EastEnders fans have taken to social media to predict what could happen in Albert Square in the new year. 2025 marks the BBC One soap’s 40th anniversary and it has already been confirmed that a live episode will air in February to celebrate the huge milestone.
Executive producer Chris Clenshaw, who is stepping down from this new role in 2025, has dropped some tantalising hints about old favourites making a comeback. He said: “We’ve got quite a few treats coming up. The 40th anniversary has been in the works for quite some time. It is about celebrating the history of the show. I think the nostalgic element of EastEnders means a lot.”
“We don’t bring characters back just because it gets a lovely reaction. It all depends on the story where the characters are. It has to be right for the character and come from a good story.” From shock exits to a jaw-dropping whodunnit twist, here’s some predictions from viewers but will any become reality?
‘Stacey’s exit’
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It has been confirmed that actress Lacey Turner is pregnant with her third child and she previously took time off from playing Stacey Slater after welcoming her two children.
Fans are now wondering how the popular character will exit the soap this time, with some fans begging bosses not to go down the prison route again.
One viewer speculated online: “Looks like ar Stace is heading to prison….again.” Another fan shared their concern: “I am so happy for Lacey but please NO prison sentence for my girl.” Meanwhile, a third implored: “PUHLEASE can Stacey just go off and look after Lynne for a few months or something! I can’t cope with another Stacey in prison storyline!”
Adding to the chorus of pleas, a fifth commented: “Just cart Stacey and the kids off to Lynnes for a temporary new life away from the square for Lacey’s maternity exit I beg you. I can’t deal with another bloody prison stint or have her abandon her kids.”
‘Cindy murdered’
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) has struck up an affair with her ex-husband George Knight’s (Colin Salmon), son, Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) – who has fallen in love with her.
The steamy betrayal set to be revealed on Christmas Day and fans think the storyline could end up with Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) being killed off in a whodunnit twist.
On a Reddit thread, one person said: “I wonder what they will do with Cindy’s character next year after the big reveal? Her kids on both sides are going to hate her, as are her ex-husband’s so she’ll have no one on the square to turn to. She has made zero friends and her side piece is her stepson, I don’t see them staying together.”
A second penned: “There’s not really much more you can do with her Character once the affair with Junior is revealed.” A third wrote: “She’ll have to either either disappear again or turn into a mega villain, just sticking around out of spite.”
Meanwhile other viewers fear Cindy could even get killed off. On X, one person said: “So, is Cindy being killed off at christmas or what?” Someone else added: “Possible theory. Cindy is killed on Christmas Day in a whodunnit and the culprit is revealed on 40th anniversary.” Another fumed: “I fully don’t really want this. She has potential plus bringing her back from the dead just to kill her is stupid.”
‘Huge return’
Ross Kemp, who plays fan-favourite Grant Mitchell, Phil’s rough-around-the-edges younger brother, is top of the list for viewers hoping for a comeback. The actor is now known for his hard-hitting documentaries, but fans think he’ll be reprising his role next year.
One person said: “Ross Kemp among 4 legends set for RETURN for #EastEnders 40th Anniversary in FEBRUARY 2024.” Another commented: “Mentioning Grant and Michelle having a kid foreshadowing Mark Fowler JR return or Grant and Michelle back for the 40th ! #EastEnders.”
A third fan queried: “For the love of all that is holy they are putting Sharon back into a Mitchell love triangle? Just bring back Grant FFS – is he done with quiz shows? #EastEnders”.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One at 7.30pm
