EastEnders is set to air a special episode on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of V.E. Day. This poignant episode will see the residents of Walford come together to honor and remember those who gave their lives during the Second World War. The storyline will feature historical footage and music associated with wartime Britain, evoking memories of the celebrations that took place across the capital on May 8, 1945.

In the episode, Nigel Bates, portrayed by Paul Bradley, is struggling with young-onset dementia and believes it is 1995, prompting plans for a 50th V.E. Day anniversary party. Phil and Jean convince Linda Carter to reopen the Queen Vic on the same day, aligning the pub’s reopening with the anniversary celebrations. This marks a significant moment for the community as they come together to commemorate this historic event.

Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw emphasized the importance of honoring the courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war, stating, “Like many others across the UK who will be marking this poignant moment in history, we wanted to honor and remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives during the war with a special EastEnders episode marking 80 years since V.E. Day.”

The special episode will air at 7:30 PM on BBC One and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer. It promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the wartime generation and a significant moment in the show’s history.