EastEnders' much-anticipated live episode will air tonight to celebrate its 40th anniversary. While viewers have speculated for weeks who will be returning to the square, there will also be characters who won't be in the already-legendary episode at all.
Fans have been anticipating the extra drama the soap has in store, including a live vote that will decide who will be the final choice for Denise Fox out of her two love interests - heartthrob Jack Branning or bad-boy Ravi Gulati. Producers of the hit show have shared that whatever the outcome, the public's choice will result in a major shift in Walford that means new storylines and iconic returns.
However, two characters have now confirmed they will not be participating in the anniversary celebrations. One of those is Grant Mitchell, who returned to the square after nearly 10 years and showed support to his critically ill and recovering alcoholic brother Phil before striking up an unlikely friendship with Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).
Actor Ross Kemp first began playing Grant in 1990 and first left nine years later. He went on to return for a year in 2005, briefly in 2016 for Dame Barbara Windsor's exit as Peggy Mitchell and again briefly in 2022. However, Kemp announced that he was "not doing the live" as he was "no longer there" and had "departed" from his role and the show.
The latest episode from the fictional square revealed Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) as guilty for assaulting her former daughter-in-law Cindy Beale on Christmas Day. ITV's This Morning shared a clip which showed Grant and Bianca having an animated argument in the street after a fire at the Queen Vic. In the explosion, Sonia Fowler's ex, Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) ran his car into the infamous pub in a rush to run away from where he committed murder and abducted Bianca.
Clearly, the week of dramatics has been leading up to tonight's big reveal, where many speculated Kemp would remain in Albert square for but the actor has ceased filming his episodes. Ross' role for the anniversary week was sadly limited to the weekend special. Now a presenter, Kemp focuses his time filming documentaries such as Ross Kemp On Gangs, and Ross Kemp: Extreme World.
Michelle Collins, who plays Cindy Beale, has also confirmed she will not be participating in the live episode. Following the explosion, characters Kathy and Cindy Beale found themselves stuck under the rubble. Kathy, who seemingly left Cindy for dead over Christmas, wanted to finish the job, but was met with Cindy's argument that Kathy "wouldn't be able to live with herself". Eventually, Kathy came to Cindy's aid and helped her escape. Severely wounded, Cindy was taken away by paramedics - one of which telling the injured Cindy she should thank her mother-in-law, to which Cindy responded, saying: "Thank her? No chance!".
Michelle, 62, spoke to Good Morning Britain live from the set where Richard Arnold asked why Cindy Beale wouldn't be appearing tonight. Arnold said: "We saw you leaving in an ambulance not quite drawing your final breath". The actress replied, saying "I'm the only one that got up this early Richard – I was obviously the only one available! But no, sadly Cindy's not [appearing tonight]" She went on, saying "you know what? In a way, I get it why she can't be in it, and it's less stressful for me. But exciting!".
Michelle has also spoken about having a 'terrible' time filming the hour long episode for Wednesday night, Having to be trapped under rubble. She stated how unpleasant it was, saying: "It wasn't nice! It was great because we were really in the moment, but the air wasn't great - it wasn't easy!".
During the explosion, Sonya Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) went in to labour whilst also trapped in the rubble of the Queen Vic. Though ex Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) appeared, Reiss was soon crushed by a falling bathtub, leaving Sonya somewhat safer to give birth.
Stuck with Sonya, Lauren Branning and Bianca began to ask about baby names in an effort to distract the mother - Sonya admitting she didn't know and couldn't decide, before offering up "Julia, maybe? Or Tony with an I?". Lauren comforted Sonya by insisting they were "lovely names,” to which Sonia screamed back: “Are they?”.
Life-long fans picked up on this as the anniversary Easter egg it was. The popular soap was first created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland, beginning on February 19th 1985. The 'random' names actually paid homage to the creators and have become a part of the live celebrations as the BBC have now uncovered that the public would be picking the name – as an extension of tonight's vote.
