The episode in question, which aired on Wednesday (February 19), picked up from the previous cliffhanger, with some of Albert Square’s finest fighting for their lives following an explosion at the Queen Victoria pub.
Ravi Gulati assisted in helping those caught in the devastation escape while Kathy Beale rescued archnemsis Cindy. Stacey Slater was trapped in the ladies loos and Sharon Watts was left for dead in the ruins of the staircase.
Sharon received a special visit of the ghost of Angie Watts, with Anita Dobson reprising the role that made her a star some four decades ago to urge her on-screen daughter to fight for survival.
Over at the Arches, Phil Mitchell attempted to take his own life, which Grant struggled to come to terms with as Nigel issued him with some home truths about how to speak to his brother, who is depressed.
Linda Carter was the angel Phil needed, urging him not to harm himself and seek medical help for his condition, with Nigel subsequently confiding in Phil about his dementia diagnosis.
The emotional offering left fans in shock and tears – hard relate – and they wasted little time in taking to social media to voice their thoughts.
‘Tonight proves why this show is the best soap in the business. #eastenders’, said X formerly Twitter user Daniel while a fan of Linda Carter declared it the ‘best episode’ in EastEnders history.
Another fan wrote: ‘Thank you the cast of #EastEnders40 that was the best show, that was truly fantastic !!!! #EastEnders’ while another added that they felt like they were ‘watching maybe the best episode of #Eastenders ever’
The drama will continue in Walford tomorrow with a live episode and, ahead of
