EASTENDERS

IT’S SHOWTIME! OR

SHOWDOWN TIME?

As residents prepare for the Christmas show, it looks like being a miserable event when Martin tries, and fails, to cheer up Bex (below) – I’m beginning to think that only jaw surgery and laughing gas can manage that. Incredibly, the Walford Players have sold every ticket, but will the show be a success? Please don’t tell me that Denise is going to come over all Virgin Mary and give birth; that would be too much to take. After dropping a bombshell on Billy and upsetting Jay, Phil tells Dot it’s time for him to die. After placing a present for Sharon under the tree, he is caught unexpectedly but tells her he can’t spend Christmas there. Despite Sharon’s best efforts, and her determination to give Phil the ‘best’ Christmas (fat chance), there is no changing his mind. Life as they know it is also over for Dot, who is preparing for her retirement party at the launderette. It’s the end of an era, not least for locals for whom the place was where they came to wash their dirty laundry in public – both literally and metaphorically. The Carters are spending a nervous Christmas when they learn that Ollie’s assessment won’t be until the New Year (if you ask me, the whole family needs assessing). Still, they embrace the Christmas spirit and even share magical news. Don’t hold your breath. We’re not talking turning water into wine.