Last week, EastEnders delivered one of its most dramatic anniversary weeks yet, filled with shocking twists, devastating losses, and unforgettable moments.
The 40th-anniversary episodes saw two major deaths, high-stakes action, and emotional heartbreak that left viewers reeling.
With the dust still settling in Walford, fans are eager to know what’s next for the beloved BBC soap in the coming weeks and months.
From unexpected returns to tragic exits and brewing tensions, here’s a look at how EastEnders is shaping up post-anniversary.
Heartbreaking Exits Following the Anniversary Tragedy
The shocking deaths of Reiss Colwell and Martin Fowler have left the residents of Albert Square in mourning.
Reiss met a gruesome end when he was crushed by a bathtub after crashing his van into The Queen Vic, an accident caused by Cindy Beale pushing Ian Beale into the road. Meanwhile, Martin’s death was even more devastating—trapped under a metal beam, he spent his final moments with his ex, Stacey Slater, declaring his love for her before passing away.
In the wake of these tragedies, several key characters are set to leave Walford. Stacey, played by Lacey Turner, is expected to temporarily exit as the actress takes maternity leave. Another major departure is Natalie Cassidy’s Sonia Fowler, who has confirmed her decision to leave the soap after decades. While details remain unclear, it’s likely she will leave with her baby daughter, Julia.
Grant Mitchell’s return was always intended to be short-lived, with actor Ross Kemp confirming he has already wrapped up filming. Nigel Bates, another fan-favorite character who recently returned, will also be making his exit.
Additionally, speculation is growing that Ruby Allen will leave Walford with her son Roman following Martin’s death. Her return was thought to be temporary, and given recent events, it seems likely she will decide to start fresh elsewhere.
Surprise Returns to Shake Up the Square
While some familiar faces are leaving, others are making a comeback. One of the most exciting returns is Vicki Fowler, Martin’s niece, who is set to reappear in Walford after more than two decades. She won’t be alone—Vicki will bring her new partner, Ross, and his son, Joel, with her. Initially returning for Martin’s funeral, Vicki is expected to stay for an extended period, reuniting with her sister Sharon Watts and integrating back into life on the Square.
The Aftermath of Martin’s Death
Martin’s tragic passing will send shockwaves through Walford, affecting not just his family but the entire community. His children, close friends, and loved ones—especially Stacey, Sharon, Zack Hudson, and the Beales—will struggle to come to terms with his death. The funeral is sure to be an emotional moment, with tributes pouring in for one of EastEnders’ most long-standing characters.
Cindy Beale’s Guilt – Will the Truth Come Out?
Cindy Beale played an indirect role in the tragic events that led to Martin’s death, and her actions may not go unpunished. After pushing Ian Beale into the road, she inadvertently set off the chain of events that resulted in Reiss crashing into The Queen Vic. If Walford residents learn about Cindy’s involvement, she could face backlash—or even legal trouble.
Additionally, Cindy’s own secret was exposed during the chaos—Kathy Beale was revealed as the person who had attacked her. Whether Cindy will retaliate or attempt to keep this under wraps remains to be seen, but the Beales are known for their ability to keep secrets, so blackmail and deception may be in store.
The Knights and Carters Rebuild Their Lives
The destruction of The Queen Vic left the Knight and Carter families devastated, stripping them of their home and livelihood. For Linda Carter, this loss is particularly painful, as the pub held cherished memories of her late husband, Mick Carter. As she and her family attempt to rebuild, they will have to rely on support from the community to get back on their feet. But will they be able to hold things together, or will tensions drive them apart?
Phil Mitchell’s Journey to Recovery
One of the most intense storylines during the anniversary week centered around Phil Mitchell’s mental health battle. After struggling with depression and psychosis, Phil reached a breaking point and attempted to take his own life. Thankfully, his close friends and family intervened, encouraging him to seek professional help.
With Phil now in the hospital, the upcoming episodes are likely to focus on his recovery journey. As a central figure in Walford, his return will be a pivotal moment, but whether he emerges stronger or faces further setbacks remains to be seen.
What’s Next for Zack Hudson?
Actor James Farrar, who plays Zack Hudson, previously teased that 2025 would bring a major storyline for his character. With Martin’s death deeply affecting Zack, fans are eager to see if this tragedy will be the catalyst for a major shift in his life. While the details remain under wraps, Zack’s upcoming arc is expected to be one of the most gripping of the year.
Will Ravi and Priya Finally Reunite?
One of the biggest romantic twists during the live anniversary episode was Denise Fox’s decision to choose Jack Branning over Ravi Gulati. This left Ravi heartbroken and single, sparking speculation over whether he might rekindle his romance with his ex, Priya Nandra-Hart.
Fans have picked up on the lingering chemistry between Ravi and Priya in recent weeks, and now that he is no longer pursuing Denise, a reconciliation may be on the horizon. Could this be the start of a new chapter for them as a family?
Looking Ahead – What’s Next for EastEnders?
With major exits, dramatic returns, and emotional fallout from the 40th-anniversary events, EastEnders is setting the stage for an action-packed year. As the residents of Walford mourn their losses and rebuild their lives, tensions will rise, secrets will unfold, and new alliances will form.
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