EastEnders is making history with an experimental episode in which viewers will decide the outcome.
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 a heavy metal beam has fallen on him. Will he make it?
In an interactive twist for its 40th anniversary, fans will 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. 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.
The decision won’t be straightforward, but it will be left in the hands of fans. Viewers will also decide whether Sonia’s baby will be called Julia or Tony in honour of EastEnders creators Julia Smith and Tony Holland.
The popular soap first aired on 19 February 1985 and has gone on to become a mainstay of British television.
The BBC has aired an hour-long special tonight. Voting is now open. It will close at 7:10pm tomorrow for the live instalment in which the outcome will be revealed. Actors will have prepared for both outcomes.
To vote, you must register on the BBC website here.
Key Points
Denise's choice will be revealed in tomorrow's live episode
Wednesday 19 February 2025 21:30
The BBC has aired an hour-long special tonight. Voting is now open. It will close at 7:10pm tomorrow for the live instalment in which the outcome will be revealed. Actors will have prepared for both outcomes.
To vote, you must register on the BBC website here.
Anita Dobson returned as Angie Watts to give Sharon a special message
Wednesday 19 February 2025 21:18
“You mustn’t give up. We are FIGHTERS. So come on, my darling! Start screaming for help!” she told her.
Voting is now open - details of how to vote are here
Wednesday 19 February 2025 21:08
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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.
Viewers have one more decision to make!
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:58
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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.
Some different interpretations of that little interaction in the marquee
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:56
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Maira Butt
“Watching the episode and the interactions between Denise, Jack, and Ravi in the marquee were very telling,” writes one social media user. “Ravi was cold and distant with Denise, Jack was angry but was cautious.”
Chelsea's final words of advice to her mum Denise
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:54
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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 her mum as Denise 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?
Jack supporters believe Ravi is better off with Priya
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:48
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Maira Butt
VOTE JACK! ravi belongs with priya and we need the fox branning family back together #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/XfDJTRGtbX
— lauren (@strictlycreddie) February 19, 2025
Viewers are in hysterics about Reiss's tragic death by bathtub
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:47
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Maira Butt
Possibly the funniest death scenes ever #EastEnders #EastEnders40 pic.twitter.com/DZnbUdlIMV
— Joe (@onlyjoekin_) February 19, 2025
Ravi supporters 'choose chaos'
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:45
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Maira Butt
Voting is open, and I’ve joined the chaos-mongers and voted for Ravi. Based on that little interaction at the end of the episode, Jack just wasn’t showing enough passion for my liking.
Martin's stuck! Will he die?
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:31
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Maira Butt
Just as they stopped the back and forth and Martin told Stacey, “it’s always been you”, he’s attacked by the building. Will he make it?
Voting is now open!
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:30
,
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.
What's happening here then?
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:26
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Maira Butt
Denise just seemed to make a subtle move on Jack but he walked away. Meanwhile, Ravi is waiting, but Denise is conflicted...
Bianca's pushed Reiss and it seems that the bath tub's killed him??
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:20
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Maira Butt
“Reece dying by a bath was not on my #EastEnders bingo card tonight” says one person on X/Twitter
Fans are in tears at Nigel and Phil
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:19
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Maira Butt
“Crying at Nigel and Phil. Beautiful performances from Paul Bradley and Steve McFadden. Talking about men’s mental health is so vital and using these characters to highlight such an important issue was a stroke of genius and one I totally commend” wrote one person.
Another added: “Amazing how in a week full of pub explosions, shootings, car crashes & attempted Tony Hawk's Pro Stairs.... that scene between Phil, Nigel & Linda stands out as the most powerful.”
We're all waiting for the inevitable...
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:17
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Maira Butt
But meanwhile Sharon’s makeup is immaculate.
Despite the trauma our Shazza looks beaut. Lashes firmly glued. I wonder what she uses #EastEnders pic.twitter.com/7kHgewPTvw
— lauryn simone (@httplxuryn) February 19, 2025
Nigel's opening up about his dementia as fans are left in tears
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:16
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Maira Butt
“Nigel - I'm in floods here! Saw your struggle with my own mum and now I can't stop crying, all over again, 20 years on,” fans are crying.
'I take it all back, she can have ya!'
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:13
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Maira Butt
Stacey’s earnest declaration of love didn’t last long. She’s over it!
Grant's found Sharon! Sonia's in the throes of labour now
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:11
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Maira Butt
That advice was helpful, but now Sonia is really struggling.
Sharon! She's had a message from beyond the grave
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:10
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Maira Butt
“You mustn’t give up. We are FIGHTERS. So come on, my darling! Start screaming for help!” Anita Dobson is back as Angie Watts!
a full-on bacon sandwich disaster...
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:08
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Maira Butt
Some serious issues discussed in tonight's episode
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:06
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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.
Sonia's in labour!
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:05
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Maira Butt
She’s been getting “twinges” but it looks like the baby’s coming...
Sonia and Lauren are settling in for a few hours
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:02
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Maira Butt
Everyone else scared for their lives and Sonia and Lauren in the kitchen like #eastenders #EastEnders40 pic.twitter.com/rbrtBattRx
— kaysie (@kaysiemay7) February 19, 2025
Wednesday 19 February 2025 20:01
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Maira Butt
Cindy’s apologising for pushing Cathy’s son in front of a moving car.
She’s bleeding.
“Take a long hard look at yourself, because that’s what your life’s come to. Lying in the ruins you created, with no one to care.”
Cathy’s ruthless!
Cindy is self-reflecting, acknowledging she might be a “cold-hearted b***h”.
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:59
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Maira Butt
They’re going for it! Martin just called Stacey “arrogant” and she called him “stupid.”
“The family we should be, I actually want you,” she’s put her heart on the line.
“Heart on the line, no dignity left, me and you are meant to be together.”
Sweet words, but the building is CREAKING!!
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:57
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Maira Butt
Martin’s just saved Stacey, and she’s ready to have a chat about their relationship – in the midst of being covered in soot, and the building shaking like it’s about to fall apart - could it wait?
Ravi's just saved people from the rubble while Jack made phone calls
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:55
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Maira Butt
Denise seems impressed...
Priorities..
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:49
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Maira Butt
Queen Victoria’s bust has been placed back on the bar. But Walford residents are still stuck in the building...
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:45
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Maira Butt
“Doesn’t matter what I feel, it’s pain. I’m a burden to every one of them,” Phil’s mental health crisis has reached a peak as his family talk him off the ledge...
But the gun isn’t loaded
Something we never wanted to see...
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:43
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Maira Butt
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:43
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Maira Butt
Jack hasn't heard from Denise, meanwhile Ian Beale’s got a shrapnel injury
The situation with Phil is getting serious...
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:41
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Maira Butt
Grant is trying to talk things through, he’s found the letter to Sharon...
Survivors are being pulled out of the pub explosion...
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:40
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Maira Butt
Sonia and Stacey are worse for wear
Strategic alliances are being formed among voters already...
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:27
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Maira Butt
“I desperately need us Jack/Denise shippers and Ravi/Priya shippers to band together and vote for Jack tonight/tomorrow!!!” writes one person on X/Twitter ahead of the hour-long special tonight.
Wednesday 19 February 2025 19:15
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Maira Butt
Voting is set to open shortly as the 40th anniversary special gets underway.
Viewers will decide between Jack or Ravi as Denise is faced with a tough choice. Results will be revealed in the live episode tomorrow!
Viewers will be able to vote from 8:30pm tonight on http://bbc.co.uk/eastenders
Pat Butcher star opens up about character's earring collection
Wednesday 19 February 2025 18:47
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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.
How to vote - register now
Wednesday 19 February 2025 18:15
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Maira Butt
The BBC says: “Denise decides. You choose. Tonight from 8.30pm. Will you pick Jack or Ravi?! To get ready to vote go to http://bbc.co.uk/eastenders where you can sign in or register for your BBC Account.
“The vote will then be live in the same place from 8.30pm on 19th February (UK only). The vote will close on 20th February at 7.10pm. The result will be revealed during our live episode!”
Denise decides. You choose. Tonight from 8.30pm. Will you pick Jack or Ravi?! To get ready to vote go to https://t.co/OBvbcrEaRO where you can sign in or register for your BBC Account. pic.twitter.com/DPamC1Qu5s
— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) February 19, 2025
Diane Parish shares behind-the-scenes look ahead of interactive episode and live show
Wednesday 19 February 2025 17:47
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Maira Butt
“Our behind the scenes magicians and their wands,” wrote Diane Parish who plays the lovestruck Denise, in the enviable position of choosing between two men vying for her love.
Parish thanked staff behind the scenes of EastEnders as she shared a picture with the costume and makeup team.
“Trust,” she wrote. “We couldn’t do it without them. Costume and makeup EastEnders”.
Viewers are split on who to choose
Wednesday 19 February 2025 17:15
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Maira Butt
The internet is divided on who Denise should pick. Neither of the men are without their (quite serious) flaws.
“I’m voting Ravi with the view that they actually end up married and actually stay together for a long time,” wrote one person on X/Twitter. “Jack and Denise have been there and done that...”
But a #TeamJack supporter quipped: “Jack is more her age. Why would she want to be with someone 25 years younger?”
Others wished there was a third option: “Can we vote for her to be single!!! Both men are better suited to other women!”
One person joked: “Denise is glad she doesn’t have to make the choice”.
EastEnders is 40 years old – but will the soap opera make it to 50?
Wednesday 19 February 2025 16:45
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Maira Butt
Fiona Sturges writes:
It may no longer pull the audiences of its heyday – 30.1 million tuned in to watch Dirty Den serve his wife divorce papers on Christmas Day 1986 – but it remains an institution, as reliable in the TV schedules as the News at Six.
My grandma Anna Wing, the original EastEnders matriarch
Wednesday 19 February 2025 16:16
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Maira Butt
The Independent’s Roisin O’Connor writes about her grandmother and original EastEnders matriarch:
Ross Kemp says he will not be in EastEnders live episode after pub explosion
Wednesday 19 February 2025 15:45
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Maira Butt
Ross Kemp has confirmed he will not be in the show’s live episode ahead of its 40th anniversary special this week.
The actor, who plays Grant Mitchell, returned to the soap to celebrate the milestone after a near 10-year absence.
Tuesday’s episode saw the Queen Vic explode when 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).
Asked if he would be in Thursday’s live episode, he said on ITV’s This Morning: “I’m not doing the live, I’m no long there, I’ve departed – not in a hearse, I hasten to add.”
Check out the 25 best forgotten characters in the BBC soap’s history
Wednesday 19 February 2025 15:15
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Maira Butt
EastEnders star hits out at ‘disappointing’ exit ahead of 40th anniversary
Wednesday 19 February 2025 14:45
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Maira Butt
EastEnders viewers to influence plot for interactive 40th-anniversary storyline
Wednesday 19 February 2025 13:45
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Maira Butt
Read all the details below
Jack or Ravi?
Wednesday 19 February 2025 13:29
,
Maira Butt
Will Denise choose Jack who cheated on her with the notorious Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) or with her daughter Chelsea’s (Tiana Benjamin) former flame?
Wednesday 19 February 2025 13:20
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Maira Butt
Tonight, Denise’s fate is in your hands.
Will she rekindle with estranged husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) or stay with lover Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara)?
Voting will open at the end of tonight’s hour-long special.
And it promises to be dramatic.