There's explosive scenes on the way EastEnders, as the BBC soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on air. One star who has been with the show from the beginning is actress Jane Slaughter, who plays Queen Vic barmaid Tracey. The actress spoke exclusively to The Mirror's We Love TV about what fans can expect, calling the big week "incredible".
Not only that but she promised some big surprises along the way, and said it was "off the scale". Tuesday night's tense episode ended with a big fire tearing through the famous pub. Lives are on the line with Wednesday's hour-long special set to see characters trapped in the burning venue, with a fight for survival on the cards for many. Amid rumours of a shocking death and fans convinced more than one icon might perish, actress Jane remained coy when asked about the big scenes ahead including the live episode.
But what she did tease was that fans should watch it all as it airs, promising some unmissable telly. She spilled: "I'm very exited for the 40th coming up. People should tune into the big week because there is so much going on that is so surprising and so exciting.
"It is incredible. I think the wonderful concept allowing the public to ring in and vote on a storyline is so good because I think the viewers should have a say. On Denise, Ravi and Jack I think that is really exciting. "There is so much coming in and going on that I am really excited, and if after 40 years I am really excited then I am hoping the fans will be off the scale for it." She also revealed the scenes to come were "incredible".
Meanwhile, Recalling filming the very first episode, Jane shares all on the "raw" and "edgy" scenes filmed months prior to the launch. "There was nothing else like it on television, I was very excited," she reveals. "It was unfamiliar territory but also very familiar. It was extremely different and very exciting.".
With so many different names behind the bar over the years, Jane says it's impossible to pick a favourite. "Every era has been so different," she tells us. "It's still so exciting to be there. Each time a different family or character is behind the bar it takes on a different energy. It brings a whole different dynamic.".
But Jane admits Tracey could never take on the role of landlady. She explains: "You've got to be one hell of a resilient character. Tracey is very loyal and hard working but I don't think she's resilient enough to take full charge. There's a huge responsibility that comes with that.".
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads . Don't miss out on the biggest soaps gossip! Get a daily email direct to your inbox with our newsletter.
