EastEnders fans in tears as soap airs ‘beautiful’ VE Day episode – with heartbreaking twist

EastEnders fans in tears after VE Day special(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders fans were left in tears watching tonight’s episode, as the soap paid a moving tribute to World War II veterans, marking 80 years since VE Day.

To celebrate the day, the residents through a party in the newly opened Queen Vic, despite being hesitant to celebrate in there so soon after Martin Fowler’s tragic death.

As well as showing the residents celebrating, tonight’s EastEnders also featured black and white footage from the real-life war effort at home, with the episode also starting in black and white.

The residents were seen dancing at the VE Day celebrations in the Vic(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Kieron McCarron)

In an emotional ending, the residents were seen singing and dancing in the Vic, as the soap played Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again while panning to a picture of Martin Fowler.

However, it was a heartbreaking episode for Nigel Bates, who is suffering from dementia was under the impression that it was 1995, and the Square were celebrating the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

Throughout the episode, he could be heard speaking about late characters, including Peggy Mitchell and Arthur Fowler, who he believed were throwing the party.

Upon entering the Vic, Nigel planted a kiss on Jean Slater, as he was under the impression she was his first wife, Debbie who was killed in a hit and run accident in 1995.

The Queen Vic reopened in tonight’s episode(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Kieron McCarron)

Fans were left teary eyed after the emotional episode, as they took to X, formerly known as Twitter to praise the soap for the special episode. “Lovely episode tonight #EastEnders,” said one, while another penned: “Massive well done to @bbceastenders for their 80th anniversary of VE Day episode! Fabulous! Deserves a @BAFTA. #EastEnders #VE80”.

“Really emotional ep of #EastEnders today commemorating VE day,” wrote another. “Was a really touching episode and got me thinking.” A fourth emotional fan tweeted: “absolutely beautiful episode today. it had me sobbing by the end. what a way to celebrate VE Day.”

Another fan said: “Absolutely brilliant episode nobody does a look back better. Enjoyed all the montages and looking back, fitted it into today so well. “We will remember them” #EastEnders #VEDay.”

Elsewhere in tonight’s episode, it was a close call for Harvey and Kathy as Jean walked in while Harvey hugged and comforted Kathy after a row with Cindy. Luckily, Jean was none the wiser as they managed to play it off, but for how much longer?

If you need support, please contact our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 , or visit alzheimers.org.uk