IN CELEBRATION of EastEnders’ 40th anniversary, the BBC has announced a special programme that is set to delight long-time fans of the soap.
EastEnders Revealed: The Lock-In will bring back none other than Joe Swash.
The actor is best known to viewers as Mickey Miller, and his appearance will come 17 years after his character was last seen on Albert Square.
Joe, who originally joined the soap in 2003, was loved by fans for Mickey’s goofy personality.
However, in 2008 he was written out of the show in a move that left viewers stunned.
He decided to leave London after being severely bullied by Sean Slater and then nearly dying in a gas explosion caused by Dr May Wright.
Now Joe is set to make his long-awaited return as the host of the one-off special, offering insights and behind-the-scenes access to the dramatic events of EastEnders’ highly anticipated anniversary week.
The Lock-In promises to give fans a closer look at some of the biggest storylines unfolding in Walford; including the mystery surrounding Cindy Beale’s attacker, the tense love triangle between Denise, Jack, and Ravi, and exclusive revelations about the anticipated live episode.
The show will also feature interviews with some of the soap’s biggest stars, including Jacqueline Jossa, Natalie Cassidy, and Patsy Palmer.
These actresses are planning to share their thoughts on being part of the historic milestone.
Speaking about his return, Joe said: “It was a privilege to take another trip back to Walford to reunite with my EastEnders family ahead of the 40th anniversary.
“I won’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil it for the viewers, but the week is full of explosive drama, and it was great to hear from the cast themselves about what we can expect.”
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The 45 minute special will also feature a musical performance from a well-known EastEnders superfan.
BBC Three’s Head of Content Nasfim Haque expressed excitement for the upcoming special, saying: “There is huge excitement for the EastEnders 40th anniversary, and we’re pleased to once again offer viewers on BBC Three an exclusive insight into the anniversary storylines, as we have done previously with some of the biggest storyline moments in the show.”
EastEnders’ Executive Producer, Chris Clenshaw, added: “The 40th anniversary is a monumental occasion for EastEnders, and since we started announcing some of our plans, we have seen an overwhelming amount of speculation around possible theories of what’s to come in the anniversary week.
“This anniversary special show will give the audience a chance to hear from the actors involved in some of those explosive storylines as they share their thoughts and feelings of being involved in this historic milestone.”
