Walford Gazette #6

Is everybody ready? Have we booked enough time off work to recover? Anyone else having a party?

Yes, it’s almost here: EastEnders @ 40! Who would have thought from that kick through the door of number 23 that the show would not only entertain for decades, but also enter the public consciousness as a go-to drama for issue-led storylines?

There is a lot going on. BBC Four in particular has a truck load of Classic episodes from over the years, all of which should be added to the iPlayer as we go. EastEnders: Revealed is back with Joe Swash presenting a chat with the cast and on the 17th, Ross Kemp goes back through the history of our favourite show!

There’s also the stuff on screen: Sonia has figured it out. Reiss is about to turn deadly. Bianca is about to… well, that would be telling wouldn’t it? Keep watching this week as all the pieces move across the board.

Oh, and Grant and Peggy are back this week too! There’s also the vote on Denise‘s love triangle (we here still can’t decide!) and a LIVE episode next Thursday!

All the spoilers are below. But be warned… it’s going to be live on the iPlayer too – no early morning viewings – all at 7:30pm on BBC 1!

See you on the other side. Prepare to be gobsmacked!

Regards,

The Curator

Monday 17th February 2025
written by: Bryan Kirkwood

It’s the day of Billy and Honey’s wedding and the final preparations are made for the ceremony.

Grant tries to keep the mood light around Phil, who’s still struggling after recent events. As the happy wedding celebrations get under way, the Mitchell family are unaware of the depths of Phil’s despair.

Cindy remains determined to expose her attacker and interrupts the wedding celebrations at The Vic to make a public accusation against the person she suspects.

Everyone is shocked by the allegations – and things only get worse when Cindy finds one of the suspects in a compromising position and points a gun at them.

Meanwhile, Jack and Ravi up the ante as they desperately try to prove themselves to Denise.

Elsewhere, Martin tries to fight his feelings for Stacey and focus on his future with Ruby. Stacey also tries to forget about her love for Martin, but it’s proving impossible.

Also today, Sonia asks Bianca to attend the wedding with her, adamant that they should carry on as normal even though Reiss is on the loose. Later, Bianca runs into Grant and an argument follows between them.

Tuesday 18th February 2025
written by: Simon Ashdown

Sonia and Bianca try to enjoy the wedding celebrations, unaware that Reiss is back in Walford. Bianca’s worst fears come true when Reiss sneaks into No.25 and scares her.

Bianca fights back, determined to make sure that Reiss finally pays for his crimes.

At the same time, Cindy is armed with a gun and angrily confronts the person who has her missing locket. The showdown takes an unexpected twist, turning the situation on its head. Will Cindy finally discover who her attacker was?

Phil’s behaviour also sparks fresh concern and Linda starts to worry that he’s a danger to himself. Linda pays a visit to Phil’s house and uncovers evidence which points to his troubled state of mind.

Linda decides to warn Grant and Nigel, before the three of them make a desperate bid to help Phil.

Outside, two dramatic showdowns trigger a terrible series of events, ending with a huge explosion inside the Queen Vic.

Meanwhile, Jean urges Stacey to be brave and tell Martin how she really feels.

Elsewhere, Zack confides in Martin about his past fling with Nicola.

Wednesday 19th February 2025 – 1 Hour Episode
written by: Kevin Rundle

There’s panic at The Vic following the explosion, with several residents desperately fighting to escape. Jack is among those outside as the Walford locals heroically band together to save friends and neighbours.

Parts of The Vic are dangerously close to collapse as the situation unfolds. The rescue mission continues, but not everybody will make it out alive.

Meanwhile, at The Arches, Grant, Linda and Nigel desperately try to help Phil before it’s too late. Can his loved ones reach a breakthrough with him?

Elsewhere, Denise returns to the Square just as the horror unfolds at The Vic. Ravi and Jack are both caught up in what’s happening, so Denise must face her feelings for them both. Denise’s choice will be determined by a public vote, so who will the viewers decide?

Thursday 20th February 2025 – LIVE
written by: Lauren Klee

Some Walford residents remain trapped in The Vic, where they face a life-or-death battle.

Sonia is now in labour in the middle of a disaster scene. There’s no medical support on hand for her and only two traumatised people are with her. Will Sonia make it out alive?

Outside, friends and family wait for news about their loved ones as the emergency services face a race against time to save everyone.

Meanwhile, Denise reveals who she wants to be with, following the public vote between Ravi and Jack. Who will get a knock on the door that changes everything?