EastEnders' touching VE Day special leaves fans gasping for air after heartbreaking twist

EastEnders viewers were left teary-eyed during Thursday's episode, as the soap opera paid a heartfelt tribute to World War II veterans on the 80th anniversary of .

The residents threw a party at newly reopened Queen Vic, despite their initial reluctance due to the recent tragic demise of Martin Fowler.

Alongside scenes of the residents' celebrations, the episode also incorporated black and white footage from the actual at home, even commencing in monochrome. In a poignant finale, the residents were depicted singing and dancing in the Vic to Vera Lynn's 'We'll Meet Again', with the camera panning to a photograph of Martin Fowler.

However, it was a distressing episode for Nigel Bates, who, suffering from , believed it was 1995 and that the Square was marking the 50th anniversary of VE Day. Throughout the episode, he made references to deceased characters like Peggy Mitchell and Arthur Fowler, under the impression they were hosting the party.

Upon entering the Vic, Nigel mistook Jean Slater for his first wife, Debbie, who tragically died in a hit-and-run accident in 1995, and planted a kiss on her.

Viewers were left dabbing their eyes following the poignant episode, reports the . Many quickly turned to X, previously known as Twitter, to commend the show for its remarkable tribute. A touched viewer commented, "Lovely episode tonight #EastEnders," while another added: "Massive well done to @bbceastenders for their 80th anniversary of VE Day episode! Fabulous! Deserves a @BAFTA. #EastEnders #VE80."

"Really emotional ep of #EastEnders today commemorating VE day," one fan shared, expressing how moved they were by the special broadcast. "Was a really touching episode and got me thinking."

Overwhelmed with emotion, another fan posted: "absolutely beautiful episode today. it had me sobbing by the end. what a way to celebrate VE Day."

Praising the soap's historical flashback, yet another fan declared, "Absolutely brilliant episode nobody does a look back better. Enjoyed all the montages and looking back, fitted it into today so well. "We will remember them" #EastEnders #VEDay."

Elsewhere in Thursday's episode, it was a close call for Harvey and Kathy as Jean walked in while Harvey hugged and comforted Kathy after a row with Cindy. Luckily, Jean was none the wiser as they managed to play it off, but for how much longer?

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EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.