EastEnders is gearing up for an explosive 40th-anniversary celebration, and fans are in for a week filled with jaw-dropping drama, unexpected returns, and a high-stakes live episode that will change Walford forever!
When Will the Live Episode Air?
Mark your calendars, EastEnders fans! The iconic soap will mark its 40th anniversary with a week of gripping episodes, all unfolding in a single action-packed day. The drama kicks off on Monday, February 17, 2025, and continues through Tuesday, February 18. However, the real spectacle begins on Wednesday, February 19—EastEnders’ official anniversary date—with a special hour-long episode.
Then, on Thursday, February 20, at 7:30 PM on BBC One and iPlayer, Walford goes fully LIVE! It’s been a decade since the last live episode, which saw Lucy Beale’s killer revealed. Now, another shocking moment is set to shake up the Square as secrets come to light in real time!
Denise Fox’s Fate in Fans’ Hands!
One of the biggest bombshells of the anniversary week revolves around Denise Fox and her messy love life. After being caught in a love triangle between Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati, viewers will get to decide who she chooses! The vote will officially open at 8:30 PM on February 19 at bbc.co.uk and close at 7:10 PM on February 20, just before the live episode airs. Will she reconcile with her estranged husband Jack or pursue her passionate affair with Ravi? The choice is yours!
Grant Mitchell’s Dramatic Return!
Get ready for a legendary comeback! Ross Kemp will reprise his role as Grant Mitchell, bringing back one of EastEnders’ most iconic characters. With Phil Mitchell struggling, Sharon Watts now dating his long-lost cousin Teddy, and Nigel Bates dealing with a devastating dementia diagnosis, Grant’s return will stir up plenty of drama. But what brings him back to Walford, and how will his presence impact the Mitchell family?
Cindy Beale’s Attacker Finally Revealed!
A Christmas Day attack left Cindy Beale fighting for her life after she was brutally struck with a shovel. Since then, a tense whodunit mystery has been playing out, with multiple Beale and Knight family members under suspicion. The truth will finally come out during anniversary week, as the real attacker is exposed in a shocking twist that will leave viewers speechless!
The Queen Vic EXPLODES!
Just when you thought things couldn’t get more chaotic, the Queen Vic is set to go up in flames! Billy and Honey Mitchell’s wedding celebrations take a horrifying turn as a catastrophic explosion destroys Walford’s most beloved pub. Aerial footage from filming has already revealed the pub in ruins, with a car crashing into its side. But who—or what—causes the destruction? 
Classic Characters Return in Special Programming!
Ahead of the big anniversary, BBC Four will air “EastEnders Sings at the BBC” on Friday, February 14, featuring iconic musical performances from past and present cast members. Meanwhile, beloved legends Pam St. Clement (Pat Butcher) and Anita Dobson (Angie Watts) will return for a special documentary, “EastEnders: 40 Years on the Square,” fronted by Ross Kemp. Expect exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and a nostalgic look back at the show’s rich history.
Sonia Discovers the Truth About Reiss!
Sonia has been in the dark for months about Reiss’ shocking crimes, but the truth is finally coming to light. After her sister Bianca Jackson falsely confessed to murder, Sonia fights to uncover the real culprit. Meanwhile, Reiss, desperate to cover his tracks, attempts to silence Bianca permanently. But as his twisted scheme unravels, will justice finally be served?
