Confession - I was not born an EastEnders fan. When I was growing up, it was all about Coronation Street in my house. So naturally, I kept with Corrie for years and years, a little 'home comfort' for me. Emmerdale gave me that same 'homely' feel - not when Meena Jutla was on her serial killing spree, mind. But EastEnders was never 'my' soap. Fast forward to 2025 and it might just be my favourite! (As a TV journalist, choosing a favourite soap is like choosing a favourite child - I try and love them all equally but at different times of the year, one stands out over the other.).
As we prepare for a huge 40th anniversary week, I cannot contain my excitement! There is going to be death, destruction, revelations and of course, a huge explosion at the iconic Queen Vic. Not a lot has been revealed about the big week of episodes - but we know it's going to be good. After all, EastEnders don't hold back their early iPlayer releases for no reason! We will all have to tune in each evening to see the drama - and heartbreak - unfold.
The anniversary week will mark Chris Clenshaw's final episodes in charge of the soap - and what an incredible thing he has done for EastEnders. He gave us Six-mas, Cindy Beale's return from the dead and Mick Carter's shock exit (I'm still not over it, ok). However, I'm here to tell you - this 40th anniversary is going to be better than Six-mas!. What a year it's been for the soap already - with Eve and Suki's wedding leading to the final scenes for arguably the BBC soap's best EVER villain Nish Panesar and the harrowing episode that just aired with Phil Mitchell leading the cast.
This week on EastEnders, we will see the famous Queen Vic go up in flames as an explosion rips through the iconic venue. Bosses are keeping very tight lipped on what happens - but it looks like somebody could die. There have been theories it might be Martin Fowler who meets his end, whilst Sonia Fowler star Natalie Cassidy's decision to leave the show has hinted she could be the one who dies. Fans believe they've spotted Reiss' car in the explosion scenes, so could this be proof he will die - and meet his end after killing his own wife Debbie?.
Let's be honest, big episodes and big weeks is exactly what EastEnders does best. Sixmas was an incredible bit of TV and made working Christmas Day all worth it! When Keanu died, I was literally left open-mouthed for about 10 minutes - I was so sure it was going to be Nish as the one who met their end that fateful Christmas Day. Whilst we all think someone will die in this explosion, could this be a red herring - and could someone else die entirely? Maybe Cindy's attacker might meet their end when they're finally revealed.
Whatever happens, EastEnders is as good as its ever been and I will be sat on my sofa watching the drama unfold when 7.30pm rolls around each day next week. Now, who are you choosing - Jack or Ravi?. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads. Don't miss out on the biggest soaps gossip! Get a daily email direct to your inbox with our newsletter.
