EastEnders writer teases "different" episode for show's anniversary week

"A tribute to the icon women of Walford."

By Rebecca Sayce

8 Feb 2023

embargoed 160822 0001, linda carter, eastenders

BBC

EastEnders writer Daran Little has teased that his next episode for the show's anniversary will be "a little different".

In a social media post, he also said the latest instalment of the BBC soap will be "a tribute to the icon women of Walford".

Little also re-shared the latest trailer, which gives fans a small taste of the major events set to hit the Square this month.

So, my next episode is something a little bit different and a big tribute to the icon women of Walford… https://t.co/n6YNlSw3Cb
— Daran Little (@DaranLittle) February 7, 2023

The footage focuses on Linda Carter, Stacey Slater, Suki Panesar, Kathy Beale, Denise Fox, and Sharon Watts in a series of eerie, distorted close-ups.

To add to the ominous tone of the trailer, a voiceover warns: "In a flash, everything changes," accompanied by a haunting laugh.

The events in the trailer will be part of a special week that begins on February 20, the closest EastEnders airdate to its anniversary.

Though many storyline details have been kept secret, soap bosses have confirmed that a groundbreaking story for Kellie Bright's character Linda Carter will be a key part of the anniversary week.

After Mick Carter's (Danny Dyer) tragic exit from the soap in the Christmas Day special, Linda has been left facing an uncertain future.

BBC

"Linda's still very much at the heart of Albert Square and it's so great to have Kellie [Bright]," producer Chris Clenshaw explained.

"She's not going to get over Mick very quickly. She was just reunited with him then he was snatched away from her so it won't be all smiles straight away, but there are big plans for Linda... it's something that we as a show haven't done before."

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.