EastEnders fans are convinced a death certificate glimpsed in a new trailer has revealed an upcoming death on the BBC soap, with the date on the document leading many to rule out Mick Carter as the victim.
In the teaser, Linda Carter is seen holding the certificate, but the date displayed has sparked confusion among viewers. While some initially wondered whether Mick's body had been found and the certificate belonged to him, fans now believe this has been ruled out.
Date on the certificate
The date shown on the certificate, from scenes yet to air, is 29 October 2026 - the same day the trailer was released. This has left fans questioning who has died on this date and what future death is being teased.
With Janine Butcher set to return soon, as seen in the trailer, some have speculated it could relate to Mick, who has been presumed dead and lost at sea since he appeared to be swept away in December 2022. However, Mick already had a death certificate that his son Lee Carter had revoked, leading fans to argue that a new certificate would carry the original date of death.
Fans' theories
Given that Linda is holding the certificate and appears shocked, viewers think the death must involve someone connected to her or the Carter family. If it is not Mick, fans suggest missing Shirley Carter, who has not returned to Walford since her exit in 2022, may have died. Other theories point to Aunt Babe, or Janine faking the discovery of Mick's body as part of her comeback.
One fan said: "Mick's death certificate which Lee would not have been able to revoke would list December 2022 as his death. It cannot be Mick or Craig, it could be Shirley or Babe. I don't think we will know for several weeks anyway."
Another added: "As I mentioned before... I reckon this death certificate is faked by Janine.. in revenge to Linda and which makes Linda spiral (as seen in the trailer Linda goes to drink again..). This'll all come out as fake when Mick walks through the door of the church alive."
More speculation
A third viewer wrote: "Janine & Sean!! The death certificate - Mick is alive and coming back, I'm certain of it now!!!" Another asked: "I wonder what the death certificate with today's date on is all about in the trailer???"
One fan commented: "I haven't seen today's episode yet. I can't watch until this evening but I'm guessing they haven't shown anyone dying in today's episode? Or maybe they have... So who dies today?"
A final fan said: "That death certificate dated today ( 29th October) is definitely Mick's but I think it's fake so how will that come about and will Max be behind it? So many questions after that trailer but I'm very excited for the months ahead."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
