EastEnders is making history with an experimental episode in which viewers will decide the outcome in today’s LIVE episode.
Actors have prepared scripts for both outcomes.
So far, 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 crush syndrome meant that his body went into cardiac arrest when the beam was lifted, killing him.
Fans were also treated to the sight of Angie Watts’ ghost played by Anita Dobson.
In an interactive twist for its 40th anniversary, fans were asked to 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.
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 wasn’t straightforward, but it was left in the hands of fans. They decided she should be with Jack. Viewers also decided Sonia’s baby will be called Julia in honour of EastEnders creator Julia Smith.
The popular soap first aired on 19 February 1985 and has gone on to become a mainstay of British television.
Key Points
20:30
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Maira Butt
Their reunion was too late! Devastating...
20:25
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Maira Butt
One thing we can all agree on, whether you’re #TeamJack or #TeamRavi, those live performances were impressive!!
“That acting was brilliant,” comments one person on X/Twitter.
“Stacey was the best live acting out of all of them. It is so difficult to do that live WOW Brilliant. Nish ,Ravi, Phil M & Reis Absolutely brilliant Thespians they can easily be global stars with what I have seen over the last few months, pure talent”.
Fans react to Denise's decision
20:19
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Maira Butt
“People who argue with this decision don't understand the concept of true love,” says one person. Bit harsh, but I’ll take it.
“Monday, Martin takes a big gasp, and he's alive...this better happen! Why get rid of Martin...awful mistake!” writes another. My hopes exactly. It’s EastEnders, anything can happen.
20:13
“Jack is home, and home is safety, security and love.”
Jack is home, and home is safety, security and love. #EastEnders #EE40 #EELive pic.twitter.com/0KZCGDsOpF
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) February 20, 2025
20:08
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Maira Butt
Martin has died and Denise picked Jack - all in all a heartbreaking episode. Not a fan of ANY of these outcomes.
All I wanted was them…that’s all I wanted. #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/DLm8BXRNNz
— mel (@AceTrainerMelx) February 20, 2025
Live episode was good but so disappointed with the Denise storyline…such a huge build-up for months for what? Just for her to get back with Jack in the most boring way imagine-able maybe they shouldn’t have given the public the vote on this #eastenders
— 女の人✨ (@moonstarfem) February 20, 2025
20:03
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Maira Butt
I SHOULDNT HAVE HAD TO VOTE FOR SOMIAS BLOODY KIDS NAME I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO BOTE FOR MARTINS LIFE #eastenders
— lottie (@lolasneondress) February 20, 2025
20:01
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Maira Butt
Oh no... Martin!!
Personally, I think his acting is impressive (considering its LIVE!). But X/Twitter is NOT impressed.
#EastEnders after half an hour of Martin's 'Ouch, I'm in pain' face, I'll be quite glad if he pops his clogs.
— M (@beginningwithm) February 20, 2025
19:56
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Maira Butt
Martin risks death, while Sonia births life..
The baby struggled to breathe, but Sonia saved her like a champ.
Her baby name is revealed: It’s Julia!
19:54
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Maira Butt
My thoughts exactly! Surely, we can just leave Martin and Stacey here for a bit?
What if we didn't lift the beam? #EastEnders
— Dr Macclevoid (@edwhitfield) February 20, 2025
19:51
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Maira Butt
Crush syndrome? Martin’s not out of the woods yet!
Stacey’s been told to say her final words!
This Martin exit is disrespectful and nonsensical! He deserves better! #EELive #EastEnders
— Megan (@pollopesto) February 20, 2025
19:50
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Maira Butt
Martin’s come for Stacey’s morning breath! Brutal - she thinks he needs to trim his nose hairs. The joys of long-term relationships...
Denise appears to have picked JACK
19:47
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Maira Butt
Omg! “Ravi and me would never go anywhere” - You’re breaking my heart Denise!!
She’s declared her love for Jack and says she wants to get to know him all over again.
19:45
“60 per cent of your personality is just rage” - Martin’s words felt a bit too personal
19:42
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Maira Butt
Remember all the acting is LIVE right now! I’m so impressed. No chance I’d be keeping a straight face
19:40
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Maira Butt
Martin and Stacey are absolutely killing me. The way they’re doing couples therapy among the rubble of the pub explosion.
How has this man gone from scorning Stacey to asking him to marry her without even telling Ruby?? Is it the morphine?
19:38
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Maira Butt
Has she picked JACK? Omg. Ravi is watching!! Don’t play with me producers. I’ve been on a one-man propaganda mission to make sure Ravi wins today!
NO! The public choose Jack and Denise! #Eastenders pic.twitter.com/25t3l6BELj
— Matthew Chapman (@Matt528chap) February 20, 2025
19:36
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Maira Butt
“Don’t be scared, go for it!” Linda is dropping some live, laugh, love GEMS right now!
19:34
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Maira Butt
Brutal!! Is Martin dead already? We’re only 2 mins in!
YOU HAVE NOT KILLED THE MARTIN FOWLER ALREADY #EELive #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/sVDooJ4wY8
— Georgia (@GeorgiaEH17) February 20, 2025
19:31
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Maira Butt
I thought those cries were coming from Sonia in labour! Just Martin and Stacey...
19:30
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Maira Butt
Who’s Denise gonna choose? We’ll know SOON
19:24
I just asked a colleague – who’s NEVER watched the show – for their thoughts based on the trailer alone.
“It’s a tough decision cause Jack is clearly checked out and maybe has his own thing going on with another girl.
“But then Ravi took his jacket off to flex at Denise across the street and thats gotta be eleven red flags. I say this having only watched this clip and nothing else, but that is my educated opinion.”
Sorry, but personally, I’d be falling hook, line, and sinker for that move.
Watch: Tonight you decide the outcome of Denise's spicy love triangle
19:20
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Maira Butt
Let’s be real – she’s not losing either way!
Viewers think the Square has bigger fish to fry
19:15
,
Maira Butt
Who decided on this voting idea?
— Ty (@TweetieeTy) February 19, 2025
Martins life is hanging o the line.
Sonia's about to have her baby.
Phil was just about to end his life.
And you want me to vote who gets to sleep with Denise next? #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/5PbFX7pOBk
19:10
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Maira Butt
Voting is now closed!
19:03
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Maira Butt
Lots of admiration for Nigel and Phil for their tough storylines this week. Phil’s been struggling with suicidal thoughts and Nigel’s confessed he has dementia
Less than 10 mins left - How to vote below
19:02
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Maira Butt
Actors have prepared two scripts, one if Jack wins and another if Ravi wins. Everything tonight will be LIVE. Results will be revealed in the episode airing at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Go to http://bbc.co.uk/eastenders where you can sign in or register for your BBC Account.
Angie Watts' ghost returned for a special appearance
18:56
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Maira Butt
Wednesday's episode recap
18:50
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Maira Butt
Here’s a recap for anyone who needs it - because let’s be honest, there was ALOT going on!
On Wednesday (19 February) all hell broke loose! Stacey and Martin discussed their relationship issues while the building collapsed around them (could there have been a better time for this chat Stace?), Cindy thinks she might have been a “cold-heart b***h” for pushing Cathy’s son in front of a moving car, Bianca pushed Reiss to his death by bathtub, Sonia went into labour, Phil almost fired his gun but thankfully it wasn’t loaded, and Nigel confessed he has dementia.
Who's Jack Branning?
18:41
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Maira Butt
Played by Scott Maslen, Jack’s record is far from clean.
From having a sordid fling with his brother Max’s ex-wife Tanya after the family discover he’s having an affair with his son Bradley’s girlfriend Stacey Slater, to a rocky relationship that causes tension between sisters Roxy and Ronnie.
He also took Max hostage at one point, which is coincidentally the same night he’s killed in a car crash. Phil Mitchell discovered Jack was dealing drugs when the infamous Shirley Carter tried to buy off him – you know you’re not on the straight and narrow when Phil and Shirl are ratting you out!
Before Denise, Jack’s also been with her daughter, Chelsea Fox. He’s also jilted legend Sharon Watts at the altar. Denise and Jack married on Christmas Day in 2021, before he cheated on her with Stacey Slater.
Jack v Ravi - less than an hour left to vote!
18:37
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Maira Butt
Actors have prepared two scripts, one if Jack wins and another if Ravi wins. Everything tonight will be LIVE. Results will be revealed in the episode airing at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Go to http://bbc.co.uk/eastenders where you can sign in or register for your BBC Account.
Ian Beale and Lauren Branning actors reveal who they want to win tonight's vote
18:33
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Maira Butt
Adam Woodyatt (who plays Ian Beale) and Madeline Duggan (who plays Jack’s niece Lauren Branning) have revealed who they think should end up with Denise.
Duggan think sit should be Jack (bit biased, in my opinion), while Woodyatt thinks it should be Ravi.
always knew i could trust ar jac pic.twitter.com/C59naLQkm3
— . (@whitdeans) February 8, 2025
Who's Ravi?
18:31
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Maira Butt
First introduced as a fellow prisoner of Phil Mitchell, Ravi Gulati (played by Aaron Thiara) is Albert Square’s resident bad boy.
Murdering his adoptive father Ranveer, he lets his stepmother Suki believe that she killed him. He then seduces a married Denise Fox and uses her daughter Chelsea to make her jealous.
Denise has been hooking up with Ravi secretly but will she pick him tonight?
18:30
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Maira Butt
After carefully assessing all the evidence – aka all your thoughts on social media – I’ve decided I’m #TeamRavi.
The chemistry is there, the brooding looks are there, the yearning, the forbidden love, the sexual tension.
Re: Jack, she’s been there, done that! He should have thought about losing Denise when he was getting into bed with Stacey! Am I wrong?
Next!
18:15
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Maira Butt
Not long left! You’ve got less than hour to vote
Go to http://bbc.co.uk/eastenders where you can sign in or register for your BBC Account.
Jack or Ravi – Here's a recap of all the love triangle drama
18:10
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Maira Butt
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.
Major character killed by bath tub during 40th anniversary special
17:57
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Maira Butt
There were tons of rumours swirling that a major character would be killed during the show’s 40th anniversary special episodes.
Reiss Colwell did indeed die, but his death has been the subject of much ridicule. After Bianca pushes him, the ceiling above him collapses, with a bath tub flattening him.
Possibly the funniest death scenes ever #EastEnders #EastEnders40 pic.twitter.com/DZnbUdlIMV
— Joe (@onlyjoekin_) February 19, 2025
Sonia was in labour last night - will she name her baby Tony or Julia?
17:45
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Maira Butt
Sonia had been getting “twinges” while her and Lauren settled in with some ice cream while they awaited rescue.
Turns out, she is in labour.
The public will decide whether her baby will be named after EastEnders creators Julia Smith or Tony Holland.
Go to http://bbc.co.uk/eastenders where you can sign in or register for your BBC Account.
Voting closes at 7:10pm tonight! - you have less than two hours left
17:28
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Maira Butt
Actors have prepared two scripts, one if Jack wins and another if Ravi wins. Everything tonight will be LIVE. Results will be revealed in the episode airing at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Go to http://bbc.co.uk/eastenders where you can sign in or register for your BBC Account.
'The most satisfying smack I’ve seen in years'
17:13
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Maira Butt
As the affair between Stacey Slater (played by Lacey Turner) and Jack Branning (played by Scott Maslen) was finally exposed, a dramatic confrontation ensued leading to a fight involving at least four people.
Chelsea was furious at the impact of the affair on her mother’s mental health and asked Stacey, “Is that why my mum had a breakdown?”
She then shouted, “You b****!” before slapping her. Meanwhile, a fight broke out between Martin and Jack.
Watch: Look back at the fight between Martin Fowler and Jack Branning when Stacey's infidelity is revealed
17:01
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Maira Butt
Martin Fowler's life hangs in the balance
16:45
,
Maira Butt
After a pub explosion earlier this week, Martin and Stacey had a heart-to-heart while the building creaked all around them.
Just as he declared to Stacey, “it’s always been you”, he was hit by a huge metal beam and remained trapped at the end of Wednesday night’s hour-long special.
Will he make it?
Several Walford residents have been injured after 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).
Ravi's supporters are passionate
16:30
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Maira Butt
“Everyone vote Ravi,” ordered one viewer. “He proper loves her and will treat her right. Not to mention the drama, entertainment it will bring! For Raviya fans, Voting Jack doesn't guarantee that Ravi and Priya will be put together.”
“Ravi will love her protect her and respect her,” added another. “Jack will smother her take her for granted & forever remind her of her faults.”
One viewer reasoned: “I've voted for Ravi to hopefully redeem his character and take Denise in a different direction. Her relationship with Jack has always been toxic and despite the familiarity she has with Jack's family it's time for Denise to move on and explore something new”
EastEnders star hits out at ‘disappointing’ exit ahead of 40th anniversary
16:15
,
Maira Butt
Jacob Stolworthy reports:
#TeamJack are making their case on social media
15:57
,
Maira Butt
“Jack is for the long time, Ravi is for the fun time, pick Jack everyone,” wrote one person.
“It will always be Jack and Denise for me!” added another who voted for Denise’s ex-husband.
“Watching the episode and the interactions between Denise, Jack, and Ravi in the marquee were very telling,” commented one person. “Ravi was cold and distant with Denise, Jack was angry but was cautious.”
EastEnders fans were left stunned after one soap legend returned after 37 years
15:45
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Maira Butt
The results of your vote will be revealed tonight
15:19
,
Maira Butt
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.
Go to http://bbc.co.uk/eastenders where you can sign in or register for your BBC Account.
Voting is open - how to vote
08:00
,
Maira Butt
Will you pick Jack or Ravi? Go to http://bbc.co.uk/eastenders where you can sign in or register for your BBC Account.
Voting is open now and will close tomorrow (20 February) at 7.10pm. The result will be revealed during our live episode.
Chelsea's final words of advice to her mum Denise
07:02
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Maira Butt
“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.
But who will she pick?
And will Chelsea feel the same when she learns that Denise has been secretly hooking up with Ravi?
Sonia is in labour - but what will you name her baby?
06:05
,
Maira Butt
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.
EastEnders is 40 years old – but will the soap opera make it to 50?
18:58
,
Maira Butt
EastEnders is 40 years old – but will the soap opera make it to 50?
04:17
,
Maira Butt
Viewers praise 'exceptional performance' by Steve McFadden
02:43
,
Maira Butt
How incredible were Steve McFadden & Kellie Bright tonight?
— Nick Davison (@nick_davison10) February 19, 2025
Exceptional performances from them both in #EastEnders
A beautiful friendship. pic.twitter.com/XHEBWsoMbo
Pat Butcher star opens up about secret behind character's infamous earring collection
01:15
,
Maira Butt
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.
Some serious issues discussed in tonight's episode
00:02
,
Maira Butt
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.
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
Ross Kemp says he will not be in EastEnders live episode after pub explosion
Wednesday 19 February 2025 23:26
,
Maira Butt
Ross Kemp has confirmed he will not be in the show’s live episode ahead of its 40th anniversary special this we