EastEnders 2025 Christmas preview: Four major returns as Max Branning bombshells implode in a face-off with Cindy Beale

by

It’s the television highlight of the year – the EastEnders Christmas special.

As winter approaches Walford, the BBC One soap opera is preparing a variety of exciting storylines and events throughout December.

Over the years, EastEnders has given us some truly unforgettable scenes. Who could forget moments like Den Watts handing Angie her divorce papers, or the shocking murder of Keanu Taylor by a group of six residents?

I know it’ll be hard to top what’s happened before, but with familiar faces from the past showing up – I’m thinking of Pat Evans especially – and new threats appearing, I have a feeling things are about to get really interesting!

We also get a look into the future, with thanks to a New Year’s flash-forward instalment.

Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s EastEnders action…

EastEnders Christmas 2025 preview

1. Kat Moon is conflicted during Zoe Slater’s torment

Zoe Slater (played by Michelle Ryan) has been going through a difficult time, as she’s determined to reconnect with the son she had to leave at the hospital back in 2006.

While she’s been looking, someone has been deliberately causing trouble for her – damaging her pictures, creating a commotion in the cellar, taking her cat Mini Mo, and leaving menacing notes at The Queen Vic.

Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) has always supported her daughter through everything, but as they uncover more shocking truths, Kat’s love will be put to the test.

2. Ghosts of Christmas past return to help Nigel Bates

Great news for fans! Pat and Barry are returning to the show. Actresses Pam St Clement and Shaun Williamson will be back as their iconic characters in a special episode focusing on Nigel Bates’s (Paul Bradley) battle with dementia.

Following a lively pub screening of his amateur film, the pair unexpectedly return from the past, embarking on a nostalgic trip back to the 1990s.

I was really thrilled to hear I was going back to EastEnders! Honestly, it was a bit of a surprise, but a lovely one. I’m especially moved to be part of Nigel’s storyline – it’s a really poignant look at dementia, and I feel honored to be involved.

It was wonderful to see my old colleagues again. It felt like returning to a familiar and comfortable place.

I was completely surprised and thrilled to get the call to return to Albert Square! I definitely felt nervous – really nervous! – when I stepped back onto the set of The Queen Victoria, but it was fantastic to reconnect with old friends and colleagues while filming such a great episode.

“Just goes to show, you never know what’s around the corner!”

3. Max Branning flashes forward to 2027

Now that Max Branning is back in Walford, he’s quickly learning some shocking news that makes him both angry and full of regret.

He has a hidden daughter from a past relationship with Linda Carter (played by Kellie Bright), and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) is planning revenge when he returns, determined to get justice for the loss of her son, Steven.

Max’s life takes a dramatic turn on New Year’s Day, and EastEnders will jump forward a year to 2027. What challenges and surprises await the Branning family and their neighbors in the new year?

EastEnders is doing something completely new: an entire episode set three years in the future, on New Year’s Day 2027. According to executive producer Ben Wadey, this is a first for the show.

As a long-time EastEnders fan, I’m already anticipating some huge drama in Walford for 2026, particularly with the Branning family. The storylines are set to be really complex, making you wonder exactly how Max has managed to get himself and his family into so much trouble. But trust me, there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface – you’ll definitely want to tune in next year to discover all the twists and turns and understand what’s really happening.

4. Sam Mitchell’s return is on the horizon

Kim Medcalf is returning to EastEnders as Sam Mitchell in the next few weeks, and a reunion with Zoe is set to stir up past drama. Expect old conflicts to resurface when they come face to face!

The show suggests it’s still unclear whether these two characters will resolve their past issues, or if the returning character has a hidden agenda and is looking for payback.

Medcalf expressed her happiness about returning to EastEnders, particularly during the festive season, hinting that her return will bring some drama and excitement.

I really enjoy playing Sam. She’s a bit of a troublemaker and always stirs things up, but she also has a surprisingly sensitive side, which makes the role really interesting.

“It’s also lovely being back on set with the fantastic cast and to see old friends and new faces.”

Wadey announced they’re happy to have Kim Medcalf returning to EastEnders for a brief appearance later in the year.

Wherever Sam Mitchell goes, trouble seems to find her. Now that her former partner in crime, Zoe Slater, has returned, it remains to be seen if they can reconcile, or if they’ll become rivals again.

Don’t miss out on EastEnders! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV suggestions, articles, and more.

Read More

2025-11-25 03:36