EastEnders’ 40th anniversary week is set to be explosive as the soap’s big birthday will see at least one character meeting their maker
EastEnders is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary on February 19, and Albert Square will be filled with drama, scandal, and disaster to mark the occasion. The entire week’s episodes will unfold over a single day, culminating in a live episode that promises to keep viewers riveted as the residents of Walford scramble to save each other.
However, amidst the chaos, there’s a glimmer of hope as Honey (Emma Barton) and Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick) prepare for their wedding. As their loved ones rush to make it a memorable Mitchell wedding, will the couple finally manage to say ‘I do’ after several failed attempts?
Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) has officially returned to Walford and tries to lighten the mood for his struggling brother Phil (Steve McFadden), particularly when Lexi Pearce (Isabella Brown) needs her grandad’s help. However, as Billy and Honey’s big moment approaches, Phil makes a decision out of despair.
As the week progresses, Phil’s behaviour becomes increasingly concerning to those around him, prompting Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) to intervene out of fear that he poses a danger to himself. Linda’s fears are confirmed when she discovers evidence at No. 55 that provides a heart-breaking glimpse into Phil’s mental state.
She immediately raises the alarm and, alongside Grant and Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), embarks on a desperate search for Phil. But with Phil feeling like there’s no way out, can his loved ones find a way to reach him in time?
The drama continues in the Square with the ongoing ‘who attacked Cindy Beale’ saga. Cindy, played by Michelle Collins, is determined to reveal the culprit.
After a confrontation with Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), Cindy disrupts the Mitchell wedding at The Vic with a shocking accusation. She confronts the person she believes attacked her, leaving the pub patrons stunned. Later, Cindy brandishes a gun at one of the suspects, but who will it be?
An argument ensues over her missing locket, but an unexpected twist interrupts the face-off.
Disaster is imminent as people become trapped inside The Queen Vic and struggle desperately to escape. Outside, Jack Branning, played by Scott Maslen, and others attempt to heroically rescue as many friends and neighbours as possible.
The iconic pub is on the brink of collapse as the rescue mission starts, but not everyone will make it out alive. It’s a matter of life and death for those still trapped inside the pub as EastEnders goes live.
Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy, finds herself in a nightmare scenario as she goes into labour amidst the chaos. With no medical assistance available and only two traumatised individuals with her, will Sonia survive?
Outside, family and friends anxiously await news about those still trapped, as emergency services race against the clock to save their loved ones.
Inside, the situation is becoming increasingly dire for the remaining residents, who are frantically searching for an escape. But who will not make it through this ordeal?
In other news, Denise Fox, played by Diane Parish, will finally discover her fate as the public decides the outcome of her love triangle via a vote. Will she choose Jack or the bad boy Ravi Gulati, portrayed by Aaron Thiara? All will be revealed soon.
EastEnders airs Monday – Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
