EastEnders legends left to die after Queen Vic fire as 40th anniversary chaos continues

Devastation reigns supreme in EastEnders as the fallout from the dramatic explosion at the Queen Vic takes centre stage in Wednesday’s (February 19) hour-long 40th anniversary offering. The long-running BBC One soap is marking 40 years on air with a series of explosive outings which will change Walford – and the lives of those who dwell there – forever.

With Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) attacker having been revealed as former mum-in-law Kathy (Gillian Taylforth), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) intent on ending his own life and Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) causing havoc, it’s certainly been a shocking few episodes thus far.

Last we set foot in Walford, the Queen Vic was blown to smithereens, with the lives of countless mainstays – including the Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) – left hanging in the balance. The countdown to Wednesday’s hour-long offering – which hits screens on the very day EastEnders turns 40 – is on so join us as we take you through every twist and turn that tonight’s visit to Albert Square has to offer!.

What an incredible episode to mark 40 years of the Square! Thank you for joining us – we’re back tomorrow with more coverage of the LIVE episode. Be sure not to miss it at 7:30pm. Martin Fowler’s life was left hanging in the balance just seconds after he declared his undying love for Stacey, with a beam from above landing directly on him. It’s not looking good and with fans having predicted that the legendary fruit and veg stall-holder would perish, we have everything crossed that he’ll survive.

Sonia was horrified when her labour started but more shocks ensued when Reiss appeared, determined to be there as the baby was born. Bianca pushed him away, prompted him to be in the line of fire when rubble from the ceiling collapsed, bringing to an end his reign of terror.

In order to make Phil see how much he needs him, Nigel revealed his dementia diagnosis. Phil subsequently agreed to speak to professionals in emotional scenes. As Sharon lay dying in the ruins of the Vic, the ghost of Angie Watts staged a return to plead with her daughter to stay awake – urging her to fight for her life.

Stacey urges Martin to choose between her and Ruby, making one final play to win his affection. But as they discussed their potential future, a further explosion erupted, blocking the exit. A number of residents were evacuated from the Vic, including Kim, Howie, Ravi, Avani, Honey, Ruby, Jean and Billy. But Stacey, Martin, Freddie, Sharon, Cindy and Kathy are trapped.

There was high emotion as Linda talked to Phil, who is struggling with his mental health, urging him not to harm himself. As the pub-goers desperately try and escape the ruins of the Vic, Stacey and Freddie have found themselves trapped in the toilets. Will they make its out alive?.

EastEnders’ anniversary episode changed things up, bringing back to the nighttime version of the iconic opening titles, which are usually reserved for special occasions – including the 30th anniversary ‘Who Killed Lucy Beale?’ flashback episode and the entire week of the 35th anniversary.

What better occasion to bring them back than tonight!. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. If you’re eager for a sneak peak of tonight’s visit to the Square, here is the moment the residents desperately try to figure out how to help their loved ones who are trapped inside the fiery pub.

Who will make it out alive?. When you remember that Sharon was upstairs in the Queen Vic drying off her outfit when the explosion occurred. This time 40 years ago, the nation was gearing up to meet the East Enders for the very first time, with the first episode of the BBC One soap hitting screens.

Happy 40th anniversary EastEnders! 40 years of iconic moments. We couldn’t imagine TV without you. EastEnders left us all gasping at our telly sets last night when the Queen Vic went up in smoke – with a serious amount of Walford icons trapped inside.

Tonight, the aftermath is revealed in special hour-long episode and the fight to survive gets underway, with those trapped on the inside desperately trying to get out while those on the outside rush to save as many as they can. But who will make it out alive? And who won’t?.

Grab the popcorn, it’s going to be emotional!. Arrow MORE: EastEnders’ Cindy feared dead as she enters the fray in new video. Arrow MORE: ‘It doesn’t end here!’ EastEnders legend reveals all after Kathy and Cindy shocker. Arrow MORE: EastEnders locals ‘dead’ as the Queen Vic explodes – with show legend to blame.