EastEnders to air live episode where viewers can choose outcome in historic first

Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The forthcoming live special will be the first time EastEnders has filmed a live installment since the show’s 30th anniversary in 2015, in which Ian Beale discovered his son Bobby had killed his sister Lucy. In a statement, EastEnders‘ executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: “The 40th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that it’s a week full of drama and surprises.” He continued: “In fact, as our regular audience will know, we have already seen the return of familiar faces and have many more nods to our history to come which will all build up to our momentous anniversary week.” open image in gallery Adam Woodyatt as Ian Beale on the ‘EastEnders’ live episode in 2015 Detailing how the live episode will work, Clenshaw explained: “This time, as well as going live, we are adding an extra twist and for the very first time in the history of the show and as a gift to the viewers, we are giving the audience the power to have their say in choosing the outcome of one of our storylines. “Whilst we’re still keeping the finite details of the 40th close to our chest, I can promise that it will be an unmissable week full of shocking twists that will change Albert Square, and the lives of those who live in it, forever.” News of the forthcoming special comes shortly after it was announced that a beloved EastEnders star would return to Albert Square for the soap’s 40th anniversary after a 10-year hiatus. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery Michael French will be returning to Albert Square for the show’s 40th anniversary Michael French plays David Wicks, the son of Pat Butcher and Pete Beale.