First look at devastating EastEnders fire as Queen Vic blaze ‘leaves at least one character dead’

EASTENDERS' iconic boozer the Queen Vic will be torn apart by a fire that rips through it later this month - and fans have been given a preview of the shock scenes.

New snaps show the iconic pub on fire after an explosion to tie in with EastEnders' 40th anniversary.

If the images are anything to go by it looks unlikely that anybody in the building will survive.

Viewers are gearing up for one of the soap's most sensational storylines yet - and speculation over who will perish in the fire has started.

Photos of the aftermath surfaced earlier this month, showing a vast array of flowers left outside the gutted pub.

The Sun previously revealed Natalie Cassidy will be leaving Albert Square after 32 years, and her character Sonia Fowler is now one of the favourites to be killed in the blast.

EastEnders' dramatic anniversary week will start on Monday, February 17, and features a special live episode

Other characters who have been thrown into the mix include Cindy Beale [], Phil Mitchell [Steve McFadden] and Denise Fox [].

But fans can look forward to the return of iconic character Grant Mitchell, played by Ross Kemp, who is coming back in time for the milestone.

After it was revealed he is heading back to Walford, Ross said: “I’m delighted to be returning to EastEnders as the show heads towards its 40th anniversary.

“EastEnders has always meant so much to me, so to return as the show is about to celebrate such a special anniversary, is an absolute honour. 

“Grant has never been far from the action and let’s just say, this time is no different as he certainly comes back with a bang."