In a dazzling celebration of legacy and power, the long-reigning titan of British television, EastEnders, stormed The British Soap Awards 2025, capturing not just the spotlight but the hearts of millions with a jaw-dropping eight award wins. From its stunning 40th anniversary spectacle to emotionally raw character arcs, the soap proved it’s still the undisputed king of Walford.

The film adaptation, titled “Legacy of the Vic,” opens in a vibrant yet volatile East London, where the iconic Queen Vic pub stands tall—until it doesn’t. An explosive anniversary week sets the tone, both literally and narratively, when the Queen Vic is obliterated in a stunning sequence that shakes Albert Square to its core. But this isn’t just about spectacle. It’s about legacy, secrets, and the emotional wreckage that follows.

The return of the legendary Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) adds a thunderous presence to the chaos. When Grant resurfaces, it’s not just for nostalgia. He brings with him long-buried truths that link the past to the present in devastating ways. In a chilling twist, Angie Watts (brought to life once again by Anita Dobson in a surprise cameo) makes an otherworldly appearance—whether as a vision, ghost, or memory is left intentionally ambiguous—just as the Vic crumbles, symbolizing the end of an era and the beginning of another.

At the film’s emotional center is Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden), once known for brute strength and iron will, now spiraling through a raw and honest portrayal of mental health deterioration. The once-feared patriarch wrestles with inner demons, hallucinations, and the ghosts of choices past. His struggle is not dramatized for effect but rendered with haunting authenticity. The camera lingers on his isolation, the quiet tremble in his hands, the vacant stare behind pub windows. Phil’s mental health journey becomes the heart of the story—earning widespread acclaim within the film and in the world around it.

Meanwhile, the supporting cast lights up the screen with powerhouse performances. In one standout sequence, Phil’s breakdown unfolds in a single continuous take—a moment of cinematic vulnerability that earned the film Best Single Episode and Scene of the Year. Other characters orbit his descent, some trying to help, others inadvertently pushing him further. Sharon, Ben, and even Grant confront the broken man behind the Mitchell name, each revelation cutting deeper than the last.

Tension is balanced with levity thanks to sharp writing and unforgettable performances. The Best Comedy Performance winner is woven expertly into the narrative, offering moments of relief that underscore rather than undermine the drama. Friendship, gallows humor, and pub banter are laced throughout—proof that life in Walford never loses its flavor, even in the darkest of times.

The film also dives into the complex relationships that fuel EastEnders’ enduring success. The Best On-Screen Partnership nod honors a duo whose bond is tested by betrayal and trauma. Their scenes crackle with emotional electricity, highlighting the intimacy and devastation only long-time companions can bring.

In a nod to history and legacy, the film closes with a shot of the rubble where the Queen Vic once stood. The Square is quiet. A child’s laughter is heard faintly in the distance. Hope lingers. And as Phil walks away, unsure of his future but finally confronting his past, we’re reminded why this story matters.

Meanwhile, rival soaps make their own impact. Hollyoaks earns praise—and three awards—for its harrowing sibling abuse storyline, anchored by Isabelle Smith’s heart-wrenching performance as Frankie Osborne. Her portrayal is fierce and vulnerable, anchoring one of the year’s most powerful narratives. The Osborne family, battered but unbroken, takes Best Family, while the story itself wins Best Storyline for its courage in depicting unspoken truths.

Emmerdale also takes its bow, albeit modestly, with Best Young Performer going to Amelia Flanagan (April Windsor), who infuses innocence with strength. The Tony Warren Award, honoring behind-the-scenes legends, goes to cameraman Mike Plant—proof that every great story needs a steady hand behind the lens.

But make no mistake: EastEnders owns this chapter. This film, echoing the spirit of its small-screen origin, is a love letter to resilience, legacy, and the tangled web of family. It’s a tribute to the past, a confrontation with the present, and a fragile hope for the future. A sweeping drama wrapped in fire, tears, and laughter—one that, like the Queen Vic herself, will never be forgotten.