EastEnders fans have been sent into a frenzy after spotting a death certificate marked with today's date in a new trailer. The clip, which dropped on Thursday (October 27), teases confrontations, surprises, difficult choices and the return of Janine Butcher, played by Charlie Brooks.
Death Certificate Sparks Theories
With the conclusion to the New Year's Day flashforward episode just weeks away, there are no end of suspects who could want revenge on Max Branning (Jake Wood). Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) remains loved up with Max, but in the trailer she is stunned by a death certificate intriguingly dated 29 October 2026. Is this linked to Janine's comeback or Linda's beloved missing ex-husband Mick Carter (Danny Dyer)?
Fans have taken to social media to share their theories on who has died. While some are convinced it's Mick, others predict a jaw-dropping twist could be on the horizon.
Fan Reactions
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one eagle-eyed fan penned: "It's in Finchley so surely not Mick, as he was lost at sea." Another added: "Shirley?" A third person said: "Ooh someone dies. Could it be Craig?"
Fans will know Mick is presumed dead but his official status remains "lost at sea" after he seemingly drowned during the dramatic Christmas Day episode in 2022 after jumping into the English Channel to save his ex-wife Linda. His body was never recovered, and last week it was revealed that Mick's son, Lee Carter (Danny Hatchard), had secretly revoked his father's death certificate, admitting he refuses to believe his dad is truly dead.
Janine's Return and Linda's Exit
Fans have long wondered this too, and could this be a huge hint that Mick is still alive and will return to the show in time for Linda's exit? Kellie Bright's final scenes as Linda will air in 2027, though her exact departure date has not yet been announced, but fans are convinced that Janine's return could be linked to her departure.
After serving time in prison since 2023, where she gave birth to a son with Mick, Janine makes a dramatic comeback in coming weeks, which will no doubt come as a shock for former love rival Linda. The trailer also shows the net closing in on dodgy copper Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) as Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) teams up with returning Sean Slater (Robert Kazinsky) and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) to take him down as his months of grooming Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) is finally exposed.
Fans will have to wait and see if the death certificate is anything to do with Mick, and it's clear that it's set to be yet another explosive festive period in Albert Square. EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and is available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am.
