BBC is gearing up to celebrate EastEnders’ 40th anniversary with a special documentary that will revisit the soap’s iconic moments and groundbreaking storylines over the years.
The documentary, titled EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, will be hosted by Ross Kemp and will feature stars from the long-running soap, spanning from its first episode to the present day.
As part of the festivities, an hour-long BBC One special will delve into the show’s bold approach to storytelling, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at some of its most memorable storylines from the past four decades.
Ross Kemp, best known to EastEnders fans as the notorious Grant Mitchell, will lead the documentary, exploring the show’s rich 40-year history and examining how its depiction of working-class London life has not only captivated audiences but also influenced societal perceptions on various prevalent issues over the last four decades.
Antia Dobson and Letitia Dean will both star in EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square
(Image: BBC)
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EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square will revisit some of the soap’s most significant and pioneering storylines, including British television’s first kiss between two gay men, Kat Slater’s historical abuse storyline, Mark Fowler and Zack Hudson’s HIV diagnoses, among others. The documentary will also offer a behind-the-scenes perspective as Ross chats with some of the actors directly involved in these storylines, many of which addressed themes and issues that had never been featured on primetime British TV or soaps before, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Exploring the ongoing success of the iconic soap, Ross will catch up with EastEnders originals Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Cotton) and Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts). They’ll be delving into their initial experiences at E20 and sharing their takes on some of the most memorable storylines over the last four decades.
Ross Kemp will host the special documentary
(Image: BBC)
The show promises some special moments as it welcomes appearances from EastEnders heavyweights Anita Dobson and Pam St Clement, with the former Queen Vic’s landlady reminiscing about her time on-screen with her fictional daughter.
Ross is set to become a familiar face around Albert Square once again, as he steps back into the shoes of the legendary Grant Mitchell in preparation for the show’s 40th-anniversary celebrations in February.
Pam St Clement will also appear in the one-off show
(Image: BBC)
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In a statement regarding the anniversary special, the actor expressed: “It was a privilege to be asked to present this documentary, celebrating 40 years of EastEnders. During the making of it I was constantly reminded of the impact EastEnders has, not only on the cast and everyone that works on the show, but also on the audience, as well as the effect it has had culturally in the United Kingdom.”
“It also gave me a wonderful opportunity to take a trip down memory lane with some of my dear friends – old and new and celebrate this special anniversary, it was an absolute honour.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am