The hour-long documentary will air in February and feature Anita Dobson and Pam St Clement.
The BBC has announced that as well as a live episode and viewer vote to decide who Denise chooses (Jack or Ravi), EastEnders will be marking their 40th anniversary with a special documentary tracking iconic moments and groundbreaking storylines through the years
Presented by Ross Kemp, EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square, will feature stars of the long-running soap from episode one to the present day. Diving into the show’s fearless attitude to storytelling to offer viewers behind the scenes access to some of its most poignant storylines from the last 40 years.
Ross Kemp is best known to EastEnders viewers as the infamous Grant Mitchell and will delve into the show’s rich 40-year history to determine how the show’s portrayal of working-class London life transcended the silver screen to directly impact society and help shape and change audience perceptions on some of the most prevalent issues over the last four decades.
EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square will revisit some of the show’s most poignant and ground-breaking storylines, including the first kiss between two gay men on British television, Kat’s historical abuse storyline, Mark Fowler and Zack’s HIV diagnoses, as well as many more.
It'll share all the behind the scenes insight as Ross speaks to some of the actors that were directly involved in those storylines, many of which tackled themes and issues that had never been featured on primetime British TV or on soaps beforehand.
Whilst looking at the impact of the show’s continued success, Ross will chat to original cast members and show stalwarts Adam Woodyatt, Gillian Taylforth and Letitia Dean, as they reminisce on their early days in E20 and offer their thoughts on some of their favourite storylines across the past 40 years.
There'll also be special appearances from EastEnders legends Anita Dobson and Pam St Clement, with the original landlady taking a trip back down memory lane alongside her on-screen daughter.
Ross' trip to Albert Square is just the first of many as he has now reprised the iconic role of Grant Mitchell and will arrive back in Walford as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary in February.
Speaking ahead of the documentary airing, Ross Kemp said "It was a privilege to be asked to present this documentary, celebrating 40 years of EastEnders."
"During the making of it I was constantly reminded of the impact EastEnders has, not only on the cast and everyone that works on the show, but also on the audience, as well as the effect it has had culturally in the United Kingdom."
"It also gave me a wonderful opportunity to take a trip down memory lane with some of my dear friends - old and new – and celebrate this special anniversary, it was an absolute honour."
Produced by Pulse Films, executive producer Joe Ingham said "EastEnders has had a transformative effect on television audiences for forty years - myself included. It has been a privilege to work with the legend that is Ross Kemp and an honour to spend time in Walford, revealing a never before seen side of Albert Square, forging emotional family reunions, and exploring the impact its residents have and continue to have beyond E20."
EastEnders: 40 Years on The Square will air in February on BBC One
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