EastEnders could be lining up a "dark" but "brilliant" Christmas this year, stars of the BBC soap have teased.
Amid rumours the big Christmas Day episode will focus on Janine Butcher and her partner Mick Carter, as well as his ex Linda Carter, two of the show's stars teased this was likely to be the case.
With Mick, played by Danny Dyer, set to leave around Christmas time as teased by the actor earlier this year, fans are predicting explosive scenes - and the possible reveal that Janine has been targeting, and almost killed, Linda.
Now, speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Karen and Bernie Taylor actresses Lorraine Stanley and Clair Norris hinted at "exciting" scenes ahead for their characters and their soap family.
They soon added that they knew very little about Christmas in Walford, but hinted it would be "dark" with "comedy" to lighten it up.
Promising "exciting" things on the way before the festive period in Walford, they shared that it seemed the big episode was going to be focusing on Janine, Mick and Linda, while they remained coy on the details.
Clair spilled: "I haven't read it but there's always drama!"
Lorraine added: "I haven't read it yet. I think Janine, Mick and Linda... it all revolves around that and I think it is going to be brilliant.
"We can't say too much but there are really exciting things happening before Christmas."
On what viewers might expect, Lorraine went on: "At Christmas especially there's dark drama going on, and then you have got the comedy going on too. You can't just have [the dark]."
Clair agreed of the need for "light and shade" in soaps: "You have got to have the balance, there has got to be light and shade, and it will make the darker moments sadder with comedy in there."
On their hopes for their characters heading into the new year, Clair told us: "I think it would be nice for Bernie to find some love. I think she is ready now."
Lorraine said: "All she wants is her brood, her family, to be happy and healthy and we will see!"
The pair also took a moment to praise new boss Chris Clenshaw for the "buzz" he's brought to the set and the soap.
Karen actress Lorraine commented: "Chris Clenshaw has come in and he has got some amazing ideas. The cast have really warmed to him and he has given the whole cast a new energy."
Clair said: "There's been a buzz. There are characters who are crossing that wouldn't normally cross on the square."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
