Ever since executive producer Sean O’Connor left EastEnders in the summer, we’ve been waiting for new show boss John Yorke’s episodes to hit our screens.
And tonight’s the night as the first of his credited episodes airs.
Even more exciting, the action is set to hot up over the course of the week and by Friday, the show will apparently be edge-of-our-seats stuff again.
Read more: EastEnders star teases secret return of legendary couple
So far, we’ve only heard about John’s changes and not seen any of them. We know ex-S Club singer Hannah Spearitt will be guest starring as Karen Taylor’s sister, Kandice.
He’s axed Ben Mitchell, Abi Branning, and Lauren Branning, old faces Masood Ahmed and Mel Owen are returning to the show, and he’s also brought in Hollywood heavyweight Patrick Bergin for an explosive Christmas storyline.
Patrick’s first appearance as old school villain Aidan Maguire is tonight as he surprises old prison buddy Phil.
Phil is delighted to see his old pal rock up in the Square out of the blue.
Aidan introduces himself to Sharon, and then slopes off again leaving Phil wondering what he was up to.
He soon gets a clue, though, when he spots Aidan chatting to former villain turned police informer Vincent Hubbard.
Later in the week, Phil bumps into Aidan again and quizzes him about what he’s planning. Aidan explains he needs some help with a job – from Vincent.
Predictably, Phil is desperate to get in on the action – that whole going straight thing didn’t last long, eh?
He corners Aidan and asks to be let in. But things get heated when Vincent arrives. Will Phil join the crook’s plan?
Elsewhere, Max may be forced to silence his own daughter as Lauren grows closer to discovering exactly what Weyland and Co – and project Dagmar are up to.
Read more: EastEnders hunk brands working on the soap “unfulfilling”
Things are set to get really good by the end of the week and Metro.co.uk reports that Friday evening is the one to watch, it might even be worth staying in for!
There’s definitely big stuff planned ahead, with a huge Branning Christmas to rival the Max/Stacey affair reveal to come.
With Lauren and Abi’s exit in the not too distant future, and being written by acclaimed ‘Enders writer Simon Ashdown, we think the show is in for a revival of fortunes in the coming months.