EastEnders star reveals FRESH twist for the Christmas flashforward murder

The Albert Square sign on the set of EastEnders
An EastEnders star has revealed a twist for the flashforward murder. (Image credit: BBC)

EastEnders star Brian Conley, who plays Rocky Cotton, has shared a surprising twist for the Christmas flashforward murder.

Earlier this year, the soap revealed that someone will be murdered this Christmas in a special flashforward episode that saw six Walford women — Stacey Slater, Suki Panesar, Linda Carter, Sharon Watts, Denise Fox and Kathy Beale all standing over an unknown corpse at the Vic.

In a surprise twist that EastEnders has never done before, the episode flash forwarded to Christmas 2023 where a wedding was taking place at the Vic. It was soon revealed that Sharon was the bride as she was wearing a blood-splattered wedding dress.

Stacey could be seen with blood on her hands, Denise was holding a broken bottle of champagne, Linda had a cut lip, Kathy had a ripped dress sleeve and a mystery male was seen lying dead on the floor of the pub. 

During his appearance on Steph's Packed Lunch yesterday (Thursday, June 8), Brian spoke to Steph McGovern and revealed the surprising twist that multiple endings with different victims would be filmed to prevent the secret from being exposed.

The women all stare at the body in shock in EastEnders flash forward episode

The women were seen standing over a dead man at the Vic. (Image credit: BBC)

He confessed: "None of us have got a clue. I believe leading up to Christmas, there might be ten of us laying there so that it will be a big surprise to us as well.

"We're all going to maybe film a moment where we're all laying on the floor, and then right up until the last minute, they can reveal on Christmas Day who it is."

The soap star also mentioned that you can see the amber cufflinks the deceased male was wearing and everyone has been eagerly looking out for them to find some clues.

Rocky Cotton sitting on the sofa

Brian Conley plays car salesman Rocky Cotton. (Image credit: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

"You just saw the cufflinks and I think everyone has been looking out for those cufflinks for a while now," he said.

Brian touched upon whether he could be facing the chop at Christmas as he revealed: "You're in an ongoing drama so you know people do pass away and you do live on tenterhooks, especially if you’re enjoying it, and we all are. They’re a lovely bunch, everyone there. I'm very happy to be there and the fact that it’s the number one soap is very exciting."

EastEnders airs Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7.30 pm on BBC One — see our TV Guide for full listings. You can also catch up on episodes on BBC iPlayer now. 

Grace Morris
Staff Writer

Grace is a digital writer with WhatToWatch.com, where she writes series guides, recaps and features for must-watch shows and delivers all the latest soap news and reactions. She graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in 2020 with a degree in Writing and Film Studies, which only made her love for creative writing, film and TV grow stronger.


You'll usually find her watching the drama unfold in the latest reality series or much-loved UK soaps (usually with chocolate by her side!). She's an expert in EastEnders, Emmerdale, Coronation Street and everything reality-related from Selling Sunset and Married At First Sight UK to 90 Day Fiancé UK. Plus Netflix megahit Virgin River!


Grace also likes to explore new places with her friends and family and, of course, watch and read about the latest films and TV series.