EastEnders viewers were left emotional on Tuesday (February 11) as the BBC One soap aired a nostalgic scene from the 1980s, featuring the return of iconic couple Pauline and Arthur Fowler. The episode, which replayed an old game show clip, was part of the build-up to the soap's 40th anniversary next week.
In the episode, Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) unearthed an old video tape of Martin Fowler's parents, Pauline and Arthur, participating in the game show Cat and Mouse. The residents of Albert Square gathered in The Queen Vic to watch the clip, with Martin proudly showing his late parents to his family. Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) and Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) reminisced about watching the show when it first aired.
Arthur Fowler was played by Bill Treacher from 1985 until 1996; the actor died in November 2022 aged 92. Pauline was played by Wendy Richard from 1985 until 2006; she died of cancer in 2009 aged 65. When the episode concluded, both actors were included in the credits together for the first time in decades, prompting an emotional response from fans.
Taking to social media, one fan wrote: 'I got so emotional seeing Pauline and Arthur. I'd completely forgotten about that Cat and Mouse episode! That was so nostalgic. Well done to whoever thought to show that again. Lovely seeing their names on the end credits too.' Another added: 'Seeing Pauline and Arthur names on the credits (crying face).' A third simply said: 'AWW PAULINE AND ARTHUR.'
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
