EastEnders set to air ‘poignant’ special episode for the anniversary of V.E. Day
The BBC soap wants to pay tribute to all those involved
EastEnders will be airing a special episode for V.E. Day(Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron)
EastEnders will be airing a special episode dedicated to the 80th anniversary of V.E. day as it coincides with the re-opening of The Vic.
The episode will feature poignant nods to wartime Britain including historical footage and music associated with World War II and the celebrations that took place across the capital on 8th May 1945.
With the symptoms of his dementia taking hold, Nigel believes that it’s 1995 and a party is planned to mark the 50th anniversary of V.E. Day in The Vic.
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Nigel Bates returned to the BBC soap last year after leaving Albert Square in 1998. Nigel revealed to Phil Mitchell that he was sadly diagnosed by doctors with early-onset dementia after his friends began concerned with how he was behaving.
Since then, Phil offered to be Nigel’s full-time carer after he ended up in hospital due to being attacked by a group of teenagers on the tube.
Wanting to mark the moment, Phil and Jean convince Linda to coincide the re-opening of The Vic with the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day as the residents of Walford come together to honour and remember those who gave their lives during the war.
The Queen Victoria pub closed after being destroyed in a fire as part of a storyline for the show’s 40th anniversary.
Speaking on the special episode, Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: “Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history, we wanted to honour and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day.”
EastEnders also marked the 50th anniversary in 1995(Image: BBC)
In a similar fashion, going back to 1995 EastEnders also celebrated the 50th anniversary of V.E. Day with a street party.
This will coincide with the BBC’s own V.E. Day tributes, with VE Day 80: A Celebration to Remember live from Horse Guards Parade airing on the anniversary.
The live concert will be hosted by Zoe Ball and features a star-studded line-up ready to take on the stage and help the celebrations.
Zoe shared: “I’m truly honoured to play a small role in the celebrations of such a momentous occasion. My dear Dad Johnny Ball was 6 years old on VE Day, his memories of that time are incredible. Our great grandparents, and grandparents, our families, our nation went through so much.
“The bravery and sacrifices of so many for our freedom, we must always remember and this will be a very special night with some magnificent performances.”
