EastEnders 40th fallout revealed: Multiple exits, devastating funeral and Vicki returns

There were plenty of tears on EastEnders last week, as the 40th anniversary episodes saw a double d.e.a.t.h and a huge stunt.

Villain Reiss Colwell was k.i.l.l.e.d off after being crushed by a bath tub in one bizarre moment, after he crashed into The Queen Vic causing it to explode. It was Cindy Beale’s fault after she pushed her ex Ian Beale into the road, causing Reiss to swerve.

Martin Fowler was also k.i.l.l.e.d off in devastating scenes after being crushed by a metal beam after the pub collapsed. In gut-wrenching scenes his ex Stacey Slater was by his side as he passed away, just after he realised his true feelings for her and asked her to marry him again.

There’s moving scenes ahead as Walford grieves, with residents struggling to cope with the loss of Martin. We now know there’s a big return on the way in the aftermath of Martin’s d.e.a.t.h, with some new faces on the way too.

But how is EastEnders shaping up for the rest of the year post-40th celebrations? Here’s a glimpse of what fans can expect in the coming weeks and months on the BBC soap…

Exits

In the fallout to Martin’s d.e.a.t.h and the demise of k.i.l.l.e.r Reiss, there’s more confirmed and rumoured departures on the way. Stacey actress Lacey Turner is currently on maternity leave, so she will likely have her onscreen exit very soon.

Natalie Cassidy recently confirmed her decision to leave the BBC soap after decades playing Sonia Fowler. It’s likely Sonia and her baby daughter Julia will leaves Walford together, and possibly with her sister Bianca Jackson with it not clear if actress Patsy Palmer was back full time or just for the 40th.

Grant Mitchell is also leaving soon after his brief return, with actor Ross Kemp revealing he had already finished filming. Nigel Bates will also leave at some point, with the return only for a stint.

Also expected to leave after Martin’s demise are his partner Ruby Allen and their young son Roman. Ruby’s return was thought to be for a stint, while it’s yet to be confirmed.

Returns

As well as a number of exits, there’s also a return confirmed amid hopes from fans that other characters will be back too. It’s been announced that Martin’s niece Vicki Fowler is returning to Walford after more than 20 years away, and she’s not alone.

Vicki will be bringing some new faces with her including new partner Ross and his son Joel. Vicki is back for Martin’s funeral, but she will plan to stick around rejoining her sister Sharon Watts in Walford.

D.e.a.t.h fallout

Of course the d.e.a.t.h of legend Martin Fowler after 40 years on the show is going to cause shockwaves in Walford. His family and close friends including the Beales, Sharon Watts, Stacey Slater, Ruby Allen, Zack Hudson and Martin’s children are going to be struggling to cope.

The whole of Walford will be in a state of shock, reeling from the loss of their neighbour and friend. As they all learn to navigate a life without Martin, there will no doubt be tough times ahead, with a funeral also no doubt set to air.

Cindy’s guilt

As we said already, Cindy may face being blamed for the crash that caused the explosion due to her attacking Ian. Those who know about her involvement will no doubt hold her to account.

But if anyone in Walford finds out she caused Martin’s d.e.a.t.h, sort of, how will they react and might she face trouble with the law? Might she feel guilty for what she did and attempt to turn a corner? Then there’s the fact Kathy Beale was exposed as her attacker.

Kathy’s fate is yet to be revealed as we remain unaware of whether Cindy will expose her. The Beales are known for keeping secrets though, so perhaps there’ll be some blackmailing going on.

The Knights and Carters

The Knights and the Carters have lost their home and their business after the collapse of The Vic. This will no doubt hit Linda hard given the memories she had in that place with her late husband Mick Carter, and her family who are no longer in Walford.

She and the family have lost everything, and will have to rebuild – no doubt with the help of Walford residents. But can the family remain strong and unite together to get through it all?

Phil’s recovery

Phil Mitchell took centre stage in the 40th anniversary week, as his depression and his psychosis took a devastating turn. Phil attempted to take his own life, and in emotional scenes he was encouraged by his closed friends to seek help.

The soap legend was admitted to hospital, and it’s likely the coming episodes will see his friends and family support him as he comes to terms with his mental health battle. It’s likely the soap will explore his recovery with the storyline before seeing him return to Walford.

Zack storyline

Late last year, Zack Hudson actor James Farrar told The Mirror there was a huge storyline coming up for him in 2025. He did not go into detail but said there were big things ahead.

Could it be linked to his best friend Martin’s demise? Details are yet to be revealed but back in September, he told us: “There is something really exciting coming up next year that nobody really knows about yet. It keeps me going into work every day going…. I’m buzzing for it to start. It is just starting around now.” Perhaps it was the 40th anniversary twist, otherwise there’s more to come for Zack!

Ravi and Priya unite?

Fans will recall that during the live episode, Denise Fox chose to be with Jack Branning over her new flame Ravi Gulati. It came down to a public vote, with Jack getting the most votes as revealed on air.

Ravi was left outside in the cold, as Denise revealed it was estranged husband Jack she wanted to be with. With that Ravi is now single, so will he finally reconcile with his ex Priya Nandra-Hart?

Fans are desperate for the pair to get together after recent chemistry between them, and a close moment. The pair have two kids together but split years ago, and now fans are hoping after Denise’s decision that Ravi will make a go of it with Priya who clearly loves him.