EastEnders flashforward death – theories and clues
EastEnders spoilers follow.
If your mind is whirring with EastEnders theories right now then you are not alone, as Monday night's big twist has created quite the buzz.
As we all know, EastEnders gave us a tantalising teaser into the future earlier in the week, showing The Six (aka Sharon, Linda, Stacey, Suki, Kathy and Denise) all standing over a dead body.
With 10 months to go until the victim is revealed, it's clear we are in for a long and bumpy ride before we get there. But we've rounded up some of the early suspects for the time being:
1. Nish Panesar
Our current top pick is currently Nish, but that's largely based on the here and now. And, as we know, a lot can change in 10 months (especially in Soapland).
Ash and Vinny's dad has been ruffling feathers ever since he turned up in Walford last year, and is about to coerce Suki into bringing their vow renewal forward next week.
EastEnders' executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: "Suki's struggling in her marriage with Nish and is desperately trying to convince herself that she doesn't have feelings for Eve. As the year progresses, Suki will uncover truths, have her relationships tested but ultimately her biggest secret could push her to the extreme."
With his enemies mounting, Nish is inevitably on borrowed time – but do we really think the flashforward victim will be as obvious as this? We're not convinced.
2. Keanu Taylor
We've got a bride, we've got doom – but who is the groom? That is the second big question EastEnders fans have been asking since Monday, and early indicators have suggested it could be her on-off lover Keanu.
Keanu has been desperate to reignite his former flame with Sharon since he returned last December, and it appeared all his Christmases had come at once when they shared a passionate reunion in the pub bathroom at the start of the week.
Some eagle-eyed fans have even spotted that the 'engaged' lock on the toilet door could be a sign of things to come, but only time will tell.
3. Phil Mitchell
Of course, Keanu isn't the only man in Sharon's periphery and, let's face it, there's never really been a full stop where her relationship with ex-husband Phil is concerned.
EastEnders might have tricked fans into believing it will be Phil and Kat getting married on Christmas Day, but Shazza in a wedding dress threw that up in the air. Could Phil be Sharon's groom? And does that place him in the firing line of The Six?
Fans have also pointed out that those vital cufflinks worn by the flashforward victim bore a striking resemblance to the ones Phil was wearing on New Year's Day earlier in the year.
That said, don't be surprised if every man in Walford suddenly has the same pair between now and December.
4. Ryan Malloy
Ryan's name was mentioned for a reason on Monday's episode, but is it a clue about the grisly fate that lies ahead of him?
Ryan's recent return descended into despair for Stacey earlier this month, when it became clear that he had an ulterior motive in regard to daughter Lily's future.
Despite making a hasty exit – and vowing to cut his child maintenance in the process – Ryan was still a lingering thought in Stacey's mind prior to the flashback, when she revealed that he wanted Lily and the baby to spend Christmas with him in Wakefield.
Once again, this ominous mention so far ahead of time seems to have been shoehorned in for a reason, but why? And could Ryan reappear at the end of the year only to meet his maker?
5. Dean Wicks
We are also convinced evil Dean Wicks was mentioned in before the flashback for a reason.
Linda's world came crashing down when she received a photo from Carly, which showed Shirley in the company of rapist Dean.
Viewers know that Dean raped Linda in harrowing scenes back in 2014, and he seems to be back in Shirley's world these days following her recent exit.
As she was comforted by Kathy, Linda explained her fears that Dean could eventually return with Shirley. However, Kathy was quick to reiterate that she'd have an army of women ready to support her if this was to occur.
6. Ravi Gulati
Try as he might, but Ravi simply cannot convince us that he's a changed man. His endless pursuit of Denise, coupled with the small matter of his murderous antics of last year (and allowing Suki to take the blame) has rightly left us feeling suspicious of Ravi.
And even show boss Chris Clenshaw described him as a 'local villain' when mapping out the events leading up to the climax at Christmas. So, could Ravi's luck run out at the end of the year? It's all to play for.
7. A new character
Interestingly, Kellie Bright, who plays Linda, reckons that the man in question could actually be someone we are yet to meet.
"I had a very strong feeling, or more of an idea the victim was going to be a really big player in this show and I've slightly changed my mind", she said. "I think it might be someone who is not in the show yet. A character that we're yet to meet.
"If I had to put money on it, I don't think it's me and I don't think it's Di [Diane Parish]. I also think it could be a group thing, with the women all protecting each other but who knows, they could be protecting Linda!"
Balvinder Sopal, who plays Suki, appeared to agree, saying: "It could be somebody who hasn't been in the show for a long time, or it could be somebody new who comes in. And I think maybe all of the women might be involved."
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
You Might Also Like
