EastEnders enthusiasts have flocked to social media to speculate on the twists and turns that could shake up Albert Square in the new year.
As 2025 approaches, marking the 40th anniversary of the One soap, anticipation builds with the confirmation of a live episode airing in February to commemorate this significant occasion.
Outgoing Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw, set to depart his role in 2025, has teased fans with the possibility of beloved characters returning. He revealed: “We’ve got quite a few treats coming up. The 40th anniversary has been in the works for quite some time. It is about celebrating the history of the show. I think the nostalgic element of means a lot.”
He further explained the criteria for character comebacks: “We don’t bring characters back just because it gets a lovely reaction. It all depends on the story where the characters are. It has to be right for the character and come from a good story.”
With predictions ranging from shocking departures to an astonishing whodunnit revelation, viewers are left to wonder which theories will materialise.
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EastEnders fans are convinced Grant Mitchell will return in 2025 (Image: Daily Mirror)
Stacey’s exit
Following the news that Lacey Turner, who portrays Stacey Slater, is expecting her third child having previously taken maternity leave after the birth of her other children speculation is rife about how she will be written out of the show this time around, with many pleading with the showrunners to avoid another stint in prison for the character, reports the Manchester Evening News.
viewers have taken to social media to express their anxiety over the potential fate of fan-favourite, Stacey Slater. One concerned viewer posted online: “Looks like ar Stace is heading to prison….again.” Echoing the sentiment, another fan wrote: “I am so happy for Lacey but please NO prison sentence for my girl.”
Calls for a different storyline emerged as a third fan stated: “PUHLEASE can Stacey just go off and look after Lynne for a few months or something! I can’t cope with another Stacey in prison storyline! “.
The community is abuzz with speculation and suggestions, as a fifth fan insisted: “Just cart Stacey and the kids off to Lynnes for a temporary new life away from the square for Lacey’s maternity exit I beg you. I can’t deal with another bloody prison stint or have her abandon her kids.”
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Will Cindy Beale be killed off next year? (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
‘Cindy’s death’
On the more scandalous side of Albert Square, Cindy Beale, played by Michelle Collins, has ignited an illicit romance with the son of her ex-husband George Knight, Junior Knight (Micah Balfour), who is completely enamoured with her. This salacious affair is tipped for a dramatic reveal on Christmas Day.
As rumour mills churn, fans contemplate the fallout, with some suspecting it could lead to the demise of none other than Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) in an explosive ‘whodunnit’ plotline.
Amidst swirling rumours on social platforms such as , speculation about Cindy’s future intensifies. A user pondered: “I wonder what they will do with Cindy’s character next year after the big reveal? Her kids on both sides are going to hate her, as are her ex-husband’s so she’ll have no one on the square to turn to. She has made zero friends and her side piece is her stepson, I don’t see them staying together.”
One fan mused: “There’s not really much more you can do with her Character once the affair with Junior is revealed.”
Lacey Turner is pregnant with her third child (Image: BBC)
Another chimed in with, “She’ll have to either disappear again or turn into a mega villain, just sticking around out of spite.”
While some enthusiasts are concerned about Cindy’s fate on the show, speculating that she might be written out permanently. On social media, comments range from one viewer’s post, “So, is Cindy being killed off at christmas or what? ” to another’s theory, “Possible theory. Cindy is killed on Christmas Day in a whodunnit and the culprit is revealed on 40th anniversary.”
Moreover, a particularly exasperated fan expressed, “I fully don’t really want this. She has potential plus bringing her back from the dead just to kill her is stupid.”
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‘Grant’s return’
In talks of ‘Huge return’, Ross Kemp, famously known for his portrayal of Grant Mitchell, has emerged as the fans’ top choice for a dramatic return to the soap. His documentaries have made him a household name in more serious realms, yet legions of viewers ardently hope he’ll step back into Grant’s shoes next year.
One individual speculated: “Ross Kemp among 4 legends set for RETURN for # 40th Anniversary in FEBRUARY 2024.”
And another suggested: “Mentioning Grant and Michelle having a kid foreshadowing Mark Fowler JR return or Grant and Michelle back for the 40th ! #.”
A curious comment from a third devotee put forth: “For the love of all that is holy they are putting Sharon back into a Mitchell love triangle? Just bring back Grant FFS – is he done with quiz shows? #”.