Whilst children across the nation start to count down the days until Santa Claus comes down the chimney, for soap fans, Christmas is for one thing only: a gripping festive storyline.
However, this year’s EastEnders Christmas bombshell plotline has reportedly been revealed – after an actress accidentally left her script on a train! Labelled ‘rehearsal scripts’, the papers revealed a key character will be killed off this Christmas in a shocking plot twist.
According to The Sun, the scripts have now been safely returned to Albert Square and the secret remains under lock and key. But, rumours in Soapland travel faster than you can say “get outta my pub!” – and according to betting apps, superfans are convinced they already know which soapstar will be “killed off” in this Christmas’ tragic finale.
So, what drama do the ‘Enders scriptwriters have in store for us this Christmas? Who is safe for another year? And who will be taking their final bow? The odds are in…
EastEnders Christmas Special 2024: Which character will be killed off in dramatic finale?
Future not looking merry or Bright for Linda Carter…
According to betting sites, Linda Carter is most likely to die in a shocking scene – with the odds at Evens.
Last year’s festive special saw the character Keanu Taylor, played by Danny Walters, accidentally fatally stabbed (with a carving fork, no less) by Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) in scenes aired on Christmas Day.
Whilst Linda got away with it, with Nish Panesar taking the rap, it’d make sense if she was the target for some kind of revenge plot.
The nail in the coffin though? Fans are convinced that it’s Linda in the firing line following members of her onscreen family being pictured filming a funeral scene with no sign of her… But, could this be a clever tactic from producers?
Is time running out for Tommy Moon?
Just because many believe Linda Carter will meet her maker this Christmas, it’s not a total cert. Many fans believe that Tommy Moon is sure to be at the centre of tragedy, with an odds of 11/8.
The teen has recently started racking up enemies and regularly tormented his family. It would certainly be a tragic plot twist to lose a youngster on the show.
Or could Alfie Moon meet his demise?
Others speculate that it might be Tommy’s adopted father, Alfie Moon who’s on track for a fatal finale, at 13/8.
The actor, Shane Richie, appeared on Radio Times last month, where he discussed his character’s future as Alfie continues to battle prostate cancer. But, would this have enough of a shock factor for viewers’ appetite? Perhaps not…
Does Kat have more than one life? We hope so
Keeping things close to home, some fans have speculated that it could be Kat Slater on the chopping board this Christmas – 2/1.
Digital Spy reported that Shane Richie teased that we’re in for a “tragic” storyline. Given his character Alfie’s recent rekindling with Kat, perhaps he’s hinting at an emotional climax for the pair…
Branning vs Mitchell
In true Eastenders style, a bit of feisty rivalry goes a long way. Recently, audiences have been tuning into a battle of Branning vs Mitchell. But, some fans believe that Jack Branning is beginning to crack over Harry Mitchell’s video blackmail plot. Perhaps he will do something reckless this Christmas Day? The bookies agree at 3/1.
“EastEnders Live” 40th Anniversary Episode
As well as the upcoming dramatic Christmas special, EastEnders fans will be treated to a live episode in February 2025, to celebrate the programme’s 40th anniversary on the BBC.
And that’s not all – the “EastEnders Live” episode will feature a first-of-its-kind twist to mark the special anniversary. The episode will include an interactive element where the viewers will have the power to be able to choose their desired outcome of a love story.
.#EastEnders is going live for a full episode as part of the celebrations for its 40th anniversary but this time with a twist! The audience will have the power to decide the outcome of one storyline…
For more info please visit our Facebook page. #EastEnders #News #EE40th pic.twitter.com/KJOxMuZz0x— BBC EastEnders (@bbceastenders) September 9, 2024
Superfans are already speculating about who will be involved in the special plotline, plus, there’s talk of a surprise comeback from a beloved EastEnders character from time gone by.
So, who does the public think will be making a momentous return to Albert Square?
EastEnders 40th Anniversary: Which character is most likely to return in a surprise comeback for “EastEnders Live”?
A Mitchell Brothers reunion?
It wouldn’t be EastEnders’ 40th anniversary without a monumental surprise. So, could it be finally time for a brotherly reunion, with the return of Grant Mitchell? Fans think so, with predictions at an odds of 6/4 on betting sites.
Brother to the legendary Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), the pair are known globally as the notorious Mitchell Brothers – but Grant has long been gone from Albert Square. Until now?
Speaking to This Morning, the actor who plays Grant, Ross Kemp commented on the anniversary: “I can tell you nothing. I am very proud that the show is celebrating 40 years and I wouldn’t have had a career good or bad without it.
“I still love it, I still support every way that I can. I’m very proud its celebrating 40 years. I would support it in every way I can…I can say no more than that.” Sound suspicious?
Dramatic return for Danny Dyer?
Another icon that could be returning to Albert Square is Mick Carter, played by Danny Dyer – 2/1.
The character made his first appearance in the show back in 2013, taking a break in 2017, and then officially leaving the show in 2022 – after following dramatic scenes at Christmas when he was presumed drowned while trying to save his wife, Linda Carter.
This will certainly be interesting timing if the rumours are true about Linda’s fate in this year’s Christmas special.
Double trouble with Roxy and Ronnie return?
Whilst superfans will remember that iconic sisters, Roxy and Ronnie Mitchell both drowned in a dramatic episode back in 2017, this doesn’t mean they’re off the cards.
In fact, some fans claim they’ve “spotted proof” that the sisters will be returning for the soap’s 40th anniversary, which might be why the pair are sitting at 3/1 to return.
Best of the rest
Other former residents rumoured to return to Albert Square for the 40th Anniversary include stars Max Branning 10/3 and Shirley Carter 4/1.
Only time will tell if the public’s predictions are correct. One thing we know for sure: we’re in for some dramatic twists and turns.
EastEnders can be seen from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and the Christmas special will be broadcast on Christmas Day 2024.
* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.
