The EastEnders set was illuminated by Christmas lights on Thursday evening as filming for the soap commenced.

Viewers of the soap believe they have already worked out the possible twists ahead, having taken to social media to speculate whether there will be a death, a sad exit, or several secrets exposed.

As fans predicted the future of some cast members, Walford was transformed into a winter wonderland as a large tree was placed in the middle of the square and festive fairy lights lit up the set.

Outside the famous Queen Vic, two large nutcrackers are placed by the double doors of the pub and fairy lights are delicately hung around the structure of the building.

Several homes on the Albert Square set have also had a dazzling festive transformation with multicoloured fairy lights.

The Eastenders set was illuminated by Christmas lights on Thursday evening as filming for the soap commenced

Viewers believe some obvious plot lines are unfolding and that Christmas Day could see all kinds of chaos.

One theory is that it could be the end for soap legend Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden, after his recent dramas.

From clashing with his family to his showdown with Reiss Colwell, it’s been a busy time for Phil.

Scenes recently teased a sad storyline for the Walford icon as he was shown crying and clearly lonely, leading to fans predicting a depression storyline.

One fan speculated: ‘Something to do with Phil leaving I think.’

As for other exits, fans believe villain Nish Panesar will be killed off.

His exit was seemingly confirmed earlier this year when he was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Nish revealed he needed a heart transplant to survive, before recently adding he did not have long to live.

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As fans predicted the future of some cast members, Walford was transformed into a winter wonderland

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A large Christmas tree was placed in the middle of the square which featured a star topper

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View gallery

Outside the famous Queen Vic, two large nutcrackers man the double doors of the pub and fairy lights are delicately hung around the structure of the building

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View gallery

Several homes on set also got a dazzling festive transformation with multicoloured fairy lights

As well as predicting Nish’s demise, some fans have wondered if we could expect a sad exit twist for Linda Carter.

The alcoholic almost died in a recent episode after hitting the bottle once more, and now some fans think she could end up leaving the show a year on after killing Keanu.

However, fans speculated that she will end up killing again as one fan posted: ‘Can see it being Linda killing again.’; ‘The Six get revealed from last xmas because they haven’t been able to think of a decent storyline.’

Another theory is that Mick Carter will finally return to the show, two years on from his sad Christmas ‘death’.

Christmas episodes on the BBC soap also tend to air big reveals and fans believe two big secrets will come out this year.

Viewers are speculating the festive period will be when Cindy Beale and Junior Knight’s affair comes to light, causing carnage.

Fans also think Reiss Colwell’s lies and his killer secret will also be revealed at Christmas after he killed his ex-wife Debbie.

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Viewers believe some obvious plot lines are unfolding and that Christmas Day could see all kinds of chaos. One theory is that it could be the end for soap legend Phil Mitchell

Another theory is that Mick Carter will finally return to the show, two years on from his sad Christmas ‘death’

Fans previously took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to speculate on the cast members