First look at EastEnders’ Christmas episode as Albert Square is covered in blanket of snow

ALBERT Square is transformed into a winter wonderland - as filming for EastEnders’ Christmas episode gets underway.

Birds eye drone shots showed the set covered in a light dusting of snow on Friday, with two festive nutcrackers standing guard outside the Queen Vic’s double doors.

Neatly wrapped boxes had been stacked beneath a Christmas tree in Albert Square.

It comes as fans speculate over what kind of chaos Christmas Day could bring for the soap’s characters.

Some fear it could be the end for soap legend Phil Mitchell, played by Steve McFadden, while others believe villain Nish Panesar will be killed off.

Over the years, many EastEnders characters have had their lives turned upside down at Christmas.

From the revelation of Max (Jake Wood) and Stacey's (Lacey Turner) affair to more recently with The Six, viewers know they need to be on high alert.

In tense scenes last year, Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) killed Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), while protecting her best friend Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean).

They covered up what happened with the help of four other women, later framing rapist Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo).

In recent scenes, Linda confessed her involvement to the police.

This year, a major storyline in the build-up to Christmas surrounds Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy).

Desperate for a child with partner Reiss (Jonny Freeman), Sonia turned to IVF after struggling to conceive.

However, amid financial woes, Reiss began stealing money from his comatose wife Debbie (Jenny Meier) to fund the treatment.

After first experiencing a blighted ovum, Sonia later fell pregnant.

Meanwhile, shocking scenes saw the seemingly mild-mannered Reiss smother Debbie to death, eliminating her care costs, but it didn't end there.

He and Sonia were both arrested for Debbie's murder during their engagement party and taken away in front of their family and friends.

However, Reiss was shown to have been cleared during the investigation, leading to his release.

With Sonia pregnant and in prison for a murder she didn't commit, what will the festive season hold for her?

In the build-up to next year's 40th anniversary - including a live episode - bosses have also brought back several past characters.

Jane Beale (Laurie Metcalfe) and Chrissie Watts (Tracy Ann Oberman) made recent return appearances.

Others, such as Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), David Wicks (Michael French) and Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) are also on their way back to Walford.

Will they make it in time for Christmas?