EastEnders fans can expect a moving tribute to World War II veterans in the coming weeks as the BBC soap prepares to air a special episode marking 80 years since VE Day. The residents of Walford will come together in emotional scenes to honour those who gave their lives during the war.
The episode promises to be packed with nods to wartime Britain, including rare historical footage and music that would have filled the streets on May 8, 1945. But in true EastEnders fashion, there’s a heart-breaking twist woven into the celebrations. Because of his dementia symptoms worsening, Nigel believes it’s 1995, not 2025, and thinks the party is for the 50th anniversary of VE Day.
EastEnders fans have recently been left in floods of tears after seeing Nigel admit he had planned to end his life if he could not remember the answers to a cognitive test he was taking to assess his dementia. Phil stopped him by committing to caring for his friend for the rest of his life.
Phil and Jean are determined to bring the community together for this special occasion, and convince Linda to reopen The Vic at the same time as they start their post-war celebrations.
Speaking about upcoming special episode, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw shared: “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.”
As the Square gets ready to take a trip back in time, the soap has also been making headlines for some emotional goodbyes. Natalie Cassidy, who was known and loved for her role as Sonia Fowler, recently exited the show after an incredible 32-year run.
However, Natalie has since revealed she’s not completely satisfied with how her goodbye was handled. Speaking on her Off The Telly podcast, which she co-hosts with Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page, Natalie said she was “emotional” over a scene that was cut.
She said: “It was Sonia and Phil, and me and Phil just having a moment in the Square. I didn’t see it. I might have to go back and have a look. I’d be really cross [if it was cut] because it was a really nice scene.”
Despite the bittersweet farewell, Natalie is keeping busy in her post-Walford life. The actress recently announced her upcoming book Happy Days, while will give fans a glimpse into her experiences of balancing motherhood and a busy career.
She also ticked off a bucket list dream by taking to the airwaves to host a segment on Virgin Radio. Speaking about life after EastEnders, Natalie explained: “I left because I felt the time was right to do so. I was ready for a change, after 32 years.”
She added that asking for extended time off for new projects “wasn’t fair” on the show, which runs like a “factory” behind the scenes with 60 cast members and 300 staff.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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