Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp EastEnders is set to air a live episode tonight following an epic 40th anniversary special, but one star will be noticeably absent. The hour-long anniversary episode yesterday showcased the aftermath of Tuesday’s explosion at the Queen Vic, resulting in several casualties and a dramatic end for villain Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman), who met his demise when a bathtub fell on him. Meanwhile, fans are left wondering about the fate of beloved character Martin Fowler (James Bye) after he was seen with crushed legs at the end of the episode, following his confession of love to ex Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). Elsewhere, Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) found themselves trapped under debris.
Cindy Beale won’t be appearing in the live episode
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Despite leaving her for dead over Christmas, Kathy seemed ready to finish the job. However, as Cindy claimed her mother-in-law “wouldn’t be able to live with herself”, Kathy came to her rescue, helping Cindy escape. But Cindy didn’t emerge unscathed, suffering a large wound that required her to be taken away in an ambulance with an oxygen mask. When the paramedic suggested she should thank her mother-in-law Kathy, Cindy expressed her dismay, bitterly retorting: “Thank her? No chance!”
Cindy was left trapped under debris after the explosion
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Kathy Beale reluctantly came to Cindy’s rescue
(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Soap star Michelle, 62, has revealed she won’t be gracing the live episode of the show today. Chatting with Richard Arnold on Good Morning Britain straight from Albert Square, Richard quipped about Cindy’s absence from the live spotlight: “We saw you leaving in an ambulance not quite drawing your final breath,” reports the Mirror. He added with a chuckle, “But it does let you off the hook tonight because you’re not in the live episode!” A chipper Michelle replied, “I know! And I’m the only one that got up this early Richard – I was obviously the only one available!” and continued, “But no, sadly Cindy’s not [appearing in the live episode]. But you know what, in a way, I get it why she can’t be in it, and it’s less stressful for me. But exciting!” In another part of the interview, Michelle shared her ‘terrible’ ordeal filming Wednesday night’s hour-long episode, where her character was trapped under debris, saying, “It wasn’t nice! It was great because we were really in the moment, but the air wasn’t great – it wasn’t easy!” Despite their on-screen rivalry, Michelle expressed her fondness for Gillian, who plays Kathy, off-screen, stating, “I love the scenes with Kathy and I think the audience also love those scenes.”
