issues like HIV, addiction, and homelessness. So, it’s no surprise that fans are anticipating some major fireworks for the show’s milestone anniversary.

The BBC has confirmed that the anniversary week will be a big one, wrapping up a significant mystery while also hinting at future storylines. So, what can viewers look forward to?

Here’s everything we know so far, but there are also sure to be a few surprises in store during the big week.

Cindy’s Christmas Day attacker will finally be revealed

EastEnders’ Christmas Day episode was a shocker, with Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) affair with Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) being revealed to all at the Vic, before she was brutally attacked and left for dead. With plenty of enemies in Albert Square, there’s no shortage of potential culprits for the attack on Cindy.

However, BBC bosses have confirmed that viewers will have to hold their breath until anniversary week to discover who is responsible. Whoever the attacker turns out to be, it’s likely to lead to a massive fallout for the Beale and Knight families.

Ross Kemp returns

Ross Kemp returns as Grant Mitchell(Image: PA)

In other news, soap legend Ross Kemp is set to make a comeback to Albert Square as Grant Mitchell. First appearing in 1990, Ross made his official exit in 1999 but has made several brief comebacks since then.

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has confirmed that his character will play a ‘significant’ role in the 40th anniversary storylines, which could tie into his brother Phil’s depression or his mate Nigel’s recent return and diagnosis of young onset dementia. It hasn’t been confirmed how many episodes Ross will appear in.

Live episode and interactive storyline

A viewer vote will decide who Denise ends up with(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

A key plot in recent episodes has revolved around the love triangle involving Denise (Diane Parish), her ex-husband Jack (Scott Maslen) and bad boy Ravi (Aaron Thiara). It’s been confirmed that a live episode will be aired from the BBC Elstree Centre to mark the 40th anniversary, featuring an interactive segment where viewers can decide who Denise ends up with.

This is a soap first and will undoubtedly present a tough decision for fans.

Billy and Honey’s wedding

Billy and Honey announced their wedding date at Christmas(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

One of the few joyful moments in EastEnders’ Christmas Day episode was when Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Honey (Emma Barton) revealed they’d set a date for their long-awaited nuptials. The pair initially tied the knot in 2006, but ‘true’ to Walford form, their relationship has seen many highs and lows since then.

Their wedding date has been set for February 19, 2025, which sharp-eyed fans realised aligns with the anniversary week. Will their wedding day offer some much-needed cheer amid the anniversary chaos, or will the beloved couple suffer disaster?

EastEnders airs on BBC One Monday to Thursday, with episodes released on iPlayer at 6.00AM