“Blimey, it stinks in here, don’t it?” On 19 February 1985, millions tuned in at 7pm to hear Simon May’s now-iconic theme music and watch the undulating aerial shots of the River Thames—before being greeted with that pungent opening line.

The BBC’s latest soap opera was its grand attempt at creating a mainstream, twice-weekly alternative to ITV’s Coronation Street. Developed by producer Julia Smith and writer Tony Holland, this gritty drama took place in a Victorian square in the fictional East London borough of Walford. Early name ideas included Square Dance, Round the Houses, and London Pride. In the end, they settled on EastEnders.

Viewers flocked to the first episode, with ratings soaring to an impressive 17 million overnight. By the following year, the audience had surged to a staggering 30 million. Even today, four episodes of EastEnders remain in the UK’s Top 10 most-watched TV programmes of all time, excluding sports and news.

With over 7,000 episodes under its belt, the BBC is marking EastEnders' 40th anniversary with nostalgic documentaries, dynamic storylines, and a fully live episode. To commemorate this milestone, we revisit its 40 most unforgettable moments, with insights from its cast and creators. Ready? Say it with us: “Get outta my pub!”

The First Scene (1985)

The inaugural moment in E20 set the stage for the dark drama that would define the series. Concerned neighbours broke into 23 Albert Square to check on elderly Reg Cox (Johnnie Clayton), only to find him dead in his armchair. The culprit? “Nasty” Nick Cotton (John Altman), who had killed him for his war medals. Welcome to Walford.

Michelle’s Secret Baby Daddy (1985)

The teenage pregnancy of Michelle Fowler (Susan Tully) kicked off the show’s first major mystery: Who was the father? Four possible contenders emerged, but during a canalside rendezvous, the shocking truth was revealed—none other than Queen Vic landlord Den Watts (Leslie Grantham). There was a reason he had the nickname “Dirty Den.”

“Happy Christmas, Ange” (1986)

One of the most unforgettable moments in soap history. A record-setting 30.1 million viewers gasped as the ever-scheming Den served his wife, Angie (Anita Dobson), divorce papers with a cold festive farewell.

Arthur’s Christmas Collapse (1986)

Overwhelmed by financial pressures, Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher) “borrowed” the Christmas Club money to cover Michelle’s wedding. His guilt and stress culminated in an emotional breakdown, wrecking the holiday decorations before collapsing in tears beneath the tree.

Colin’s Groundbreaking Kiss (1987)

Before Michael Cashman even appeared on screen as the openly gay graphic designer Colin Russell, media hysteria erupted. Colin broke boundaries when he kissed his boyfriend, Barry (Gary Hailes), on the forehead—an act that provoked parliamentary debates and tabloid outrage but provided vital visibility for the LGBTQ+ community.

Dirty Den is Shot (1989)

EastEnders veered into turf-war territory when Den was shot by an assassin concealing a gun in a bunch of daffodils. Falling into a canal, he was presumed dead—until years later...

Mark’s HIV Diagnosis (1991)

In a bold Boxing Day episode, Mark Fowler (Todd Carty) disclosed to his parents that he was HIV positive. The storyline, developed with input from the Terrence Higgins Trust, was a television first and made national headlines.

Sharongate (1994)

Scandal enough to deserve a “gate” suffix. Sharon and Phil Mitchell’s affair was revealed when Sharon’s drunken confession was caught on tape. Grant played it to a packed Queen Vic, before pummeling his own brother.

Pat vs. Peggy (1998)

When Peggy Mitchell (Barbara Windsor) and Pat Butcher (Pam St. Clement) fought over Frank Butcher, insults weren’t enough—flying fists and peroxide-fuelled rage ensued.

Tiffany’s Devastating Demise (1998)

Fleeing her abusive ex Grant, Tiffany (Martine McCutcheon) ran into the road, only to be fatally struck by Frank Butcher’s car. The tabloids dubbed her “Tiff the Stiff.”

Steve Kills Saskia (1999)

After taunting nightclub boss Steve Owen (Martin Kemp), Saskia (Deborah Sheridan-Taylor) met a grisly fate—bludgeoned with a marble ashtray and buried in Epping Forest.

Mitchell Brothers Crash Into the Thames (1999)

Behind the wheel in a heated argument, Grant drove straight into the river with Phil in the passenger seat. Insurance nightmare incoming.

Frank Butcher’s Infamous Bow Tie (2000)

Knocking on Pat’s door in a luminous spinning bow tie—without anything else—Frank Butcher redefined the phrase “grand gesture.”

Dot’s Herbal Tea Mishap (2000)

Dot Cotton unwittingly served a cup of cannabis tea to a policeman—then fainted in horror when she realised her mistake.

Sonia’s Surprise Birth (2000)

Unaware she was pregnant, trumpet-playing teen Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) went into labour unexpectedly, shocking viewers and her character alike.

Dot Assists Ethel (2000)

When terminally ill Ethel Skinner (Gretchen Franklin) requested Dot’s help to end her life, Dot wrestled with her faith before ultimately complying.

“You Ain’t My Muvva!” (2001)

Young Zoe Slater’s rebellious outburst—“You ain’t my mother!”—was met with Kat’s bombshell: “Yes I am!” A defining moment in soap history.

Who Shot Phil? (2001)

After being gunned down, the whodunnit kept audiences guessing—until it was revealed that jilted lover Lisa Fowler (Lucy Benjamin) had pulled the trigger.

Den’s Shocking Comeback (2003)

16 years after his watery “death,” Den Watts reappeared. His reunion with daughter Sharon was so shocking it made her vomit.

Janine Pushes Barry Off a Cliff (2004)

A honeymoon turned horror story when Janine Butcher pushed Barry Evans off a cliff and taunted him as he lay dying.

Stacey and Max’s Affair Exposed (2007)

At the Branning Christmas gathering, a wedding video revealed footage of bride Stacey Slater locking lips with her father-in-law, Max. Cue chaos.

Dot’s Solo Episode (2008)

Recording a heartfelt monologue for her hospitalised husband Jim, Dot’s single-hander episode remains a TV masterclass.

Archie’s Christmas Murder (2009)

Villainous Archie Mitchell was found dead—bashed over the head with a Queen Vic bust—leaving viewers guessing until Stacey Slater was revealed as the culprit.

Lucy Beale’s Killer Unmasked (2016)

Max Branning took the fall, but it was young Bobby Beale who had killed his sister, publicly confessing in the Vic: “I’ve killed Mum, just like I killed Lucy.”

Cindy Rises From the Dead (2023)

Thought dead for 25 years, Cindy Beale was revealed to have been in witness protection, returning in a glamorous, poolside shocker.

Yolande’s Harrowing Confession (2024)

In one of EastEnders' most moving two-hander episodes, Yolande opened up about her past assault to her husband Patrick, delivering a heart-wrenching performance.

EastEnders’ 40th-anniversary specials conclude 18-20 February on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The first episode is available now.