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 soap icon 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 the drama non-stop.
Over the span of four decades, EastEnders has kept us hooked with riveting 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 explosive stories to commemorate the show’s big milestone.
The BBC has confirmed that the anniversary week will be one that’s not to be missed, wrapping up a significant mystery while also hinting at future storylines. So, what do fans have to look forward to?
Here’s a rundown of all the announcements made so far, but there’s likely to be a few surprises in store next month too.
Cindy’s Christmas Day attacker will be revealed
The Christmas Day episode of EastEnders saw a dramatic turn of events as Cindy Beale’s (played by Michelle Collins) affair with Junior Knight (portrayed by Micah Balfour) was revealed to the patrons of the Vic, before she was hit over the head and left in a critical condition. Since her comeback, Cindy has certainly ruffled a few feathers in Albert Square, leaving a long list of potential culprits for the vicious attack.
There’s a long list of suspects for Cindy’s Christmas Day attack
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
However, BBC chiefs have announced that viewers will have to hold their breath until the anniversary week to discover who is behind Cindy’s assault, and see the fallout on both the Beale and Knight families.
Grant returns to the Square
In other news, soap legend Ross Kemp is set to make a comeback to Albert Square, reprising his role as Grant Mitchell. Ross first graced our screens as Grant back in 1990, and despite departing in 1999, he has made several brief comebacks since.
Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has confirmed that his character will play a ‘significant’ role in the 40th anniversary storylines, which could potentially tie into his brother Phil’s battle with depression or his friend Nigel’s return and diagnosis of early onset dementia.
Grant’s storyline is going to be a ‘significant’ part of anniversary week
(Image: PA)
Live episode – viewers to decide the outcome
In recent weeks, a major plotline has revolved around the love triangle involving Denise, portrayed by Diane Parish, her ex-husband Jack (Scott Maslen) and bad boy Ravi (Aaron Thiara). It’s been confirmed that there will be a live episode broadcast from the BBC Elstree Centre for the 40th anniversary, which will include an interactive element allowing viewers to decide who Denise ends up with.
This is a first for a soap and will undoubtedly present a tough decision for fans.
Billy and Honey’s wedding
Billy and Honey first got married in 2006
(Image: BBC)
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 wedding. The pair originally tied the knot in 2006, but ‘true’ to Walford style, their relationship has seen many highs and lows since then.
The date for their wedding was announced as February 19, 2025, which sharp-eyed fans realised aligns with anniversary week. Will their wedding day provide some much-needed light relief amid the anniversary drama?
EastEnders airs on BBC One Monday to Thursday, with episodes released on iPlayer at 6.00AM