EastEnders’ 40th anniversary has concluded with an explosive week of drama, featuring jaw-dropping twists, heartbreaking losses, and the return of an iconic character.
The milestone event, which included a seamless live episode, wrapped up several long-running storylines while setting the stage for new ones.
As the dust settles in Walford, viewers are left with burning questions about what lies ahead. Here are seven key questions following the action-packed anniversary episodes:
1. How Will Martin’s Death Impact Walford?
One of the most shocking moments of the anniversary week was the tragic death of Martin Fowler.
After confessing his love to Stacey Slater and proposing to her, Martin was struck by a falling beam in The Queen Vic’s wreckage.
Although he briefly regained consciousness, he later suffered a fatal cardiac arrest in front of a devastated Stacey.
Martin was a true legacy character, being the first baby born on the show in 1985. His death will undoubtedly send shockwaves through Walford, particularly affecting Stacey, his partner Ruby, and their children. Stacey, who was already facing turmoil, must now navigate her grief while handling the fallout of Martin’s final revelation—their plans to reunite and remarry. With Lacey Turner taking a temporary break from the show, how will Stacey’s absence be explained, and how will the Square move forward without Martin?
2. How Will Sonia Leave?
Another casualty of the chaotic week was Reiss, whose reckless driving triggered The Vic explosion. His demise was ironically caused by a falling bathtub, bringing a darkly comedic end to his villainous arc. Meanwhile, Sonia Fowler survived the disaster and welcomed her baby girl, Julia, with help from Lauren and Bianca.
With actress Natalie Cassidy confirming her upcoming exit from the soap, Sonia’s departure is imminent. After enduring immense turmoil, she may choose to leave Walford for a fresh start. However, will she take her sister Bianca with her, or will Bianca stick around to stir up more drama?
3. Will Cindy Seek Revenge on Kathy?
The anniversary week also resolved a major mystery—who attacked Cindy Beale on Christmas Day. In a shocking revelation, it was Kathy Beale who struck Cindy with a shovel, reigniting their long-standing rivalry. When Cindy confronted Ian with a gun, Kathy stepped in and confessed, leading to a heated confrontation that resulted in Ian being pushed into traffic.
Though Kathy later saved Cindy from perishing in the explosion, Cindy made it clear that she wouldn’t be expressing gratitude. With Ian warning Cindy to keep quiet about his mother’s actions, will this spark another Beale family war? Cindy is not one to let things go easily, so revenge could be on the horizon.
4. Can Phil Mitchell Get the Help He Needs?
Phil Mitchell’s struggles reached a breaking point when he attempted to take his own life. His plan was interrupted when Cindy stole his gun and used the only bullet on Ian. Grant failed to offer the support Phil needed, but his friend Nigel stepped up by revealing his dementia diagnosis, making Phil realize he still had a purpose.
Encouraged by Linda, Phil agreed to seek professional help and will now spend time in a mental health facility. Given Steve McFadden’s powerful portrayal, viewers hope to see Phil’s journey towards recovery continue meaningfully rather than being brushed aside.
5. Will Nigel Leave with Grant?
After learning of Nigel’s condition, Grant struggled to process the news. Eventually, he decided to leave Walford but invited Nigel to move back to Portugal with him, promising to care for him as his condition worsens. With Grant’s exit confirmed, will Nigel accept his offer, or will he choose to stay in Walford despite his diagnosis?
6. What’s Next for Denise and Jack?
Denise Fox’s love triangle with Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati reached its climax with a groundbreaking public vote deciding her fate. Fans chose Jack, sparking mixed reactions. Diane Parish reassured viewers that this reunion won’t be smooth sailing and that drama is far from over. Meanwhile, Ravi’s romantic future remains uncertain—could this be the beginning of a rekindled romance with Priya?
7. Does Zack Have a Secret Son?
Before the explosion, Martin and Zack Hudson had a revealing conversation about Zack’s past. Zack admitted to a brief fling with Nicola 16 years ago, leading Martin to speculate that Nicola’s son Barney could be his. Zack dismissed the idea, but could Martin have been onto something? With Martin gone, will Zack dig deeper into his past and uncover a long-lost connection?
With new showrunner Chris Clenshaw passing the torch, EastEnders is entering a fresh era filled with unresolved tensions and untold stories. The anniversary week delivered unforgettable moments, but the aftermath promises just as much drama. As Walford recovers, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the ever-twisting tale of Albert Square.
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