The Mitchell clan will be rocked by a devastating death in EastEnders next year, with cast and crew members having been spotted filming scenes for the funeral of the formidable Aunt Sal.
The much-loved character, played beautifully by Anna Karen, was the sharp-tongued sister of Peggy (Barbara Windsor).
Making her debut in 1996, actress Anna would go on to star in over 50 episodes of the BBC One soap, with her final appearance as Sal coming in 2017.
Sal was known for showing up at Mitchell family occasions such as weddings and funerals, and she always had something witty to say about the people present and their actions.
Her final appearance came shortly after the controversial death of Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack).
Actress Anna Karen, who played the character from her first appearance to her last, died last year in a house fire.
‘We are deeply saddened to hear that Anna Karen has passed away,’ an EastEnders spokesperson told Metro.co.uk at the time.
‘Anna created a sharp, quick witted and extremely popular character in Aunt Sal that the audience will never forget, just as those who worked with her at EastEnders will never forget her warmth, kindness fun and good humour.
‘Our love and thoughts are with Anna’s family and friends.’
EastEnders will pay tribute to Anna and her iconic character in upcoming scenes, with several of the show’s actors having been spotted on-location filming scenes for Sal’s funeral.
Steve McFadden, Kim Medcalf and Max Bowden, who play Phil, Sam and Ben Mitchell respectively, were among those pictured.
Jamie Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown, and Shane Richie (Alfie Moon) were also spotted during the shoot, as was Frank Day, who portrays Rocky Butcher.
Phil and Ben’s presence at the service indicates that both characters manage to survive the Christmas murder, which will see a male character killed off.
Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Alan Ford, who previously appeared in EastEnders back in 1986, has been cast for the emotional scenes, which will air next year.
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One, with episodes dropping at 6am on BBC iPlayer.
