fans reckon they've worked out who will be the next name set to return to Walford for the soap's 40th anniversary - and if they're right, the BBC soap will be set for an explosive showdown.
On Tuesday's episode, character Lauren Branning was seen to be speaking on the phone with mother, the iconic Tanya. Fans took this as an obvious Easter egg, signalling Tanya's return as the show builds up to its usual dramatic explosion in celebration of its anniversary, this time marking 40 years on screen.
On X ( ), one viewer tweeted: "LAUREN PHONING TANYA come home", and another writing that she "love[d] that Lauren was talking to Tanya on the phone and would love to see Tanya return, especially if she can find and bring Max with her!!". Others couldn't contain their excitement as the app filled with pre-return celebrations. Fan Ryan posted that the "TANYA CROSS RETURN LOOMING!!!!!, in all caps, and another followed with a "TANYA KLAXON, I REPEAT, TANYA CROSS KLAXON!!!".
Last appearing in the infamous square in 2018, 's character is a lifelong favourite of loyal fans. Her return would guarantee boosts in views as her tumultuous romance with ex Max Branning spanned over a decade - attracting 14.3 million views when the beloved mum discovered her husband's affair with his daughter-in-law, Stacey. Revealed on a Day special, Tanya asks for a divorce, begins dating Stacy's brother Sean Slater and plots to bury her ex husband alive in the woods.
With a strong history of , Tanya's return would pave a historic change to the square. It follows that with the upcoming celebrations, and ' release of an interactive vote to decide , the potential for the original Brannings to return is high as many voters appear to be leaning towards Jack Branning as their winner. With over a week's worth of celebratory episodes, producers have promised that the result of the vote will massively alter life at the square - and fans might be right in thinking Tanya is the catalyst.
The hour-long special airs on Wednesday February 19, with a live episode hitting on Thursday February 20.
Leading up to the biggest week Walford has seen in a while, actor Natalie Cassidy also shocked viewers by leaving the show. Last Thursday, the shared Natalie goodbye after over 30 years on the fictional Walford Square as Sonya Fowler. Cassidy said it was finally "time to move on to pastures new" after first appearing on the TV soap in 1993 as a child star at just 10 years old.
"I feel extremely sad to be writing this, but also very excited. After another 11 solid years back on The Square, I have decided it’s time to move on to pastures new. EastEnders is in my bones so I will never forget where I started my career and I will continue to love the show."
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