With at least one EastEnders character set to be killed​​ off during the soap’s explosive 40th anniversary week, speculation is currently rife as to who will not make it out of the Queen Vic blast alive.

But now one fan has put forward a convincing theory as to who the unlucky person could be – and it is not looking good for Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton).

Since her return in November, fans have seen Ruby reunite with ex-husband Martin Fowler (James Bye), but he is still torn over his feelings for ex-wife Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).

Their love triangle reaches a head in scenes to air next week as Stacey finally declares her feelings, just as an explosion rips through Honey and Billy Mitchell’s (Emma Barton and Perry Fenwick) wedding reception in the Vic.

We also already know that Martin’s ex-wife Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) will be trapped with ‘two other’ people as she goes into labour in the middle of the disaster.

One fan suggested on X that all those story strands could come together with a big choice for Martin to make.

They wrote: ‘Can’t shake the thought of Sonia giving birth while trapped with Stacey and Ruby. Martin having to save his three wives, but ultimately having to make a decision between Stacey and Ruby.

‘Who could really resist killing off Ruby in the live 40th episode?’

Another added: ‘I think Ruby being killed off for the Ruby anniversary has been theorised for months now.’

The theory could stack up, as when Louisa’s return was announced last September, bosses confirmed she was only back ‘for a prolonged stint’.

Her exit is imminent too, as Louisa has signed up to appear in a touring production of A Girl on the Train, playing the lead role of Rachel Watson between 15 April and 31 May.

However, other fans have also put forward the idea that it is Martin who could be killed off next week after James removed the soap from his bio on Instagram.

With Lacey Turner also set to go on maternity leave and Natalie Cassidy having recently quit the soap after 32 years, some fans have suggested Martin’s death could serve as a catalyst for Stacey, Ruby and Sonia to all leave Walford.

But would bosses really kill off such a big legacy character? Guess we will just have to wait until next week to find out…