Go back in time to see how the square began

It’s been 30 years since EastEnders debuted on BBC One, and to mark its 30th anniversary later this month, viewers will get a chance to relive how the soap began with the BBC IPlayer and Red Button showing the very first episode from Monday 16th February.

The first ever visit to Albert Square originally broadcast on BBC One, on 19 February 1985, in which the fate of missing resident Reg Cox is revealed to Den, Arthur and Ali when they break into his flat and Dr Legg is quickly called to the scene. Meanwhile, Pauline and Arthur reveal a secret to Lou and Nick Cotton causes trouble in the Queen Vic. Fans will also have the chance to meet a very young Ian Beale and Sharon Watts.

The EastEnders anniversary will see a week of live programming, the full details of which can be found below.

MONDAY 16th FEBRUARY at 10.45pm:

The Graham Norton Show EastEnders special.

With special guests : June Brown, Pam St Clement, Adam Woodyatt, Letitia Dean, Kellie Bright, John Altman, Richard Blackwood, Jessie Wallace, Shane Richie and Danny Dyer.

TUESDAY 17th FEBRUARY at 7.30pm:

EastEnders (30’) with live inserts

WEDNESDAY 18th FEBRUARY at 8pm:

EastEnders (30’) with live inserts

THURSDAY 19th FEBRUARY at 7.30pm:

EastEnders (60’) with live inserts

THURSDAY 19th FEBRUARY at 9.30pm

Flashback episode (30’) with live inserts

FRIDAY 20th FEBRUARY at 8pm:

EastEnders fully live episode (30’)

FRIDAY at 8.30pm

EastEnders: Backstage Live with Zoe Ball, Ore Oduba and Joe Swash (with a live switchover to BBC Three at 9pm).