EastEnders fans shocked as Martin Fowler's fate hangs in the balance after horror accident - while vote opens for first time ever over Denise Fox's future
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EastEnders fans were on the edge of their seats during Wednesday's hour-long live 40th anniversary special as Martin Fowler's fate hung in the balance.
Martin (James Bye) and his ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner) were among many Walford residents trapped in the Queen Vic after Tuesday night's horror explosion.
While many of those trapped inside made a lucky escape, Martin insisted on remaining inside in order to help Stacey who was trapped under rubble.
But by the time he helped get her back on her feet, the pair found themselves trapped, unsure of how to get out.
At the end of the episode, as they appeared ready to rekindle their relationship, a metal bar on the roof collapsed.
Martin pushed Stacey out of the way but became trapped under the bar himself, screaming in pain as the credits began to role.
Viewers quickly took to X to express their fears for Martin, writing: 'No one speak to me this is my worst nightmare.'
'Not dreamboat Martin'... 'Stacey and Martin please just get out you can have this convo outside.'
Elsewhere during the episode, Denise Fox (Diane Parish) was faced with the decision over which man to choose: Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) or Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
For the first time ever, viewers will have their say in the storyline as a public vote opened after the end of the episode with fans decising which man Denise will choose.
Denise has found herself torn between both men in recent weeks, with her decison made all the more pressing after the fire.
She has a long history with ex-husband Jack but the corrupt cop previously cheated on her with Stacey Slater.
Denise has plenty of chemistry with secret lover Ravi but he previously killed the man he thought was his dad and he has also dated Denise's daughter Chelsea.
Elsewhere, Anita Dobson made a surprise return as the iconic Angie Watts for the soap's special anniversary episode.
The actress, 75, played the Queen Vic's first landlady from the show's very first episode in 1985 before bowing out three-years later.
And to celebrate the soap's 40th year anniversary, she made a brief appearance in the hour-long special with a special scene with her onscreen daughter Sharon.
A trapped Sharon - played by actress Letitia Dean - saw a vision of her mother Angie begging her to scream for help.
The emotional scene saw her appear before an injured Sharon looking like she hadn't aged a day and sporting her famous brown curls and red lipstick.
Angie said: 'Hello darling. I've missed you so much. I wish I could just put my arms around you and give you a great big hug.'
The legendary character then pleaded: 'Use that voice and you start screaming for help. That’s it baby, you start screaming for help. That’s my girl.'
Speaking about her return to Walford after all these years, EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw said: 'Angie Watts is undoubtedly one of EastEnders most formidable and iconic landlady’s.
'Since the very first episode, Anita instantly created a character that the audience adored and she not only shaped EastEnders into the show it is today, but also had a huge impact on British television.
'Anita was of course top of our ultimate wish list when we were discussing what we would love to include in our special anniversary week, so it was the best birthday present we could ever receive when she said yes.
'Watching Angie Watts grace the halls of The Queen Victoria, 40 years to the day she made her first appearance in Walford, is a day we will never forget as we all celebrate this show that has played such an important part in British television. Happy birthday EastEnders.'
