After months of simmering tension and reunion hopes, Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) gets ready to put her heart on the line and declare her feelings for ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) in EastEnders this week.
The pair have been suppressing their obvious chemistry since Martin reunited with ex-wife Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) over Christmas, with Stacey stepping aside in the love triangle.
But as the BBC soap reaches its 40th anniversary, it looks like a reunion could be on the cards for one of its most popular couples ever.
As the week of special episodes kick off, Martin desperately fights his feelings for Stacey as he tries to focus on Ruby and their future.
Resolved to accept his choice, Stacey tries to forget about her love for Martin – but it’s a task that’s proving almost impossible.
Love is in the air as the Walford residents then gather for the wedding of Honey and Billy Mitchell (Emma Barton and Perry Fenwick).
In the spirit of the occasion, Stacey’s mum Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) tries to talk some sense into her daughter and implores her to tell Martin how she really feels.
Having been rejected before, Stacey is fearful about putting her heart on the line, but Jean’s convinced she needs to be brave.
Fans will have to wait and see if Stacey and Martin finally give in to their feelings, but whatever happens disaster is just around the corner.
Honey and Billy’s reception will be the scene of a devastating explosion that rips through the Queen Vic pub.
Many of their guests will become trapped in the wake of the blast, as parts of the boozer are dangerously close to collapse.
With several lives on the line, not everyone will likely make it out alive…
Meanwhile, Lacey Turner has confirmed she will be part of EastEnders’ live episode next Thursday – just weeks after giving birth to her third child.
The actress is currently on maternity leave from the soap after welcoming daughter Gipsy last month.
But with the live episode airing weeks after she filmed her last scenes before her leave, Lacey will make a temporary return to set for the landmark.
‘I really enjoy taking part in the live episodes which is weird because anything live would normally scare the life out of me,’ she says. ‘You get such an adrenaline rush from it.
‘Hopefully this one will go as smoothly for me!’
EastEnders’ 40th anniversary week airs from Monday 17 February on BBC One and iPlayer.
