Every EastEnders character still inside The Queen Vic when it exploded in horrifying stunt

Ash Percival

Published February 19, 2025 11:22am Updated February 19, 2025 6:39pm

An explosion is seen tearing through the Queen Vic in EastEnders — An explosion has destroyed the Queen Vic – with many beloved EastEnders characters trapped inside (Picture: BBC)

At least 22 EastEnders characters’ lives are on the line after being caught up in the explosion that ripped through the Queen Vic during Tuesday’s cataclysmic episode.

Metro has forensically reviewed the footage to confirm who was still inside the Walford boozer at the time of the blast, which was sparked by Reiss Colwell’s (Jonny Freeman) car crashing into the barrel store where gas canisters were being kept.

With at least one character set to die this week as part of the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations, things are not looking good for several favourites, who face a fight to escape the wreckage as the Vic teeters on collapse.

Shortly after causing Reiss’ car to crash by pushing Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) in its path, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) re-entered the pub, closely followed by her mother-in-law Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth), who’d just been revealed as the person who attacked her at Christmas.

Sorry, this video isn't available any more.

Also inside were Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), her mum Jean (Gillian Wright), daughter Lily (Lillia Turner), ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye) and his partner Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton), with Stacey having just confessed her feelings to Martin shortly before the blast.

Unbeknown to many, Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) was upstairs at the time of the explosion as barmaid Tracey (Jane Slaughter) let her up to the living quarters to dry herself off after Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) spilled a drink on her.

Kim was still in the boozer along with partner Howie Danes (Delroy Atkinson) and his son Denzel (Jaden Ladega).

EastEnders' Ravi Gulati and Suki Panesar searching for an escape in the collapsing Queen Vic. — Ravi Gulati, Kim Fox and Suki Panesar search for a way out (Picture: BBC)

Freddie and Jean are trapped in rubble as the fire in the Vic rages in EastEnders — Freddie and Jean Slater are among those trapped in the rubble (Picture: BBC)

Meanwhile, we also know that Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) will be giving birth while still trapped in The Vic during Thursday’s live episode.

On Tuesday’s EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In, Patsy Palmer revealed her character Bianca Jackson will make her way inside the pub in forthcoming scenes, with Bianca and Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) helping Sonia when she goes into labour.

Who was still inside The Queen Vic when it exploded?

Cindy Beale
Kathy Cotton
Stacey Slater
Jean Slater
Lily Slater
Martin Fowler
Ruby Allen
Sharon Watts
Tracey
Kim Fox
Howie Danes
Denzel Danes
Sonia Fowler
Lauren Branning
Penny Branning
Alfie Moon
Freddie Slater
Ravi Gulati
Suki Panesar
Avani Nandra-Hart
Honey Mitchell
Billy Mitchell

Also seen in the pub shortly before the blast were Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine), Alfie Moon (Shane Richie), Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).

Photos released teasing Wednesday’s action have also confirmed that Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) and Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) are caught up in the action, with bride and groom Honey and Billy Mitchell (Emma Barton and Perry Fenwick) lying in the ruins of the pub.

Who won’t make it out alive?

A clip from tonight’s hour-long episode has teased how the residents outside will face a huge challenge to rescue those trapped, with parts of the Vic still collapsing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGP4r3dCLEP/

Queen Vic landlady Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) is also horrified to see her pub lying in ruins, as Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) tries to usher people into a nearby marquee to safety.

One person who we can say for certain will manage to make it out of the Vic is Ravi, as at the end of tonight’s episode, fans will finally get to vote on whether Denise Fox (Diane Parish) will choose him or Jack in their on-going love triangle.

The result of the vote will then be played out during Thursday’s live episode.

Meanwhile, another actor who has seemingly ruled their character out of being the one who dies – but with strong theories supporting their demise, could this be a deliberate misdirect?