EastEnders star Louisa Lytton has appeared to shut down theories that her character Ruby Allen will be killed off this week.

At least one fan favourite will meet their untimely end as the BBC soap celebrates 40 years on air with a spectacular explosion, landmark live episode and a shed load of twists and turns.

Since her return in November, fans have seen Ruby reunite with ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye), but he is still torn over his feelings for ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

Their love triangle reaches a head in still to air this week as Stacey finally declares her feelings.

We also already know that Martin’s ex-wife Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) will be trapped with ‘two other’ people as she goes into labour in the middle of a horrific fire at The Queen Vic.

Last week, Metro reported that one fan had taken to social media to speculate that Ruby could be the one who meets her maker.

They wrote on X: ‘Can’t shake the thought of Sonia giving birth while trapped with Stacey and Ruby. Martin having to save his three wives, but ultimately having to make a decision between Stacey and Ruby.

‘Who could really resist killing off Ruby in the live 40th episode?’

Ruby’s death… on the ruby anniversary?

Seemingly not, if we’re to believe that Louisa isn’t throwing viewers off the scent.

‘It’s really hard for me to say without giving the whole game away’ she told the Radio Times.

‘I can’t really say too much but we’ve got some lovely stuff coming up. It’s great, and I love working with Lacey and James.

‘I couldn’t ask for better partnerships in that sense, I’m really fortunate.’

EastEnders 40th anniversary – Everything we know so far

Here’s what EastEnders fans can expect as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on 19 February 2025:

A live episode

Having previously gone live for the 25th and 30th anniversaries in 2010 and 2015, the soap will be beaming live to the nation once again during the 40th week.

This instalment will air one day after the big 4-0, on Thursday February 20.

The episode will also mark a huge EastEnders first as bosses are giving the audience the power to vote on the outcome of one storyline, with the actors having to react to the result live on air – speaking of which…

Denise Fox decides… sort of.

With Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having found herself in a love triangle with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), fans will decide whether she reunites with her estranged husband Jack or picks her secret lover.

We also know that another ‘history making’ decision will be left to audiences to decide, with details yet to be announced.

Grant Mitchell returns

​​Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell to play a significant part in the 40th celebrations.

‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang,’ Ross teased.

Cindy Beale’s attacker revealed

Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was left for dead when she was whacked over the head with a shovel by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded.

With the finger of suspicion currently pointing at numerous characters, Cindy’s attacker will be unmasked at last during the anniversary week.

Special programming

Ahead of the big week, BBC Four will broadcast EastEnders Sings at the BBC, a look back at archive performances from cast members from Top of the Pops.

Ross Kemp will take a trip down Walford memory lane with a special hour-long documentary called EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, taking fans behind the scenes as he delves into the show’s history and relieves some of the most memorable moments.

BBC Three will also offer viewers a look at the explosive anniversary storylines with a 45-minute interview special – EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In – hosted by Joe Swash as he chats to some of the actors who find themselves at the heart of the anniversary drama.

The Queen Vic explodes

As Billy and Honey Mitchell (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) prepare to walk down the aisle, their favourite boozer The Queen Victoria will burn to the ground.

Aerial pictures from filming show the pub blown to smithereens, with a car crashed into the side. There’s also a marquee in the middle of the Square Gardens – is this from the wedding?

When her return to the show was announced last year, EastEnders confirmed that she was only back for a ‘prolonged stint’.

The actress has also signed on the dotted line to appear in a touring production of A Girl on the Train, playing the lead role of Rachel Watson between 15 April and 31 May.

On the matter of taking on the new project, Louisa said: ‘That’s not giving anything away, a lot of people think I’m now going out to do a theatre show that the character is dying.

‘But that’s not happening.’

Consider us intrigued!

Last night’s episode ended with a nail-biting moment, as Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) approached who she believes to be her Christmas Day attacker… and pointed a gun at them.

But has she finally found the right person?

EastEnders’ spectacular 40th anniversary week continues at 7.30pm on BBC One.

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