EastEnders Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Live Public Votes

In a groundbreaking live episode celebrating EastEnders' 40th anniversary, viewers voted on whether Denise Fox would reunite with her estranged husband Jack Branning or choose her secret lover Ravi Gulati. After the poll closed just before the show, Denise ultimately chose Jack, leaving many fans of Ravi upset and vocal on social media. This episode also featured another public vote regarding the name of Sonia's baby, allowing fans to choose between the names Toni or Julia, both in honor of the show's creators. The interactive format aimed to engage fans more deeply with the storyline, as executive producer Chris Clenshaw expressed excitement over the audience's influence on key plot decisions. The live element added suspense, with the cast prepared for both potential outcomes prior to the reveal. This event marks a significant moment in the show's history, reflecting a growing trend towards audience participation in television narratives.