The long-running BBC soap, EastEnders, has been building up to its 40th anniversary celebrations, and the latest episode has left fans on the edge of their seats. The Queen Vic, the iconic pub at the heart of the show, has gone up in flames, trapping several characters inside. The fire was caused by a car crash, which led to an explosion, and the resulting blaze has put the lives of many Albert Square residents at risk.

As the rescue efforts get underway, fans are eagerly waiting to find out who will make it out alive and who will succumb to the flames. The latest episode has seen many characters in peril, including Honey and Billy Mitchell, who were getting married at the time of the fire, and Suki, Avani, and Nugget, who are desperately trying to find an escape route. Meanwhile, Alfie Moon is trying to keep the Slater clan calm, but it's clear that the situation is becoming increasingly dire.

The explosion has also raised questions about the fate of some of the show's most beloved characters. Fans are speculating about the whereabouts of Sharon Watts, who was last seen heading upstairs at the Queen Vic, and Stacey Slater, who was in the toilets at the time of the blast. The upper levels of the pub have been particularly damaged, leading to fears that Sharon may have been trapped. The suspense is killing fans, who are taking to social media to express their concerns and speculate about the outcome.

Here are some of the key characters who have been affected by the fire: * Honey and Billy Mitchell: The newlyweds were getting married at the time of the fire and are now fighting for their lives. * Suki, Avani, and Nugget: The trio is desperately trying to find an escape route from the burning pub. * Alfie Moon: Alfie is trying to keep the Slater clan calm, but it's clear that the situation is becoming increasingly dire. * Sharon Watts: Sharon was last seen heading upstairs at the Queen Vic, and fans are speculating about her fate. * Stacey Slater: Stacey was in the toilets at the time of the blast, and her whereabouts are currently unknown.

The EastEnders 40th anniversary episode has been a long time coming, and the show's writers have certainly pulled out all the stops to make it a memorable one. With the fate of many characters hanging in the balance, fans will be glued to their screens waiting to find out what happens next. The show airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer.