It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas in Albert Square as EastEnders gears up for the festive season.

The BBC One soap’s set has already decked the halls and put up the tree as filming gets underway for the holiday season in Walford.

As long-time fans of the serial will know, Christmas is notoriously a difficult time for the mainstays of the Square, with all hell breaking loose each and every year without fail.

From affairs being exposed to murders being committed, death, devastation and destruction are usually in high supply, with the events of December tending to leave a lasting impact.

Last year’s Christmas offering was one of EastEnders’ greatest to date, with the acclaimed storyline involving The Six taking centre stage.

After months of speculation about a dead body in the Queen Vic, the episode in question saw Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) murder Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), who was trying to strangle Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).

The plot is still ongoing, with Linda having recently confessed her involvement in the crime to the police.

What an iconic storyline!

As for what this year’s Christmas storyline will entail, you’ll just have to wait and see but expect drama aplenty given that the festive season is just months before EastEnders’ 40th anniversary.

EastEnders has marked its 40th year on air with a number of guest returns, including that of Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman), paying tribute to the serial’s past.

The 40th anniversary itself, which will air in February, will also include a soap first – the power of deciding the outcome of one storyline will be bestowed onto the audience.

While details are scarce at the moment, we do know that the interactive element will involve your opinion on the desired outcome of a love story – but who?

The outcome will play out during a live episode as those on and off-screen adapt to the result of the public vote.

Exciting times for EastEnders fans!