BBC is set to mark EastEnders’ 40th anniversary with a special documentary tracking iconic moments and groundbreaking storylines through the years.
EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, presented by Ross Kemp, features stars of the long-running soap from episode one to the present day.
As part of celebrations, an hour-long, BBC One documentary special will dive into the show’s fearless attitude to storytelling to offer viewers behind the scenes access to some of its most poignant storylines from the last 40 years.
The documentary will be fronted by actor and presenter Ross Kemp, who is best known to the EastEnders viewers as the infamous Grant Mitchell, and will delve into the show’s rich 40-year history to determine how the show’s portrayal of working-class London life transcended the silver screen to directly impact society and help shape and change audience perceptions on some of the most prevalent issues over the last four decades.
EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, presented by Ross Kemp, features stars of the long-running soap from episode one to the present day -Credit:BBC
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EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square will revisit some of the show’s most poignant and ground-breaking storylines, including the first kiss between two gay men on British television, Kat Slater’s historical abuse storyline, Mark Fowler and Zack Hudson’s HIV diagnoses, as well as many more, and will share a behind the scenes insight as Ross speaks to some of the actors that were directly involved in those storylines, many of which tackled themes and issues that had never been featured on primetime British TV or on soaps beforehand.
Whilst looking at the impact of the show’s continued success, Ross will chat to original cast members and show stalwarts Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), Gillian Taylforth (Kathy Cotton) and Letitia Dean (Sharon Watts), as they reminisce on their early days in E20 and offer their thoughts on some of their favourite storylines across the past 40 years.
Angie Watts was played by Anita Dobson from 1985 to 1988 -Credit:BBC
Special appearances from EastEnders legends Anita Dobson and Pam St Clement will also feature, with the original landlady taking a trip back down memory lane alongside her on-screen daughter.
Ross’ trip to Albert Square is just the first of many as he has now reprised the iconic role of Grant Mitchell and will arrive back in Walford as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary in February.
Pam St Clement will also feature in the special show -Credit:BBC
Speaking about the special show, the actor said said: “It was a privilege to be asked to present this documentary, celebrating 40 years of EastEnders. During the making of it I was constantly reminded of the impact EastEnders has, not only on the cast and everyone that works on the show, but also on the audience, as well as the effect it has had culturally in the United Kingdom.
“It also gave me a wonderful opportunity to take a trip down memory lane with some of my dear friends – old and new – and celebrate this special anniversary, it was an absolute honour.”
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am