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United States EastEnders 40th anniversary– LIVE: Queen Vic blown to rubble ...
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EastEndersis making history with an experimental episode in which viewers will decide the outcome.
Nigel’s admitted he has dementia in scenes that have left fans in “floods of tears”. Meanwhile, Martin admitted to Stacey “it’s always been you” but a heavy metal beam has fallen on him. Will he make it?
In an interactive twist for its 40th anniversary, fans will choose whether Denise Fox (Diane Parish) will reunite with her estranged husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) or her secret lover Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
Last year, Denise and Jack’s troubled marriage fell apart when it was revealed he had been having an affair with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), which ended in a brawl. They’ve since alternately shared moments of passion and created warm memories as part of their blended family.
But matters were complicated when Denise rekindled her romance with Ravi, a man with a troubled past, on Christmas Day. The situation was further muddied due to Ravi having been in a serious relationship with Denise’s daughter Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams), who has been praised for her performances on the soap.
The decision won’t be straightforward, but it will be left in the hands of fans. Viewers will also decide whether Sonia’s baby will be called Julia or Tony in honour of EastEnders creators Julia Smith and Tony Holland.
The popular soap first aired on 19 February 1985 and has gone on to become a mainstay of British television.
The BBC has aired an hour-long special tonight. Voting is now open. It will close at 7:10pm tomorrow for the live instalment in which the outcome will be revealed. Actors will have prepared for both outcomes.
To vote, you must register on the BBC website here.
Key Points
Ross Kemp says he will not be in EastEnders live episode after pub explosion
The actor, who plays Grant Mitchell, returned to the soap to celebrate the milestone after a near 10-year absence.
Tuesday’s episode saw the Queen Vic explode when Sonia Fowler’s former partner Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) crashed his car into the Albert Square pub after being on the run following a murder, and kidnapping Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).
Asked if he would be in Thursday’s live episode, he said on ITV’s This Morning: “I’m not doing the live, I’m no long there, I’ve departed – not in a hearse, I hasten to add.”
Maira Butt19 February 2025 23:26
Will Martin survive?
Stacey declared her love for him, and after a heated back and forth, Martin admitted: “It’s always been you.”
Then a heavy steel beam fell on him. Will he make it?
Maira Butt19 February 2025 23:00
Before Peggy Mitchell, there was Anna Wing
The Independent’s Roisin O’Connor talks about the show’s original matriarch, and her grandmother.
Maira Butt19 February 2025 22:30
Watch: Look back at the brawl that erupted when Jack's infidelity to Denise was revealed
Maira Butt19 February 2025 22:15
Viewers were left in tears as Nigel admitted he has dementia
“Crying at Nigel and Phil. Beautiful performances from Paul Bradley and Steve McFadden. Talking about men’s mental health is so vital and using these characters to highlight such an important issue was a stroke of genius and one I totally commend” wrote one person.
Another added: “Amazing how in a week full of pub explosions, shootings, car crashes & attempted Tony Hawk's Pro Stairs.... that scene between Phil, Nigel & Linda stands out as the most powerful.”
Maira Butt19 February 2025 22:00
Take a look back at 25 of the show's best forgotten characters
Maira Butt19 February 2025 21:45
Denise's choice will be revealed in tomorrow's live episode
The BBC has aired an hour-long special tonight. Voting is now open. It will close at 7:10pm tomorrow for the live instalment in which the outcome will be revealed. Actors will have prepared for both outcomes.
19 February 2025 21:30
Anita Dobson returned as Angie Watts to give Sharon a special message
“You mustn’t give up. We are FIGHTERS. So come on, my darling! Start screaming for help!” she told her.
19 February 2025 21:18
Voting is now open - details of how to vote are here
Voting is open now and will close tomorrow (20 February) at 7.10pm. The result will be revealed during our live episode.
Maira Butt19 February 2025 21:08
Viewers have one more decision to make!
As well as deciding whether Denise will end up with Jack or Ravi, viewers will also get to decide what Sonia’s baby will be called.
“To honour the creators of EastEnders, Julia Smith and Tony Holland, what should Sonia name her baby?” asks the BBC.
Maira Butt19 February 2025 20:58
