EastEnders fans believe an icon will return to the soap for the 40th-anniversary episode tonight.
The episode, airing on February 20, will be broadcast live from Albert Square with show bosses teasing anything could happen. Viewers will be given the ultimate power as they will get to decide the outcome in a soap first. The live episode is “set to change Walford, and the lives of those who live in it forever”.
Fans have questioned whether one actor, Jessie Wallace, will appear on the show due to her recent photoshoot. Last week, she appeared in an interview to discuss her role as Kat Slater ahead of the special. Black-and-white photos of her accompanied the story where she rocked glam makeup, a fascinator and statement earrings.
Fans immediately shared the photo on social media, with one user saying on X/Twitter: “Why would Jessie do a photoshoot for the 40th Anniversary if she has no involvement with the week? She is deffo bringing another Slater home #EastEnders.”
In her interview with RadioTimes, which featured the black-and-white photo for their EastEnders cover, she said: “I’m just glad to be part of it. It’s such a great show. I remember the very first episode when I was, like, 14/15, I remember it was quite sepia in colour then… And I remember the very first episode.
“And I can’t believe that was 40 years ago, and I’m part of this journey, which is amazing. I’m very proud, very proud for everybody.” After a fan pointed out the photo, others took to the comment section to share: “I hope so,” with one writing: “Because jessie has been in it for years!”
In celebration of the soap’s 40th anniversary week, major icons have returned to Walford. Wednesday night saw dramatic scenes following its special hour long episode showing the aftermath of the Queen Vic fire. However, not everyone will make it out of the pub alive following the shocking events on Tuesday that led to the fire.
Earlier in the week, it was revealed Kathy had attacked Cindy on Christmas Day. An altercation with Ian led to Cindy ‘accidentally’ shooting him in the arm, and a further row between the pair had Cindy pushing Ian into the road and into the path of Reiss’s car. He swerved to miss Ian, but instead crashed into gas cans that exploded in the beloved Queen Vic.
The live episode will be broadcast on BBC One from 7.30pm – it will also be available on iPlayer at the same time*
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