Keep up to date with what’s happening in Walford as EastEnders celebrates its milestone birthday
Image: BBC Pictures/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
Published: January 9, 2025 — EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary in February 2025 and the show’s gearing up to celebrate its big birthday in style.
“Whilst we’re still keeping the finite details of the 40th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever,” Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw says.
So, what’s happening in Walford as EastEnders turns 40?
Here’s everything we know so far…
EastEnders is going live to mark 40 years on air
EastEnders is going live for a full episode as part of its celebrations for its 40th anniversary but this time with a twist as the audience will have the power to decide the outcome of one storyline (more on that shortly).
The episode will broadcast live from BBC Elstree Centre in February.
EastEnders viewers get the power to decide Denise’s fate
EastEnders viewers will get the power to decide whether Denise Fox reunites with estranged husband Jack or picks secret lover Ravi Gulati instead in an interactive Walford first.
For the first time ever, as part of the show’s 40th birthday celebrations, viewers get to vote for their choice of outcome, which will be revealed during a special live episode in anniversary week.
Ross Kemp returns as Grant Mitchell
Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell as EastEnders prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary and Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has teased that “his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV.”
Having joined the show almost 35 years ago, his character remains cemented in its rich history as the complex second arm of the iconic Mitchell brother duo, and son to one of Walford’s most infamous matriarchs, and much-loved landlady, Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).
Grant’s complex familial relationships has seen him at the forefront of some of the show’s most iconic and memorable storylines, and whilst the circumstances relating to his return currently remain under wraps, if his past stints are anything to go by, there is sure to be drama. With brother Phil currently struggling, estranged best friend Nigel back on the Square, and ex-wife Sharon now dating his long lost cousin Teddy Mitchell, it’s safe to say that Grant’s return will be nothing short of explosive…
Cindy Beale’s Christmas attacker is revealed
EastEnders is set to reveal the identity of Cindy’s Christmas Day attacker during the show’s 40th anniversary week.
After her affair with Junior Knight was sensationally exposed in The Vic on Christmas Day via daughter-in-law turned nemesis, Lauren, Cindy Beale found herself the victim of an attack when she was left for dead in the Square Gardens after being hit over the head by a shovel.
The perpetrator of the attack is currently unknown, but at the time of the event, Cindy found herself with more than one enemy with an axe to grind. Having simultaneously torn the Beale and Knight families apart with her affair admission that wrecked her relationship with long-suffering fiancé Ian, Cindy attempted to turn her back on Walford, her children, and her actions for good.
Source
BBC One
