Last month EastEnders shocked viewers with an unannounced twist - the soap's first ever flashforward scene.
The action in Albert Square momentarily jumped forward to Christmas 2023 in the Queen Vic, with six of Walford's matriarchs - Linda (Kellie Bright), Suki (Balvinder Sopal), Kathy (Gillian Taylforth), Stacey (Lacey Turner), Denise (Diane Parish) and Sharon (Letitia Dean) - all gathered around a dead body.
The identity of the victim, whom we know to be male, as well as the identity of the murderer - or murderers - form the basis of a huge storyline for 2023 that will unfold over the next nine months.
Here, the soap's executive producer Chris Clenshaw gives hints at what could drive each of The Six to kill...
Linda
© BBC
"Linda's world has been thrown upside down by seeing a photo of Shirley with Dean, but she's forced to focus on who her new business partner will be or face losing her home. Both Sharon and Nish are hoping to get the keys to the castle, but her knight in shining armour might not be who you think."
Suki
© BBC
"Suki's struggling in her marriage with Nish and is desperately trying to convince herself that she doesn't have any feelings for Eve. As the year progresses, Suki will uncover truths, have her relationships tested but ultimately her biggest secret could push her to the extreme."
Kathy
© BBC
"Kathy's planning to tie the knot with Rocky, but we know with Rocky he has a past, so just what will catch up with him?"
Stacey
© BBC
"Not only has Stacey been dealing with the rising cost of living, but also struggling to keep her pregnant daughter out of harm's way. This year Stacey finds herself doing something she's never done before in an effort to protect her family and unborn grandchild."
Denise
© BBC
"Denise's marriage to Jack is crumbling and local villain Ravi has had his eye on her for weeks now - but how long can she resist temptation? Expect explosive action when Jack discovers what's been going on."
Sharon
© BBC
"Just as quickly as Sharon and Keanu reunited, she discovered that he and Sam have a history too, leaving Sharon newly-single. However, as we know, Sharon's wearing a wedding dress at Christmas, so watch out for many twists, turns and plenty of heartbreak along the way."
EastEnders continues Mondays to Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One and from 6am on iPlayer.
Neil Wilkes
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