EastEnders viewers are all over social media speculating on the bombshells that could rock Albert Square as we roll into the new year.

The year 2025 is a landmark for the BBC One soap, marking its 40th anniversary, and to commemorate this epic milestone, it has been revealed that a live episode will be broadcast in February.

Outgoing executive producer Chris Clenshaw, set to depart from his position in 2025, has been stirring things up by dishing out some mouth-watering teasers about favourite characters returning.

He divulged: “We’ve got quite a few treats coming up. The 40th anniversary has been in the works for quite some time. It is about celebrating the history of the show. I think the nostalgic element of EastEnders means a lot.”

He further clarified character comebacks, stating: “We don’t bring characters back just because it gets a lovely reaction. It all depends on the story where the characters are. It has to be right for the character and come from a good story”, reports the Manchester Evening News.

With theories ranging from shocking departures to sensational whodunnit revelations, fans are abuzz with conjecture but which predictions will materialise?

‘Stacey’s exit’

Lacey Turner is pregnant with her third child

Lacey Turner is expecting her third bundle of joy, having previously taken maternity leaves after her first two children to pause her portrayal of Stacey Slater.

Now, viewers are itching to know how the beloved Slater will make her temporary departure, with a chorus of fans pleading with the showrunners to avoid yet another stint in the clink for Stacey’s character.

Online speculation is rife among viewers, with one stating: “Looks like ar Stace is heading to prison….again.” Another worried follower voiced their fears: “I am so happy for Lacey but please NO prison sentence for my girl.”

A third fan joined in, pleading: “PUHLEASE can Stacey just go off and look after Lynne for a few months or something! I can’t cope with another Stacey in prison storyline! “.

Adding to the din of viewer requests, another chimed in: “Just cart Stacey and the kids off to Lynnes for a temporary new life away from the square for Lacey’s maternity exit I beg you. I can’t deal with another bloody prison stint or have her abandon her kids.”

‘Cindy murdered’

Will Cindy Beale meet a grisly end in 2025

Meanwhile, Cindy Beale (played by Michelle Collins) has found herself tangled up in a scandalous love affair with the son of her ex-husband George Knight (portrayed by Colin Salmon), Junior Knight (acted by Micah Balfour) – who is hopelessly smitten with her.

The forbidden romance is expected to be laid bare on Christmas Day, sparking fan theories that this twist could lead to Ian Beales (Adam Woodyatt) untimely demise in a classic ‘whodunnit’.

A Reddit user mused over the future of Cindys character, commenting: “I wonder what they will do with Cindy’s character next year after the big reveal? Her kids on both sides are going to hate her, as are her ex-husband’s so she’ll have no one on the square to turn to. She has made zero friends and her side piece is her stepson, I don’t see them staying together.”

Fans are buzzing with speculation about the fate of Cindy’s character after her affair with Junior comes to light. One viewer mused: “There’s not really much more you can do with her Character once the affair with Junior is revealed.”

Another suggested a drastic change for Cindy: “She’ll have to either disappear again or turn into a mega villain, just sticking around out of spite.”

The rumour mill is in overdrive with some fans fearing Cindy might be written out of the show permanently. On social media, one fan speculated: “So, is Cindy being killed off at christmas or what? ” Another pitched in with their own theory: “Possible theory. Cindy is killed on Christmas Day in a whodunnit and the culprit is revealed on 40th anniversary.”

There was also frustration from another viewer: “I fully don’t really want this. She has potential plus bringing her back from the dead just to kill her is stupid.”

‘Huge return’

Ross Kemp, known for his portrayal of the tough Grant Mitchell

Ross Kemp, known for his portrayal of the tough Grant Mitchell, is the name on everyone’s lips for a possible comeback.

Despite his current fame as a documentary maker, whispers suggest he could be returning to EastEnders next year.

Social media is abuzz with predictions: “Ross Kemp among 4 legends set for RETURN for #EastEnders 40th Anniversary in FEBRUARY 2024.”

Fans are also reading between the lines: “Mentioning Grant and Michelle having a kid foreshadowing Mark Fowler JR return or Grant and Michelle back for the 40th ! #EastEnders.”

And there’s a plea from another eager fan: “For the love of all that is holy they are putting Sharon back into a Mitchell love triangle? Just bring back Grant FFS – is he done with quiz shows? #EastEnders”.