The Year Was… 2017

Wedding Night Horror!
Roxy Mitchell and Ronnie Branning were celebrating in style! In the posh hotel hired for the wedding and with Jack putting the children to bed, reading Cinderella while they drifted off, the two sisters were having a giggle by themselves. Roxy (not in control of her actions) had given Max Branning a room key with the intention of some extra fun, but Max was out for revenge against Phil and his family were also targets. He had spiked her drink and Roxy was inadvertently high and drunk.

Larking about, Roxy decided to jump into the hotel pool, as you do. Whilst Ronnie slipped her wedding dress off she noticed Roxy at the bottom of the pool. Ronnie jumped in and grabbed a hold of her sister. Her dress got caught and pulled them both to the bottom, and as the clock struck midnight for 2017, both Mitchell sisters had gone – they had even drowned together.

The post mortem showed that the drugs in Roxy’s system had killed her as soon as she hit the water. Ronnie had drowned trying to rescue her. They were buried together, but Jack was obviously a mess, especially when Charlie Cotton arrived to take Matthew home to Ireland.

The Mitchells rallied together in comfort, but soon had other things on their mind when Louise’s dress caught fire at the school prom and she was left with bad burns. While she was in hospital recovering, Lisa returned, determined to prove herself as a mother!

Welcome home, Michelle?
Sharon (and viewers) had a shock just before 2017 when an unfamiliar woman got out of a taxi Christmas Eve and said hello to her. This turned out to be none other than Michelle Fowler, back from America for the first time in over twenty years and with a new head on her shoulders, quite literally!

Now Michelle had avoided family funerals (her mum, dad and brother were laid to rest without her present), weddings (at last five) and events (Arthur went to prison for crying out loud!), so what could possibly bring her back to Albert Square, a place you would think she would be keen to avoid?

Sharon, ever the detective, suspected something was amiss when Michelle left Mark Jr. and husband Tim behind in the States. But Michelle, stubborn as ever, kept mum. It wasn’t until Stacey, fed up with Michelle’s constant presence, overheard her arguing with Tim on the phone that the truth started to spill. Michelle confided in Sharon that Mark had run off with his girlfriend and she and Tim had drifted apart.

Then came the bombshell: back in Florida, Michelle had a fling with a 17-year-old student, Preston Cooper. Sharon, being the loyal friend, let Michelle crash at her place. But things took a turn for the worse when Michelle started hitting the bottle. With Sharon and Phil off on holiday, Michelle was left to play housekeeper, looking after Louise and Denny Jr. On Valentine’s Day, Preston made a surprise appearance, and before you could say “drama,” he and Michelle were locking lips.

Michelle’s attempt to get a teaching job went down the drain when her past with Preston came to light. She tried to send Preston packing, but he was determined to win her back. His grand plan? Make Michelle jealous by getting cosy with her niece, Bex. The scheme worked, and Michelle and Preston’s affair reignited. Denny, ever the troublemaker, discovered their secret and started blackmailing Michelle.

Things escalated when Denny used Michelle’s credit card to buy a video game. An argument ensued, with Denny accusing Michelle of being a paedophile. Michelle slapped him, and Louise walked in just in time to see Michelle calling Denny a “brat.” Denny, not one to back down, spilled the beans about Michelle and Preston to Louise, who then told Bex. Bex, in disbelief, confronted Michelle and Preston in public, leading to a showdown where Martin attacked Preston and berated Michelle.

In a drunken stupor, Michelle tried to find Preston, only to crash Phil’s car into the chip shop. She ended up in the hospital with a ruptured spleen. Discharged but furious, Michelle learned that Sharon had convinced Preston to return to the States. Michelle decided to follow suit, but Sharon persuaded her to face the music at the police station. The police confiscated her passport, preventing her from leaving the country.

Sharon encouraged Michelle to mend fences with her family. Stacey invited Michelle to a family meal, but Martin accused her of pretending to care. Michelle started community service and learned that Tim wanted a divorce. She avoided the issue, but eventually, she and Martin began to talk, though he was still angry at her behaviour.

Realising she needed a fresh start, Michelle applied for a sales assistant job and got it. While coming home on the Tube, she met a man named Tom Bailey and mustered the courage to ask him out. Things seemed promising until Michelle lost interest and rejected him. Tom didn’t take it well and started stalking her – you know, as normal people do?

Michelle tried to move on, going on a date with another man, only for Tom to scare him off. In a final bid to rid herself of Tom, Michelle invited him over for dinner. When he tried to kiss her, Sharon, Denise, and Karen intervened, hitting him with a vase. Tom, exposed as a liar, left the Square in disgrace. Turned out he was also married! If he knew Michelle at all, he should have started with that!

Michelle, understandably perhaps, decided to spend Christmas with her daughter Vicki in Australia, hoping for a fresh start away from the chaos of Albert Square. She’d be back in the New Year – but you can’t run from your troubles and they would still be waiting when she returned…

The Trouble with the Taylors
The Taylor family made quite the entrance when they rolled into Albert Square in June, packed into a van with all their worldly possessions and a bearded dragon named Rooney. Led by the formidable Karen Taylor, a single mum with a heart of gold and a mouth that could wake the dead, the Taylors quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Walford. Karen, a 20-a-day lioness fiercely protective of her brood, was the kind of woman who could make a cup of tea and sort out a family feud all in one breath. Her eldest son, Keanu, was a charming lad with a penchant for getting into trouble, despite his best intentions. You couldn’t help but root for Keanu, even when he was making questionable decisions that had you shouting at the telly. And Keegan? Keegan was a jack the lad and a bit of a menace, but there was a really nice kid underneath all his bluster. He just needed guidance.

Then there was Bernadette, or Bernie, as she was affectionately known – a dreamer with aspirations of fame, though her journey was anything but smooth. Bernie had stars in her eyes and a heart full of dreams, but life in Albert Square was never going to be a walk in the park. The Taylor twins, Chatham and Riley, added another layer of complexity to the family dynamic. The twins had learning difficulties, which Karen navigated with a mix of tough love and unwavering support. And let’s not forget Bronson, the family’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who often found himself in the middle of the chaos, looking as bewildered as the rest of us.

The Taylors’ arrival was anything but quiet. They were loud, brash, and unapologetically themselves, much to the chagrin of their new neighbours. Karen’s no-nonsense attitude often put her at odds with other residents, but her fierce loyalty to her family earned her respect, even from those who initially wrote her off. One of the most gripping storylines of the year involved Bernie’s unexpected pregnancy. The revelation sent shockwaves through the family, with Karen struggling to come to terms with the news. Bernie, ever the dreamer, had to face the harsh realities of her situation, and the storyline tackled the complexities of teenage pregnancy with sensitivity and depth. It was a turning point for Bernie, who began to show a newfound maturity as she navigated the challenges ahead.

Keanu, meanwhile, found himself entangled in a series of romantic escapades that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. His relationship with Ingrid Solberg, the au pair for the Branning family, was a whirlwind of passion and drama. But it was his flirtation with Sharon Mitchell that really set tongues wagging. The age gap and Sharon’s status as a married woman added layers of intrigue and scandal to their interactions, making it one of the most talked-about storylines of the year. Karen’s own love life was far from straightforward. She had a brief fling with Billy Mitchell, which provided plenty of comedic moments, especially given Billy’s on-again, off-again relationship with Honey. Karen’s larger-than-life personality clashed with Billy’s more subdued nature, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and awkward encounters.

The Taylors also faced their fair share of hardships. Financial struggles were a constant theme, with Karen often having to make tough decisions to keep the family afloat. Karen’s determination to provide for her children, despite the odds, was a testament to her strength and character. One of the most heart warming aspects of the Taylors’ was their bond as a family. Despite the arguments and the drama, there was an undeniable sense of love and loyalty that held them together. Karen’s relationship with her children was central to this, and her fierce protectiveness was matched by their unwavering support for her. Whether it was Keanu stepping up as the man of the house or Bernie offering a shoulder to cry on, the Taylors showed that family truly comes first.

Denise’s Bad Year
Denise, the drama queen of Albert Square, had quite the rollercoaster ride. She started the year with a bang, quite literally, as she found herself in the middle of a bus crash. Only in Walford, right? But our Denise is made of tough stuff and survived to tell the tale, albeit with a few bruises and a newfound appreciation for public transport safety.

As if surviving a bus crash wasn’t enough drama, Denise decided to spice things up by getting involved with Kush Kazemi. Yes, the very same Kush who could charm the socks off a statue. Their relationship was a whirlwind of passion, misunderstandings, and the occasional public spat. But hey, what’s a relationship in Walford without a bit of public drama?

Denise’s love life wasn’t the only thing keeping her busy. She also faced the harsh reality of losing her job at the Minute Mart. Watching Denise struggle with unemployment was like watching a fish out of water – you couldn’t help but feel for her. But in true Denise fashion, she didn’t let it keep her down for long. She threw herself into job hunting with the determination of a woman on a mission, even if it meant dealing with the likes of Ian Beale.

But it wasn’t all laughs and love triangles. Denise also had to deal with some serious family drama. Her sister, Kim, was her usual fabulous self, but their mother, Emerald, made a surprise appearance, stirring up old wounds and family secrets. It was like an episode of Trisha, but with better acting and less shouting.

And let’s not forget the bombshell that dropped at the start of the year – Denise discovered she was pregnant. The father? None other than Phil Mitchell. Denise did indeed give birth to a beautiful baby boy named Raymond. However, in a heart-wrenching twist, she made the incredibly tough decision to give him up for adoption. Denise believed it was the best choice for Raymond, given her financial struggles and it was a tear-jerker moment that had everyone reaching for the tissues.

After giving up Raymond, Denise’s life took a darker turn. She began to struggle with alcoholism, using it as a way to cope with her grief and guilt. Her drinking problem escalated, leading to some rather embarrassing and dramatic moments. Denise’s friends and family tried to support her, but it was a tough battle.

On top of that, Denise faced the harsh reality of poverty. She struggled to feed herself, often going without meals and relying on food banks. It was a stark portrayal of the challenges many people face, and it added a layer of depth to Denise’s character. Despite everything, Denise’s resilience shone through. She fought to get her life back on track, proving once again that she was one of the toughest characters in Walford.

Curse on the Carters!
The year started with Mick Carter, our beloved landlord of The Queen Vic, facing a financial crisis that would make even Ian Beale break into a sweat. The pub was in trouble, and Mick was scrambling to keep it afloat. If only pulling pints could pay off debts, eh?

Linda Carter, Mick’s better half, was away for a chunk of the year, leaving Mick to juggle the pub, the kids, and his sanity. When she did return, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Linda had her own secrets, including a battle with cancer that she kept hidden from Mick. Because, you know, nothing says “welcome home” like a bit of life-threatening illness.

Meanwhile, Shirley Carter, the family’s matriarch with a heart of gold and a tongue of acid, was doing her best to help out. She even took the fall for Mick when the pub’s license was at risk. Shirley in prison? Just another day in Walford. But her time behind bars was nothing compared to the chaos back home.

Tina Carter, the fun-loving, free-spirited sister, had her own share of woes. She was dealing with the fallout from her relationship with Sonia, which was about as stable as a house of cards in a hurricane. And then there was the tragic death of their mother, Sylvie, who met her end in a rather shocking manner – electrocuted in the bath. Only in Walford, right?

And let’s not forget about Whitney Dean, who was practically an honorary Carter by this point. Her on-again, off-again relationship with Mick was the talk of the Square. The tension between them was thicker than Dot’s fog of cigarette smoke. Whitney’s departure from the Vic was a tear-jerker, but not before she left Mick with some parting words that would haunt him for the rest of the year…

The Carters also had to deal with the return of Aunt Babe, the family member everyone loves to hate. Babe’s scheming ways caused no end of trouble, and her eventual departure was a relief to everyone, including the viewers. Her parting words, cursing the Carter family, were a fitting end to her reign of terror – and a spooky hint of even worse to come…

Steven’s Evil Lie!
If there was an award for the most dramatic exit, Steven would have taken it home, no contest. The year started off relatively quietly for Steven, but in true Beale fashion, things quickly spiralled out of control. Steven, ever the schemer, decided to fake a brain tumour to keep his girlfriend Lauren Branning from leaving him. Because, you know, nothing says “I love you” like a whopping big lie. You could tell he was a Wicks!

The lie about his cancer was a whopper, and Steven played the part to perfection, milking the sympathy from everyone around him. But as with all good soap lies, it was only a matter of time before the truth came out. And when it did, it was messier than a Walford market stall on a windy day.

Steven’s deceit didn’t stop there. He was also having an affair with Lauren’s sister, Abi. Yes, you read that right. Steven and Abi’s clandestine romance added another layer of chaos to the Beale-Branning saga. Abi ended up pregnant, which only added to the tangled web Steven had woven.

But the pièce de résistance of Steven’s 2017 was his dramatic death. In a twist that could only happen in EastEnders, Steven met his end during a fire at Beale’s restaurant, orchestrated by none other than Max Branning. Max, ever the master manipulator, had roped Steven into his revenge plot against the Beales. During the chaos, Steven was injured and later died in hospital, leaving behind a trail of lies, broken hearts, and one very pregnant Abi.

Max’s Epic Revenge!
Max Branning’s 2017 was a masterclass in soap opera scheming, with more twists and turns than a Walford back alley. Fresh out of prison and brimming with a thirst for revenge, Max had a bone to pick with just about everyone in Albert Square. His grudge against the Mitchells was the stuff of legend, and he wasn’t about to let bygones be bygones. Enter Weyland & Co, the shady property company with a plan to buy up the Square and turn it into a developer’s dream. Max, ever the opportunist, teamed up with them, seeing it as the perfect way to stick it to his old enemies.

But Max’s revenge plot wasn’t just about property deals and corporate skulduggery. Oh no, it was personal. He had a score to settle with the Mitchells, especially Phil, who had more lives than a cat and just as many enemies. Max’s vendetta was fuelled by the belief that the Mitchells had wronged him, and he was determined to make them pay. And then there was the return of James Willmott-Brown, the villainous blast from the past who made even the Mitchells look like saints. Willmott-Brown’s reappearance was like throwing petrol on a fire, and his twisted history with Kathy Beale added another layer of drama to the mix.

Max and Willmott-Brown’s alliance was a match made in hell. Together, they plotted and schemed, with Max using his charm and cunning to manipulate those around him. Kathy, caught in the crossfire, found herself reliving old nightmares as Willmott-Brown’s sinister plans unfolded. The tension was palpable, and the stakes were higher than ever.

First, Max targeted Ian Beale, the perennial Walford weasel. Max used his position at Weyland & Co to manipulate Ian into selling his beloved restaurant, Beale’s, under the guise of a lucrative business deal. Ian, ever the gullible entrepreneur, took the bait, not realizing he was playing right into Max’s hands. The sale of the restaurant was just the beginning; Max wanted to see Ian lose everything, including his sanity.

Max’s vendetta didn’t stop with Ian. He also had his sights set on Jane Beale, Ian’s wife, who had played a significant role in his wrongful conviction. Max’s tactics with Jane were particularly ruthless. He orchestrated a series of events that led to Jane being threatened and ultimately forced to leave Walford. Max’s manipulation and intimidation left Jane terrified and isolated, achieving his goal of breaking up the Beale family.

Oh, Max eventually twigged that he was being played like a fiddle by Willmott-Brown, but not before causing a right old mess. Max, bless him, thought he was the puppet master, pulling all the strings, but it turned out he was just another pawn in Willmott-Brown’s grand scheme. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, and it wasn’t pretty.

Max’s epiphany came as the walls started closing in. He began to see that Willmott-Brown and his cronies at Weyland & Co were only using him to further their own agenda. The betrayal stung, especially since Max had put everything on the line, including his relationships with his family and friends. It was a classic case of the biter bit.

The final straw was when Max discovered the full extent of Willmott-Brown’s plans and how little regard he had for Max’s well-being. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but it also sparked a bit of a redemption arc for Max. Realizing he’d been duped, he tried to make amends, but as with all things in Walford, it was easier said than done. Willmott-Brown was abandoned by his own family and left to suffer a heart attack and Max was isolated so much he went to the Vic roof on Christmas Day and considered suicide. Lauren and Abi, followed him up there, trying to talk him down and make sense of the chaos that had engulfed their family.

In a heart-stopping moment, the situation took a tragic turn. Lauren and Abi, in their attempt to reach out to their father, lost their footing and plunged off the roof. Tanya and Max looked on in horror as the pair were lifeless in the same spot Bradley had died in. By the New Year, things were looking fatal…