Summary[]
As the Brannings sit down to enjoy their first family Christmas dinner, the Beales and the Mitchells are visited by unexpected guests.
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The Brannings prepare for the spontaneous Christmas dinner. Max fiddles with the seating arrangements when he sees that he’s with Stacey. Ian tries telling Jane about Steven but keeps getting interrupted. He tries cancelling with Pat, but it’s too late, Steven has already left. Ian begs Jane to give Steven a chance, so she agrees to a timed hour. Shirley doesn't want to start the Christmas dinner without Vinnie. A starved Heather urges her to spread when Vinnie’s two hours late. Shirley's day takes another stagger when Kevin tells her that Deano isn’t being released. Bradley surprises Stacey with a decorated Number 1 as their new home. She’s elated with the nursery he’s built for them with the hope of one day starting a family. An agitated Phil snaps at a drunk Sal. Jack later arrives with a picture of Louise and says he’ll know for sure her whereabouts the next week. Phil’s tearful while Ben gets mardy and jealous when the family swarm the photograph. The Brannings congregate for the Christmas dinner. Lauren boldly glares at Stacey across the table and demands to be excused. Later, Max and Stacey decide to put their affair behind them, and both agree that their happy without each other. Ian has high hopes when Jane seems to grow comfortable with Steven’s presence. He arranges to take Steven out to a restaurant for his birthday. However, the timer goes off and Jane asks Steven to leave. She later tells Ian that if he lets Steven in the house again, she’s gone. Ronnie and Jack share a passionate kiss under the mistletoe while Lauren sulks in her bedroom. Max comforts her and apologises for being uptight with her. He promises her that everything is going to be alright. The Brannings gather in the living room as Max dresses up as Santa to hand out the presents. Stacey promises Bradley a baby for next year. When Max gets hold of the DVD, Lauren tries snatching it from him. The family demand to watch. As the scene between Max and Stacey comes on, Max knowing what’s coming up, tries turning it off, but Bradley refuses to hand over the remote. Everyone watches in horror at Max and Stacey kissing on the screen. |
Credits[]
Main cast[]
- Max Branning - Jake Wood
- Tanya Branning - Jo Joyner
- Bradley Branning - Charlie Clements
- Stacey Branning - Lacey Turner
- Lauren Branning - Madeline Duggan
- Abi Branning - Lorna Fitzgerald
- Jack Branning - Scott Maslen
- Dot Branning - June Brown
- Jean Slater - Gillian Wright
- Sean Slater - Robert Kazinsky
- Charlie Slater - Derek Martin
- Mo Harris - Laila Morse
- Phil Mitchell - Steve McFadden
- Peggy Mitchell - Barbara Windsor
- Ronnie Mitchell - Samantha Janus
- Roxy Mitchell - Rita Simons
- Billy Mitchell - Perry Fenwick
- Honey Mitchell - Emma Barton
- Ben Mitchell - Charlie Jones
- Ian Beale - Adam Woodyatt
- Jane Beale - Laurie Brett
- Steven Beale - Aaron Sidwell
- Lucy Beale - Melissa Suffield
- Peter Beale - Thomas Law
- Pat Evans - Pam St. Clement
- Kevin Wicks - Phil Daniels
- Denise Wicks - Diane Parish
- Carly Wicks - Kellie Shirley
- Libby Fox - Belinda Owusu
- Shirley Carter - Linda Henry
- Heather Trott - Cheryl Fergison
- Bobby Beale - Alex Francis (uncredited)
- Janet Mitchell - unknown actress (uncredited)
- William Mitchell - Toby Walpole (uncredited)
- Oscar Branning - Gabriel Miller-Williams (uncredited)
Recurring cast[]
- Sal Martin - Anna Karen (credited as "Aunt Sal")
Locations[]
- Albert Square
- The Queen Victoria - Public
- 46 Albert Square - Living room, kitchen and hallway
- 1C Albert Square - Living room/kitchen, hallway and nursery bedroom
- 5 Albert Square - Living/dining room, kitchen, Max/Tanya's bedroom and Lauren/Abi's bedroom
- 23 Albert Square - Downstairs hallway
- 31 Albert Square - Living room and hallway
- 45 Albert Square - Living/dining room and kitchen
- Bridge Street
- 89C George Street - Living room/kitchen and hallway
Notes[]
- This first episode of a two-part Christmas special was broadcast at the earlier time of 6.20pm.
- This episode was included in the special collection EastEnders: Christmas Specials which was only available for streaming online and released on the streaming platforms BBC Store and Amazon Prime.
- Radio Times synopsis: Max and Tanya have lunch, unaware of the bombshell that's about to be dropped.
- Viewing Figures: First UK broadcast - 11,970,000 viewers (3rd place).
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