Martin Fowler (James Bye) is on cloud nine in EastEnders after landing his market stall job back.
In recent months, the residents of Walford have worked tirelessly to save the their beloved Bridge Street Market and Square gardens, which could were at threat of redevelopment.
Poor Martin, Winston (Ulric Browne) and Shrimpy (Ben Champniss) were facing the prospect of being unemployed and losing their livelihoods.
This was particularly devastating for Martin, who’s uncle Pete Beale (Peter Dean) was previously at the helm of the famed market stall, with the Beale and Fowler families running it for decades.
In a strike of good luck, the council went back on their plans – but soon turned their attention to the Turpin Road stalls, which includes Stacey Slater’s (Lacey Turner) bap van.
Realising that not even their saucy charity calendar could save them from mass job losses, the traders turned nasty at a public consultation meeting.
Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) – in defence of Martin – tore strips off the councillor responsible for approving the changes.
Misogynistic Barker wasn’t backing down, and she was forced to take desperate measures to defeat him. Setting up a fake social media profile, she began to catfish him under the guise of being a supporter.
After obtaining nude photographs, she then attempted to blackmail him. Martin was furious with Ruby’s decision, and forced her to apologise.
The councillor took great glory in hearing her say she was wrong, and agreed to stop the plans. However, in a final act of revenge, he planted rat droppings underneath Martin’s fruit and veg stall.
In tonight’s episode, after realising that Martin had disappeared, Stacey tried to track him down.
She rushed into The Prince Albert where the locals were celebrating their win.
Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) was infuriated to hear what the councillor had done, and told Stacey that it was time to play dirty.
After all, she was a Mitchell – and Stacey had been in prison. Stace wasn’t convinced.
When Councillor Barker arrived, Honey told him that her relative was notorious hard man Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and that he needed to watch his back.
The councillor laughed her off, citing that she was married into the family and that her partner Billy (Perry Fenwick) just sold odds and ends on the market.
EastEnders 40th anniversary – Everything we know so far
Here's what EastEnders fans can expect as the soap celebrates its 40th anniversary on 19 February 2025:
A live episode
Having previously gone live for the 25th and 30th anniversaries in 2010 and 2015, the soap will be beaming live to the nation once again during the 40th week.
This instalment will air one day after the big 4-0, on Thursday February 20.
The episode will also mark a huge EastEnders first as bosses are giving the audience the power to vote on the outcome of one storyline, with the actors having to react to the result live on air – speaking of which…
Denise Fox decides... sort of.
With Denise Fox (Diane Parish) having found herself in a love triangle with Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara), fans will decide whether she reunites with her estranged husband Jack or picks her secret lover.
We also know that another 'history making' decision will be left to audiences to decide, with details yet to be announced.
Grant Mitchell returns
Ross Kemp will be reprising his role as the legendary Grant Mitchell to play a significant part in the 40th celebrations.
‘Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang,’ Ross teased.
Cindy Beale’s attacker revealed
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) was left for dead when she was whacked over the head with a shovel by a mystery assailant on Christmas Day after the truth about her affair with former stepson Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) exploded.
With the finger of suspicion currently pointing at numerous characters, Cindy’s attacker will be unmasked at last during the anniversary week.
Special programming
Ahead of the big week, BBC Four will broadcast EastEnders Sings at the BBC, a look back at archive performances from cast members from Top of the Pops.
Ross Kemp will take a trip down Walford memory lane with a special hour-long documentary called EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, taking fans behind the scenes as he delves into the show’s history and relieves some of the most memorable moments.
BBC Three will also offer viewers a look at the explosive anniversary storylines with a 45-minute interview special – EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In – hosted by Joe Swash as he chats to some of the actors who find themselves at the heart of the anniversary drama.
The Queen Vic explodes
As Billy and Honey Mitchell (Perry Fenwick and Emma Barton) prepare to walk down the aisle, their favourite boozer The Queen Victoria will burn to the ground.
Aerial pictures from filming show the pub blown to smithereens, with a car crashed into the side. There's also a marquee in the middle of the Square Gardens - is this from the wedding?
In a last attempt to help Martin – who she has been harbouring feelings for – she made an impassioned plea for forgiveness. To her surprise, he agreed.
More Trending
Martin arrived back from spending the last of his cash on Stratford arcades and couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
As they left the bar, a drunken Stacey admitted that he was one of her favourite people.
He kissed her on the cheek, unaware that Ruby was watching in the distance.
Is this the end for Martin and Ruby?
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
MORE: Phil’s selfless act to save an EastEnders family member as his depression deepens
MORE: Lacey Turner reunites with two departed EastEnders legends in role away from Stacey
MORE: Ruby’s actions have crushing outcome for Martin in EastEnders as bad news delivered
