Joe Swash to reunite with EastEnders cast for special anniversary programme

Soap star Joe Swash is to reunite with his EastEnders cast-mates for a programme celebrating the soap’s 40th anniversary.

The 45-minute interview special, hosted by Swash, will give viewers insights into recent storylines, including Cindy Beale’s attacker and Denise Fox’s love triangle with Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati.

Cast members will share their possible theories on the outcomes of their storylines, with stars including Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren Branning) and Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson) revealing details about the forthcoming live episode.

Natalie Cassidy (Sonia Fowler), who announced her departure from the soap on Thursday, will also feature in the special, titled EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In.

Swash, who played Mickey Miller on the show, said: “It was a privilege to take another trip back to Walford to reunite with my EastEnders family ahead of the 40th anniversary.

“I won’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil it for the viewers but the week is full of explosive drama, and it was great to hear from the cast themselves about what we can expect from the week.”

Swash played Mickey for five years on the soap before his character was axed in 2008.

He has made brief reappearances since and was most recently featured across two episodes that aired in December 2024.

Chris Clenshaw, executive producer, said: “The 40th anniversary is a monumental occasion for EastEnders, and since we started announcing some of our plans, we have seen an overwhelming amount of speculation around possible theories of what’s to come in the anniversary week.

“This anniversary special show will give the audience a chance to hear from the actors involved in some of those explosive storylines as they share their thoughts and feelings of being involved in its historic milestone.”

Last year it was announced that Clenshaw would step down from his role after the 40th anniversary in February.

Nasfim Haque, head of content at BBC Three, added: “There is huge excitement for the EastEnders 40th anniversary, and we’re pleased to once again offer viewers on BBC Three an exclusive insight into the anniversary storylines, as we have done previously with some of the biggest storyline moments in the show.”

The interview programme will also include a special musical performance from a “well-known EastEnders superfan”.

As part of the celebrations, viewers have the power to decide whether Diane Parish’s character, Denise, reunites with her estranged husband Jack, played by Scott Maslen, or her secret lover Ravi (Aaron Thiara), in a special live episode which will air during the anniversary week.

EastEnders Revealed: The Lock In will air during the show’s anniversary week on BBC Three, BBC One and BBC iPlayer.