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EastEnders is making history with an experimental episode in which viewers will decide the outcome.
Nigel’s admitted he has dementia in scenes that have left fans in “floods of tears”. Meanwhile, Martin admitted to Stacey “it’s always been you” but a heavy metal beam has fallen on him. Will he make it?
In an interactive twist for its 40th anniversary, fans will choose whether Denise Fox (Diane Parish) will reunite with her estranged husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) or her secret lover Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
Last year, Denise and Jack’s troubled marriage fell apart when it was revealed he had been having an affair with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), which ended in a brawl. They’ve since alternately shared moments of passion and created warm memories as part of their blended family.
But matters were complicated when Denise rekindled her romance with Ravi, a man with a troubled past, on Christmas Day. The situation was further muddied due to Ravi having been in a serious relationship with Denise’s daughter Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams), who has been praised for her performances on the soap.
The decision won’t be straightforward, but it will be left in the hands of fans. Viewers will also decide whether Sonia’s baby will be called Julia or Tony in honour of EastEnders creators Julia Smith and Tony Holland.
The popular soap first aired on 19 February 1985 and has gone on to become a mainstay of British television.
The BBC has aired an hour-long special tonight. Voting is now open. It will close at 7:10pm tomorrow for the live instalment in which the outcome will be revealed. Actors will have prepared for both outcomes.
To vote, you must register on the BBC website here.
The results of your vote will be revealed tonight
Will Denise pick Ravi or Jack? Voting closes at 7.10pm tonight.
You also have the chance to choose whether Sonia Fowler’s baby will be called Julia or Toni.
Maira Butt20 February 2025 15:19
Voting is open – how to vote
Voting is open now and will close tomorrow (20 February) at 7.10pm. The result will be revealed during our live episode.
Maira Butt20 February 2025 08:00
Chelsea’s final words of advice to her mum Denise
“I just want you to know that whoever you love, if you’re happy, I’m happy. Because life really is too short Mum, and you’ve got to fight for what you want,” Chelsea tells Denise as she looks over at Ravi.
And will Chelsea feel the same when she learns that Denise has been secretly hooking up with Ravi?
Maira Butt20 February 2025 07:02
Sonia is in labour – but what will you name her baby?
As well as deciding whether Denise will end up with Jack or Ravi, viewers will also get to decide what Sonia’s baby will be called.
“To honour the creators of EastEnders, Julia Smith and Tony Holland, what should Sonia name her baby?” asks the BBC.
Maira Butt20 February 2025 06:05
EastEnders is 40 years old – but will the soap opera make it to 50?
Maira Butt20 February 2025 04:17
Pat Butcher star opens up about secret behind character’s infamous earring collection
Pam St Clement, who played Pat Butcher between the years 1986 and 2012, has spilled the beans on her character’s infamous earring collection.
“When I got the part of Pat, like any actor I decided to do a bit of homework,” she said on the EastEnders: 40 Years On The Square documentary.
“I saw this bus conductress on a number 38 bus and she was wearing these most dangly earrings, Pat always wears the earrings that fit her mood.”
She added: “You know those toolboxes you can get that fold up?
“I had one of those and a wall bracket with dangling earrings, but the interesting thing is most of them came from viewers.”
The actor revealed that fans often sent her earrings in the post.
Maira Butt20 February 2025 01:15
Some serious issues discussed in tonight’s episode
Phil feels he has to be the “hard man”, and he’s hearing voices. He feels “ashamed” of what he’s become and doesn’t feel “strong enough”.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Maira Butt20 February 2025 00:02
Ross Kemp says he will not be in EastEnders live episode after pub explosion
The actor, who plays Grant Mitchell, returned to the soap to celebrate the milestone after a near 10-year absence.
Tuesday’s episode saw the Queen Vic explode when Sonia Fowler’s former partner Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) crashed his car into the Albert Square pub after being on the run following a murder, and kidnapping Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).
Asked if he would be in Thursday’s live episode, he said on ITV’s This Morning: “I’m not doing the live, I’m no long there, I’ve departed – not in a hearse, I hasten to add.”
Maira Butt19 February 2025 23:26
