big milestone
Inside the top secret episodes of EastEnders about long-running character – but there is a catch
These special episodes see the character mark a milestone occasion in their life
EASTENDERS has given fans a whole new insight into a beloved character - but there's a catch.
The BBC soap marks its 40th anniversary in the coming months, having launched in February 1985.
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Tracey the Barmaid (Jane Slaughter) has been a consistent presence in Walford since the very first episode.
EastEnders have produced a special mini-series focusing on the character as she marks a special occasion.
However, the five short episodes are exclusively online - meaning they won't air on TV.
According to: "As part of the EastEnders Multi-Camera Course, trainee directors shot a special online mini-series centred around one of the show's longest serving characters, Tracey the Barmaid (Jane Slaughter), with guest appearances from Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale), Kellie Bright (Linda Carter) and Harriet Thorpe (Elaine Peacock).
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"The shorts see Tracey celebrate her milestone 60th birthday."
Jane spoke about the new opportunity, as she remarked: "It was a fantastic experience to work on this project and to work with such talented directors, actors and crew - the collaborative experience was second-to-none and I was delighted to be a part of it."
Having stayed consistently throughout EastEnders, Tracey is the soap's longest-serving character - although she is a background presence with rare lines.
Other regular background characters like Winston (Ulric Browne) and Shrimpy (Ben Champniss) also appear in the mini-series.
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Viewers learn more about Tracey's family - while they spotted a former CBBC star in a key role.
Oliver Llewellyn Jenkins portrays the character Tom, Tracey's estranged son and it didn't take long for fans to recognise Oliver from a past performance.
EastEnders legend makes an unexpected return to Walford after 13 years away
From one Tracey to another, the actor memorably starred The Story of Tracey Beaker back in 2004.
His character, Wilson, was a teenager placed in temporary care alongside Tracey Beaker (Dani Harmer).
The two had a romance of sorts, before parting ways and they ultimately never reunited.
Nostalgic viewers were thrilled to make the connection, as one wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "This was really fun! Loved seeing Wilson from The Story of Tracy Beaker as Tracey's son Tom."
EastEnders facts and figures
THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
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Another added: "Omg her son Tom is played by Oliver Llewellyn Jenkins who played Wilson in Tracey Beaker!! that's mental!!"
Tom doesn't exactly make life easy for his mum - as he's looking for her to help him with unpaid debts.
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Will viewers learn more about Tracey's background as the 40th anniversary approaches?
EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
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