Eagle-eyed viewers of iconic BBC One soap EastEnders have taken to social media to highlight the touching tribute to some of Walford’s iconic characters who are no longer with us
As EastEnders prepares to mark its 40th anniversary this week, fans have praised a “lovely gesture” by the BBC. In a week filled with drama, millions have been gripped by Phil Mitchell’s (played by Steve McFadden) battle with mental health and psychosis, which included flashbacks to his youth with siblings Grant and Sam.
The soap has thrilled audiences with the reappearance of Grant (Ross Kemp), the Mitchell brothers’ mate Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), and other familiar faces including Minty Peterson (Cliff Parisi) and Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves). Monday’s episode brought most of the current cast together in the Queen Vic, where they watched a 1980s scene featuring Enders’ legends Arthur and Pauline Fowler participating in a gameshow.
The Fowlers were pivotal in the show’s success from its inception in 1985. Arthur, portrayed by Bill Treacher, departed Walford in 1996 and sadly died in November 2022, while Pauline (Wendy Richard) left in 2006 and passed away three years later from breast cancer.
The show’s iconic theme and end credits honoured the departed actors at the close of the nostalgic episode, listing them among the present-day cast. A TikTok user celebrated the moment, sharing on TikTok: “EastEnders credited Pauline and Arthur Fowler in tonight’s episode, what a lovely gesture,” alongside a snapshot of the credits.
“I didn’t even see that they were in the credits, thank you for uploading,” another fan wrote in response. Viewers also took to X to commend the BBC, meanwhile. “Great memories on EastEnders tonight as the residents watch a classic from 1989, Arthur on Cat and Mouse,” one person penned. “If you’d told them in ’89 that they’d be replaying it in 2025, they’d have probably laughed in disbelief. Nice touch with the credits too.”
Great memories on @bbceastenders tonight as the residents watch a classic from 1989, Arthur on Cat & Mouse 🤩
— Shaun (@ShaunInBrum) February 11, 2025
If you'd told them in 89 that they'd be playing it out again in the year 2025 they'd have probably laughed in disbelief.
Nice touch with the credits too ❤️#EastEnders pic.twitter.com/F65Py0i7q8
Another viewer praised: “How lovely to see Pauline and Arthur feature in EastEnders – a fitting little recognition of two iconic characters as the 40th is marked. Brilliant way to do it too. And great seeing a beaming Martin watching them with such joy.”
A third chimed in: “This was actually quite special – it was lovely to include Pauline and Arthur in the celebrations. ” A fourth fan hailed the Beeb: “Arthur Fowler remains one of soaps greatest ever characters. What a lovely tribute seeing him and Pauline on screen just before the 40th anniversary.” Before a fifth gushed: “Pauline and Arthur Fowler being credited in 2025. My beating heart.”
Others on social media, meanwhile, noted that Barbara Windsor has also been credited this week, following Phil’s distressing scenes involving his mum, Peggy in her younger days – portrayed by Jaime Winstone. Dame Barbara sadly passed away in 2020, aged 83.
EastEnders officially celebrates its 40th anniversary on February 19.
