Walford holds its breath as the dust settles on the catastrophic explosion that ripped through the Queen Vic, claiming beloved Martin Fowler and the villainous Rice Cowwell. But amidst the grief and the ongoing construction, a beacon of hope emerges. Prepare for a momentous occasion as an EastEnders ICON, a true legend of the Square, steps forward to reclaim the heart of the community, breathing new life into the beloved pub after weeks of agonizing absence.

The devastating explosion during Honey and Billy Mitchell’s ill-fated wedding celebrations sent shockwaves through Walford, leaving a gaping hole in the community, both literally and figuratively. For over two long months, the iconic Queen Victoria pub has remained a mangled ruin, a stark reminder of the tragedy that unfolded within its walls. While the demise of the twisted killer Rice Cowwell brought little sorrow, the tragic loss of the kind-hearted market trader Martin Fowler has cast a long shadow over Albert Square, leaving many residents grappling with profound grief and trauma.

As the community mourned, the sounds of construction echoed through the Square, a promise of rebuilding, of restoring the Vic to its former glory. Next week marks a significant turning point in this healing process. The co-owners – the steadfast Linda Carter, the formidable Elaine Peacock, and the supportive George Knight – finally receive the keys to the newly refurbished pub. A wave of relief and anticipation washes over them. Sensing a glimmer of community spirit ignited by the imminent arrival of new life as Lauren goes into labor, they decide the time is right to announce the Vic’s grand reopening.

However, their joyous announcement at Harry’s barn is met with a more subdued reaction than they anticipated. The raw wounds of Martin’s death are still too fresh for some. In particular, the ever-vibrant Mo Harris and the usually jovial Zack Hudson find themselves unable to face the familiar haunt so soon after such a profound loss. The emotional scars of the explosion and the subsequent death run deep, highlighting the interconnectedness of the Walford residents and the significant role the pub plays in their lives.

As Linda grapples with the community’s hesitant response, Alfie Moon, ever the charmer and a steadfast friend, attempts to buoy her spirits. Linda, however, finds her concerns shifting towards her mother, Elaine, who appears particularly affected by the muted reaction to the reopening news. Perhaps Elaine, with her bold vision for the future of the Vic, had anticipated a more enthusiastic embrace of the pub’s return.

Thursday marks the poignant 80th anniversary of VE Day, a day of remembrance and reflection. Linda, initially resolute that the Vic should remain closed out of respect for the recent tragedy and the ongoing grief, stands firm in her decision. The weight of Martin’s death and the community’s palpable sadness weigh heavily on her.

However, fate, or perhaps the insightful Jean Slater, intervenes. Jean alerts Linda to the increasingly fragile state of Nigel Bates, whose dementia is worsening. In a heart-wrenching turn, Nigel believes it is 1995, a stark reminder of the passage of time and the preciousness of memory. Moved by Nigel’s disorientation and the significance of VE Day, Jean presents Linda with the idea of organizing a last-minute party at the Vic to bring some joy and familiarity to Nigel’s confused world.

Linda initially dismisses the idea, still hesitant to reopen the pub amidst the lingering grief. But as the VE Day spirit begins to permeate the market, a sense of collective remembrance and resilience takes hold. The market traders, gathering to commemorate those who have fallen, including their very own beloved Martin, create an atmosphere of poignant unity. Witnessing this display of community and the quiet strength of her neighbors, Linda’s resolve begins to waver.

In a pivotal moment, recognizing the Vic’s role as the heart and soul of Walford, a place of both celebration and solace, Linda makes a momentous decision. She prepares to open the doors of her beloved pub once again. This act is not just about reopening a business; it’s about offering a space for healing, for remembrance, and for the community to come together once more in the face of loss. Linda’s decision signifies a powerful act of resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of the East End.

However, as the doors swing open, a burning question remains in the minds of viewers: what will the newly refurbished Queen Vic look like? EastEnders fans have previously witnessed the clash of visions between Linda, with her traditional sensibilities, and her mother, Elaine, who has been steamrolling ahead with her own ideas for a dramatic revamp.

Actress Harriet Thorpe, who plays the outspoken Elaine, previously revealed her bold aspirations for a trendy new look, expressing her desire for “rose gold” accents and a complete overhaul. In contrast, Colin Salmon, who portrays George, jokingly suggested transforming the Vic into a “jazz bar” akin to Ronnie Scott’s, highlighting the contrasting personalities and potential for design clashes.

Intriguingly, when questioned about whether the refurbished pub would be different from what viewers have seen before, Harriet Thorpe offered a surprising and somewhat cryptic response: “No, it will be exactly the same.” This statement throws the expectations of a radical transformation into doubt. The Queen Vic has maintained its familiar aesthetic since the significant refurbishment in 2010 following Phil Mitchell’s devastating fire, which led to the emotional departure of his iconic mother, Peggy Mitchell. Minor updates were introduced when Mick and Linda Carter took over in 2013, most notably the additions of the Princess Diana, West Ham, and musical theater artwork that reflected their personalities.

Could Harriet’s seemingly definitive statement be a deliberate misdirection, a clever ploy to heighten the surprise? Or will the newly reopened Vic retain its cherished familiarity, offering comfort and continuity to a community still reeling from loss? Perhaps Elaine’s bold visions were ultimately tempered by Linda’s desire to preserve the pub’s traditional charm and the memories it holds. Or maybe, in a touching tribute to the past, the refurbishment will subtly incorporate elements of the old while offering a fresh start.

The return of the Queen Vic, spearheaded by a legendary figure – presumably Linda, given her deep connection to the pub and the community – marks a pivotal moment in EastEnders history. It signifies the resilience of the Walford residents, their ability to find hope and connection even in the face of tragedy. As the doors reopen, they not only welcome back a beloved landmark but also embrace the possibility of healing and moving forward, together. The newly refurbished Vic stands as a symbol of their enduring spirit, a testament to the fact that even after the most devastating events, the heart of the community can beat once more. The identity of this returning legend and the true appearance of the resurrected Vic will undoubtedly be a major talking point, promising an explosive and emotionally charged return to the heart of Walford.