The surprising reason EastEnders’ opening credits now have a red River Thames

When EastEnders fans sat down to watch the first episode of the anniversary week last night, they received a surprise when they spotted the change in opening titles. And it’s not the first time this has happened. In the past, when special episodes of the BBC One soap have aired, the iconic shot of the River Thames is slightly altered, allowing the audience to know what’s ahead will be different from usual instalments.

Here’s everything you need to know on the temporary update. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. Aside from the fact a red River Thames might represent blood for a life-changing week in Walford, the opening titles have changed and the river has turned red because EastEnders is celebrating 40 years on our screens, aka a ruby anniversary.

The titles for the soap were different a mere few days ago, when Jaime Winstone returned to reprise her role as the past version of Peggy Mitchell. The intro was presented in a retro 4:3 aspect ratio, and it’s possible that you spotted some of the capital city’s most famous landmarks had disappeared – such as the O2 Arena and Olympic Park. This happened due to most of the action taking place 40 years ago, as Phil (Steve McFadden) suffered flashbacks and hallucinations from his youth.

With the instalment mostly set in 1985, the return of the original opening sequence was a nod not only to the era in which we see Phil interact with his nearest and dearest, but also to the soap’s 40th anniversary. As Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Honey’s (Emma Barton) wedding celebrations got underway, Cindy (Michelle Collins) remained determined to find the person who attacked her at Christmas. After stealing the gun belonging to Phil, Cindy returned home to find someone holding her missing locket.

Concluding the person in front of her was the culprit, she pointed the gun at them, ready to take revenge. Here's what EastEnders fans can expect as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on 19 February 2025:. Having previously gone live for the 25th and 30th anniversaries in 2010 and 2015, the soap will be beaming live to the nation once again during the 40th week. This instalment will air one day after the big 4-0, on Thursday February 20.

The episode will also mark a huge EastEnders first as bosses are giving the audience the power to vote on the outcome of one storyline, with the actors having to react to the result live on air – speaking of which…. With Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having found herself in a love triangle with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), fans will decide whether she reunites with her estranged husband Jack or picks her secret lover.

We also know that another 'history making' decision will be left to audiences to decide, with details yet to be announced. ​​Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell to play a significant part in the 40th celebrations. ‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang,’ Ross teased. Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was left for dead when she was whacked over the head with a shovel by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded.

With the finger of suspicion currently pointing at numerous characters, Cindy’s attacker will be unmasked at last during the anniversary week. Ahead of the big week, BBC Four will broadcast EastEnders Sings at the BBC, a look back at archive performances from cast members from Top of the Pops. Ross Kemp will take a trip down Walford memory lane with a special hour-long documentary called EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, taking fans behind the scenes as he delves into the show’s history and relieves some of the most memorable moments.

BBC Three will also offer viewers a look at the explosive anniversary storylines with a 45-minute interview special – EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In – hosted by Joe Swash as he chats to some of the actors who find themselves at the heart of the anniversary drama. As Billy and Honey Mitchell (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) prepare to walk down the aisle, their favourite boozer The Queen Victoria will burn to the ground.

Aerial pictures from filming show the pub blown to smithereens, with a car crashed into the side. There's also a marquee in the middle of the Square Gardens - is this from the wedding?. We’ve still got so much more to come, including the live vote as Denise (Diane Parish) picks between Ravi (Aaron Thiara) and Jack (Scott Maslen), the live episode, the Queen Vic fire, and Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) going into labour.