EASTENDERS fans think they have rumbled the interactive storyline in the 40th anniversary episode after noticing a major ‘clue’.
On Monday, the BBC soap revealed plans for an exciting live episode to honour 40 years on TV.
While EastEnders previously went live in 2015 for its 30th anniversary, this time, viewers will play a huge part in how the episode plays out.
During the special – which will air in February – fans will take part in a vote during the show and “choose their desired outcome of a love story”.
The cast and crew will then be able to adapt to the outcome chosen by Beeb viewers.
Speaking about the live special, EastEnders’ executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “The 40th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that it’s a week full of drama and surprises.
“In fact, as our regular audience will know, we have already seen the return of familiar faces and have many more nods to our history to come which will all build up to our momentous anniversary week.
“This time, as well as going live, we are adding an extra twist and for the very first time in the history of the show and as a gift to the viewers, we are giving the audience the power to have their say in choosing the outcome of one of our storylines.
“Whilst we’re still keeping the finite details of the 40th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever.”
EastEnders fans immediately started speculating about who could be at the centre of the love storyline they will be voting on.
And some believe Martin Fowler – played by James Bye – will be one of the main characters involved.
They also believe Louisa Lytton‘s return as Ruby Allen – which was confirmed earlier this month – is key to the plot too.
Taking to X, one wrote: “Seeing as it’s the Ruby anniversary, why do I have a feeling this will be to decide who Martin (the first child born on the show) chooses out of Stacey & Ruby?”
Another replied: “Yeah I deffo think the 40th is going to involve Ruby. I have a feeling she’s going to be killed off though.”
A third tweeted: “This would be fun? Even tho I hate Ruby. It would tie the history of the show in.”
But a fellow fan cast doubt on that scenario by pointing out: “Ruby’s only a stint though, it wouldn’t happen but if people voted him and Ruby wouldn’t that mean Martin leaves the show.”
Ruby was last seen in November 2021 having claimed to be pregnant with Martin’s baby.
However after her previous lies and scheming Martin refused to believe her – but will she return with the baby?
Actress Louisa, 35, has already begun filming for her stint.
Speaking about her return, Louisa said: “I am thrilled to have been asked back to the Square to revisit Ruby once more, and to shed some light on what the past three years have been like for her during her time away from Walford.
“I’ve always loved playing Ruby as there is never a dull moment and I cannot wait for everyone to see what Ruby has in store.”
Best soap affair love triangles
LOVE triangles are a fundamental part of soap-land, but which ones have become the most iconic?
EASTENDERS
Bradley/Stacey/Max: Stacey Slater began an affair with boyfriend Bradley Branning’s dad Max in 2007.
Despite their romps, Stacey still married Bradley, but their deceit came out in an iconic Christmas Day episode that year.
Grant/Sharon/Phil: Heading even further back in Walford history, EastEnders fans were gripped in the 90s as Sharon Watts had a one-night stand with her brother-in-law Phil Mitchell.
Sharon confided in best friend Michelle Fowler – not realising it was caught on tape – and her husband Grant eventually found out and played it in front of everyone at the Queen Vic.
Syed/Amira/Christian: Syed Masood was engaged to Amira before realising he had feelings for another man, Christian, which he confessed to him on his wedding day.
A devout Muslim, Syed refused to admit his true sexuality and went ahead and married Amira anyway, but when they returned, the two men started an affair before being caught in the act by Amira.
CORONATION STREET
Shelley/Peter/Lucy: Peter Barlow took the concept of a love triangle and ran with it in Coronation Street – extending it to bigamy.
He was in a relationship with Shelley Unwin but started dating Lucy Richards, and quickly married her after she fell pregnant with his son, Simon.
But it didn’t stop him also marrying Shelley, but he was eventually caught when Lucy turned up in Weatherfield and the two women confronted him.
Ken/Deidre/Mike: Back in 1982, Deirdre Barlow started sleeping with her husband’s nemesis Mike Baldwin in secret, before confessing all a year later.
When Mike turned up at the marital home, Deirdre was being throttled by her husband who then kicked her out, but years later they reconciled.
Maria/Aidan/Eva: In 2017, Aidan Connor started sleeping with girlfriend Eva Price’s best friend, Maria Connor.
Eva eventually found out and she decided to take revenge by faking a pregnancy, spending his money and planned to confront him on their wedding day.
But she had a change of heart when a remorseful Aidan confessed, and decided to marry him anyway, only for Maria to arrive and expose her fake pregnancy.
EMMERDALE
Ross/Debbie/Pete: Debbie Dingle found herself torn between two brothers, Ross and Pete Barton in 2015 in Emmerdale.
She eventually decided to marry Pete but yet again, a soap wedding day was ruined when the groom learned of his bride’s betrayal via a recording played at the wedding.
Chrissie/Robert/Aaron: Robert Sugden was married to Chrissie White and all seemed well – until he began a steamy affair with Aaron Dingle.
Robert’s ex Katie Sugden almost exposed the affair – but fell to her death before she had the chance.
However, a guilty Aaron eventually cracked and told Chrissie about the affair – after which she announced it to the whole pub.
EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
