Emma Brand & Friends preview a ‘moderately big part of Christmas’.
The EastEnders Christmas Special is known for being melodramatic. This Christmas in Albert Square is not likely to be any different. We should expect two deaths, three attempted murders, a kidnap, a mental illness, a car crash, a rape attempt, and a brain tumour.
At least, that’s what is contained in the closely guarded script which I manage to purloin from Broadcasting House.
Seriously, with 7.55 million viewers in 2014 EastEnders was the third most watched show on Christmas Day, after Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas Special and The Queen’s Speech.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Sherlock.
But are people still as excited about it this year? I asked a few East Enders whether they are looking forward to EastEnders.
Sophie: I’m not excited because Eastenders has been really boring this year, but I’m going to watch it anyway because my family will watch it. It is a moderately big part of Christmas. I really hope Bobby or Denny dies; they are nasty little brats. Maybe Roxy will die because someone has to.
I’m not excited about Charlie coming back. I hate how he says ‘grandma’. But I don’t think Babe will kill the goose and eat it – well I hope she doesn’t.
There are rumours about Mick and Whitney having an affair, but that is disgusting. They waited too long to give Kat and Alfie their spin off show, but I am excited that Alfie is coming back, even if it is with a brain tumour.
Susannah: I hate it. Don’t watch it at any other time of year so why would I watch it at Christmas. Whenever someone tries to watch it I just talk the whole way through and don’t pay attention. There are much better things to be doing on Christmas Day.
Rachel: You have to watch the Christmas episode – it’s always the best one of the year. You know you can expect it to have you on the edge of your seat. Everyone will sit down and watch it together, and it’s a good way to spend the evening. This year is looking to be the most dramatic yet, with multiple deaths, attempted murders and characters coming back. I can’t wait.
Whether you are excited about it or not, the EastEnders special is at least a ‘moderately’ important Christmas fixture.