The following article contains spoilers from an episode of EastEnders that hasn’t aired on BBC One yet, but can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.
EastEnders will broadcast a special episode this evening, which will mark 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe.
The edition, which can be viewed right now on BBC iPlayer, will see the residents of Walford come together to honour and remember those who fought during the war.
This will coincide with a number of real life events across the UK – including a procession attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Royal Family in London – to commemorate the occasion.
Experience VE Day 1945 as it happened with Metro’s live blog
Nods to wartime Britain take place throughout the ep, including archive footage and music from the time.
Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw told us: ‘Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history, we wanted to honour and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day.’
Viewers of the BBC soap also witness Nigel Bates’ (Paul Bradley) young-onset dementia worsen.
The much-loved character returned at Christmas, with him later confiding in Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) about his devastating diagnosis.
With his condition worsening, he has mistaken two Albert Square youngsters for his stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix), and walked into the pharmacy believing it to be his old video shop.
Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) has agreed to be his full time carer after he learnt that Nige was planning to take his own life.
Unfortunately, as his neighbours gather for the celebrations, he becomes convinced that it is 1995 – and confuses the event for one organised thirty years ago.
Long-term fans will remember that Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher) organised a get together in Bridge Street.
Ethel Skinner (Gretchen Franklin) and Dr Legg (Leonard Fenton) reflected on those they had lost, with the show’s infamous theme tune replaced with Jack Payne’s It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow.
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There is some joy in the instalment though – as the Queen Vic reopens in time for the celebrations.
Having been closed for two months following a catastrophic explosion that took the life of Martin Fowler (James Bye), the scenes in the Queen Vic were emotional indeed as Billy (Perry Fenwick) walked in to find a tankard displayed with Martin’s name on it.
The episode itself ends with Walford residents singing and celebrating in the pub, leading to footage from the past playing as the credits rolled.
