It may be impossible to guarantee a white Christmas but there is one thing we can promise.
That is that Eastenders will deliver a miserable Christmas for some residents of Albert Square, and, now, it could be more brilliantly miserable then ever.
That’s because BBC bosses have confirmed the return of one of the soap’s most influential figures to help out with the vital seasonal storylines.
The man in question is Simon Ashdown, lead writer on the show from 2007- 2014 and responsible for some of Eastenders’ biggest storylines in the last few years.
Soap boss Simon Yorke confirmed the writer’s return and said it was great news for fans.
‘I’m delighted to welcome one of EastEnders’ greatest writers back to the show,” he said. “Simon has delivered some of EastEnders biggest moments and I hope people will agree that his Christmas episodes are right up there with his very best work.’
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Simon has written over 150 episodes of Eastenders and created the character of Max Branning, winning a British Soap Award in 2008 for the storyline around the aftermath of Max’s affair with Stacey.
As the man who created Max, Simon is perfectly- placed to oversee the climax of Max’s revenge scheme storyline which will result in the exit of sisters Lauren and Abi Branning.
BAFTA Award- winning writer Simon, who even received the Special Achievement Award for his Outstanding Contribution to EastEnders at the 2012 British Soap Awards , will make the Brannings the focal point for Christmas, so expect fireworks.
The BBC have promised an Eastenders Christmas ‘that will go down in Walford history’, and their press office promised big drama.
‘With Christmas rapidly approaching in Albert Square, things are set to explode in catastrophic style,” teased a spokesperson.
“Secrets and lies are exposed and families are torn apart forever. With the Brannings at the heart of Christmas day, the special festive episodes will be written by Simon Ashdown.
“The Brannings will be at the heart of the drama and it is set to be a classic EastEnders Christmas that will go down in Walford history.’
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However, you won’t have to wait until Christmas to open this present because Simon’s storyline starts much earlier than that.
His return will be on- screen on Thursday December 7th, in an episode focused on the Branning family where Max’s recent deeds will come back to bite him.
It certainly won’t be a merry Christmas for Max, but it should be a treat for fans.