Wildest EastEnders 40th anniversary scenes – ghost, s.u.i.c.i.d.e attempt, pub birth
EastEnders fans were treated to a week of chaos as the much-loved soap turned 40 with everything from brutal d.e.a.t.h.s, shootings, childbirth in a burning building and even a ghostly spectre
EastEnders isn’t for the faint of heart.
Fans were put through the emotional wringer this week as the soap celebrated its landmark 40th birthday, pulling out all the stops to celebrate the occasion, with fans praising the cast for “the performance of their life”.
On an average day on Albert Square there’s at least a few rows, punch-ups and new romances blossoming, so show bosses had to go above and beyond to make the milestone birthday a big one. Of course, this has put some of the show’s much loved favourite characters in the firing line, and even the beloved Queen Vic pub wasn’t safe!
Fans have been sharing some of their opinions online about the most shocking moments in the show, as well as a few blunders. Scroll on to check out some of the show’s wildest moments from the past week.
D.e.a.t.h of Martin Fowler
Fans are mourning the d.e.a.t.h of Martin(Image: BBC)
One of the longest running characters in the show met a grisly end. Martin Fowler was seen in the very first episode of EastEnders when Pauline Fowler gave birth to a baby boy, so everything came full circle with fans saying farewell to Martin 40 years later.
Martin was trapped in the rubble of the Queen Vic when it exploded after Reiss crashed his car into the iconic boozer. He tried to save ex-wife Stacey Slater who insisted they confess their feelings for one another, which ended up with Martin proposing to her again.
Her decision to delay their escape was a costly one and a huge beam fell and crushed Martin’s legs. Despite the best effort of paramedics, Martin couldn’t be saved and Stacey was left heartbroken.
The return of Anita Dobson
Anita Dobson made a surprise return(Image: Getty Images)
Fans were thrilled to see the return of a few familiar faces during the special anniversary live episode, with both Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) and Angie Watts (Anita Dobson) making very welcome appearances, with the latter coming back from the d.e.a.d. Angie appeared as a spirit to help guide her daughter Sharon.
The ghost of Angie urged Sharon to scream for help, saying: “You’re not giving up on us, are you Sharon?” A terrified Sharon shared how scared she was and desperate for warmth as Angie said: “I know baby, I wish I could just put my arms round you and give you a great big hug but it’s not time for us to be together yet darling.”
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She added: “We’re all scared aren’t we? Look at me – spent my whole life being scared. But you’ve got to keep fighting, Sharon.” Anita hadn’t been seen on screen since 1988.
Phil tried to shoot himself
A devastated Phil tried to take his own life(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron/Matt Burlem)
Poor Phil Mitchell has had a rough time of it over the years and it all came to the surface this week. The Albert Square legend tried to take his own life in heartbreaking scenes while going through a breakdown.
Horrified viewers heard him raising a gun to his head and repeatedly pulling the trigger. He had told brother Grant, Nigel Bates and Linda Carter that he was “done”.
A traumatised Phil said he was a “burden” and “all I do is hurt people” while a desperate Linda pleaded with him to reconsider. A furious and terrified Grant rushed and grabbed the weapon from his distraught brother, yelling: “What if it had been loaded?!”
Fans praised the portrayal on social media, with one viewer writing: “Steve McFadden needs recognition for his portrayal of Phil and his mental health struggle.”
Sonia gives birth and fans chose the name
Sonia gave birth while trapped in the Queen Vic(Image: BBC)
Sonia spent most of the episode in labour and eventually gave birth to a baby girl while still trapped inside the Queen Vic. During the live episode, fans were encouraged to vote whether they wanted Denise Fox to end up with Jack Branning or Ravi Gulati.
Instead of the expected second vote, viewers found a surprise second question: “To honour the creators of EastEnders. Julia Smith and Tony Holland, what should Sonia name her baby?”
Fans were then allowed to vote, and it was revealed that the majority chose the name Julia, instead of “Toni with an i” which Sonia had been considering.
There was a tense moment when a weak Sonia realised her baby was turning blue, but fortunately cries filled the air and both were okay by the end of the episode.
Reiss d.i.e.s in horror bathtub twist
Reiss was caught out in the end(Image: BBC)
Not content with blowing up the Queen Vic after he crashed his car, Reiss argued with Sonia about their baby while they were trapped inside the rubble. Lauren Branning and Bianca Jackson try to protect Sonia from the m.u.r.d.e.r.o.u.s villain, but she wasn’t having any of it.
“You are a freak, Reiss. You are a m.u.r.d.e.r.i.n.g freak. You’re not going to be any part of my daughter’s life,” Sonia screamed. Reiss replied: “You don’t mean that, it’s the hormones talking, we’re meant to be together and the sooner you realise that blood is thicker than water and that baby will always be my blood!”
He took a step towards them as Bianca shoved him back, shouting: “Why don’t you just drop d.e.a.d?” as a small piece of rubble hit him. A relieved Reiss said: “Well, that was close,” before a bath tub falls through the ceiling and crushes him.
Bianca confirmed he was d.e.a.d, with Sonia replying simply: “Good.”
Ian miraculously survives
Ian somehow survived three attempts on his life(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Ian Beale rivals a cat with his many lives after surviving multiple attempts during the anniversary week. Played by Adam Woodyatt, the soap legend had luck on his side after narrowly avoiding d.e.a.t.h.
He somehow survived a shooting, being shoved in front of a car and then escaping the blazing Queen Vic inferno. A furious Cindy shot Ian in the arm before shoving him in front of the car drive by Reiss.
Reiss swerved at the last second, however he crashed into the Queen Vic which caused multiple gas canisters to explode. Fans questioned why Ian wasn’t seen being given medical treatment for the gunshot wound and why there was hardly any blood on him.
Denise made her choice
Fans voted for Denise to end up with Jack(Image: BBC)
Fans were left fuming at the result of the vote, after viewers watching the live show were asked to choose who Denise pairs off with. Despite the choice being left up to fans at home, viewers ranted that Denise made the “wrong choice” when she picked Jack over Ravi.
Denise was seen stopping at her ex’s house, telling him: “I feel safe with you Jack. I want to feel safe.” Jack asked: “What about Ravi? What about when you want a bit of danger?”
She reassured him that there was nothing between her and Ravi: “I see a future with you Jack and our history – that runs deep. My feelings haven’t changed, I still love you.”
Ravi had declared his love for Denise in previous episodes, even climbing through her window to give her a rose.
The EastEnders logo was changed for the 40th anniversary(Image: BBC)
You can hear the iconic theme tune whenever you see the birds-eye view graphic, but it was given a spooky makeover for the special anniversary celebrations.
Some fans think the river turned red because it was the 40th anniversary, which is typically celebrated with ruby. Others thought it was because the streets were going to run red with blood, and with all of the d.e.a.t.h.s which occurred, they might just be right.
