Viewers can look forward to another dramatic Christmas edition of EastEnders as the residents of Albert Square say a final farewell to one of the soap's longest-running character. And if scenes of the funeral of Pauline Fowler - played by Wendy Richard - are anything to go by, it's going to be a predictably forceful finale.
Barbara Windsor, who plays Peggy Mitchell, and Adam Woodyatt, aka Pauline's nephew Ian Beale, were among cast members shooting the moving scenes at Hendon Crematorium. Trouble starts when the deceased's son Martin Fowler - James Alexandrou - flies into a rage after being approached by police officers investigating his mum's death. "It's pure drama," said one source.
The plot line is set to be screened in the New Year, while the circumstances surrounding Pauline's death will be televised on Christmas Day. "Pauline hatches a plan to stop Martin's reunion with ex-wife Sonia, but it backfires," an insider told the Mirror newspaper.
Her on-screen demise marks the end of the road for veteran actress Wendy, who has starred in the popular BBC soap since its first episode was broadcast on February 19, 1985. Her decision to leave was prompted by storylines which had her marrying newcomer Joe, which she felt was disloyal to her character's first husband. "I would have stayed a bit longer if Pauline hadn't got married. I would have given it a go," she revealed.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
