EastEnders’ Stacey Slater will face an emotional battle ahead of the deadly explosion at The Vic.

Stacey has seen herself getting closer to ex-husband Martin Fowler in recent months, though the re-emergence of his ex-wife Ruby Allen – who revealed that she had given birth to their son, Roman – threw a spanner into the works.

After failing to confess her feelings for Martin, Stacey thought her opportunity to rekindle their relationship had passed after he got back together with Ruby, though there were still clear feelings between the former couple.

In scenes set to air next week, Martin is conflicted as he attempts to juggle his feelings for Stacey with his responsibility to Ruby and Roman, though Stacey seems resigned to the fact that she has lost out on him.

Feeling dejected, Stacey resolves to move past her heartbreak, but struggles as she’s regularly reminded of her feelings. Her heartache worsens as she attends the wedding of Billy and Honey Mitchell, though her mother Jean says it is the perfect opportunity to do the right thing.

She implores her daughter to confess her feelings for Martin once and for all, leaving no cards on the table. Stacey, however, is fearful of another rejection – will she follow her mother’s advice to be brave and open up her heart?

The scenes come amidst the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations, which includes a special live episode, an interactive storyline and a tragic death following the explosion at The Vic, the details of which have been kept under wraps.

Whilst we don’t know the full story, we do know that Michelle Collins won’t be appearing in the live episode, with the actor – who plays Cindy Beale – sharing: “I’m actually not going to be in the live [episode]. I am allowed to say that.

“It’s quite complicated but I am in the lead-up to the live [episode]. I actually think it’s very well done. I’ve done a lot of theatre but I don’t think it really matters. Live TV is very different to live theatre, so I think there’s going to be quite a few very terrified actors.”