The EastEnders 40th-anniversary live episode delivered plenty of drama, but it wasn’t just the explosive storyline that had fans talking.
Viewers were left stunned after spotting an unexpected and rather bizarre moment involving Lauren Branning during Sonia Fowler’s intense childbirth scene.
The dramatic episode saw Sonia (Natalie Cassidy), Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), and Lauren (Jacqueline Jossa) trapped inside the Queen Vic following a massive explosion.
As tensions ran high, Sonia suddenly went into labor, forcing her loved ones to assist with the birth of her baby girl on the pub floor.
However, amid the chaos, fans noticed what appeared to be an awkward moment when Bianca discarded Sonia’s undergarments.
Lauren caught them and, in a move that sent social media into a frenzy, seemed to lift them to her nose as though she were sniffing them.
Viewers immediately took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their shock and confusion, with comments such as:
“Still not over Lauren sniffing Sonia’s knickers, tbh.”
“Did Lauren actually sniff Sonia’s knickers when Bianca passed them to her?”
“Lauren nooo! Why did you sniff Sonia’s knickers??!!”
Jacqueline Jossa later addressed the moment on TikTok, clarifying that she did not, in fact, sniff them. She explained, “I was just checking what they were and lifting them in shot, no sniffing.” She also noted that the discarded item usually hit her in the face during filming, prompting her reaction.
Meanwhile, the episode provided more unexpected moments, including a continuity blunder regarding the size of Sonia’s newborn. Fans pointed out that the baby seemed to have significantly grown in size within mere minutes of being born.
One fan joked, “Sonia’s baby aged 2 months in 3 minutes,” while another remarked, “Bet that hurt to push out—huge!”
Despite the amusing moments, the episode carried emotional weight, particularly with the revelation of Martin Fowler’s tragic death. As Sonia cradled her newborn daughter in an ambulance, she revealed she had named her Julia—believed by many to be a touching tribute to EastEnders creator Julia Smith.
The episode concluded with a poignant rendition of Julia’s Theme, a signature piece reserved for major character exits and significant moments. Viewers were left heartbroken by the parallel of Sonia welcoming new life while simultaneously losing Martin, with one writing, “As one is born, another is gone.”
Adding to the emotional impact, Natalie Cassidy recently announced her departure from EastEnders after more than a decade in Albert Square. In a heartfelt statement, she expressed her gratitude for the show and her excitement for new ventures.
The 40th-anniversary live episode will undoubtedly go down in EastEnders history as one of its most dramatic and talked-about moments. From unexpected background blunders to heart-wrenching farewells, the episode delivered everything fans could have hoped for—and more.
EastEnders Pub Landlady on ‘Exciting’ Live Episode
As EastEnders celebrated its milestone 40th anniversary with a special live episode, one of the biggest stars of the show, Queen Vic landlady Linda Carter (played by Kellie Bright), shared her excitement about being part of the historic event.
Speaking about the once-in-a-lifetime experience, Kellie revealed that filming a live episode was both nerve-wracking and thrilling. “It’s such an incredible experience,” she said. “It’s not every day you get to perform live on one of the biggest shows on television. The energy is unreal.”
As the iconic pub at the heart of Albert Square, the Queen Vic has witnessed decades of drama, and the live episode was no exception. With an explosion rocking Walford and chaos unfolding, Linda Carter found herself at the center of the action.
“The stakes were so high for everyone in this episode,” Kellie explained. “You know anything can happen, and that’s what makes it so exciting for us as actors—and for the audience at home.”
Performing live comes with its fair share of challenges, and Kellie admitted that while the cast was well-prepared, the unpredictability added an extra layer of tension. “You rehearse for weeks, but when it’s live, you only get one shot,” she said. “That adrenaline rush is incredible, but it also means you have to be completely focused. One slip-up and the whole nation sees it!”
For Kellie, one of the most rewarding aspects of the live episode was the camaraderie among the cast. “We all supported each other through it,” she shared. “It’s a real team effort. You can feel the love and passion from everyone involved—both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.”
Fans of EastEnders were equally enthralled, praising the performances and the intensity of the live-action storytelling. Social media erupted with reactions, with one fan writing, “That was one of the best EastEnders episodes ever—what a way to celebrate 40 years!” Another commented, “Kellie Bright absolutely smashed it as Linda. The Queen Vic was at the heart of everything, as it should be!”
With EastEnders continuing to evolve and deliver gripping storylines, the live episode served as a fitting tribute to its legacy. For Kellie Bright, it was an unforgettable experience. “Being part of this show is an honor,” she said. “And being part of such a historic moment? That’s something I’ll cherish forever.”
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