EastEnders 2025 ‘exposed’: Grant’s return, shock m.u.r.d.e.r plot and Stacey’s exit

EastEnders viewers are buzzing on social media with their predictions for the twists and turns that could shake up Albert Square in the new year. As 2025 approaches, marking the 40th anniversary of the BBC One soap, anticipation builds with the confirmation of a live episode airing in February to commemorate this significant occasion.

Chris Clenshaw, the executive producer who will be departing from his role in 2025, has been teasing fans with the possibility of old favourites returning. He shared: “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”, reports the Manchester Evening News.

With speculation rife about everything from shocking departures to a stunning whodunnit revelation, viewers have been making their guesses but which, if any, will come ‘true’?

‘Stacey’s exit’

Lacey Turner is expecting her third child, and given her previous breaks from playing Stacey Slater for maternity leave, fans are curious about how she’ll be written out this time. Some viewers are pleading with the showrunners to avoid sending Stacey back to prison as her exit storyline.

One fan took to the internet to predict: “Looks like ar Stace is heading to prison….again.”

While another viewer expressed worry, posting: “I am so happy for Lacey but please NO prison sentence for my girl.”

A third suggested a possible solution, pleading: “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! “.

Echoing the sentiment, yet another viewer remarked: “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’s murder’

Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) has caused quite the stir, embarking on an affair with her ex George Knight’s (Colin Salmon) son, Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), who has reportedly fallen hard for her.

With the salacious scandal set for a dramatic reveal on Christmas Day, speculations are flying that this could spell the end for Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), fuelling rumours of a murder mystery unfolding.

In an online discussion, one commenter speculated about Cindy’s fate post-reveal: “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 viewer expressed their doubts about the character’s future, commenting: “There’s not really much more you can do with her Character once the affair with Junior is revealed.”

Another fan speculated on the character’s fate: “She’ll have to either disappear again or turn into a mega villain, just sticking around out of spite.”

Other fans are concerned that Cindy might meet a grim end. On social media, one person questioned: “So, is Cindy being k..i.l.l.e.d off at christmas or what? ” Another theorised: “Possible theory. Cindy is k.i.l.l.e.d on Christmas Day in a whodunnit and the culprit is revealed on 40th anniversary.”

A different viewer was less than pleased with such a prospect: “I fully don’t really want this. She has potential plus bringing her back from the dead just to kill her is stupid.”

‘Grant’s return’

The buzz around ‘EastEnders’ also includes excitement for potential returns, with Ross Kemp, who embodies the beloved character Grant Mitchell, at the forefront of viewers’ wishlists. Kemp, now acclaimed for his investigative documentaries, is rumoured by fans to be making a return next year.

One fan tweeted: “Ross Kemp among 4 legends set for RETURN for #EastEnders 40th Anniversary in FEBRUARY 2024.”

Another shared their thoughts: “Mentioning Grant and Michelle having a kid foreshadowing Mark Fowler JR return or Grant and Michelle back for the 40th ! #EastEnders.”

Another enthusiast pondered: “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 at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am