As EastEnders gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a highly anticipated live episode, fans can now take a nostalgic journey through Walford’s most iconic moments. The BBC has made a vast archive of classic episodes available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering fans the chance to relive dramatic storylines, legendary showdowns, and unforgettable goodbyes.
More than 6,800 episodes are now available, including classic storylines dating back to 2008, alongside a selection of memorable Christmas specials from as early as 1986.
Relive Walford’s Most Memorable Moments
Fans can revisit some of EastEnders’ most iconic episodes, including:
- Dirty Den’s divorce papers scene from Christmas 1986, which set viewership records at the time.
- The heartbreaking moment when Sharon’s Dennis was tragically killed just before New Year’s Eve in 2005.
- Tiffany’s devastating death in 1998 after being accidentally mowed down by Grant Mitchell.
- The legendary “Who Shot Phil?” storyline from 2001 that left the nation guessing for weeks.
- Dramatic family showdowns like the Branning affair reveal and the emotional death of Jamie Mitchell during a Christmas special.
The iPlayer’s Classic EastEnders category also features beloved moments like Pat and Frank’s affair, Peggy Mitchell’s emotional goodbye, and the Mitchell brothers’ plunge into the Thames.
More Ways to Watch Classic Episodes
If BBC iPlayer doesn’t quite quench your EastEnders nostalgia, fans can also tune into the U&Drama channel. The network has been airing classic episodes daily, covering the soap’s early years through the noughties, with current broadcasts now reaching 2007. Episodes air throughout the week, primarily in the early afternoons.
What’s Next for the 40th Anniversary?
EastEnders is pulling out all the stops for its 40th anniversary, culminating in a live hour-long episode airing tonight, February 19. In a historic first for the soap, fans will have the chance to directly influence the storyline by voting on Denise Fox’s potential suitor during the live broadcast.
To participate, viewers must sign up for a BBC account at bbc.co.uk/account. Voting will open at 8:30 PM tonight at bbc.co.uk/eastenders and will close at 7:10 PM tomorrow (Thursday), just 20 minutes before the live episode airs at 7:30 PM. The result of the vote will be incorporated into the storyline in real-time.
A Walk Down Albert Square’s Memory Lane
With four decades of drama, heartbreak, and iconic moments, EastEnders has cemented itself as a staple of British television. From the Slaters’ family secrets to Peggy Mitchell’s iconic “Get outta my pub!”, the soap has provided countless moments of shock and emotion.
Now, fans old and new can dive into the rich history of Walford ahead of what promises to be one of the most exciting nights in EastEnders history.
EastEnders’ 40th-anniversary live episode airs tonight at 7:30 PM on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
