EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary in February 2025 and the show's gearing up to celebrate its big birthday in style.
"Whilst we’re still keeping the finite details of the 40th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever,” Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw says.
So, what's happening in Walford as EastEnders turns 40?
Here's everything we know so far...
Watch a trailer for the EastEnders 40th anniversary
Celebrate 40 years of EastEnders with an explosive week of surprises...
EastEnders is going live to mark 40 years on air
EastEnders is going live for a full episode as part of its celebrations for its 40th anniversary but this time with a twist as the audience will have the power to decide the outcome of one storyline (more on that shortly).
The episode will broadcast live from BBC Elstree Centre on Thursday 20 February.
- More: EastEnders set to go live once more with a first-of-its-kind twist for its 40th anniversary
- Read more: BBC History reflects on 40 years of EastEnders
How to watch the EastEnders 40th anniversary episodes
As EastEnders prepares to celebrate its momentous 40th anniversary, starting from Monday 17 February all episodes will drop simultaneously on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7:30pm.
A special hour-long episode will air on the show's anniversary (Wednesday 19 February), followed by a full live episode on Thursday 20 February, which will not only reveal who Denise chooses, but will conclude an explosive week of drama in Walford.
EastEnders viewers get the power to decide Denise’s fate
To officially mark 40 years since EastEnders first aired on BBC One, a whole week of episodes will take place over one day, with a special hour-long episode on Wednesday 19 February, followed by a full live episode on Thursday 20 February, which is set to change Walford, and the lives of those who live in it forever.
Following the hour long episode that transmits on the actual anniversary (19 February), for the first time in the show's history EastEnders viewers will be able to cast their vote for Denise’s potential suitor.
Denise’s decision. You choose. Should her future be with Jack, or Ravi?
- Read more: Diane Parish, Aaron Thiara and Scott Maslen discuss the huge decision for audiences during the 40th anniversary week
- Read more: EastEnders celebrates 40th anniversary with live episode
Ross Kemp returns as Grant Mitchell
Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell as EastEnders prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary and Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw has teased that "his return will play a significant part in the show’s 40th anniversary, and will make up many moments of truly unmissable TV."
Having joined the show almost 35 years ago, his character remains cemented in its rich history as the complex second arm of the iconic Mitchell brother duo, and son to one of Walford’s most infamous matriarchs, and much-loved landlady, Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor).
Grant’s complex familial relationships has seen him at the forefront of some of the show’s most iconic and memorable storylines, and whilst the circumstances relating to his return currently remain under wraps, if his past stints are anything to go by, there is sure to be drama. With brother Phil currently struggling, estranged best friend Nigel back on the Square, and ex-wife Sharon now dating his long lost cousin Teddy Mitchell, it’s safe to say that Grant’s return will be nothing short of explosive...
- Read more: Grant Mitchell returns to EastEnders as the show prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary
But that's not all! Ross Kemp is also reading a special CBeebies Bedtime Story from the iconic EastEnders ‘caff’ to celebrate the 40th anniversary.
With a perfect message for competitive friends and sibling rivals, this playful tale fits Ross Kemp perfectly as he takes a seat in the iconic yellow CBeebies Bedtime Story chair and celebrates the 40th anniversary of EastEnders, reprising his role as Grant Mitchell.
Cindy Beale's Christmas attacker is revealed
EastEnders is set to reveal the identity of Cindy’s Christmas Day attacker during the show's 40th anniversary week.
After her affair with Junior Knight was sensationally exposed in The Vic on Christmas Day via daughter-in-law turned nemesis, Lauren, Cindy Beale found herself the victim of an attack when she was left for dead in the Square Gardens after being hit over the head by a shovel.
The perpetrator of the attack is currently unknown, but at the time of the event, Cindy found herself with more than one enemy with an axe to grind. Having simultaneously torn the Beale and Knight families apart with her affair admission that wrecked her relationship with long-suffering fiancé Ian, Cindy attempted to turn her back on Walford, her children, and her actions for good.
A West Ham United cameo on EastEnders
West Ham United captain and England international Jarrod Bowen appeared in the show (Wednesday 12 February) as he recorded a special video message to stalwart character Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick), a West Ham fan on and off screen, wishing him and his fiancé, Honey, best wishes ahead of their wedding.
The collaboration saw two East London institutions crossover to make TV history with the first-ever guest appearance from a current Premier League player.
Special documentary EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square celebrates the milestone
Presenter by Ross Kemp, EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square will revisit some of the show’s most poignant and ground-breaking storylines, including the first kiss between two gay men on British television, Kat’s historical abuse storyline, Mark Fowler and Zack’s HIV diagnoses, as well as many more, and will share a behind the scenes insight as Ross speaks to some of the actors that were directly involved in those storylines, many of which tackled themes and issues that had never been featured on primetime British TV or on soaps beforehand.
Whilst looking at the impact of the show’s continued success, Ross will chat to original cast members and show stalwarts Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Cotton) and Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts), as they reminisce on their early days in E20 and offer their thoughts on some of their favourite storylines across the past 40 years.
Special appearances from EastEnders legends Anita Dobson and Pam St Clement will also feature, with the original landlady taking a trip back down memory lane alongside her on-screen daughter.
Anita Dobson reprises the role of Angie Watts
After 37 years away, Anita Dobson has returned to EastEnders in honour of its 40th anniversary to reprise her legendary role of Angie Watts.
Appearing in the form of a vision in the original costume her character wore back in 1985, Angie Watts graced the halls of The Queen Vic once again to support her beloved daughter, Sharon Watts, who was seen fighting for her life as she lay under rubble following an explosion in The Queen Vic.
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