Sympathy for the devil?

EastEnders is often at its best when its at its most dark and depressing and last monday's episode, where Ronnie finally handed baby Tommy back to a very confused Kat, was one of the best episodes in a long time for that reason. But why did I end up feeling more sorry for villian Ronnie than anyone else?

EastEnders' Ronnie Branning (Samantha Womack) has been on a slow downward spiral since long-lost daughter Danielle (Lauren Crace) was flung over the bonnet of Janine Malloy (Charlie Brooks) car over two years ago (two years and 16 days to be exact as Ronnie was), culminating in Ronnie stealing Kat Moon's (Jessie Wallace) baby Tommy on new years eve.

But instead of the happiness and relief for Kat and Alfie or the devastation for Ronnie's husband Jack (Scott Maslen), it was the heartbreaking scenes with Ronnie and the doctor that really made the episode. Was it just good acting and writing or a miss direction on the part of the EastEnders that Ronnie didn't come across as the ultimate villian for what was a terrible crime?

The acting of Sam Womack as Ronnie, especially in the conversation with the doctor, was outstanding and I am sure was part of the reason that I felt just sorrow for the character. The almost empty and lost stares of a character who has been through more than her fair share of heartbreak (even for soapland) were haunting.

But at the same time it felt almost wrong to feel sorry for a character who snatched someone else's baby and let them think their own baby had died for months. Throughout the episode Ronnie rarely came across as evil, just very unstable and in need of help. It almost felt like the emotion of anger was missing slightly for me as a viewer at home and from the characters themselves in the show. But as the storyline looks set to continue and with Ronnie in the soap a while longer, hopefully this will be explored further.

Personally I throughly enjoyed the episode for the emotion and drama in the aftermath of such a controversial storyline and whilst it was odd to feel sympathetic for such horrible crimes, that shouldn't take away from the fantastic acting and writing.

Who did you feel most sorry for? Did you enjoy the aftermath of the baby-swap storyline?

Picture from metro.co.uk

Is the EastEnders controversy correct?

Sam Womack quitting, over 8,000 complaints and the story being cut short. But is all the controversy over EastEnders baby swap storyline correct?

EastEnders is known for its hard-hitting storylines but its most recent attempt to portray a sensitive issue has backfired considerably on the show with a media storm gathering over EastEnders. After finding her baby James dead in his coat, a devastated Ronnie swapped James' body for that of Kat and Alfie's alive son Tommy.

As a viewer who has witnessed a year of murders, stabbings, fires, drug use and tram crashes in the world of soap I must admit I am slightly torn on the plot.

The main ingredient to any soap storyline is emotion, drama and with EastEnders more often that not tragedy. And undoubtedly the baby swap plot has all these elements. But my criticism of the plot is that they could have achieved the same level of emotion and drama by only tackling the tragedy of cot deaths.

By adding the baby swap twist on a already upsetting storyline the show has dragged themselves into claims of sensationalism, despite Executive Producer Bryan Kirkwood's claims on the EastEnders website that their aim "was – and still is – to tell a strong story that would, in the telling - raise the profile of Cot Death in the UK."

But whilst I understand the viewers upset over such a powerful subject, this is and always has been a work of fiction. Soaps have never shied away from tackling tough subjects before and every viewer always has the choice to watch soaps or turn off their television.

The decision to cut the story short is completely correct as any plans to drag the story on would then become 100 % unbelievable. The news that there is also going to be a happy ending is also correct in sending the right message to viewers that are prepared to stick with the story.

With the outcry caused by the plot the acting of all involved has often been forgotten. Sam Womack (Ronnie) and Jessie Wallace (Kat) have been superb whilst the supporting cast of Shane Ritchie (Alfie), Derek Martin (Charlie) etc.. have made the storyline even more heartbreaking. Whilst the writing and producing have been heavily criticised, Kat saying 'I am not ready to say goodbye, I have only just said hello' or Ronnie begging baby James 'please don't do this to me' are haunting to watch.

The departure of Ronnie, whether due to the end of Sam's contract or her decision based on the plot is a huge loss to EastEnders (the announcement is either a case of a bad coincidence or bad timing).

I don't 100% agree with the direction of the plot but it has me torn and this is often the best ingredient for the most powerful storylines. But the anger directed at EastEnders looks like it won't be calming down anytime soon and with the plot set to run until the spring, the show looks like it will be hitting the headlines for months to come however well acted the storyline is.

Picture from whatsontv.co.uk

EastEnders' Janine back to her best

Soapland's biggest bitch has gone a bit soft recently...

Since falling in love and getting married, EastEnders' Janine Malloy (formerly Butcher) has shown her softer side. And whilst I love to see different layers to soap characters, when it comes to Janine - the bitchier the better!

After stealing hubby Ryan (Neil McDermott) and Stacey's (Lacey Turner) daughter Lily and nearly getting her run-over by a train, The Sun reports that Janine (Charlie Brooks) will attempt to poison Ryan at Christmas. And who could doubt the wicked plot, Janine did 'accidentally' push first husband Barry Evans off a cliff!

Soap's baddest girl is a brilliant character. Janine's softer side has always been teased to viewers but in the end evil always seems to win out when it comes to Janine.

And it seems the superbitch has only just started when it comes to punishing new hubby Ryan.

Picture from bbc.co.uk

EastEnders: Billie's sad death

Too often soaps go for the over the top reaction to dramatic deaths. Wailing in hysterics is all well and good in certain situations but tonight EastEnders triumphed with an understated and emotional reaction to the sudden, alcohol-related death of Billie Jackson (Devon Anderson).

After celebrating his 22nd birthday in Friday's episode, Billie downed a huge amount of booze and collapsed on the sofa. Half-sister Bianca (Patsy Palmer) went to wake him but instead found him dead in the lounge.

The performances from everyone involved were brilliant, even cousin Lauren's (Jacqueline Jossa) nervous laugh seemed realistic. Carol's (Lindsey Coulson) reaction to her son's death was heartbreaking. There was no outbursts of tears just a blank look of shock and sudden emptiness. Little dialogue was needed as the family's reaction to Billie's death drove the episode forward.

Since his return to Walford earlier this year, the character of Billie has failed to make a huge impact in Walford. So his sudden and emotional demise will probably be remembered longer than anything the character did on screen.

The episode was depressing, even for EastEnders but the BBC show deserves praise for tonight's showing; highlighting the risks of binge drinking in such a sad and shocking way.

Picture from whatsontv.co.uk

Kat & Alfie's return

The first promotional pictures have been released of the long-awaited return of EastEnders golden couple Kat and Alfie Moon.

The pair have not been seen since they departed in 2005 for a new life in America. But Kat (Jessie Wallace) will make her return to Albert Square this Friday whilst husband Alfie (Shane Richie) will be seen again on screen on Tuesday, September 21st.



From the picture above viewers can see Kat will return heavily pregnant but all other secrets about their return are being kept under wraps.

With Peggy Mitchell's departure last week Kat and Alfie will take charge of the Queen Vic when it is re-built after last week's blaze. Their return is a welcome one with Kat following in the footsteps of feisty Queen Vic landlady's including Peggy and Sharon Rickman.

After being away for five years viewers will be left wondering what the pair have been up too. Are they still as happy as they were when they left?

Pictures from Digital Spy

The Vic on fire!

The first pictures of the spectacular fire in EastEnders that is going to destroy the Queen Victoria pub and change Walford forever have been released and drug addict Phil Mitchell is to blame!

The dramatic shots from scenes due to air next week show Phil (Steve McFadden) fighting with his mum and pub landlady Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) before he sets fire to her beloved boozer.

Phil's dangerous actions soon put local lives in danger, including trapped couple Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Vanessa Gold (Zoe Lucker). Will the pair survive and who else is trapped in the inferno?

It has been widely speculated that the blaze, which allowed EastEnders to rebuild the Queen Vic set for the show's move to HD, may see the demise of the Peggy. Windsor announced her departure earlier this year and if Peggy were to perish in the blaze it would certainly be a dramatic and emotional exit for the legendary soap queen.

Other well-loved characters including Minty Peterson (Cliff Parisi) and Charlie Slater (Derek Martin) are also due to depart the show soon and could be set for exciting exits if they were to perish in the fire.

As the inferno rips through The Vic, can anyone escape or will local lives be lost?

The scenes air on Thursday 9th September at 7.30pm on BBC One.

Pictures from Digital Spy and Digital Spy

EastEnders tackles drug use

EastEnders has never been a show to shy away from controversial storylines and the latest plotline to shock viewers is hardman Phil Mitchell's (Steve McFadden) crack cocaine addiction. Scenes showing Phil's drug binge have already received over 200 complaints, so is the hard-hitting plot too much for the pre-watershed timeslot?

Yes, it is too much too early - With a large audience that ranges in ages EastEnders does have a responsibility to its viewers to not cross the line and be seen to glamorise drug use. Certain scenes where both Phil and addict Rainie Cross (Tanya Franks) are in possession of drugs or talking freely about taking drugs risks upsetting many viewers. The violent and manic effects the drugs have on both characters can also be uncomfortable to watch.

Since her return the character of Rainie has only been used as a vehicle for Phil's story and so it makes it hard for the viewers to feel any sympathy for her character or see her as anything more than a drug addict.

No, EastEnders is highlighting an important issue - Whilst it might be uncomfortable and at times slightly frightening to see Phil fly into a drug-induced rage the acting from all involved as been superb. McFadden has brilliantly depicted Phil's rage and out of control behaviour whilst also showing a fragile and sensitive side that is behind Phil's drug use after the loss of his kids (you couldn't help but feel terribly sad for Phil as he lay crying in Shirley's arms last night).

The supporting cast of ex-girlfriend Shirley (Linda Henry), mum Peggy (Barbara Windsor) and drug addict Rainie have made this storyline realistic, showing the effects Phil's downward spiral has on those closest to him.

EastEnders have been careful never to show any character taking drugs and by doing so have avoided further complaints and any criticism of glamorising the storyline. But at the same time they have not held back with showing the physical and emotional deterioration of Phil as he struggles to cope.

The storyline may be hard to watch with its painful level of realism but the disastrous consequences drugs has had on Phil highlights the negative and dangerous effects of drug taking. This ongoing plot is a strong piece of storytelling and an accessible way to raise awareness.

Picture from Virgin Media

EastEnders, Denise isn't dead!

Warning!! I mention next week's spoilers below.





Whenever any character in soapland cautiously walks down into a dark basement alone you just know something isn't quite right. Especially in the case of murderous preacher Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet), who in EastEnders last night visited his 'dead' wife Denise (Diane Parish) and offered her food from her own funeral!

In a spoiler-free twist but a twist-that-you-could-still-see coming crazed Lucas (who often gives a darker rendition of Dot's Bible-quoting ways) popped to see his wife Denise after presiding over her funeral.

A dishevelled Denise appeared from the dark after being held captive in a basement by her husband Lucas for weeks. What she (and the audience) don't know is that poor Denise is currently hidden away next door from her own house!

But this twist surely raises the question how exactly did Lucas get his wife from the canal, through the Square and into the basement of the house next door to his own without anyone seeing?

Lucas has already killed a man and buried his body in the middle of the gardens without anyone noticing! The residents of Walford must be so used to suspicious activity that they simply close their curtains and go to bed when they see the local priest dragging a body through Albert Square.

But onto next week where Denise will make an unlikely return to her family. Spoilers say that Denise wants to try and fix her broken family, how exactly she hopes to do that when her current husband and father of her eldest child tried to kill her, killed her previous husband and father of her youngest kid as well as letting the mother of her step-son die. That is a complicated family tree even for soapland!

But the return of Denise will also inevitably lead to the sad departure of evil holy man Lucas, whose magnificent reign of terror has made Walford a much more dangerous and exciting place over the last two years.

Picture from bbc.co.uk/eastenders

EastEnders triumphs at Soap Awards

EastEnders triumphed at the British Soap Awards at the weekend, winning ten awards including both Best Actor and Actress and the coveted Best Soap.

The departing Lacey Turner, who plays Stacey Branning took home the Best Actress and Best Dramatic Performance prizes whilst Scott Maslen (Jack Branning) claimed Best Actor and Sexist Male.

The BBC1 soap was also victorious in the Best Single Episode category for the 25th anniversary live episode, Best Storyline for Who Killed Archie?, Villain of the Year for Larry Lamb (Archie Mitchell), Best Exit for Charlie Clements' (Bradley Branning) and Marc Elliot (Syed Masood) won Best Newcomer.

EastEnders have had a hugely successful year and these awards recognised great acting and storylines including Syed's struggle with his sexuality, Archie Mitchell's dramatic Christmas Day murder and the show's first ever live episode, which saw Stacey admit to killing off Archie shortly after husband Bradley had plummeted to his death.

In the other categories Coronation Street picked up three awards; Sexist Female for Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre), Best Comedy Performance for Craig Gazey (Graeme Proctor) and the Lifetime Achievement award for long-standing cast member Betty Driver (Betty Williams).

Hollyoaks claimed the Spectacular Scene of the Year award for Sarah Barnes's (Loui Batley) terrifying fatal skydive whilst Doctors won Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor or Actress for Sapphire Cox's portrayal of Ami Metcalf and Best On-Screen Partnership, which went to Jan Pearsons and Chris Walker (Karen and Rob Hollins).

Emmerdale would have been hugely disappointed to go home with only one award, the Special Achievement award for writer Bill Lyons. Emmerdale were nominated in every category but missed out on awards including Best Actor for Danny Miller (Aaron Livesy) and Best Storyline for Aaron's struggle with this sexuality. Despite an impressive year for EastEnders, the writing and acting from all involved on Aaron's storyline was deserving of award recognition.

The British Soap Awards will be shown on ITV1 on 19th May 2010.

For a full list of winners click here.

Picture from Digital Spy

Stacey and Jean to leave EastEnders

EastEnders actresses Lacey Turner and Gillian Wright, who play mother and daughter Stacey Branning and Jean Slater, will leave the show later this year.

Lacey, who first arrived in Albert Square in 2004, has reportedly left to pursue other projects but the door will be left open for her return.

Stacey was followed onto the Square by her mother Jean, who has appeared in the show on and off since 2004. Jean and Stacey have had a troubled relationship throughout their time on the show. In one of EastEnders most emotional storylines bipolar sufferer Jean helped her daughter Stacey through her recent diagnosis with bipolar.

As two of the best actresses in the soap their departure will be a great loss to EastEnders. Lacey has been involved in some of EastEnders biggest stories over her six years in Walford. From her romance with Bradley Branning, affair with Bradley's dad Max, suffering from bipolar and being revealed as Archie Mitchell's killer in EastEnders first ever live episode.

The pair's departure adds to the long list of cast members departing the Square this year. Matriarch Peggy Mitchell, Minty Peterson, Chelsea and Libby Fox and Charlie Slater are just some of the characters who will bow out of the show in 2010. But whilst it is all change in Walford, fans can look forward to the return of favourites Alfie and Kat Moon later this year.

Picture from Virgin Media

Chelsea Fox to leave EastEnders

EastEnders minx Chelsea Fox will depart Albert Square later this year after actress Tiana Benjamin announced she was quitting the BBC soap.

Benjamin, 25, who has been on the show since May 2006, has quit to pursue other projects.

Chelsea first appeared in Walford as a surprise love interest for Grant Mitchell and was joined soon after by feisty mother Denise and sister Libby.

Over her four years Chelsea has dated many of Walford's male residents including Sean Slater and more recently Jack Branning. But other than being a maneater, her character has been underused. Chelsea had a short-lived and now forgotten about drug habit and served time in prison for falsely accusing Sean of attacking Patrick back in 2007.

But Chelsea may yet have an explosive exit from Walford with her father Lucas' murder secret yet to be discovered. Lucas has already killed twice, so could Chelsea find out the terrible truth or will she be unstable Lucas' next victim?

Picture from BBC

EastEnders Two-Hander; Max confronts Stacey

It was a final shot fitting of the episode, the camera travelling away from the darkness of Albert Square into a birds eye view of London as the credits began to roll.

This impressive special effects shot came after an emotionally-charged 30 minutes episode of EastEnders that included only the grief-stricken Max (Jake Wood) and Stacey (Lacey Turner), shouting out everything that the viewer and Max had wanted to know since Stacey revealed herself to be the killer and Bradley plummeted to his death in the live episode last month.

Stacey had been missing for weeks so Max, in the search for answers and revenge, did what he does best - lie, seduce and manipulate. After sleeping with Stacey's unstable mate Becca he then followed her as she visited Stacey. Seizing the opportunity Max burst in and finally confronted pregnant Stacey.

Penned by lead writer Simon Ashdown, the special two-hander episode saw Max force Stacey to explain how and why she killed evil Archie on Christmas Day.

Jake Wood gave one of his finest performances as Max struggled to control his anger and grief when coming face to face with Stacey again and as always Lacey Turner was captivating as Stacey pleaded with Max not to turn her over to the Police; the chemistry and history between the pair always bubbling on the surface during their heated confrontations.

By the end of the episode Max had forcefully taken Stacey back to the Square, ready for her to say her goodbyes before turning herself in. But after a sudden change of heart Max decided to let Stacey off, claiming he was doing it for Bradley as he finally managed to properly grieve for his son.

Whilst the change of heart from Max seemed slightly hasty (yet still believable), the episode was impressive with excellent performances from Jake Wood and Lacey Turner. The emotional two-hander tied up any loose ends in an storyline that has kept viewers hooked for months.

Picture from EastEnders

My Top 5 EastEnders Characters of all time

After 25 years on television EastEnders has created some of the most memorable characters on screen, from iconic matriarchs to East End hard men. But which five have stood out for me over EastEnders 25 year history?

1. Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden)

One half of the legendary Mitchell brothers, Phil Mitchell has got on the wrong side of most of the Square at least once, so much so that he drove ex-partner Lisa Fowler to shot him outside his house in 2001. He is an unlikely ladies man with a fiery temper but he does have a softer family side, making him the ultimate East End character.

Picture from BBC

2. Dot Branning (June Brown)

Gossip and regular confidant for the troubled residents of Walford, stalwart Dot Branning, formerly Cotton is never shy of an opinion or a verse from the Bible. EastEnders would not be the same without her and it helps that the character is played by the finest actress in soapland.

Picture from The Sun

3. Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor)

Whilst the laundrette wouldn't seem right without Dot at the helm, the same could be said for the Queen Victoria pub and its finest landlady Peggy Mitchell. The pint-sized matriarch has been involved in some of EastEnders most famous storylines, from the her emotional battle with breast cancer to her marriage to villainous Archie Mitchell.

Picture from Virgin Media

4. Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks)

The ultimate soap bitch, Janine has few redeeming qualities and has been involved in numerous deaths of local residents, from the murderous push she gave Barry down the cliff-top to the unfortunate hit and run of Danielle Jones last year. The perfect soap baddie because Janine would do anything to get what she wants.

Picture from The Sun

5. Den Watts (Leslie Grantham)

Another EastEnders villain but this time the original, Den Watts. Den's passion for the ladies led to a fiery relationship with first wife Angie, an affair and pregnancy with teenager Michelle Fowler and then a fatal marriage to hairdresser Chrissie. After falling into the canal supposedly dead, Den made a shock return in 2003 before being bashed in the head with Pauline Fowler's doggy doorstep only two years later.

Picture from BBC

Ok so it may seem like some of the most iconic characters from EastEnders history are missing. Ian Beale, Sharon Watts, Grant Mitchell...But EastEnders has simply created some of the most loved, loathed and talked-about characters on British television. There was simply too many to choose from!

Stacey is the killer!

An emotional Stacey Branning (Lacey Turner) revealed that she had killed Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) in last night's live episode of EastEnders, only moments after husband Bradley (Charlie Clements) fell to his death from the roof on the Queen Vic.

EastEnders first ever live episode, which finally saw the reveal of the who killed Archie after months of speculation went without any major problems and was a fitting conclusion to a storyline that had got the country talking.

An investigation was launched after evil Archie was brutally murdered with the Queen Victoria bust on Christmas day. Archie had made plenty of enemies during his time in Albert Square, the list of suspects including wife Peggy (Babara Windsor), daughter Ronnie (Samantha Womack), fiancee Janine (Charlie Brooks), nephew Phil (Steve McFadden), Bradley and Ian (Adam Woodyatt).

But it was an angry Stacey who dealt the final blow after Archie had raped her months earlier.

The EastEnders cast and crew merged multiple strands of the storyline together well, the case of Archie's killer unraveling on-screen with only a few stuttering camera shots and spluttered lines noticeable.

Bradley and Stacey's storyline was the main component as the newly-weds tried to flee Walford after the Police closed in on Bradley. Bradley's emotional exit had been expected but the dramatic nature of his fall came as a shock and paved the way for Stacey's confession to father-in-law Max (Jake Wood).

Despite being unwell leading up to the live episode Lacey shone on screen, the desperation and devastation of the night's events powerfully portrayed by the brilliant Lacey.

Before finding out who the real killer was the main suspects' stories was explored on-screen, Janine prepared to flee the Square, an angry Phil confronted Ian whilst Roxy (Rita Simons) was convinced that her sister Ronnie was the killer.

Roxy's accusations led to Ronnie's shocking revelation that Archie had raped Ronnie when she was a child. Whilst it was a shock for viewers, the plot twist seemed unnecessary for a character that has already been troubled by the death of two children, abandonment by her mother and the betrayal of her sister and boyfriend's one night stand. Surely Ronnie already had enough motive for murder after years of torment at the hands of Archie?

Last night's episode averaged just under 15 million viewers, peaking at an impressive 16.6 million to see Bradley's death and Stacey's reveal in the last five minutes. The BBC Three show, EastEnders Live: The Aftermath also faired well, drawing 4.3 million in the hour after the live episode. This was BBC Three's best ever ratings and the highest ever for a multichannel programme.

The live episode was a fitting celebration of 25 years for EastEnders, displaying the ingredients that have made the show one of the most popular on British television. Filled with emotion, drama, suspense and shock tonight's episode concluded a storyline crafted with great intrigue and mystery over the last two months.

Picture from The Guardian

EastEnders Update

Alfie to return

Lovable rogue Alfie Moon is going to return to EastEnders later this year. Actor Shane Ritchie is reprising the role after departing the Square in 2005 with Kat (Jessie Wallace). The question will now be whether Alfie's wife Kat will return to Walford with him?

Shooting Drama

Former Policeman Jack Branning's life will be under threat after he is shot in the next few months. The reason why Jack, played by Scott Maslen is shot is still unknown. Could he find himself embroiled in nephew Billie Jackson's problems or will one of Jack's enemies come back for revenge?

Alfie picture from HelloMagazine

Jack picture from The Sun

Ant and Dec, Doctor Who triumph at NTAs

There were few surprises at the National Television Awards last night with TV favourites Ant and Dec and David Tennant both winning 2 awards.

The event, held for the first time at the O2 arena and hosted by Dermot O'Leary celebrated a fantastic year of television across all the terrestrial channels.

Television's favourite duo Ant and Dec won Entertainment Presenter and Entertainment Programme for Saturday Night Takeaway. After winning the Entertainment Presenter award for the last nine consecutive years the pair still managed to look shocked as their names were read out.

The now departed Doctor Who David Tennant triumphed as he won Drama Performance and Most Popular Drama for the iconic BBC1 show.

One of the largest celebrations of the night came when Loose Women won Factual Programme, beating Top Gear, Come Dine With Me and The Apprentice.

Gavin and Stacey, which recently aired its third and final series won the award for Comedy Programme whilst X Factor triumphed over Strictly Come Dancing in the battle of the talent shows.

The multi-talented Stephen Fry won the first ever Star Travel Documentary award for Stephen Fry In America and later was surprised with the Special Recognition Award for his contribution to television.

The surprise of the night came as Coronation Street triumphed over EastEnders in the serial drama categories, winning Serial Drama and Newcomer for Craig Gazey's portrayal of Graeme Proctor. But EastEnders did win one award as Lacey Turner won the Serial Drama Performance award for her brilliant performance as troubled Stacey Slater.

For a full list of winners click here
Picture from Now

Glenda Mitchell: First Impression

Tonight in EastEnders we were given the first proper look at the newest face in the Mitchell family album, Ronnie and Roxy's mum Glenda.

Glenda, played by 54-year-old Glynis Barber strolled back into her daughter's lifes' last night, 21 years after abandoning them in a bid to escape her husband Archie.

Considering Glynis reportedly only had a very short time to prepare for the role, she did a fine job as the surprisingly posh Glenda. A striking resemblance to on-screen daughter Sam Womack means we can look past the fact that she doesn't quite look old enough to be their mum and a believable former love-rival to Peggy.

Glenda's emotional reunion, especially the scenes with Ronnie and Peggy worked well and we saw a flash of the more unpredictable and bitchy side to Glenda, a complex character that promises much for 2010. Clearly harbouring a lot more skeletons in her closet, Glenda also provides another twist in the saga of Archie's lies and murder.

Picture from The Mirror

Archie's murder: The suspects

There was no one in Albert Square with a longer list of enemies than Archie Mitchell and on Christmas Day one of them finally killed evil Archie, but who was the one who gave that final push of the Queen Victoria bust?

Narrowing down a list of suspects in nearly impossible, actually your likely to find more people that wanted Archie dead than alive. Since his arrival in Albert Square Archie has lied, manipulated and thrown his family out onto the street, with the amount of people he has hurt it is a surprise he had lasted this long in a place like Walford! With the big reveal planned for the live episode in February viewers have plenty of time to try and work out the culprit......

First up is wife Peggy....The matriarch of the Mitchell family was left devastated after Archie robbed her of The Vic. Desperate to get back what was rightfully hers Peggy may have been pushed to kill her husband after visiting him on Christmas Day.

Next up is Peggy's son Phil......After hitting the booze again unpredictable Phil threatened to kill Archie and a blood stained shirt discovered by Shirley is a piece of evidence Phil burnt very quickly. Whilst in a drunken state Phil is capable of anything I'm not sure pushing Queen Victoria's head onto Archie is Phil's style.

The most vengeful of all the Mitchell family has to be Ronnie.....Her manipulate dad has ruined her life, lying about her daughter Danielle's existence that eventually lead to Danielle's death left Ronnie devastated and Archie may have pushed Ronnie too far when he pushed her against the bar, causing her to lose her unborn child. But could Ronnie actually go through with murdering her own father?

The final Mitchell on the list is Sam....After appearing unexpectedly on Christmas Day Sam learnt about her beloved uncle's deception. Peggy's daughter has already been there before when Dirty Den meet a grisly end in The Vic, but would Sam actually go through that again in revenge?

In an effort to destroy the Mitchell empire Archie manipulated dangerous Janine.....She has a record for killing off partners, Barry's plunge down a cliff is evidence of that and I just can't understand the apparent 'feelings' that money-hungry Janine had for a man old enough to be her father. But after being thrown out by Archie on Christmas Day Janine had a motive and we know she, like Archie, is capable of anything...

Archie never saw eye-to-eye with hot-headed former Policeman Jack Branning.......After starting a relationship with Ronnie and then sleeping with her sister Roxy, which lead to daughter Amy's conception, Jack has never been firm friends with their protective dad Archie. Jack has a temper and his love for Ronnie may have pushed him to kill the man that has hurt her so much...

Kind-hearted Bradley Branning just doesn't seem the type....But after learning that partner Stacey was pregnant after Archie forced himself on her Bradley seemingly lost control. We already know Bradley stormed round to confront Archie, punching him hard enough to knock Archie down but did Bradley return to the pub later to exact the ultimate revenge?

Last of my many top suspects is Ian Beale.....The cafe owner got involved with Archie after he manipulated Ian into selling him the Mitchell's debts and his key to the Queen Vic. Weaselly Ian took the bait but later in a desperate attempt to retrieve the evidence of his 'night' with Janine Ian ransacked The Vic and stole Archie's laptop, but did he decide to silence Archie for good?

The outsiders....Daughter Roxy, victim Stacey, Janine's on/off lover Ryan or returning Ex-wife Glenda.

My bet......Whilst Peggy or Ronnie would have the strongest motive I think producers brought Sam back for a reason, she may not have meant to kill Archie but Peggy's beloved daughter has a history and has now vanished off once again...

Picture from Digital Spy

EastEnders news updates

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas in Albert Square without a bit of Yuletide misery and this year the Mitchells once again take centre stage as the evil Archie Mitchell (Larry Lamb) is found dead in the Queen Vic on Christmas day. Archie has made a fair few enemies in his short time in the Square so the list of suspects in bound to be long. It has been reported that the killer's identity will be revealed in the special live 25th anniversary episode in February so audiences will have a whodunit to work out into the New Year...

Another two characters set to depart the Square are Bradley Branning and Manda Best (Josie Lawrence). Actor Charlie Clements has decided to quit the BBC show after three years playing Bradley and the one question fans will be desperate to know is whether Bradley and Stacey ('Bracey') will reunite before he makes is dramatic exit from the Square around the time of the 25th anniversary episode. Josie Lawrence will leave the show in the spring after Manda discovers boyfriend Minty (Cliff Parisi) has a secret...

It is not only the cast making moves as Executive Producer Deiderick Santer is set to depart after the anniversary episode next year, to be replaced by ex-Hollyoaks boss Bryan Kirkwood. It has been reported Kirkwood wants to "sex-up" the soap so EE fans may be seeing an influx on fresh new faces as Kirkwood takes the reins of the BBC show...

Picture from BBC

One icon out and a old family return in Albert Square

The residents of Albert Square are set to be shaken not only by the departure of Queen Vic landlady and EastEnders legend Peggy Mitchell but also by the return of the famous Jackson family.

It was announced yesterday that Babara Windsor, who plays Matriarch Peggy has decided to leave the soap after 15 years so she can spend more time with her husband. Windsor, 72, will depart the soap next year but details of her exit are still unknown.

Whilst Peggy will say goodbye to the Square, the infamous Jackson clan are making a return to EastEnders early next year as part of the show's 25th Anniversary celebrations. Natalie Cassidy (Sonia Fowler), Dean Gaffney (Robbie Jackson), Lindsey Coulson (Carol Jackson) and Carol's youngest son Billie (casting yet to be announced) are heading back to reunite the Jackson clan.

Their return is bond to be explosive, especially as Carol's daughter Bianca (Patsy Palmer) and her brood are currently staying on the Square. Carol and Bianca were last seen in Walford together when Carol found out daughter Bianca was sleeping with her then boyfriend Dan Sullivan, leading to a classic Queen Vic battle.

Whilst fans will be deeply saddened to see EastEnders leading lady Babara Windsor depart, audiences can be rest assured that the drama, including that involving the returning Jackson's, will not cease on Albert Square for long.

Peggy picture from BBC

Carol picture from BBC