Shock shooting drama for 'EastEnders'

EastEnders entrepreneur Jack Branning is to be shot in a shock story twist over the coming months.

The former policeman - played by 38-year-old Scott Maslen - becomes embroiled in the messy misdemeanours of one of the Square's younger residents.

Jack is literally caught in the line of fire, though, when the situation quickly spirals out of control. He's rushed to hospital and his nearest and dearest are left wondering if he'll pull through.

An Albert Square source revealed to DS: "Billie Jackson's back in Walford for a reason - and it soon becomes apparent that he's hiding a gun from his family. Could Billie be responsible? Is somebody else out for revenge? Or is it all an innocent mistake?"

Meanwhile, a Walford insider told the Daily Star on Sunday: "During his time in the square he's made a number of enemies. But it could well be someone from his dodgy past that catches up with him. And then there's his love life. He's slept with sisters Ronnie and Roxy Mitchell, as well as their cousin Sam. So there's no reason why it couldn't be a crime of passion..."

An EastEnders spokesperson said: "We never comment on future storylines."

The scenes, filmed recently at the soap's home at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, are due to be screened in late March or early April.

EastEnders celebrates its 25th anniversary on February 19 with its first ever live episode.