Inside Soap

It’s the week of the big Thames boat party – who will end up dead?

ALL ABOARD! THE REGULARS OF THE QUEEN VIC SET OUT ON A CELEBRATOR­Y RIVER CRUISE – BUT NOT EVERYONE WILL RETURN ALIVE…

- Laura-jayne Tyler

Eastenders marks its 35th birthday with a special week of episodes, which sees the high-spirited residents of the Square take a break from Walford for a trip along the River Thames. You’d think they’d know better than to risk it, wouldn’t you? And sure enough, the locals’ boat soon hits stormy waters, thanks to the tempestuou­s relationsh­ips of those on board…

Across the week, we’ll see the same day from a number of perspectiv­es, as a host of massive storylines collide on this one fateful night.

Troubled Linda Carter, in a blind alcoholic rage, is determined to drown her sorrows for good. Will she end up sinking her whole family – and all their friends – with her?

Meanwhile, Phil’s back in town, vowing to destroy Keanu once and for all, leading to their showdown aboard the boat. Of course, Sharon’s baby decides to make its appearance at the worst possible time, too, putting both mother and child in danger.

Ian’s determinat­ion to protect one of his sons leads him into an unexpected confrontat­ion with another. Meanwhile, Bex takes a terrible risk, Patrick has to confront the secret at the heart of his relationsh­ip with Sheree – and Jack and Max come to blows over Denise.

As the boat glides into the gathering night, little do those on board realise that they are on a collision course with destiny. And when disaster ultimately strikes, at least one life will be claimed by the black and freezing water…

As Walford’s big week gets under way, Mick and Linda prepare to throw the biggest party since their wedding day. However, the timing of their boat bash on the River Thames couldn’t be any worse – given that the Carters have just signed their divorce papers!

“There was a time when they were the Square’s closest husband and wife, but as Mick and Linda set sail on London’s iconic waterway, they are oceans apart,” mourns our Eastenders insider. “That said, the Vic is still the lucky recipient of the coveted Pub Of The Year award, and its warring landlord and landlady have promised their punters a party. Tragically, it’ll be a party they never forget…”

When the big night arrives, Mick is in no mood to celebrate as he reels from the breakdown of his marriage. In stark contrast,

Linda is in high spirits – having sunk a few of the alcoholic kind – as she toasts the end of her marriage, revelling in her newfound freedom and using it as an excuse to start the party early.

Shirley watches on, seething that Linda would rub salt in Mick’s wounds and behave so cruelly, and it’s not long before the pair come to blows.

“Shirley is not prepared to stand by and watch Linda throw away everything that she and Mick have built together,” states our mole. “After they row, Shirley offers Linda an olive branch, and tries to help her realise that she still loves Mick deep down. But will Linda listen?”

There is every chance that Linda

Shirley tries to help Linda realise she still loves Mick”

deeply regrets her actions. However, as the Square’s party-goers board the coach booked to take them to the boat, Linda spots Mick sharing a moment with old flame Whitney – and Linda’s paranoia gets the better of her.

On the boat, the celebratio­ns are in full swing, and the locals are wasting no time in letting their hair down. With the Queen Victoria bust as their witness, the likes

of Big Mo and Tracey the barmaid indulge in a spot of limbo dancing, while others take advantage of the free booze.

Meanwhile, someone who isn’t prepared to let a single drop of it go to waste is Linda… After jumping to conclusion­s about Mick and Whitney, the troubled woman proceeds to get mortal drunk – before grabbing a microphone and embarrassi­ng Mick in front of all their guests.

However, Linda’s drunken ramblings could well be her last, as all hell breaks loose on the boat. One way or another, the Carters look destined to be torn apart forever…

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