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User:FishLoveHam/The Six

< User:FishLoveHam

"The Six" is a storyline from the BBC soap opera EastEnders. The storyline began in episode 6649, broadcast on 20 February 2023, which featured the show's first flashforward sequence at the end of the episode. The scene showed six female EastEnders characters, Denise Fox (Diane Parish), Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth), Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), and Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) in The Queen Victoria public house on Christmas Day standing around an unidentified male body lying on the floor, seemingly dead. Events leading up to Christmas that year put each character in the frame to be the potential murderer, as well as several male characters to be the victim. The storyline was composed as a different type of Whodunit mystery. When Christmas Day 2023 arrived, the murderer and victim were revealed to be Linda Carter and Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters), whom Linda stabbed to death with a meat thermometer in an act of defence.

Storyline creation and development edit

The storyline began its creation in early 2022, as executive producer Chris Clenshaw had been thinking of a "blockbuster story" for 2023, and noticing that there was an appetite for a new whodunit plot in EastEnders, decided to draft one. He explained that due to the success, but recency of the "Who Killed Lucy Beale?" storyline, he decided that this one would "have a very different mechanic at its core".[1] "The Six" differed from the typical format of a whodunit story, as both the killer and victim were kept under wraps. The different framing was employed as producers and writers believed it would be more interesting, with the structure being described by Clenshaw as "so much more than a 'whodunit'… It's a 'who-is-it' as well". He added that it was important to try a new format as it "can create intrigue and grip and excite our audience in new ways" while still remaining true to the heart of the show.[1]

It was first teased in December 2022, with Clenshaw teasing a never-before done storyline that would commence in February 2023, and centre around Linda Carter (Kellie Bright).[2] On 3 February, it was revealed that the upcoming story would not just focus on Linda, but also five other female characters; Denise Fox (Diane Parish), Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth), Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), and Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal), with the women later being dubbed "The Six".[3] Clenshaw explained that the reason why all of "The Six" were women was because "EastEnders has always had strong women at its heart", and that each individual character was chosen based on audience popularity.[1] Clenshaw detailed that he was convinced to commission the plot as he and the team had been "looking for a vehicle for The Six [...] to come together, and we were looking for an episode to get viewers really excited as we setup an event that they'll hopefully look forward to all year".[1]

The actresses were told that they would star in the storyline in November 2022, and were confused yet intrigued to hear about the storyline and the flash forward scene, and had a lot of questions.[1] Despite this, they were given few details and were not told who the killer or the victim were.[4][5] Taylforth commented that she was "very excited" to be part of the storyline, disclosing that "We were all quite inquisitive about what was going to happen, and who it was going to be, and all of us are still none the wiser".[6] Parish considered the idea of a flash-forward scene to be "brilliant, bold, and brave".[4] Dean commented: "I think we were all really excited about the storyline and to be a part of it".[7] Bright echoed Dean's excitement, noting that she was "very intrigued" due to the limited details the cast were given.[5] Turner was honoured to be included amongst the six, saying "this is six amazingly talented, super strong women, so I feel quite chuffed to be a part of it really".[8] Sopal hoped her character would be the killer, as, in her words: "I think it adds an extra dangerous element to her".[9]

In early February 2023, multiple trailers for the upcoming story were released, written by Daran Little.[3][10] Ahead of the flashforward scene, which was the first in the show's history and aired on the show's 38th anniversary, Clenshaw disclosed that "[The team were] all incredibly excited for [the] episode [and] what may seem like a regular day in Walford soon takes a twist and what transpires for each and every one of them is that in a flash everything changes". Clenshaw teased that the upcoming episode would "leave the audience with a lot of questions and, what may seem like the end, is only just the beginning of some very big storylines that will play out this year".[10]

March 2023–November 2023

Suspects and motives edit

The Six edit

The Seven edit

Text edit

REWORD The dead man in question appeared to be wearing a suit (more on this in a bit) with a prominent focus on a cufflink – which will no doubt become relevant as the story unravels. But who is dead? Only 10 months to wait to find out. Following the airing of the flashforward, Clenshaw provided several reasons for each of the women to kill one of the men in their lives


Dean

Clenshaw - "Linda's world has been thrown upside down by seeing a photo of Shirley with Dean, but she’s forced to focus on who her new business partner will be or face losing her home. Both Sharon and Nish are hoping to get the keys to the castle, but her knight in shining armour may not be who you think.[1]

Linda was distressed when she spotted some photos of Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) spending time with her son - and Linda's rapist - Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo). Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) comforted her, understanding her torment completely due to her own ordeals.[11]

There must be a reasoning behind poor Linda's fresh turmoil as she was faced with a photo of Dean. The man escaped justice after attacking Linda, fleeing the country - and now he appears to be happily reunited with Shirley! During the lock-in, Kathy made a point of assuring Linda that if Dean ever stepped foot back in Walford, she would have an army of friends supporting her to block him from going anywhere near her.[11]

Could this be a massive hint that Kathy and the group will take this vow very seriously, with one of them stepping in to kill him out of protection for her if Dean does return? The flash-forward showed Linda before anyone else, and she looked hesitant before moving across the room. Remember, this was moments before Sharon pronounced the death, so Linda may have been in fear of Dean. Has he been brought back to pay the ultimate price for his crimes?[11]

Jack

Clenshaw - "Denise's marriage to Jack is crumbling and local villain Ravi has had his eye on her for weeks now – but how long can she resist temptation? Expect explosive action when Jack discovers what's been going on.[1]

Denise Fox (Diane Parish) was fed up when husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) ditched her for work, so she proceeded to get drunk and proposition Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) who refused to take advantage of her.[11]

Keanu

Clenshaw - "Just as quickly as Sharon and Keanu reunited, she discovered that he and Sam have history too, leaving Sharon newly single. However, as we know, Sharon's wearing a wedding dress at Christmas, so watch out for many twists, turns, and plenty of heartbreak along the way."[1]

Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) got steamy with on/off lover Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) in the toilets, before swiftly dumping him when a voice note revealed that Keanu had also had a fling with Sharon's former sister-in-law Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf).[11]Sharon fumed when she learned who else Keanu had been intimate with, and claimed they were over for good. Keanu, who made a shock return last December, has only just got Phil - and the threat of certain death - off his back. But could his days be numbered after all? It would be just like EastEnders to change the goalposts again, just as we were expecting Keanu to stick around![11] Sharon fumed when she learned who else Keanu had been intimate with, and claimed they were over for good. Keanu, who made a shock return last December, has only just got Phil - and the threat of certain death - off his back. But could his days be numbered after all? It would be just like EastEnders to change the goalposts again, just as we were expecting Keanu to stick around![11]

Nish

Clenshaw - "Suki's struggling in her marriage with Nish and is desperately trying to convince herself that she doesn’t have feelings for Eve. As the year progresses, Suki will uncover truths, have her relationships tested but ultimately her biggest secret could push her to the extreme.[1]

Suki (Balvinder Sopal) and husband Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry) made Linda an offer for The Vic, with Nish hoping to oust Sharon as buyer as he went back on his offer to buy into her gym. As for Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner), she was still angry over Ryan Malloy's (Neil McDermott) treatment of her and daughter Lily (Lillia Turner). Stacey resolved to stay in the pub until Linda called time, as Eve Unwin (Heather Peace) rushed out to avoid the woman she loves, Suki.[11]

Our top pick for now has to be Nish - but that could all change based on whatever evidence may come to light in the future. At the moment, Nish certainly serves as EastEnders' villainous frontrunner, with his controlling hold over Suki, who spent years building herself back up only to find herself trapped with him once more.[11]

Nish is a sharp dresser, and the body we only caught a glimpse of looked to be suited and booted. That cufflink has also got to hold some significance, so we'll have to wait and see whether such a link is established as Nish continues his menacing ways throughout 2023. Other clues include Suki's reaction in the flash-forward, and the fact that Kathy's first thought was to turn to Suki. What's the reason behind this? Has Suki killed her abusive husband in self-defence? Whether Suki is the perpetrator or not, that doesn't rule Nish out as the deceased.[11]

Phil

There might seem no reason for Phil to feature on this list, but EastEnders has placed Phil in the firing line so many times. He's survived each and every one of his near-death experiences, and the idea of Phil actually being killed off is unthinkable; but this is supposed to be his wedding day, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he was central to the action! Phil has somewhat reformed himself recently, but a lot can happen between now and December, so perhaps he crosses a line and ends up dead for real this time?[11]

Ravi

He did the gentlemanly thing in turning Denise down when she was worse for wear - but Ravi is Nish's son and another schemer through and through! Let's not forget that Suki still doesn't know that Ravi killed his adoptive father Ranveer (Anil Goutam) last year, leaving her to believe she had struck the fatal blow. Her son Kheerat (Jaz Deol) took the fall for Suki, but when she inevitably discovers that it should have been Ravi who was sent to prison, could things turn nasty?[11] We also don't yet know how far Ravi's dalliance with Denise will go, so what if they do embark on a long-running affair and Ravi pays with his life? It's worth noting that Denise might well have been holding the murder weapon. Ravi is also being investigated by the police, so there's a lot of drama woven into this character's story. Will it be cut short during the festive season?[11]

Rocky

Clenshaw - "Kathy's planning to tie the knot with Rocky but we know with Rocky he has a past so just what will catch up with him?[1]

Polls, statistics, and other theories

Clenshaw - "Not only has Stacey been dealing with the rising cost of living, but also struggling to keep her pregnant daughter out of harm's way. This year Stacey finds herself doing something she's never done before in an effort to protect her family and unborn grandchild.[1]

Ryan Malloy may have walked away from Walford again last week, but he did so looking and sounding like a very cruel and bitter man. In the aftermath, with Ryan having cut down his child support payments and then having the nerve to ask for Lily to stay with him come Christmas, Stacey revealed that she'd "love to throttle him".

An offhand comment, yes, but with cousin Kat Slater's (Jessie Wallace) wedding to Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) now confirmed for Christmas Day especially to keep Lily around, might Ryan make his way back to try and kidnap her? If so, could this lead to a fight that turns physical, leading to Ryan being fatally injured? After all, Stacey was the one with blood on her hands...[11]

Plot edit

Flash-forward
Christmas Day
Sharon runs, Linda drinks, Denise spirals, Kathy divorces, Nish wakes
Body found and Sharon arrest
Linda frames Dean

Reception edit

Laura Denby of Radio Times praised the flash-forward scene, calling the decision "inventive and refreshing" and that "this brand new 'whodunnit' may have officially restored the long-running serial drama to its former glory".[12] Nicole Vassell of The Independent reported that viewers had generally reacted favourably towards the scene, opining that: "It's giving Big Little Lies. It's giving "Cell Block Tango". It's perfect".[13] Angie Quinn of MyLondon reported that fans were "gripped" following the airing of the flash-forward.[14] Charlotte Tutton of Daily Mirror described the scene as "special" and "explosive".[15]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Dainty, Sophie (20 February 2023). "EastEnders boss Chris Clenshaw explains shock flashforward story". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 19 January 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  2. ^ Knight, Lewis (25 December 2022). "EastEnders boss teases story "not done before" for February anniversary". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b Knight, Lewis (3 February 2023). "EastEnders airs dramatic trailer for "not done before" anniversary story". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  4. ^ a b Knight, Lewis (20 February 2023). "EastEnders' Diane Parish on Christmas whodunnit: "I'm really scared it's me"". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 22 November 2023. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b Knight, Lewis (20 February 2023). "EastEnders' Kellie Bright predicts dead character is someone we've not met". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  6. ^ Knight, Lewis (20 February 2023). "EastEnders' Gillian Taylforth says flash-forward left cast "stunned"". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  7. ^ Knight, Lewis (20 February 2023). "EastEnders' Letitia Dean on flash-forward mystery: "I think it's so open"". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  8. ^ Knight, Lewis (20 February 2023). "EastEnders' Lacey Turner predicts "accidental death" in Christmas whodunnit". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  9. ^ Knight, Lewis (20 February 2023). "EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal on Christmas killer: "I would like it to be Suki"". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  10. ^ a b Knight, Lewis (17 February 2023). "EastEnders boss reveals "twist" anniversary episode will raise more questions". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Denby, Laura (20 February 2023). "Who dies in EastEnders at Christmas 2023? Flash-forward shows bloody death". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  12. ^ Denby, Laura (21 February 2023). "EastEnders' flash-forward twist felt like a return to the glory days". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 21 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  13. ^ Vassell, Nicole (21 February 2023). "EastEnders is about to enter its White Lotus era". The Independent. Archived from the original on 21 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  14. ^ Quinn, Angie (21 February 2023). "BBC EastEnders viewers all make the same plea as soap is 'back on top form'". MyLondon. Archived from the original on 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  15. ^ Tutton, Charlotte (1 March 2023). "EastEnders Christmas death: All the clues Dean dies from 'return' to Kathy scene". Mirror. Archived from the original on 23 May 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.

Category:EastEnders storylines Category:2023 in British television Category:2024 in British television Category:Whodunit storylines in soap operas

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