Christmas episodes of our favourite soaps are as much of a tradition for the festive season as turkey and all the trimmings – and EastEnders always pulls out all the stops. There’s little better than settling down after a day of over-indulgence to see families fighting, long-lost characters making dramatic comebacks, and fan favourites getting dramatically killed off.
We often see a whole year of storylines finally coming to a dramatic climax in one tinsel-clad, hour-long special, and this year in Walford is sure to be no exception.
But with EastEnders keeping typically tight-lipped about its plans for the time being, here we’re rounding up our biggest predictions on what could be the biggest dramas heading for Albert Square on December 25…
1. Keanu and Sharon rumbled
It’s the affair to end all affairs, mainly because we all know hell hath no fury like Phil Mitchell scorned. We’d rather be a turkey at Christmastime than be in Keanu Taylor’s shoes the moment that Phil finds out what the young mechanic’s been up to with his wife while he’s been “doing business” and/or sunning himself in Spain.
And what about Sharon? She proved that she can be a match for Phil when she stole the heist money from under his nose at the start of this year, but can she hold her own against her raging husband when he’s just found out she’s been getting afternoon delight from his former employee?
With Phil heading back from his holidays soon, it’s surely only perfect timing for the Mitchell hard man to find out what ‘Sheanu’ have been up to as the rest of Walford are unwrapping presents?
2. Alfie and Hayley’s baby secret revealed
Another storyline that has been bubbling along for longer than we can remember. So, what better time for the secret that Alfie is Hayley’s baby daddy to be exposed, than while the Slaters are all trying to have a civilised Christmas dinner? Well, as civilised as the Slaters can get, anyway.
We can picture it now. The fight between Kat and Hayley would be epic – sprouts everywhere and gravy up the walls, with Jean dressed in her Christmas jumper desperately trying to stop the pair ripping each other’s hair out.
3. Mick to get revenge on Stuart
It has been revealed that Mick Carter will soon be out of jail, but does that mean he’s back in Walford for a cosy Carter Christmas? The family are currently at rock bottom, with Linda siding with enemy Stuart and on the verge of filing for divorce, but can they really come back from the brink in the weeks that are left before Christmas is upon us?
Instead of a happy Christmas, it’s more likely there could be trouble for the Carters as Mick extracts his revenge on Stuart. He’s spent the last few months awaiting trial in prison thanks to his former frenemy, so could Christmas be the moment he gets the ultimate revenge and finishes Stu off for good?
4. Mitch Baker back to cause trouble
The announcement that actor Roger Griffiths is reprising his role as troublesome Mitch Baker will be welcome news to EastEnders fans, but not so much Karen and her kids. Last time Mitch was in Walford, he caused nothing but trouble for the Taylors, so will this time be any different? We doubt it.
With Karen finding out that Mitch was a married man last time we saw him, it’s unlikely they’re going to be reuniting under the mistletoe any time soon. But could Mitch be back with a secret that will turn the Taylors’ Christmas upside down? Or will he simply work his magic once again and find himself a place to stay for the festive break?
5. A familiar face returns
Dean Gaffney, better known to soap fans as Walford’s Robbie Jackson, recently told us that there would be a familiar face coming back to Albert Square for the festive season.
“We’ve got a returnee coming back, which is exciting! For me, personally, I’m a good friend of this person — whoever they may be! I think they’re iconic with EastEnders,” he explained.
“There’s certain people that come back to a show, they might not add to it, but this person definitely adds to it! It’s good to have this person back. Their storyline at Christmas will be very interesting.”
So is Dean talking about Alfie Moon’s return, or perhaps Phil Mitchell? Or is there someone entirely different making their way back to Walford as we speak?
6. Mel’s wedding dramas
We know that Mel and Ray are set to renew their wedding vows at New Year, but with both the bride and groom hiding huge secrets from each other, it looks like it’s not going to be a happy Christmas for the pair.
As Mel struggles with the fact Ray has got a whole other family outside of the Square, Ray is none the wiser that Mel has rumbled his big secret. While their Christmas might be uneventful, making way for the drama of their New Year nuptials, it’s more likely the run-up to their big day will be more action-packed than ever.
New EastEnders boss Kate Oates recently said that Mel would be in a ‘pickle’ come New Year. She explained: “We’re going to be flexing Tamzin Outhwaite’s muscles a little bit, so that’s exciting.”
7. End of the line for Max
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without some sort of Max Branning-related drama in Walford. After a whole year of watching Max and Rainie fight Cora Cross for custody of little baby Abi, could the festive episodes finally see a light at the end of the tunnel for the couple?
It’s no secret that Jake Wood is taking a break from EastEnders in the New Year while he goes on tour with his boxing show, Pound For Pound: The Live Show, so could the drama from Christmas lead to his exit? The big question is, will Max be leaving Albert Square with or without his granddaughter?
8. Bobby Beale shock return
A return for Ian Beale’s killer son seems inevitable, but could he make a dramatic comeback over the Christmas period?
New EastEnders producer Kate Oates has made no secret of the fact she plans to bring back some familiar faces to the Square. Could Bobby be one of them? And would he come back alone, or could this pave the way for Jane Beale’s return as well?
9. Christmas choir fun
With all the gritty drama that inevitably comes at Christmas in Albert Square, could the Walford Christmas Choir be what residents need to get some joy back into their hearts?
As with all comedy community activities, the choir is bound to bring conflict, competition and hilarity to Walford. We can’t wait to hear Christmas carols sung Walford-style. In fact, all we need is a few verses of ‘Silent Night’ around the piano in the Queen Vic and our Christmas will be made.
Digital Spy Soap Scoop video – hit play below for all the latest EastEnders spoilers, as Phil’s return leaves Sharon and Keanu in a panic, and Shirley kicks Linda out of The Vic.
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