Love in Walford is anything but simple. With cheating, secret children, long-lost exes, and full-blown brawls breaking out before “I do,” it’s no wonder weddings on EastEnders rarely go off without a hitch. But sometimes — just sometimes — the third time really is the charm.

In this week’s Behind The Square, we take a deep dive into the most iconic “third-time” relationships that somehow beat the odds… or at least gave fans hope.

🥀 1. Sharon & Phil – Love, Lies, and Second (and Third) Chances

You’d need a flowchart to track Sharon and Phil’s relationship history — but at the heart of it is a connection that refuses to die. Despite betrayals (hello, affair with Keanu) and bloodshed (RIP Dennis), they’ve always found their way back to each other. Their third walk down the aisle may not have lasted, but it gave us epic drama and that unforgettable Christmas Day reveal.

Most Iconic Line: “You’re not the father, Phil… he is.”

💔 2. Kat & Alfie – A Rollercoaster of Passion and Pain

From pub banter to real love, Kat and Alfie were EastEnders royalty — but love was never easy. After infidelity, baby scandals, and even a fire, their third chance at love was hard-won. Their chemistry? Off the charts. Their chaos? Even higher. But fans couldn’t help but cheer them on, hoping that just maybe this time, they’d get it right.

Verdict: Third time was messy… but totally worth it for the nostalgia.

🎉 3. Stacey Slater – Wedding Bells x3 (and More?)

Stacey’s romantic resume is a wild one: Martin, Max, Kush — and now, whispers of another wedding? While her marriages haven’t always gone smoothly, every relationship teaches Stacey more about herself. With a possible third wedding on the horizon, fans are wondering: Is this finally Stacey’s time for real, lasting love?

Fan Theories: Could Eve be more than just a friend?

👊 4. Denise & Jack – On Again, Off Again… On Again?

Jack Branning is no stranger to the altar, and Denise Fox is a powerhouse who doesn’t take second-best. After years of back-and-forth, their third attempt at building a life together seems to finally be sticking — but only just. With secrets, blended families, and past traumas bubbling beneath the surface, this marriage is still in fragile territory.

Best Moment: Their lowkey, honest wedding — no frills, just realness.

🧨 5. Linda Carter – Tragedy, Hope, and Starting Over

After Mick’s tragic disappearance, fans didn’t know how Linda could go on — let alone find love again. But with George Knight now in the picture, some are wondering if Linda’s third chance at happiness is right in front of her. Of course, nothing is ever simple in Walford, especially when grief, secrets, and strong family ties are involved.

Viewer Split: Some want her to move on — others say no one replaces Mick.

💭 Why “Third Time’s A Charm” Works on EastEnders

Soap couples break up and make up all the time. But in EastEnders, it’s the third shot at love that really hits differently. These aren’t fairy tales — they’re gritty, messy, human love stories filled with pain, compromise, and second (or third) chances.

Maybe the first time was passion.
Maybe the second was survival.
But the third? That’s when love starts to feel real.

🎬 Final Thought

So whether it’s Sharon & Phil, Kat & Alfie, or a surprising new duo walking down the aisle next, one thing’s certain: in Albert Square, you can’t keep love down forever. And sometimes, third time’s a charm — even if it comes with a fight, a slap, and someone getting thrown out of The Vic.

Stay tuned — because that next “I do” could be the most explosive yet.