EASTENDERS fans think they’ve cracked the interactive story in the 40th anniversary episode after spotting a significant ‘clue’.
The BBC soap revealed plans for an exciting live episode to celebrate 40 years in television on Monday.
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While EastEnders previously aired in 2015 for its 30th anniversary, this time viewers will play a big part in how the episode unfolds.
During the special – which will air in February – fans will take part in an on-air vote to “choose their preferred outcome of the love story”.
The cast and crew will then be able to adapt to the outcome chosen by Beeb viewers.
Speaking about the live special, EastEnders executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “The 40th anniversary is a milestone for EastEnders and we’ve been planning this week for a long time to ensure it’s a week full of drama and surprises.
“In fact, as our regular audience will know, we’ve already seen the return of familiar faces and many more nods to our history are coming, all building up to our big anniversary week.
“This time, in addition to going live, we are adding an extra touch and for the first time in the history of the show, and as a gift to the viewers, we are giving it to the audience power to have a say in choosing the outcome of one of our stories.
“While we are still keeping limited details of the 40th close to our chests, I can promise it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists and turns that will forever change Albert Square and the lives of those who live there.”
EastEnders fans immediately began speculating about who could be at the center of the love story they will be voting on.
And some believe that Martin Fowler – played by James Bye – will be one of the main characters involved.
Louise Lytton’s return as Ruby Allen – which was confirmed earlier this month – is also believed to be key to the plot.
VX wrote one: “Given Ruby’s anniversary, why do I get the feeling that this will decide who Martin (the first child born on the show) chooses out of Stacey & Ruby?”
Another replied: “Yeah, I deffo think the 40th will include Ruby. But I have a feeling they’re going to kill her off.”
A third tweeted: “That would be fun? Even though I hate Ruby. It would tie up the history of the show.”
But a fellow fan questioned that scenario, pointing out: “Ruby is only temporary, it wouldn’t happen, but if people voted for him and Ruby, that wouldn’t mean Martin leaving the show.”
Ruby was last seen in November 2021 when she claimed to be pregnant with Martin’s child.
But after her previous lies and scheming, Martin refused to believe her – but will she come back with the baby?
The 35-year-old actress Louisa has already started filming for her period.
Louisa said of her return: “I’m delighted to be invited back to the Square to revisit Ruby and shed some light on what the last three years have been like for her while she’s been away from Walford.
“I’ve always loved playing Ruby as it’s never boring and I can’t wait for everyone to see what Ruby has to offer.”
Love triangles for the best soap
LOVE triangles are a staple of soapland, but which ones have become the most iconic?
THE ORIENTALS
Bradley/Stacey/Max: In 2007, Stacey Slater began an affair with Max, the father of boyfriend Bradley Branning.
Despite their dalliances, Stacey still married Bradley, but their cheating came to light that year in the iconic Christmas episode.
Grant/Sharon/Phil: Going even further into Walford’s history, EastEnders fans were treated to a 90s affair when Sharon Watts had a one-night stand with her brother-in-law Phil Mitchell.
Sharon confided in best friend Michelle Fowler – not knowing it had been taped – and her husband Grant eventually found out and played it in front of everyone at the Queen Vic.
Syed/Amira/Christian: Syed Masood was engaged to Amira before realizing that he had feelings for another man, Christian, which he confessed to him on their wedding day.
A devout Muslim, Syed refused to admit his true sexuality and married Amira anyway, but when they returned they began an affair before Amira caught them in the act.
CORONATION STREET
Shelley/Peter/Lucy: Peter Barlow took the concept of the love triangle and talked it into Coronation Street – expanding it to include bigamy.
He was in a relationship with Shelley Unwin but started dating Lucy Richards and quickly married her after she became pregnant with his son Simon.
But that didn’t stop him from marrying Shelley as well, but he was eventually caught when Lucy showed up in Weatherfield and the two women tackled him.
Ken/Deidre/Mike: In 1982, Deirdre Barlow began secretly sleeping with her husband’s nemesis, Mike Baldwin, before coming clean a year later.
When Mike showed up at the matrimonial home, Deirdre was being suffocated by her husband, who then threw her out, but they reconciled years later.
Maria/Aidan/Eve: In 2017, Aidan Connor started sleeping with Maria Connor, Eva Price’s girlfriend’s best friend.
Eva eventually found out and decided to get revenge by being falsely pregnant, spending his money and planning to confront him on their wedding day.
However, she changed her mind when a contrite Aidan confessed and decided to marry him anyway, only for Maria to come along and reveal her fake pregnancy.
EMMERDALE
Ross/Debbie/Pete: In 2015, Debbie Dingle found herself torn between two brothers, Ross and Pete Barton, in Emmerdale.
She eventually decided to marry Pete, but once again the wedding day was ruined when the groom learned of the bride’s betrayal through a recording played at the wedding.
Chrissie/Robert/Aaron: Robert Sugden was married to Chrissie White and all was looking good – until he began a whirlwind affair with Aaron Dingle.
Robert’s ex Katie Sugden almost exposed the affair – but died before she had the chance.
However, guilt-ridden Aaron eventually relented and told Chrissie about the affair – whereupon she announced it to the whole pub.
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EastEnders is on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
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