Which Soap Will Be Axed First Odds: EastEnders Favourite After Anniversary Hint

British soap fans have been left fearing for their favourite shows following recent news that Australian soap opera Neighbours is to be axed for a second time. 

Some are concerned one of the so-called big three - Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale - might be on the cutting room floor next, and there has been plenty of speculation on betting sites. 

A recent ITV announcement hasn't helped curtail fears either. 

The channel announced plans to slash its soap scheduling - with both Corrie and Emmerdale set to lose one episode a week by 2026.  

Which Soap Will Be Axed First Odds

The shows will move to a new scheduling pattern in January, which will see a "soaps power hour" take place from Monday to Friday. 

It means Emmerdale will air 30-minute episodes at 8pm, and Corrie will air half an hour shows at 8.30pm. 

EastEnders haven't announced such cuts and the show recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special week of episodes, which concluded with a dramatic 30-minute live episode. 

But did that special episode give fans a huge hint about the soap's future? 

Martin Fowler Death Hint? 

EastEnders character Martin Fowler was the first baby born in Walford way back in July 1985, just five months after the BBC soap began. 

The character, brilliantly played by James Bye, passed away in the show's epic live episode last month, and some now believe this could be a symbolic hint that EastEnders' days are numbered. 

It was a huge decision for EastEnders to axe such an iconic character, and the soap is into Evens favourite on betting apps to be the first of the big three shelved. 

There were further concerns from EastEnders super-fans at the beginning of the live week episodes. 

Overnight figures from the first of the EastEnders 40th anniversary episodes, on Monday February 17, revealed three million viewers had tuned in, but more had watched rival ITV programmes Coronation Street and Emmerdale that night. 

However, EastEnders bosses will have been pleased to see a weekly top 50 shows table by Barb Audiences - who compile TV ratings in the UK - from February 17 to 23 showing EastEnders' four anniversary week episodes above Corrie and Emmerdale's offerings that week. 

Those ratings - made up of consolidated seven-day viewing figures with pre-broadcast viewing and viewing on tablets, PCs and smartphones included - saw EastEnders' live episode on Thursday, February 19 watched by just under 5.2 million viewers.

More than 4.8 million tuned in for the Tuesday and hour-long Wednesday episodes, while Monday's offering was watched by more than 4.4 million - just over 50,000 and 72,000 more than Coronation Street had for its Wednesday and Monday episodes that week respectively. 

Emmerdale's Wednesday and Monday episodes were just below the two Corrie shows, and the Yorkshire Dales-based soap is 5/4 second-favourite to be axed next, while Corrie is 2/1. 

Vicki To Meet Her Maker? 

While Martin's death may or may not be a hint that EastEnders' days are numbered, it has led to fans to question who the next Walford-born character to die will be. 

Martin's death looked to have wiped out the Fowler family in Albert Square, but shortly after the live episode, BBC bosses confirmed Vicki Fowler is to set foot in Walford for the first time in more than 20 years to attend her Uncle Martin’s funeral. 

Alice Haig is taking on the role, after Scarlett Alice Johnson previously played the part in the early 2000s, alongside former The Bill star Alex Walkinshaw, as Vicki's boyfriend Ross, and newcomer Max Murray as her son Joel.

Vicki - who was the second baby born in Walford, in May 1986 - is now the 11/8 favourite to be the next Albert Square baby to be bumped off, followed by Peter Beale (6/4).  

EastEnders Odds: Next Character Born In Walford To Die 

Tommy Moon is also a 2/1 chance after his recent violent behaviour, which has seen him deemed a threat to his family. 

Others in contention include Bobby Beale (5/2), who is no stranger to controversy. 

The character - currently played by Clay Milner Russell - was revealed to be his sister Lucy Beale's killer in a dramatic live episode in February 2015, which marked EastEnders' 30th birthday. 

However, could there be more heartache to come for those close to Martin? 

His step-daughter Lily Slater is just 6/1 to be the next Walford-born character to perish, while his daughter Bex Fowler, who is returning for her dad's funeral, is a 7/1 chance. 

Boozer's Future In The Balance

Martin's passing came about when he died of a heart attack after a metal girder fell on top of him in the Queen Vic pub.

During EastEnders' anniversary week, a huge explosion rocked the boozer after Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) crashed his car into the pub, and he also met his maker in the aftermath. 

As a result, the Vic is now in a shocking state.

While some fans were concerned the Albert Square gossip hub could be axed for good, it has since been confirmed the boozer is being rebuilt. 

Last month, drink dispensing service MorePour took to social media to let slip they have been fitting new beer dispensers in the Queen Vic. 

The post, including a picture of the Vic, has since been deleted but several eagle-eyed fans spotted the boozer's half-yellow walls had been replaced by a khaki shade. 

EastEnders Odds: What Will The Queen Vic Future Hold?

It's not yet known what will happen to the Vic following the explosion, but it's expected to return to action later this year. 

The pub is currently owned by the Knight family, but they are 6/4 to sell it in the wake of the double death tragedy, and it's 2/1 they will rename the iconic boozer. 

What's more, it is 4/1 the Queen Vic will be turned into a franchise, but that would likely incur die-hard EastEnders fans' wrath. 

They would be even more livid if the pub was destroyed, but that is a 10/1 outsider. 

* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.