Summary[]
Nellie spends Christmas with Jules, whilst Pat and David spend the day with the Jacksons. Sharon signs her divorce papers.
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Pauline tries to convince Nellie to spend Christmas with her and the family, and even offers an invitation to Jules. She turns down the offer and seems to be thrilled to see what Jules has in store for her as she looks forward to her and Jules' dual Christmas together. There is a pessimistic atmosphere in the Queen Vic as Sharon tries to get through to Grant but he remains cold and bitter towards her, and he is furious when he discovers she still hasn't signed the divorce papers and promptly eagers her to speed up the process. Nigel is entirely into the youthful Christmas spirit as he seems to take more enjoyment with Clare's new toy than Clare herself. Meanwhile, Debbie is greedy for turkey, and Nigel gets down to business. Alan's distressed about David attending the Jacksons' Christmas dinner. While Pat can't wait to get the day done and dusted. Sharon has another attempt to get through to Grant which ends in another catastrophe when he begins smashing up plates. Nellie is astonished when she uncovers that Jules has organised for them to spend Christmas at the Community Centre with a group of people of a similar age and Ethel and Blossom. The Butchers make it over to Number 25 and, almost immediately, both parties are ambushed by an awkward atmosphere. Arthur reminisces about the 'good' old Christmas', and down-to-earth Michelle brings the enlightened illusion to a head. Nellie's got a permanent frown at the Community Centre as she's left alone with Ethel who spills romantic gestures about Jules. Sanjay spends the day with Gita and Sharmilla and the day ends with the pair opening old doors as they share a passionate kiss. Natalie opens up to Ricky that she made up Derek - the sight of Ricky and Bianca all over each other all the time made her feel withdrawn. Nellie lightens up when her and Jules share a dance, enjoying the day to a whole new level. Sharon hits the bottle and lets her dignity down in the process. As she slowly softens Grant down and leans in for a kiss, but is almost immediately pushed away and opened up to a few home truths on Phil's side of the story. The atmosphere at the Jacksons' soon chirps up. Sharon begins to pack her bags and prepares to leave, taking the savings from the Vic in the process. The Square gather for harmony while Sharon departs in a cab. Grant discovers that she's signed the divorce papers. |
Credits[]
- Grant Mitchell - Ross Kemp
- Sharon Mitchell - Letitia Dean
- Pauline Fowler - Wendy Richard
- Arthur Fowler - Bill Treacher
- Mark Fowler - Todd Carty
- Ruth Aitken - Caroline Paterson
- Ian Beale - Adam Woodyatt
- Cindy Beale - Michelle Collins
- Kathy Beale - Gillian Taylforth
- Michelle Fowler - Susan Tully
- Nellie Ellis - Elizabeth Kelly
- Pat Butcher - Pam St. Clement
- Ricky Butcher - Sid Owen
- David Wicks - Michael French
- Jules Tavernier - Tommy Eytle
- Blossom Jackson - Mona Hammond
- Ethel Skinner - Gretchen Franklin
- Carol Branning - Lindsey Coulson
- Alan Jackson - Howard Antony
- Robbie Jackson - Dean Gaffney
- Bianca Jackson - Patsy Palmer
- Natalie Price - Lucy Speed
- Janine Butcher - Alexia Demetriou
- Sanjay Kapoor - Deepak Verma
- Gita Kapoor - Shobu Kapoor
- Doctor Harold Legg - Leonard Fenton
- Nigel Bates - Paul Bradley
- Debbie Bates - Nicola Duffett
- Clare Tyler - Gemma Bissix
- Martin Fowler - Jon Peyton Price (uncredited)
- Vicki Fowler - Samantha Leigh Martin (uncredited)
- Sharmilla Kapoor - Priya Bilkhu (uncredited)
- Sonia Jackson - Natalie Cassidy (uncredited)
- Billie Jackson - Devon Anderson (uncredited)
Locations[]
- Albert Square
- The Queen Victoria - Public and upstairs flat
- 25 Albert Square - Living room and kitchen
- 41 Albert Square - Living room
- 43 Albert Square - Living room, kitchen and porch
- 45 Albert Square - Backroom
- Walford Community Centre
- George Street
Notes[]
- This Christmas episode was transmitted at 6:15pm.
- Last appearance of Sharon Mitchell until 16 March 1995.
- Return of Ethel Skinner, last seen on 14 July 1994.
- The closing credits for this episode run longer than usual, with the entire theme tune being played. The credits last 1' 05" seconds, just over twice as long as usual.
- Radio Times synopsis: The season of goodwill comes to the Square. In among the festivities, Gita has a surprise for Sanjay; Ethel has some advice for Nellie; and Grant has a present for Sharon.
- Viewing Figures: UK broadcast - 19,880,000 viewers (1st place).
- For its 2025 upload to BBC iPlayer as "EastEnders: Christmas 1986 - 2007", this episode was entitled 1994.
Dialogue[]
ETHEL SKINNER (reminiscing about the old Christmases): It wasn't like it is today, all these McDoogles all over the place.
ETHEL SKINNER (about Jules): He can pull my cracker any day. Ooh, you just wait until I get my hands on the mistletoe. He won't know what's hit him.
NIGEL BATES (surrounded by awkward silence): What we doing? Having a minute silence for the turkey?
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