A final bleak Christmas Day looms for one Albert Square resident in EastEnders

A final bleak Christmas Day looms for one Albert Square resident in EastEnders

EastEnders will serve up a bleak Christmas Day for one Albert Square resident, because it will be their last.

Cab driver Charlie Slater, played by Derek Martin, is the bookies’ favourite to be killed off.

The 82-year-old joined the popular BBC One soap in 2000 before leaving 11 years later.

Derek Martin as Charlie Slater (BBC)

He has since made occasional returns, but this festive episode is reported to be his final one.

Viewers are promised an “explosive” Christmas Day in Albert Square, not least because the Beales and the Mitchells are spending the day in each other’s company.

Ian Beale (played by Adam Woodyatt) is determined to have a perfect first Christmas with his mum Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) since she departed for South Africa.

Jane (Laurie Brett) and Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) (Jack Barnes/BBC)

The businessman also surprises wife Jane (Laurie Brett) with her present – a new car.

However Ian’s hopes for a wonderful Christmas are dashed when Jane reveals that Sharon (Letitia Dean) plans to go to the police about Bobby killing his older sister Lucy.

A panicked Ian pleads with Sharon to stay quiet, but despite his desperate attempts, Sharon puts her foot down and insists she will not change her mind.

Samantha Womack as Ronnie (Jack Barnes/BBC)

Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) tries to put a dangerous feud behind her and enjoy Christmas Day. However, she learns some alarming news which brings disastrous consequences.

As the Mitchells and Beales sit down for Christmas dinner, both families struggle to control their emotions.

The two clans soon find themselves at each other’s throats and a devastating car crash leaves both families emotionally shattered.

Mick (Danny Dyer), Linda (Kellie Bright), Shirley (Linda Henry) and Dean (Matt Di Angelo) in EastEnders (Jack Barnes/BBC)

Elsewhere on the Square, the Carters are also determined to have a happy Christmas.

Mick (Danny Dyer) surprises Linda (Kellie Bright) and Shirley (Linda Henry) with touching presents.

But Shirley comes to blows with son Dean (Matt Di Angelo), who accidentally injures his girlfriend Roxy (Rita Simons).

Kat and Alfie Moon, played by Jessie Wallace and Shane Richie (Ray Burmiston/BBC)

Stacey (Lacey Turner) returns home with her son and receives a surprise visit from Kat (Jessie Wallace), who is in turn surprised by her husband Alfie (Shane Richie).

As Christmas Day continues in Albert Square in the episode which will be broadcast on Boxing Day, lives are left hanging in the balance.

EastEnders will be broadcast on December 25 at 8.45pm and December 26 at 7.30pm.