±«Óãtv

16.6 million viewers tuned in last night to witness one of EastEnders' biggest ever "doof-doof" moments as the killer of Archie Mitchell was finally revealed live on ±«Óãtv One.

A record 4.3 million people tuned in to EastEnders Live – The Aftermath on ±«Óãtv Three directly afterwards.

After months of speculation and debate, one of soaps most talked about storylines came to a dramatic conclusion with Stacey confessing to the murder of one of Walford's most despised villains.

EastEnders' first live episode also bid a tragic farewell to Bradley Branning as he fell to his death while trying to outrun the police, who believed he was, in fact, the prime suspect in the Archie murder case.

While the residents of Albert Square think Bradley delivered the fatal blow to Archie's head with the Queen Vic bust on Christmas Day, viewers know the real truth behind one of TV's best kept secrets.

In a tragic twist of fate, Stacey not only murdered Archie but she's also now ultimately responsible for the untimely death of her husband and love of her life, Bradley.

Diederick Santer, EastEnders Executive Producer, said: "To get this incredible response from the audience is truly remarkable – these numbers go far beyond what we ever hoped for.

"I am so proud of our cast and crew for their incredible performance last night. This rating is the icing on our silver anniversary cake."

Jay Hunt, Controller, ±«Óãtv One, added: "Last night's extraordinary live episode was a fitting celebration of 25 magnificent years for EastEnders.

"The audience were clearly gripped by one of the greatest soap whodunnits ever."

Danny Cohen, Controller, ±«Óãtv Three, said: "It is an amazing testament to the EastEnders team and the brave and brilliant drama they provided."

Notes to Editors

Last night's audience viewing figures for the ±«Óãtv One live episode at 8.00pm peaked at 16.6 million with an average of 15.6 million. A further 1.4 million tuned in to the repeat on ±«Óãtv Three at 10.30pm.

4.3 million viewers turned over to ±«Óãtv Three at 8.30pm to watch EastEnders Live – The Aftermath. This is a record figure for any non-terrestrial channel. A further 1.2 million tuned into the repeat at 11.00pm.

Prior to the live 25th anniversary episode, EastEnders New Year's Day episode featuring the Masood wedding was the most-watched programme across all TV channels so far this year with an average of 11.6 million and a peak of 12.3 million.

Quotes from Lacey Turner

How did you feel when you found out?

"I honestly couldn't believe it! I had no idea and didn't for one minute think it would be Stacey. It's funny, as usually you are told when you get such a big storyline but this really must be the best kept secret in EastEnders history as we have all been trying to guess for weeks now."

How did you get told?

"I got a call to go and see Diederick about 20 minutes before we went live. We all knew that he was going to see Archie's killer but I didn't think for one second that it would be me. To be honest it still hasn't sunk in and I can't believe that I was the one who killed Archie Mitchell!"

Who did you think it was?

"I have been asked this since Christmas and, like everyone, I have been changing my mind on a daily basis. You watch the show and you read the script looking for clues but each week you see another character and really believe that they have the motive to have killed Archie."

You've been ill – did that affect your filming?

"It's typical, isn't it, just as the live is upon us I get ill and lose my voice but, to be honest, even though I felt terrible nothing was going to stop me doing tonight. Everyone has worked so hard on this episode and it is such a big part of TV history that I just knew I couldn't miss it. I just made sure that I rested my voice throughout the day so I could save it for tonight."

How did it feel filming Charlie's exit?

"It was really sad but also really exciting. The show has given him such an amazing exit to go out with and it has been great to be such a part of it. I will really miss working with Charlie as we have worked together for over four years now and I have nothing but great memories.

"I don't know how he did those scenes, though, as I don't think I could even get up on that roof! Charlie did us all really proud and I am just pleased that I could be part of his leaving storylines.

"I think everyone loves Bradley and Stacey being together but at least in their last moments they knew how much they loved each other. It's going to be really sad for her without him, isn't it?"

What do you think the viewers are going to think about the reveal?

"I don't know but I hope they sympathise with Stacey. She not only has to deal with the guilt of what she did but she also knows that inadvertently she is responsible for Bradley's death and I think that is going to hurt her more than anything."

What has been the reaction from the other cast members?

"It's really strange as some people have suspected me for a while but probably as much as I suspected them! I know Charlie didn't think it was me so he was surprised but I haven't really had much of a chance to see anyone yet, but I hope they liked it as much as I enjoyed it!"

EastEnders Publicity