As EastEnders prepares to celebrate turning 40, fans are praising a “lovely gesture” by the BBC. In a week filled with drama, millions have been glued to their screens, watching Phil Mitchell’s (played by Steve McFadden) battle with mental health and psychosis, including flashbacks to his childhood with siblings Grant and Sam. The soap has also thrilled fans with the comeback of Grant (Ross Kemp), their old mate Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), and additional cameo appearances from old favourites, Minty Peterson (Cliff Parisi) and Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves). Monday’s episode saw many members of the current cast gather in the Queen Vic to watch an ’80s scene featuring former characters Arthur and Pauline Fowler in a gameshow episode. The duo played a crucial role in EastEnders’ meteoric rise to fame from its inception in 1985. Arthur, portrayed by Bill Treacher, left Walford in 1996 and sadly passed away in November 2022, while Pauline (Wendy Richard) exited the BBC One programme in 2006 and tragically died three years later from breast cancer. READ MORE: Olivia Attwood returns to Love Island as three couples suffer huge blow before final READ MORE: Inside BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay’s marriage to famous wife – and her move out of the limelight
The iconic EastEnders theme and end credits honoured the late stars at the conclusion of the nostalgic episode, crediting both among the contemporary cast. “EastEnders credited Pauline and Arthur Fowler in tonight’s episode, what a lovely gesture,” one TikTok user praised, sharing a screenshot of the credits. “I didn’t even see that they were in the credits, thank you for uploading,” one fan responded. Viewers also took to X to praise the BBC, meanwhile. “Great memories on EastEnders tonight as the residents watch a classic from 1989, Arthur on Cat and Mouse,” one person wrote. “If you’d told them in ’89 that they’d be playing it out again in 2025, they’d have probably laughed in disbelief. Nice touch with the credits too.” Another viewer praised: “How lovely to see Pauline and Arthur feature in EastEnders – a fitting little recognition of two iconic characters as the 40th is marked. Brilliant way to do it too. And great seeing a beaming Martin watching them with such joy.” A third chimed in: “This was actually quite special – it was lovely to include Pauline and Arthur in the celebrations.” A fourth fan commented: “Arthur Fowler remains one of soaps greatest ever characters. What a lovely tribute seeing him and Pauline on screen just before the 40th anniversary.” And a fifth gushed: “Pauline and Arthur Fowler being credited in 2025. My beating heart.” Meanwhile, others noted that Barbara Windsor has also been credited this week, following Phil’s intense scenes on Tuesday involving his mum, Peggy in her younger days – portrayed by Jaime Winstone. Dame Barbara sadly passed away too in 2020, aged 83. EastEnders officially turns 40 on February 19.
