EastEnders director teases special new year episodes 'packed with icons'

EastEnders' new year episodes will be "packed with icons".

Christopher McGill, who directs episodes of the BBC One soap, has teased fans they have some "monstrous" episodes to look forward to when the programme sees in 2025.

He wrote on X: "Week Two on our monstrous New Year @bbceastenders episodes.

"A room packed (PACKED) with EastEnd icons. #continuingdrama (sic)"

Chris' comment has sparked speculation that several other big-name 'EastEnders' legends could be set to return to the soap.

It comes after Tracy-Ann Oberman reprised her role as Chrissie Watts, and Walford also welcomed Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson) and Michael French (David Wicks) back.

Louisa Lytton is also due to return to Albert Square to reprise her role as Ruby Allen.

What's more, it was recently reported that Nancy and Lee Carter (Maddy Hill and Danny Hatchard) could be heading back to the soap to film a funeral episode, but it's not yet known who has passed away.

'EastEnders' is gearing up to celebrate its 40th anniversary in February.

Last month, BBC bosses confirmed plans for the show to go live to celebrate the milestone - and viewers will be able to decide the outcome of a storyline in a first-of-its-kind twist.

The corporation confirmed there will be a live episode broadcast from BBC Elstree Centre as part of the anniversary week celebrations, and there will be an interactive element to the special episode, in which viewers can choose the outcome of a love story.

While the characters involved are yet to be revealed, the cast and crew will be able to adapt the scene to portray whatever the public has voted for.

Speaking about the live episode, Chris Clenshaw, EastEnders' Executive Producer, said: "The 40th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that it’s a week full of drama and surprises.

"In fact, as our regular audience will know, we have already seen the return of familiar faces and have many more nods to our history to come which will all build up to our momentous anniversary week. This time, as well as going live, we are adding an extra twist and for the very first time in the history of the show and as a gift to the viewers, we are giving the audience the power to have their say in choosing the outcome of one of our storylines.

"Whilst we’re still keeping the finite details of the 40th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever."