EastEnders’ biggest-ever icon returns to the show next week as The Queen Vic finally reopens its doors – but not everyone is happy to see the boozer back in action.
It has been over two months since the famous pub was destroyed in a catastrophic explosion during Honey and Billy Mitchell’s (Emma Barton and Perry Fenwick) wedding celebrations.
Many locals were left trapped in the ruins of the Vic, but the huge stunt – which aired as part of the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary week of episodes – eventually claimed the lives of twisted killer Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) and beloved market trader Martin Fowler (James Bye).
While it’s safe to say not many people have mourned the loss of Reiss, the same cannot be said for Martin, with many characters still traumatised by his tragic death.
As grief has consumed the Square, construction work has been going on to restore The Vic to its former glory, and next week co-owners Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) and George Knight (Colin Salmon) are delighted when they finally get the keys back.
They decide it’s time to announce the pub’s reopening to the locals after being warmed by the community spirit in the air when Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) goes into labour.
At Harry’s Barn, Linda and George’s big reveal falls flat, with Mo Harris (Laila Morse) and Zack Hudson (James Farrar) in particular unable to face the pub so soon after Martin’s death.
Later, Alfie Moon (Shane Richie) tries to buoy Linda as she grows concerned for Elaine following the Square’s reaction.
Thursday marks the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day, and Linda remains firm that The Vic should remain closed for the time being.
However, she is forced to rethink after Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) alerts her to the fact Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) is struggling as his dementia worsens, as he believes it is 1995.
When Jean presents Linda with the idea of organising a last-minute party for Nigel, she initially shuts her down. But the Walford landlady eventually relents when the V.E. Day spirit takes over the market.
Noticing the traders congregating to celebrate those previously fallen – including their very own Martin – she prepares to open the doors to her pub once again.
The question remains, however – what will the newly refurbished Vic look like?
EastEnders fans have previously seen Elaine steamroll over her daughter Linda with ideas for the revamp, but just who will have managed to get their way?
Actress Harriet Thrope, who plays Elaine, previously revealed her hopes for a dramatic new look.
Speaking on EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In in February, she said: ‘I wanted to redecorate this place from the get-go. I want it on trend, I want rose gold.’
Colin added: ‘I’d like a jazz bar. I’d like to turn it into Ronnie Scott’s.’
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Asked if it was going to be different to what we’d seen before, Harriet replied: ‘No, it will be exactly the same!’
The Queen Vic has remained largely the same since it was refurbished in 2010 following the fire started by Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) that led to the exit of his on-screen mum Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).
It received minor updates after Mick (Danny Dyer) and Linda Carter took over as landlords in 2013, most notably with the additions of Princess Diana, West Ham and musical theatre artwork on the walls.
